Twenty additions to the faith are reported by Brother J. W. Adams at Shelby, Iowa.
Elder W. A. McCutchen has been chosen president of Virginia Conference, and also of the tract society.
Montana sends about forty students to Walla Walla College the coming year. This is a good quota for a new and as yet small conference.
November 26-29 has been appointed as the special season of prayer this year, instead of the week of prayer usually held during the holidays.
The new church edifice at Delta, Colo., is to be dedicated October 4. Elder N. W. Kauble, president of the conference, and Elder G. G. Rupert, of Oklahoma, are to be present.
The tent meetings held at Central City, Neb., by Brother E. L. Stewart, closed with an addition of eleven to the company at that place, while a number of others are deeply interested.
A good work is reported in Scranton, Pa., by Elder K. C. Russell and company. Twenty-five have taken their stand on the truths presented, among whom are a minister of the Christian Alliance and his family.
The secretary of the International Religious Liberty Association tells of the recent arrest of Brother Philpot, at Wartrace, Tenn., who is summoned to appear before the October term of court for laboring on the first day of the week.
Captain Christiansen reports to the Review a novel baptism in New York Harbor. The party were taken on the missionary boat Sentinel to a point where the water was of proper depth, and the candidates taken down into the water from the boat. Six were baptized by Elder Swenson.
Headquarters of the Upper Columbia Tract Society have been removed from College Place, Wash., to Spokane. Hereafter the address of the secretary, Sister M. E. Ford, will be 312 South Washington Street, Spokane, Wash., to which place all conference and tract society funds are to be sent.
The doctrines which are to-day deemed peculiarly Seventh-day Adventist have, to a greater or less extent, been printed in thirty-one different languages. But in a broader sense, as Seventh-day Adventists hold to nothing that is not substantiated by the word of God, their doctrines may be said to be translated and printed in every language in which the Bible is now printed.
Brother Kerr, one of our laborers on the Gold Coast of Africa, is about to move inland, and establish himself on a six-thousand-acre tract of land given us by a wealthy native for the purpose of establishing a mission. It is the plan of the workers to erect a hospital for treatment, situated within a few miles of several villages. An Independent Baptist minister has espoused the cause for which we labor, and is now working as a self-supporting missionary.
From the lonely island of Grand Cayman, one of the West Indies, comes the news that Brother W. W. Eastman and wife have begun the work of Bible readings and meetings in private houses. The canvassers had preceded them, and already they are unable to fill the calls for their services.
Anti-Sunday Law Decision.
Our brethren, as well as all fair-minded people, will be gratified to read the following press despatch showing the outcome of the charges against Brother Foll, who, with some other brethren, was arrested last year for doing secular labor on Sunday—
“Mount Vernon, Ill., September 3.—The Appellate Court of the Fourth District has decided that plowing corn on Sunday in sight of churchgoers does not in itself constitute a disturbance of the peace.”
“In construing section 261, which relates to disturbing the peace by labor on Sunday, under which Mr. Foll, a Seventh-day Adventist, was arrested, the court holds that this section does not prohibit work or amusement on Sunday, but prohibits only such conduct as disturbs the peace and good order of society. The defendant, being a Seventh-day Adventist, observed Saturday as the Sabbath, and plowed corn on Sunday, and his arrest and conviction resulted. The case was appealed to the Appellate Court with the above result.”
CHRIST’S POWER OVER THE STORM; FALSE MOTIVES IN SEEKING CHRIST
“Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
Lesson I.—Sabbath, October 3, 1896.
CHRIST’S POWER OVER THE STORM; FALSE MOTIVES IN SEEKING CHRIST.
15 “Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. 16 “And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea; and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew. When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they beheld Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat; and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat; and straightway the boat was at the land whither they were going. 22 “On the morrow the multitude which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save one, and that Jesus entered not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone. (Howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks); when the multitude therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. And when they found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, 27 Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. Work not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.”
QUESTIONS.
1. After seeing such a display of Christ’s power, what did the people purpose to do?
2. How did Christ prevent this?
3. Where did the disciples go at even?
4. For what port did they start?
5. Had Jesus joined them?
6. What sort of weather did they experience?
7. Toward morning what unusual sight met their eyes? What effect did it have upon them?
8. What did Jesus say to them?
9. How did they respond to his words?
10. What effect did his presence have in completing the voyage?
11. What facts did the people observe the next day?
12. From what other place had boats come?
13. For what place did the people then set sail? For what purpose?
14. After finding Jesus, what did they say to him?
15. What did he declare to be their reason for seeking him?13
16. What food did he urge them to labor for? Who could supply it? Why?
NOTES.
1. By usurpation and fraud Satan had established his kingdom in the earth. Christ came to win back the dominion which had been betrayed by man into the hands of Satan, and to reëstablish his own authority over those who would willingly yield allegiance to him. So he preached concerning his kingdom from the first (Mark 1:14, 15) of his ministry until his ascension (Acts 1:3); but he found great difficulty in freeing his disciples’ minds from the idea that his kingdom was a temporal one, and in impressing them with the belief that the kingdom which he came to establish would be a greater boon to them than to be delivered from the rule of the Roman power. The miracle of the loaves had made a deep impression upon the minds of the people. “His teachings and work of healing had already nearly convinced them of his divinity, and this miracle crowned their growing conviction with entire belief. . . . They quietly consult among themselves, and arrange to take him by force, and bear him upon their shoulders, proclaiming him the king of Israel. . . . This, to the faithful followers of Jesus, seemed the golden opportunity to establish their beloved Master as Israel’s king.” But this is entirely out of harmony with the work which Jesus came to accomplish, and so he sent away his disciples, and then dismissed the multitude. “There were men of strong minds and firm determination in that throng, but the kingly bearing of Jesus, and his few quiet words of authority, quelled the tumult in a moment and frustrated all their designs.”
2. From another record (Mark 6:46) we learn that Jesus went into the mountain to pray. “He needs that communion with the Father which is his very soul’s life, and the more so that the hatred of the priestly party and the enthusiastic but unspiritual admiration of the Galileans are more and more complicating his position and embarrassing his work.” “Our Saviour identified himself with our needs and weaknesses, in that he became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from his Father fresh supplies of strength, that he might come forth braced for duty and trial. . . . His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with his Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. . . . The life must be like Christ’s life,—between the mountain and the multitude.”
3. “He could not maintain the heavenly life in his soul without continually separating himself from man, and communing with his Father. . . . What a lesson for every Christian! . . . Nothing can atone for the loss of secret and direct intercourse with God. . . . The law of the heavenly manna, that what is heavenly can not remain good long upon earth, but must day by day be renewed afresh from heaven, still holds good. . . . It is from heaven alone that the power to lead a heavenly life on earth can come. . . . Christ-like praying in secret will be the secret of Christ-like living in public.”
4. The narrative in verses 16–21 is a perfect picture of the experience of those who are trying to get along without Jesus. There was no lack of effort. They were “toiling in rowing,” but the fourth watch found them only “five and twenty or thirty furlongs” from their starting-place. But when they had received Jesus, they “immediately” reached their destination.
5. When the people had come across the sea and found Jesus, “they began to inquire how and when he had crossed the sea. They were astonished when the disciples related to them the events of the preceding night. The fury of the storm, and the many hours of fruitless rowing against the fury of adverse winds, the appearance of Christ walking upon the water, the fears thus aroused, his reassuring words, the adventure of Peter and its result, with the sudden stilling of the tempest and landing of the boat, were all faithfully recounted to the wondering crowd, amid frequent interruptions and exclamations of amazement. . . . As soon as the discourse was ended, they gathered around the Saviour, questioning him, hoping to receive from his own lips a fuller account of his mighty work of the previous night. . . . Jesus declared to them that they did not seek him from any worthy motive. He bade them not to labor for the meat which perisheth, but to seek for spiritual food, that wisdom which endures unto everlasting life.”
Suggestions for Further Study.
1. It was on a mountain that Christ gave the law, delivered his longest sermon, was transfigured, ascended to heaven. Note other important events which have occurred upon mountains. What lessons have been connected with mountains as used in comparisons?
2. It is no new thing for Christ to control the winds. As God’s agent he had done it at the Red Sea (Ex. 14:21; 15:10), and the stormy wind fulfils his word (Ps. 148:8).
3. In connection with the sealing of Christ by the Father, study Lev. 2:4 (the meat-offering anointed) and Heb. 1:9.
4. Observe the displays of royal power and authority by One who would not allow himself to be made king.
5. In what way is life through Christ again taught in this lesson?
CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
THIS column of church services, especially in our larger towns and cities, will be printed from time to time as we have room, for the benefit of strangers who may read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or brethren passing through. We have found it necessary to condense in the smallest possible space. The word “Sabbath” always refers to the seventh day of the week. These services consist of Sabbath school, preaching, Bible study, missionary, and prayer meetings. The first Sabbath service is, with 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. A. Smyth, Clerk, Box 261.
San Diego.—Cor. 18th and G Sts. Public services: Sunday 7 P.M., Sabbath 9:15 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. H. F. Courter, 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 6 and 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. H. Warfield, Clerk, 36 Bush St., Providence.
Hartford, Conn.—Hall at 302 Asylum St. 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 Edgeley 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, 2431 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, Water St., Waterloo, 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.
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. Jernegan, 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. Ramsey, 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.
SOLOMON ANOINTED KING
“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”
28. Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king.
29. And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
30. Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.
31. Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my Lord king David live forever.
32. And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.
33. The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your Lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon;
34. And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel; and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.
35. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead; and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.
36. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen; the Lord God of my lord the king say so too.
37. As the Lord hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.
38. So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.
39. And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.
Golden Text: “Keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways.” 1 Kings 2:3.
NOTE.—The lessons for the fourth quarter continue the study of Old Testament history. The text is found chiefly in the first book of the Kings, tho an occasional lesson is drawn from other portions of the word. The present lesson text is preceded by the effort of Adonijah, son of David by Haggith, to have himself proclaimed king. The lesson itself is the final outworking of a plan hastily devised to frustrate Adonijah’s purpose. This prince, who was in the line of succession to the throne after Absalom, was joined by Joab and Abiathar the priest, with quite a company besides, including the sons of the king, except Solomon. A feast was made at En-rogel, and his plan confirmed. In the meantime Nathan the prophet, with Bath-sheba, apprised of the plot, come before the king, who is old and bed-ridden, and lay the matter before him, asking him if the plan is according to his will.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Whom did David summon into his presence? Verse 28. (2) What did he swear to her? Verses 29, 30. Note 1. (3) What did Bath-sheba then do and say? Verse 31. (4) What further call did the king make? Verse 32. Note 2. (5) What special honor was to be shown Solomon? Verse 33. Note 3. (6) What was to be done at Gihon? Verse 34. (7) What further direction did David give? Verse 35. (8) What did Benaiah say? Verses 36, 37. Note 4. (9) How were the king’s commands carried out? Verse 38. (10) What did Zadok do at Gihon? Verse 39. (11) How did the people approve of the move? Verse 39. Note 5.
NOTES.
1. Solomon.—Solomon was the first son born to Bath-sheba after her marriage to David. He was ordained by the Lord to his high office, and his name was also designated by the same Ruler of nations, who said: “I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.” 1 Chron. 22:6–9. The name Solomon signifies “The Peaceful.” This characteristic of his kingdom and reign was typical of the kingdom and reign of Christ, the seed of David, that should be set up in the fullness of time on this earth—an everlasting kingdom in which is to dwell righteousness, the effect of which shall be,—and is now,—“quietness and assurance forever.” Isa. 32:17. The plan of succession to the throne was of course known by Bath-sheba, and also by Nathan, the prophet of God, and at what appears to them a critical moment David’s attention is called to present occurrences and past promises.
2. Call me Zadok, etc.—In accordance with oriental custom, Bath-sheba retired when Nathan was called (verses 16, 22, 28), and Nathan in turn when another was announced. So these who were now called were in waiting without.
3. To ride upon mine own mule.—According to the rabbins it was an act punishable with death to ride upon the king’s mule without his permission. This, then, was not only an honor, but an indication to the people, as they should thus see him, with the king’s own servants, the Cherethites and the Pelethites (verse 38), that he it was, and not another, who was chiefest in the plans of the king. Gihon was “either the valley that ran from the Damascus gate between the temple hill and Mount Zion, or the valley west of Jerusalem.”
4. Benaiah.—Captain of the king’s hosts. His words in verse 37, that the Lord would make Solomon’s “throne greater than the throne of my Lord king David,” showed no disrespect to David, for it was always the chief wish of a king that his son’s throne and power and glory should exceed his own. This Benaiah well knew, and knew the wish would please David.
5. God save king Solomon.—This, and “Let the king live,” were anciently, as they are in modern times, customary salutes to the reigning king. In this case all really rejoiced, and the throne came peaceably to Solomon. Fear possessed the adherents of Adonijah, and they dispersed, while that ambitious prince himself fled to the horns of the altar, thus throwing himself upon the mercy of the ruler in the name of the Lord. He was pardoned for the time being, tho later, for a further offence and insult to the king, he was put to death, as was also Joab. Abiathar the priest was retired from his office. See 1 Kings 2:27, and read the entire chapter. Solomon reigned conjointly with David about six months, taking the throne when about twenty years of age. David reigned forty years. 1 Kings 2:11.
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.
TEACHING TRUTH
By Mary Wood Allen
By Mary Wood Allen, M. D.
National Lecturer W. C. T. U.
A little brochure brimful of helpful suggestions to parents who wish to teach their children the truth in regard to the mystery of life.
