This column of church services, especially in our larger towns and cities, will be printed from time to time as we have room, for the benefit of strangers who may read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or brethren passing through. We have found it necessary to condense in the smallest possible space. The word “Sabbath” always refers to the seventh day of the week. These services consist of Sabbath school, preaching, Bible study, missionary, and prayer meetings. The first Sabbath service is, with one exception (Detroit), Sabbath school. The first address is that of the church, or place of meeting; the second, if given, that of the pastor or clerk.
Oakland.—Cor. 12th and Brush Sts. Public services: Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
San Francisco.—914 Laguna St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Thursday 7:30 P.M.
Los Angeles.—145 Carr St., bet. Main and Hill Sts. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Tuesday 7:30 P.M., Thursday 7:30 P.M. Belle P. Baker, Clerk, 926 Hill St.
Sacramento.—G St. bet. 18th and 19th Sts. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Pasadena.—Cor. of Summit Ave. and Mountain St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P.M., Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A.M. O. S. Smyth, Clerk, Box 261.
San Diego.—Cor. 18th and G Sts. Public services: Sunday 7 P.M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Mary J. Dimock, Clerk, National City, Box 136.
Stockton.—Cor. Miner Ave. and Stanislaus St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 2:30 P.M. H. S. Guilford, Elder.
Alameda.—Foresters' Hall, cor. Santa Clara Ave. and Park St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. and 2:45 P.M. W. N. Glenn, Elder.
East Portland, Or.—Cor. 11th and East Everett Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A.M. and 7 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M.
Tacoma, Wash.—2917 S. K St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. Arthur Lister, Clerk.
Washington, D. C.—On 8th bet. F and G Sts., N. E. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M., Sunday 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Brooklyn, N. Y.—Wurzler's Hall, 315 Washington St. near city post office. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M.
Worcester, Mass.—118 Austin St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. F. C. Bee, Clerk, No. 6 Furnace St.
Providence, R. I.—Library Hall, room 6 Olneyville Square. Public services: Sabbath 1:30 and 3 P.M., Friday 7:30 P.M. Wm. E. Warfield, Clerk, 86 Bush St., Providence.
Hartford, Conn.—Hall at 302 Asylum St. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. O. M. Hatch, Clerk.
Philadelphia, Penn.—Hall, 1722 N. Broad St. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11:30 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. E. A. Merrell, Pastor, 1737 Edgely St., north of Diamond.
Baltimore, Md.—Bowen's Hall, 1718 Frederick Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Sunday and Friday 7:45 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. John H. Hunt, Clerk.
Cleveland, Ohio.—249 Cedar Ave., bet. Sterling and Hayward. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. (sun time), Sunday 7:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Willard H. Saxby, Pastor.
Louisville, Ky.—Markers' Hall, cor. 17th and Main Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. J. W. Collie, Pastor, 231 West Broadway.
Detroit, Mich.—424 Trumbull Ave., bet. Perry and Bagley Sts. Public services: Sabbath 11:15 A.M., Sunday, 10 and 7:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. A. O. Burrill, Pastor.
Chicago, Ill.—On 46th St. bet. Michigan and Wabash Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., Tuesday and Wednesday 7 P.M.
St. Paul, Minn.—On Wacouta bet. 8th and 9th. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. H. F. Phelps, Pastor, 470 Martin St.
St. Louis, Mo.—2955 Sheridan Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A.M., Wednesday 7:45 P.M. Mary S. Yener, Clerk.
Kansas City, Mo.—Cor. 12th and Woodland Ave. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Tuesday 7:45 P.M.
St. Joseph, Mo.—Cor. 15th and Locust Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Mrs. Harriet W. Talbert, Clerk.
Omaha, Neb.—Cor. 18th and Cumming Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10:15 and 11 A.M., Sunday 3 P.M. J. H. Rogers, Pastor, cor. 27th and Steward Sts.
Salt Lake City, Utah.—Room No. 30 East 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:45 P.M., Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:45 P.M. J. M. Willoughby, Pastor, 839 E. 9 South Sts., Salt Lake City.
New Orleans, La.—Pythian Hall, cor. 7th and Magazine Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M. J. E. Evans, Pastor, 1027 Delachaise St.
Jersey City, N. J.—Public services at church, 27 Oak St., Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M.; at hall, 242 Hancock Ave., Sabbath 2:30 and 3:30, Sunday 7:45 P.M. both places. Amos Mitchell, Elder.
Helena, Mont.—Room 8, Denver Block. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. C. T. Shaffer, Leader, 818 Breckenridge St.
Boston, Mass.—United Fellowship Hall, 1371 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. George B. Wheeler, Pastor.
Toledo, O.—11th St. Christian Church, bet. Jefferson and Madison Sts., near center of city. Public services: Sabbath, 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M., at Mission parlors, 1211 Collingwood Ave. E. J. Van Horn, Pastor.
Lynn, Mass.—Lee Hall. Public services: Sabbath 1:30 and 8 P.M.; Tuesday and Friday, 7:30 P.M. A. B. Jernigan, Elder. A. B. Felton, Clerk, 85 Union St.
Denver, Colo.—Cor. W. 11th Ave. and S. 11th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday and Friday 7:45 P.M. D. H. Soggs, Elder.
Helena, Mont.—Room 8, Denver Block. Public services: Sabbath, 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. C. T. Shaffer, Leader, 818 Breckenridge St.
New Bedford, Mass.—Church at Willow St., west of Cedar. Public services: Sabbath, 10:30 A.M. and 12 M. J. B. Hall, Clerk, Box 72, Acushnet, Mass.
Garden Grove, Cal.—Public services: Sabbath, 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday, 3 P.M. Harriet A. Rainsey, Clerk.
Wilmington, Del.—Red Men's Hall, 515 Shipley Street. Public services: Sabbath, 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday, 2:30 P.M. Edwin F. Eckel, Clerk.
Bradford, Pa.—Ladies' Club Room No. 1, Chautauqua Place. Public services: Sabbath, 2 P.M. H. T. Morian, Clerk.
28 “They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 29 They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou? 30 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat. 31 Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, It was not Moses that gave you the bread out of heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread out of heaven. 32 For the bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 33 They said therefore unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 34 Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 35 But I said unto you, that ye have seen me, and yet believe not. 36 All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 37 For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 38 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 39 For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
QUESTIONS.
What inquiry did the people address to Jesus?
What did he define the work of God to be?
What demand did they then make of him?
What historical fact did they mention?
What scripture did they quote?
What error in their belief did he then correct?
What positive teaching did he inculcate?
How did he define the real bread?
What request was then made by the people?
What did Jesus declare that he was?
Who did he say would not hunger? Who would not thirst?
What former statement did Jesus call to their attention?
How many did he say would come to him? How would he treat them?
What was the declared purpose in his coming to earth?
What did he say was his Father’s will?
In what other form did he repeat this same statement?
NOTES.
1. In his reply to the inquiry of the Jews, Christ presents the foundation principle of all Christian experience. “He places being before doing; because the spiritual tree must have life before it bears fruit.” There must be a change of nature (John 3:5), an indwelling Saviour (Eph. 3:17), and then we can do (Phil. 4:13), yet not we (1 Cor. 15:10),13but God in Christ working in us (Phil. 2:12, 13). To believe on Christ is the all-important thing (Acts 16:31), but it is very necessary to understand the true meaning of such faith. “Where there is not only a belief in God’s word, but a submission of the will to him; where the heart is yielded to him, the affections fixed on him, there is faith,—faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Through this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God.”
2. “The works that Christ performed bore testimony to the fact that he was God manifest in the flesh. The believer is by his faith united to Christ even as the branch is to the vine. The influences and efficiency of the vine all reveal themselves in the branches. . . . What Christ can do, faith can do.” Thus what God requires of us is summed up in true faith. This includes the self-denial (Matt. 16:24), the submission (Rom. 10:3), and the yielding (Rom. 6:16), that the fruits of righteousness (Phil. 1:11) may appear in us.
3. The rabbis taught that the Messiah when he came would renew the gift of manna, which may explain the reference made to the giving of the manna in the inquiry made by the Jews. “His life was one continual miracle, but they knew it not, and demanded that he should show them a miracle.” Their inquiry was virtually saying, “If you are sent from God, we may surely expect you to rival Moses.” Jesus answers their very thoughts, saying: “Not Moses gave you the bread out of heaven; but my Father gives you the bread out of heaven, the real bread.” “As to the Samaritan woman, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so now to the Galileans, Jesus manifests himself as sent to communicate to man life eternal. . . . What is there in Christ which constitutes him the bread of life? There is, first of all, that which he himself constantly presses, that he is sent by the Father, that he comes out of heaven, bringing from the Father a new source of life into the world. . . . Christ is the bread from heaven, because in Christ God gives himself to us, that by his life we may live.” Christ is the “Desire of all nations” (Hag. 2:7), that which meets the longing of the human soul; and so those who receive him are satisfied.
4. “If, on the one hand, it is true that all the given ones shall come, it is also true, on the other hand, that all who come are included among the given ones. Would you know whether you are one of these? Ask yourself if you have truly come to Christ, or believed in him as Saviour, Friend, and King.” Men may cast out the believer in Jesus (John 9:34), but the Saviour will never do so. This is but carrying out God’s will (Matt. 18:14), whose heart embraces all (2 Peter 3:9), and who in Christ invites all (Matt. 11:28).
5. “It is not enough to impart eternal life. That would bless the spirit, but leave the body untouched. And the Saviour will not rest until the whole of our complex nature shares the emancipation and blessing of his salvation. A transfigured manhood and a glorified body must be the crown of his work for his own; and so by his mighty power, he will raise us up in the likeness of his glory, and make us the sharers of his royal and exalted state. Phil. 3:21.” “Christ gives eternal life. . . . The life which man forfeited in Eden is given back in the second Man, the Lord from heaven. . . . We can not explain the mystery of the imparting of this eternal life; and we know as little of the life itself. We are sure that it can not be acquired, but must be given. We are sure that life is not the result of knowledge, but knowledge the result of life. . . . And we know that by this the religion of the Bible is distinguished from all other religions whatsoever, that it provides for the communication of this life to all who believe. Whatever a man professes and knows, without this life he is no Christian.”
6. He who “seeth the Son and believeth on him,” is the one who looks with the eye of faith. Moses saw Christ in this way. Heb. 11:27. “He saw Jesus as his Saviour, and he believed that the Saviour’s merits would be imputed to him. This faith was to Moses no guesswork; it was a reality. This is the kind of faith we need,—faith that will endure the test.” “Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”
Suggestions for Further Study.
1. Study the meaning of the word “true” as used in this Gospel. Compare the “True Light,” the “True Bread,” the “True Vine.”
2. What is the force of the present tense in verse 33?
3. Observe that throughout this lesson Christ sets himself forth as the very heart and life of Christianity. A personal Saviour is the need of every individual.
4. Compare bread in its power to sustain life, as containing all necessary food elements, with other kinds of food, and note the force of the statement, “I am the bread of life.”
“POLITICAL SPEECHES AND DEBATES of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas,”
CONTAINS all the important speeches of “The Giants” from 1854 to 1861, giving a fair and full history of the slavery question and the great Constitutional questions involved therein from the beginning of the nation to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Though the great Civil War is a thing of the past, the principles over which the war was fought will live till the national life is extinct. The vital question of that day was, whether “government of the people, for the people, by the people” should remain or be destroyed.
Is it not as necessary to the well-being of government that these principles be maintained to-day? As a fresh attack is now being made on our Constitution, should not every thinking man study the history of those days, that he may know how to direct his efforts to-day? These questions are pertinent, and every American should give them careful consideration.
The work contains 555 pages, printed from new, clear type, with numerous full-page half-tone illustrations including portraits of Lincoln and Douglas. Bound in Buckram . . . . . . . . . $1.75.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., New York City. Oakland, Calif. Kansas City, Mo.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
THE address of Elder J. S. Washburn is changed from Kettering, England, to 104 Alfred Street, Roath, Cardiff, Wales. His correspondents in America will please note.
CAMP-MEETINGS IN CALIFORNIA.
There are two more camp-meetings to be held in California this year:—
Sacramento, October 1 to 11.
Los Angeles, October 29 to November 8.
Both of these meetings will be of great importance. Our local meetings are becoming more and more meetings of much spiritual blessing and great profit. Such were the meetings at Santa Rosa and Eureka. Such, we believe, the above meetings will be.
It is especially desired that there shall be a large attendance of our people. It is hoped that all our church, tract society, and Sabbath school officers in these districts will be present, as instruction will be given in the various lines of church and missionary work. Prepare now to come to the meeting, and come expecting a feast of good things from the Lord's table. Laborers for these gatherings will be announced later. Any desiring further particulars will write to Elder A. J. Breed, 1324 Linden Street, Oakland, Cal.
WHAT DO THESE THINGS MEAN?
THE above is the title of a tract published two years ago. Its aim was to give the true meaning of the then unsettled condition of “Capital and Labor,” finances, etc.
Since then the condition has grown more serious, and these questions have demanded more attention, but the real import of it all remains the same. For this reason the tract is especially adapted for distribution JUST NOW. Price 2½ cents each, with special discount in quantities.
Pacific Press Pub. Co.,
New York City. Oakland, Calif. Kansas City, Mo.
INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”
5. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in.
8. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that can not be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10. And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment:
12. Behold, I have done according to thy word; lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor; so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
15. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace-offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
Golden Text: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Ps. 111:10.
Note.—The scene of the lesson is Gibeon, a commanding elevation about six miles north of Jerusalem. Here stood the tabernacle constructed by Moses, and the brazen altar of burnt offerings made by Bezaleel nearly five hundred years before, under the shadow of Sinai. 2 Chron. 1:3, 5. The ark of the covenant, however, was in a tent at Jerusalem, where it had been placed by David. Gibeon was a “high place,” and worship in high places was discouraged by the Lord because of their selection by the heathen nations for their idolatrous worship and practices.
Suggestive Questions.
(1) Who appeared to Solomon at Gibeon, and how? Verse 5. (2) What did God say? Same verse. (3) Of whom did Solomon first speak, and what did he say the Lord had done for him? Verse 6. Note 1. (4) How did he refer to himself? Verse 7. Note 2. (5) In what terms did he mention the people? Verse 8. Note 3. (6) What was his request? Verse 9. (7) How did the Lord regard his speech? Verse 10. (8) For what might Solomon have asked? Verse 11. Note 4. (9) How fully did the Lord grant him his desire? Verses 11, 12. (10) What did the Lord give him that he had not asked? Verse 13. Note 4. (11) What condition was announced as a basis for still further blessing? Verse 14. Note 5. (12) Was this a reality? Verse 15. Note 6. (13) Where did Solomon then go? Same verse.
Notes.
1. This great kindness.—Solomon makes reference here to the establishing of the house of David on the throne. This great honor might have been Saul’s if he had proved himself worthy. But the Lord chose a more faithful servant, and Solomon’s heart is touched as he realizes God’s goodness. Notice that he does not exult over the rejected house, nor boast of the glory of the present regime, but in humility speaks of “this great kindness.” It is all of the Lord. So it is with each soul that truly finds the Lord. There will be a deep sense of God’s faithfulness, his mercy and abundant grace, and none of self.
2. A little child.—He placed himself in just the attitude, and the only attitude, in which the Lord could bless him as he desired to. It is such that the Lord can use, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Children are all learners; grown people are apt not to be,—in their own minds. But Christ is the great Teacher. He does not learn by associating with us, nor does he need to learn at all; so in order to receive the wonderful knowledge and the gracious blessings hid in him we must come to him as little children, not alone willing to be led and taught, but knowing nothing else than to be led and taught of him,—foolishness no doubt to the world, but the wisdom of God, hence the highest knowledge attainable by man.
3. Can not be numbered.—While this was a common way of speaking of the size of a nation, Solomon doubtless referred also to the promised seed of Abraham, the Israel of God, who should be as the “dust of the earth” for multitude. Gen. 13:16. He was working out a part in God’s great plan.
4. Understanding.—Solomon’s choice was a test of character, and in one way or another the same test comes to every individual. Long life we would choose first if we could, and then with it wealth as the sure means to admit us to pleasure and enjoyment. This is the natural choice. Yet even here wisdom is better, for by it—by even worldly wisdom—the wealth and honor may be reached. But Solomon chose the fear of the Lord, and this was demonstrated to be the basis of all success, not only in spiritual matters, but in physical and temporal as well; for it brings what worldly wisdom can not, and that is peace of mind. And there goes with it too the protection of the Almighty. This is what the foolish rich man, of Luke 12:20, lacked. But do not think because you ask for wisdom that God will consequently give you riches. He does not promise that. The after-gift was wholly God’s thought. He chose to give Solomon wealth, but he may choose for you something a great deal better. Leave that to him, but ask for the wisdom, for we have the promise of that. James 1:5.
5. I will lengthen thy days.—This was upon condition of obedience. Solomon afterward departed from the Lord, and died when about sixty years of age, not having reached even man’s allotted time. He returned to the Lord, however, before his death.
6. A dream.—It was a dream, but none the less truly had the Lord talked with him, and he with the Lord. The Lord often appeared, or manifested himself in this way, as to Joseph, Daniel, Paul, etc. That it was a reality to him, is shown by the fact that Solomon left the high place that the Lord had condemned, and returned to Jerusalem, where he offered burnt offerings, and evidently made a new feast, before the ark of the covenant, which contained the tables of God’s commandments. Thus it is shown that the beginnings of wisdom, the very first indications of a true fear of the Lord, will lead to a respect for his righteous law, and a conforming of the life to its requirements, wherein the life is not in harmony with it. Lesson student, do you love God? do you fear him? is your life in harmony with his law in every particular? If not, be wise and return to it. It is by our lives—the fruits—that we reveal whether we are willing to be led by the Master or not, whether we be truly wise or not.
A NEW TRACT CATALOG
“Descriptive Catalog of the Bible Students’, Apples of Gold, and Religious Liberty Libraries” is the title of this 36 Page Catalog.
It gives a pithy description of each tract and pamphlet in the above Libraries, together with their size and price. It will greatly assist the reader to select such numbers as he may desire to read and circulate; and may be obtained free of charge by addressing your State Tract Society; the Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, California; 39 Bond St., New York City, N. Y.; 18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.; or Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Michigan; Atlanta, Ga.
