p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 52. (12/30/1903)

Earlier text: THE KISS THAT WAS NEVER GIVEN

LESSON 2.—JANUARY 10.—THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

Lesson Scripture, Matt. 3:1-12, A. R. V.

(1) “And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, (2) Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (3) For this is He that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make His path straight. (4) Now John himself had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (5) Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about the Jordan; (6) and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance: (9) and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. (10) And even now the ax lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (11) I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance; but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire: (12) whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing-floor; and He will gather His wheat into the garner, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire.”

Golden Text.—“Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Verse 2.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Where did John the Baptist take up his ministry? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) What was the burden of his message? Verse 2. Note 2. (3) What prophet had spoken of John? In what striking language? Verse 3. Isa. 40:3. Note 3. (4) What is said of John’s raiment? Of what did his food consist? Verse 4. Note 4. (5) Who were attracted by his preaching? Verse 5. (6) What was the effect of his stirring appeals? Verse 6. (7) What notable classes attracted the prophet’s attention? How did he address them? Verse 7. Note 5. (8) What did he demand of them? Verse 8. (9) In what were they enjoined not to trust? Of what could God supply a more natural seed to Abraham? Verse 9. (10) How did John illustrate the thoroughness of Christ’s judgment? And what would be the result? Verse 10. Note 6. (11) What did the prophet say of his own baptism? How did he compare his work with that of Christ? Verse 11. Note 7. (12) How did he illustrate the judgment work of Christ? Verse 12. Note 8.

NOTES.

1. “In those days.”—That is, six months before the baptism of Jesus. Led by the Spirit, John began preaching in the country, and the same Spirit moved the people to go out from the city of Jerusalem and other places to hear him. He did not have to seek or to drum up audiences. He was sent of God with a definite message, and the people were drawn, not by any artifice of the preacher, but by the power of his message. This was also the experience of Christ, who had difficulty in finding rest from the throngs of people, even when he so desired. See Mark 6:30-34.

2. The message, “Repent ye,” was just what the people needed; because they had become estranged from the Word, and were wrapped up in their own selfish interests. Through carelessness of the true import of the prophecies regarding the Messiah’s approach, they did not realize that they were utterly unprepared for the great event. Although they were expecting His advent, they were ignorant of His character and of the manner of His coming. And it will be so at His second advent. Matt. 24:36-44. It is significant that, notwithstanding John’s apparent success, Jesus began His ministry with the same message, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Ch. 4:17. And the same message is due to-day, to the last stage of the professed church. Rev. 3:14-22. In no age of the world did the professed people of God have greater need of repentance than to-day; “for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8), and the preparation for it is universally neglected, even by those who are professedly looking for Him.

3. The wilderness of Judea, in which John began to preach, was typical of the spiritual condition of the people. Much labor of a heroic character was needed in order that the way of the Lord into their hearts might be prepared. There was truly a wilderness of sin, just as there is in the church to-day. See 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

4. John’s raiment was not the costly cloth made of the fine hair of the camel, but a coarse fabric made of the long, shaggy hair shed every year. It is used only by the poorest of the people. The leathern girdle was of simple untanned leather, and in conspicuous contrast with the costly embroidered girdles in which the people of that country take great pride.

5. “Who hath warned you?”—Why should the Pharisees and Sadducees, who deemed themselves so good, want to make a show of repentance? John did not miss the mark when he addressed them as the “offspring of vipers.” Jesus called them “hypocrites” (Matt. 23:23, 25, 27, 29), and their subsequent denial of their professed faith showed that His judgment was correct. So John’s comparing them to “vipers,” as also does Jesus (verse 33), shows the mind of the Spirit concerning this numerous class. The hypocrite of to-day springs from the same progenitor as did his prototype in the times of John and Jesus. The Lord said of them that they were of their father the devil.

6. The ax.—If the coming of the Lord the first time was as laying the ax to the root of the tree, what will be His coming in the final judgment? Is not this pre-eminently a time for making “straight paths,” for making our peace, calling, and election sure?

7. The baptism of water was the outward sign of repentance, to which John was calling the people; but the One who should come after him could alone give the new life signified by the baptism of the Spirit. John 6:63.

8. The comparison of the unregenerate to chaff implies their utter annihilation. The fire of judgment is unquenchable, no power can put it out till that on which it feeds is consumed; but when the chaff is burned up, the fire dies out of itself. Impenitent man is always likened to the most flimsy, destructible materials, such as grass, chaff, the fat of lambs, a vapor, ashes, etc.

THE SABBATH SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SERIES

LESSON II.—THE HISTORY OF NATIONS FORETOLD.

(Study for Sabbath, January 9.)

QUESTIONS.

1. When did Daniel have the vision recorded in this chapter? Repeat Dan. 7:1. Note .

2. Repeat verse 2. What two symbols are used in this verse?

3. In prophecy what do winds symbolize? Isa. 21:1, 2; Jer. 25:32, 33.

4. What are symbolized by the sea or waters? Isa. 8:7; Rev. 17:15; Isa. 17:12, 13; Jer. 51:42.

5. What did Daniel behold, as the result of strife and commotion among the nations and peoples of earth? Repeat Dan. 7:3.

6. What was symbolized by these four great beasts? Repeat verse 17.

7. Repeat verse 4. What was this first kingdom? Note .

8. How does the lion compare with the other beasts of prey? Prov. 30:30. How does Babylon compare with other nations? Isa. 13:19. What other characteristic of Babylon was symbolized by “eagle’s wings”? Deut. 28:49; 2 Sam. 1:23. What change did the prophet see come over this symbol? What change in the kingdom of Babylon was thus indicated? Jer. 51:30; Isa. 21:3, 4. Note .

9. Repeat verse 5. What two kingdoms united in the conquest and overthrow of Babylon? Isa. 21:2. (Elam is but another name for Persia.) What was symbolized by the bear raising itself up on one side? See marginal reading, verse 5. Note . What by the three ribs in the mouth of the bear? Note .

10. Repeat verse 6. What special characteristic does the leopard possess? What, then, would be symbolized by four wings added to this swift-footed beast? Note . What is symbolized by the four heads upon the leopard? Note .

11. Repeat verse 7. What is symbolized by this fourth beast? Verses 23 and 24, first part. Here, as in the second chapter, the symbol designates Rome, the mighty power that followed Grecia. Note .

12. Repeat verse 8. Concerning what did Daniel specially desire further information? Verses 19, 20. What information did he receive? Verse 24.

13. What did Daniel behold on the part of (the power symbolized by this little horn? Verse 21.

14. How long was the oppression of this power to be felt by the saints? Verse 22.

15. Then what will certainly follow the kingdoms represented by these four beasts. Verses 26, 27.

NOTES.

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Truth-Filled Tracts

A series of tracts embracing the important phases of the message for this time has been selected for the use of our brethren and sisters in their missionary work. From the titles which are given below it will be noticed that this selection has been made largely from old, tried favorites—such as many of us have proved to be most helpful in carrying the saving truths of the Gospel to those who have known it not. Those preceded by a star may be enclosed in an ordinary envelope without folding.

THE SABBATH QUESTION

* Is Sunday the Sabbath? An examination of every New Testament text which mentions the first day of the week. A. G. L. 76, price 35 cents a hundred.

* Which Day Do You Keep and Why? A contrast of a few of the scriptures treating upon the Sabbath question with all of those referring to the first day of the week, together with twelve Bible answers to Sabbath-breaking excuses. A. G. L. 75, price 35 cents a hundred.

Who Changed the Sabbath? Was the Sabbath changed by Christ at His crucifixion or resurrection? Did the Apostles change the Sabbath? By what power was it changed? are the questions answered briefly and clearly in this little work. B. S. L. 107, price $1.00 a hundred.

New Testament Sabbath? A setting forth in simple language aided by illustrations and diagrams of the points emphasized in “Is Sunday the Sabbath?” Particularly adapted to the needs of those who are studying the question for the first time. B. S. L. 137, price 70 cents a hundred.

COMING OF THE LORD

What Do These Things Mean? A clear-cut statement of the meaning of the sudden springing up of the great combines of capital and the counter organizations among the laboring classes, and the strikes and increased strife and commotion in the industrial world. B. S. L. 176, price 70 cents a hundred.

Waymarks to the Holy City. A brief but intensely interesting consideration of the prophecy of Daniel 7, in which are pointed out the great Guide-posts directing attention to the end of all things earthly, and the ushering in of the Kingdom of God. B. S. L. 115, price 70 cents a hundred.

We Would See Jesus. The reasons why we desire to see Jesus, the scriptures in which we have the promise of seeing Him, the conditions under which we may see and dwell with Him always, together with a beautiful word picture of the New Earth where this privilege is to be enjoyed. B. S. L. 173, price 70 cents a hundred.

* Heralds of His Coming. Will His coming be a literal one? May we know the time? Is the end near? What is the time of the end? The great prophecies which point to it, and the special signs of His coming. All this and much more is to be found in this comprehensive tract of only 24 pages. An original diagram adds greatly to its clearness and value. A. G. L. 51, price $1.00 per hundred.

* The Great Threefold Message. That there is a great message due to the world at this time, that this message is to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord and for a home in the earth made new, and the actual text of the message itself. Such, briefly stated, are the contents of “The Great Threefold Message.” A. G. L. 40, price 70 cents a hundred.

* The Winning of Margaret. A story of how the truth concerning the millennium and the second coming of the Lord reached the family of which Margaret was a member. A. G. L. 53, price 70 cents a hundred.

IMMORTALITY QUESTION

Is Man Immortal? Thirty-six questions and answers on immortality embracing almost every phase of the subject. The clearest and most direct treatment of the question published. B. S. L. 51, price 35 cents a hundred.

Immortality of the Soul. The relation of the immortality of the soul idea to the resurrection of the dead, the second coming of the Lord, the judgment, the mission of Christ, and the truthfulness of God Himself. A strong, comprehensive setting-forth of the whole question. B. S. L. 70, price $1.40 a hundred.

“Tormented Forever and Ever.” A careful examination into the real meaning of this text which is quoted more than all others in defense of the doctrine of everlasting punishment. B. S. L. 111, price 70 cents a hundred.

TEMPERANCE

* The Name. A story of an old heathen, Mochuna, and how he gained the victory over his desire for drink. This tract seems to exert a helpful, inspiring influence wherever circulated. A. G. L. 72, price 70 cents a hundred.

* The Demon’s Council. Representing a council in which the fallen angels are planning how they can accomplish the ruin of the largest possible number of human souls, and the decision at which they arrived. It also contains a poem, “The Tidal Wave Saloon,” which you will want to read. A. G. L. 80, price 35 cents a hundred.

* Charged with Murder. A statement of a prisoner who has committed murder while under the influence of drink, to the judge who is about to sentence him. A. G. L. 81, price 20 cents a hundred.

* Food, Its Mental and Moral Value. The relation of food to the desire for narcotics and stimulants. Every mother should have a copy of this “drink-preventive” leaflet. A. G. L. 68, price 35 cents a hundred.

* There Is Help in God. A message of help and comfort to those struggling with appetite or any wrong habit. A. G. L. 56, price 35 cents a hundred.

PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY

The Way to Christ. A few simple, comforting directions to the soul seeking for righteousness. Written by Mrs. E. G. White. B. S. L. 105, price 70 cents a hundred.

Prayer. The strongest presentation of the importance and efficiency of prayer we have ever seen. Particularly does the author, Dr. A. T. Pierson, dwell upon the influence and power of secret prayer and of small “prayer circles.” Every professed Christian should study it. A. G. L. 52, price 70 cents a hundred.

Suggestions as to the use of these tracts will be gladly given upon application.

A Tract Record has been prepared at the request of systematic workers with this class of literature, which will be mailed for five cents each. It contains blank for the name and address of those with whom you leave literature of this kind.

Address your State Tract Society.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY

Oakland, Cal.

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THE HELPER'S BAND.

By Editor

Do you wish to help carry the good news of a loving Saviour to the millions of poor children and grown-up people in Africa, who have never heard of Him. “Of course we do, but we have no money to send any one, and are not big enough to go ourselves,” we hear many of you say. Well, Our Little Friend has a plan that will help you. Listen while we tell you about it.

The Plan.

If you will take the subscriptions of one or more of your neighbors for this paper at 50 cents each we will use 20 cents of each 50 in helping the Mission Board carry this news to that country.

How to Join.

All you have to do to join this band is to send a new subscription, and tell us that 20 cents is to be used in this way. We will print the names of all who thus join this band in our columns. We will also tell you stories about the work in Africa, and how much the workers need the help of such a band.

The Rules.

1st. These subscriptions must be taken from families not now receiving the paper.

2d. In sending them in you must state that you are a member of the Helper's Band.

Who Are Joining?

As a sample of the way the above Band is receiving recruits, we quote the following letter:—

“OUR LITTLE FRIEND:—You will see I have joined the ‘Helper’s Band.’ I have stayed from school one day and a half and have gotten ten subscriptions to Our Little Friend to help send the truth to Africa.

“Trusting we may see some one in the new earth as a result of the silent messages carried by Our Little Friend, I remain,

“Yours very truly,

“[Signed] MARY PEARSE.”

Are there not many others who will gladly join our band in a similar way?

Our Little Friend,

Oakland, Cal.

Wanted: Stenographer and Typesetter

By Editor

Wanted by the Editorial department in the Pacific Press a young woman who understands stenography and wants to learn type-setting. Her time will be divided between these two occupations. If she does not know anything about type-setting, apprentice wages will be paid in that department. When doing stenographic work she will be paid according to knowledge, ability, and experience. The editor would like to correspond with applicants before coming, would like to have particulars from them as regards age, health, acquirements, experience, and religious convictions. We believe the position to be a good one for one who wants such a position.

A New Location.

By Editor

For years the management of the Pacific Press Publishing Company have felt that the land now occupied by their publishing house is too valuable, and land surface too cramped in the heart of a large city in a residence district, for factory purposes, and that it was wisdom in many ways to seek some rural place where land was less valuable, where homes in healthy surroundings could be secured by employees, with space sufficient for gardens, fruit trees, and breathing room; and where shipping advantages would be good. Such a place has been found and secured in the village of Mountain View, Santa Clara County, thirty-nine miles south of San Francisco, a place which combines many of the advantages of the city with the benefits of a healthy country life. We shall say more about this in the future, and shall have plenty of time to say it, as we shall not be able to move the plant until next summer. We believe that God has guided in this move, and we are sure our friends will be glad to congratulate us. We wish their prayers still, that the same kind Father may be over us in the establishment of the plant, and all that is incidental to it or connected with it.

Interfering with Funerals

What can be said in justification of the acts of trade unionists and their friends in interfering with funerals and preventing the burial of the dead, as in Chicago recently? Even in actual warfare the respective belligerents permit the last rites to be performed over those who are slain. Hatred, when the fruit of envy, is worse than all other hatred. It is unjustifiable, and when permitted to possess the heart renders its possessor a veritable demon.

Character Is More Than Coin

Character is more than coin; manhood is more than money. Trust in God is more than all commercial trusts which can be formed. Union with Jesus Christ is more than all the trade unions in the world. As never before in earth's history, honesty, manhood, large-heartedness, love of equality and liberty are demanded. But the man who possesses these things must stand alone many times, and to win the victory he must at all times be ready to go down to seeming defeat.

Mr. Langley’s Perseverance

By Editor

All sorts of jokes are flying about at Mr. Langley’s expense since his last futile attempt at propelling an air-ship. People will call him now all kinds of a crank and failure. Yet if it had been a success, how many of these would have fawned before him, and have felt exalted to walk in his shadow. We have not believed in the success of his plan, because we do not believe that men can learn to balance mechanically as a bird does naturally, automatically. But we do admire Mr. Langley’s grit and perseverance. There is much in it of the apostolic motto, “This one thing I do.” We are sorry his ship failed. We hope he has in his striving, even for a lost cause, helped to build a character which will abide. If his trials are helps in this direction they are not failures.

TO OUR READERS.

By Editor

There begins in this issue a beautiful, simple allegory entitled, “The Builders,” by Roderick S. Owen. The author has for years been a Bible teacher, and one well fitted to make the Bible plain. He has chosen this method of presenting important truth for this time. There are certain words in bold-face type in brackets which will help in the Biblical understanding of the story. We trust all will read it.

Next week we publish the first of a series of articles on the “History of Government” among men, by Alonzo Trevier Jones, author of “Two Republics,” “The Great Empires of the Bible,” “Ecclesiastical History,” “Rights of the People,” etc. These will be of great interest and full of instruction in these days of constant change. Never has one existed with which the people have been long satisfied. Will such a government ever exist? What shall be the government of the future? What lessons has history to teach upon this point? These articles have been solicited for the purpose of helping our many readers to become acquainted with this important subject.

But this is not all. There are many other things which we are furnishing and will furnish for our readers in the year to come to make the SIGNS better than ever before.

Graver Peril, Heavier Odds

"Graver Peril," "Heavier Odds."—The well-known writer Jacob A. Riis, recently remarked in a popular magazine:—

“Each generation sees the rush away from the land grow, sees the cities swell, with the same part ever in graver peril by the teeming crowds; sees character and individuality struggling with heavier odds. I do not know whether we are tending. I hope and believe we are safe, for I believe God made this nation for greater things than He has yet wrought with it.”

Mr. Riis hopes against all promise; believes against all evidence. Like other good patriots, his wish is father to his belief. The great swelling cities with their increasingly unnatural conditions are imperiling all national life, and crushing out individuality. Those will be grand characters for God who resist the awful current.

The Cost

The Cost.—A recent estimate declares that only 35 per cent of strikes succeed, 50 per cent fail, and 15 per cent are compromised. In the last score of years they have cost employers $150,000,000 and working men $300,000,000. How much they have cost in character and life is not given. These last items must be settled at the Court of Last Resort.

Christ’s Ministry Beyond Israel

The personal work of Christ when on earth is beyond comprehension. It is erroneous to suppose that His ministry was confined to the children of Israel—Jews in Judea and Galilee—together with their proselytes. Nor were the healing of the Syro-Phœnician girl and the nobleman’s son the only exceptions. In those cities on the Sea of Galilee, where He spent much time and did many mighty works, there was extensive trade with the East and North, and much travel in all directions. “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils,” etc. It is true that His personal mission was primarily to the Jews, giving them the opportunity to be the bearers of the Gospel of peace to the regions beyond; but His attitude toward others at all times was, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in nowise cast out.” The vast amount of personal work that Jesus did is but briefly touched in the record left to us. John, in closing his account, says: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.”

A Noble Worker.

By Editor

Dec. 8, 1903, died Henry Clay Trumbull, at the age of seventy-three and one-half years. We were about to say ripe age, and we will. We wish that he could have continued his work longer. Since 1875 he has been editor of the Sunday School Times, and during that time has diffused his own sweetness of disposition through it all. He said very little as to doctrine, but made very emphatic the principles of the practical life. He was eminent as an author, as an explorer, on the public platform, and as an editor, and very dear to many; but it is said that surpassing all this his greatest success was work for individual souls. One of his most helpful works is entitled, “Individual Work for Individuals.” We believe there is much light in God's Word that Dr. Trumbull did not see, but what he saw he used to the enlightening of many.

At the Door

“At the Door.”—There has come to our table a neat art booklet with the above title. There are in the little booklet forty-five engravings, the text of our Lord's discourse in Matthew 24, in large type, and historical notes on the text by F. E. Belden, showing the fulfilment of the various predictions of our Lord. The notes are at the end of the pages, and do not interfere with the text, tho helping greatly in its understanding. This booklet was promised to all who purchased of the author the engraving, “The Falling Stars and Niagara,” but the publication of the booklet was delayed by fire in the publishing house. Over 5,000 copies are now due those who paid for the engraving. All those who have changed their post-office address since receiving the picture should write at once, sending their correct address to F. E. Belden, Battle Creek, Mich. The booklet can be obtained alone; prices, 25 and 15 cents, according to paper. The book and picture, 50 cents. Special discounts in lots. The little booklet is impressive, and ought to have a good circulation.

Read the Sentinel of Christian Liberty

By Editor

How many of our readers are taking the Sentinel of Christian Liberty? There is not a citizen of this republic but what needs it, that he may know what is taking place in this country for the destruction of the liberty for which our forefathers fought. Send for a sample copy, 222 North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.

Iron and Steel.

If you want to know about the iron and steel industries of this immense country, you should procure a copy of the Scientific American of December 12. It is simply immense in matter and illustration. Price ten cents. Munn & Co., New York.

The Housing of the Poor.

—The worth of tenements is indicated in a measure by a fire which occurred in what is called “The House of All Nations” in the tenement district of New York, November 1. Only $7,000 damage was caused, but twenty-five lives were lost.