A house of worship is in process of erection at Linton, Ind.
The attendance at Walla Walla Colege the current term has reached 120, notwithstanding the hard times.
Increasing interest in meetings held at Loyalton, Pa., is reported by Brethren George W. Spies and W. J. Heckman.
Since the State camp meeting in Kansas, three churches have been organized,—at Williamsburg, at Pomona, and at Geneva.
The dedication of the new church at Bern, Kansas, was set for the 9th inst., Elder McReynolds and other ministers to officiate.
At Connersville, Ind., there is now a company of over twenty members, the result of tent effort the past season, and an early organization is anticipated.
The protracted meeting season annually observed by our people, and usually denominated "the week of prayer," will be held this year from December 22 to 30.
Meetings held in Clinton County, Mo., a few miles from Cameron, by Brother Wm. T. Millman, have resulted in the organization of a church of thirteen members.
Elder J. W. Watt reports encouragingly of the canvassing work in Indiana, the sales for the last month being greater than for the corresponding month last year.
The Kansas Worker says that Elder S. S. Shrock has been compelled by failing health to give up work for some time, and go to his home, at College View, Neb., for rest.
Elder O. A. Olsen, president of the General Conference, is at present in Battle Creek, Mich., where he expects to remain most of the time until after the General Conference.
The South African Conference began its session November 30, at Claremont, Cape Colony, and a Biblical institute connected with the Conference is to continue until January 8.
Although no official report has yet reached us, other reports speak very encouragingly of the good meetings in connection with the recent session of the Atlantic Conference at Washington, D. C.
Elder W. J. Stone reports the organization of a Sabbath school of fourteen members at Wicks, Mont. Also the baptism of six persons in Bitter Root Valley, where it is expected soon to organize a church.
The ministerial force of New York Conference has been augmented by the transfer of Brother George M. Ellis from Missouri. He begins labor at Fulton, where an interest has been created by Bible readings.
A little company in Bloomsburg, Pa., with a Sabbath school of fifteen members, reports accessions to the faith, although they have had no preaching service. It will be so with all companies whose members are walking in the light.13
Elder J. S. Washburn, of Southampton, England, reports large audiences at their meetings. One Sunday evening hundreds were turned away for want of room, although the hall has a seating capacity of 700.
A canvasser in the State of New York, writing to the Indicator, says: "I have obtained orders for 'Bible Readings' from some who had been canvassed over and over again for it, but would not subscribe. Now they are so eager to get the book that they even pay for it in advance."
Elder J. H. Morrison, superintendent of General Conference District No. 6 (Pacific Coast), was called to his home in College View, Neb., a few weeks ago on account of sickness in his family, and arrived just in time to witness the decease of his daughter Mable. He has the sympathy of his wide circle of acquaintances.
As usual during the session of General Conference, the Conference Bulletin will be issued daily, and during the preliminary institute it will be three times a week. The institute will begin February 1, from which time the Bulletin will be issued. The price during the institute and General Conference session will be 50 cents. Orders should be sent early, to A. O. Tait, Battle Creek, Mich., or to your State Tract Society.
Sometimes adversity begets energy. This is why it is permitted to come upon the Lord's people. If their opponents were always kind to them, they would come to rely upon that kindness, instead of trusting in God. This principle has been illustrated recently in Mason City, W. Va. The church in which our brethren met was closed against them, and the next day they started the enterprise of building a house, and report good success in soliciting funds.
East London, South Africa, is a seaport on the Indian Ocean. Elders George B. Thompson and Ira J. Hankins have labored there for about a year, having visited nearly every house, talked with the people, and preached in a hall. Elder Thompson writes, under date of October 29, that a "good many are investigating with interest, and a few have commenced to obey." He also states that a native Congregational minister has translated a tract, "Christ Tempted as We Are," into the Kaffir language, and it was then in the printer's hands.
Brother Richard Brown, of Ferndale, Humboldt County, Cal., gives us the encouraging assurance that "the word printed in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has been the means of leading seven persons into the Ferndale church." Our brethren in other churches where they have but little ministerial help may hereby learn a lesson in the matter of utilizing the help at hand. The labor and expense of putting the truth in printed form will be of little avail unless the brethren make use of it. Its usefulness consists, to a great extent, in helping the brethren to work:
A letter to the Union Record from Brother H. O. Bullen, of Shady Side, Md., shows that the trail of the dragon is there. He had been once tried on a charge of Sunday labor. He writes as follows: "The Sunday after my trial, my boat sails being wet, I went to open them, and a near-by neighbor came to me and said it was a sin to break the Christian sabbath, and said I must stop, and if the law did not compel me to, he would himself by force. He watched my house to see if I did any work, but as my wife was sick I had to be with her, so he did not have to use his power. He did not consider it any harm for him to watch me on the Christian sabbath, but he thought it a sin for me to go quietly and open my sails on that day. Another good Sunday keeper said he thought it a sin for one to dig potatoes Sunday, and said if I did not stop it he would make me. My house is watched ever Sunday now, and they say they feel bad that I won't keep it nor let them keep it; so I suppose it is very hard for Satan."
LIFE'S MISSION.
By R. H. Stoddard
Though thou shouldst live a thousand years,
Whatever fate gives,
Or what refuses,
Let this support thee in thy fears,
Let this console thee in thy tears,
Man loses but the life he lives,
And only lives the life he loses.
Longest and shortest are but one;
The present is the same to all;
The past is done with and forgot;
The future is not yet begun;
Nothing from either can befall,
For none can lose what he has not.
All things from all eternity
Come round and round the whirling spheres;
It makes no difference if we see
The same things for a hundred years
Or for a million. They are here.
Who longest lives, who shortest dies,
Loses the same sweet earth and skies,
For they remain—we disappear.
—R. H. Stoddard.
Ninety-six Pages
Large Print
Good Paper
Strong Binding
This book, which is 8x10½ inches and ½ inch in thickness, tells of the story of the life of Christ in a way that cannot fail to interest the little folks. Although not published by our people, it is exceptionally free from doctrinal errors, and should be in every family where there are children to be taught a Saviour's love. The illustrations add very much to its educational value. Price, only 50 cents.
Address . . . .
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By Editor
George Neice, St. Augustine, Knox County, Ill., desires late copies of the American Sentinel for missionary work.
The Christian Help Bands organized by our student brethren at Ann Arbor, Mich., desire copies of Our Little Friend for their kindergarten schools among poor children. Address, Arthur Herr, 21 E. Jefferson Street, Ann Arbor, Mich.
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CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers.
Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study. Sunday at 7:30 P.M. and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:00 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P. M. All are cordially invited.
San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free.
Chicago, Illinois.—Church on Forty-sixth Street between Michigan and Wabash Avenues. Sabbath school 9:30 A.M.; preaching service 11 A.M. Prayer meeting 3:30 P.M. every Sabbath, also Tuesday evening 7 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday evening 7 P.M. All are cordially invited.
Los Angeles.—Church at 145 Carr Street, between Main and Hill Streets. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45 A.M., and preaching service at 11 A.M. Prayer meeting Tuesday evening. Missionary meeting Thursday evening. All are welcome. 926 Hill Street. BELLE P. BAKER, Clerk.
East Portland, Oregon.—Church at corner of Eleventh and East Everett Streets. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free.
Washington, D. C.—Church on Eighth Street between F and G Streets, N. E. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school, 9:45 A.M. Sunday, 7:30 P.M., Bible study. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 P.M. All are welcome. H. W. HERRELL, Clerk.
Sacramento.—Church on G Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching service at 11 A.M. Sunday at 7:30 P.M. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30. Seats free. All are cordially invited.
Pasadena.—Church at corner of Summit Ave. and Mountain Street. Sabbath services every Sabbath at 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Prayer meeting every Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Tuesday 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited. Box 261. O. S. SMYTH, Clerk.
St. Paul, Minn.—Church on Greenbriar Avenue, between Jenks and Clawson Streets. Regular preaching services on Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Tuesday evening at 7:45. All are cordially invited. NETTIE MCSTAY, Clerk.
Boston, Mass.—Church worships at United Fellowship Hall, 1371 Washington Street. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching at 11 A.M. All are welcome. George B. Wheeler, pastor. Residence at 166 1/2 Ferry Street, Everett, Mass.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PAMPHLETS.—"Religious Intolerance in the Republic," price two cents. "Due Process of Law and the Divine Right of Dissent," price 15 cents. "The Captivity of the Republic," by A. T. Jones, price 15 cents, or the three postpaid for 30 cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland Cal.
ONE MOTHER OR PRIMARY TEACHER ONE
WANTED IN EVERY CHURCH
To introduce the BIBLE KINDERGARTEN METHOD FOR THE HOME AND SCHOOL, on the life of Christ, as taught in "Bible Object Lessons and Songs for Little Ones," with its Kindergarten Material. Beautiful prospectus, showing the four styles of binding, sample lessons, songs, etc., only 75 cents, postpaid, with full instructions so that any intelligent lover of children can succeed as our representative. Price of prospectus refunded on first order for ten books. Liberal terms to agents. Send for descriptive circulars, and recommendations by leading workers in all religious denominations. New, but already in use in nearly 2,000 schools and homes. Address, BIBLE KINDERGARTEN AND MUSIC CO., or F. E. BELDEN, 4331 Indiana Ave., CHICAGO.
International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."—Neh. 8:8
LESSON XII.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1894.
THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
[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.]
THE people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy; they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian.
For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall even be for burning, for fuel of fire.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with judgment and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.
Golden Text: "Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end." Verse 7.
NOTE.—There can be no question but what this prophecy is spoken of our Lord Jesus Christ and his future. It was given probably in the time of Ahaz, about 733 years before Christ. It was delivered in Jerusalem, the prophet's home, to Judah, the prophet's people, at a time when Judah was in great darkness, and therefore in great need of light. This darkness was typical of the greater darkness of the world, and the only light which could lighten that darkness was Christ Jesus, "the Light of the world."
In speaking of Christ and his mission, what does the prophet say that the people who walk in great darkness have seen? Verse 2.
To what extent had the light shone upon them?
What does he say that God had done respecting the nation? Verse 3.
What is said of their joy?
What caused this joy? Verse 4. Note 1.
What is said of the enemies who rise up against God's people? Verse 5.
Through whom does this joy come? Verse 6, first part.
What relation should this Son sustain to the government of the people of God? Verse 6, second clause.
What should his name be called? Verse 6, last part. Note 2.
What is said of the increase of his government and of peace?
Upon whose throne will he sit? Note 3.
By what power will all this be accomplished? Verse 7, last part.
NOTES.
1. The prophet seems to see the bondage in which Israel had been to other nations as symbolical of the bondage of sin, and the joy when release came from Israel's bondage as typical of the joy which comes when delivered from sin. He says that the yoke of Israel's burden has been broken by the Lord, and it is because of this that Israel rejoices. This looks forward not simply to Christ's first coming, but to his second coming, when the rod of the oppressor shall be utterly broken, and he shall enter upon his reign of peace.
2. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, etc.—The marginal reading unites the two words, making them Wonderful Counselor. Truly, that is what Christ is to his people. In him dwelleth "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," and he bids us, if we lack wisdom, to come to him and obtain it. He is the mighty God; he is one with the Father. When he came he came in the fullness of God. He was "God manifest in the flesh." When he comes again, it will be the appearing of "the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." He is "the Everlasting Father," that is, all those who are born into his kingdom are begotten through his word. The New Jerusalem is the mother. Gal. 4:26. The union of the two at last, when Christ takes his kingdom, will be the marriage of the Lamb, and those who are saved from sin will be the children and guests. He is the "Prince of Peace," because he is the one who makes peace between the sinner and God. The apostle says, "For he is our peace." Eph. 2:14. If we accept of him, we have peace with God.
3. The throne of David.—It will be seen by referring to the 72d Psalm that the promise to David and his seed included the entire world, even as the promise to Abraham included the world. See Rom. 4:13. To David's seed it was said, "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth;" and so we are told in Dan. 7:27 that the "kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High." Christ is their King.
13. AND behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was threescore furlongs from Jerusalem.
14. And they communed with each other of all these things which had happened.
15. And it came to pass, while they communed and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17. And he said unto them, What communications are these that ye have one with another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking sad.
18. And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him, Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19. And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;
20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21. But we hoped that it was he which should redeem Israel. Yea and beside all this, it is now the third day since these things came to pass.
22. Moreover certain women of our company amazed us, having been early at the tomb;
23. And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24. And certain of them that were with us went to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said; but him they saw not.
25. And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
26. Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?
27. And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they were going; and he made as though he would go further.
29. And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them.
30. And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32. And they said one to another, Was not our heart burning within us, while he spake to us in the way, while he opened to us the Scriptures?
33. And they rose up that very hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34. Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35. And they rehearsed the things that happened in the way, and how he was known of them in the breaking of the bread.
1. On what day of the week was it that Jesus rose from the dead?
2. To what place did two of the disciples go that same day?
3. How far distant was it from Jerusalem?
4. What did they do as they walked along?
5. As they thus reasoned together, who joined them?
6. Did they recognize him?
7. What question did he put to them?
8. What was their astonished reply?
9. What did they say about Jesus?
10. What did they say that they had hoped?
11. By what did they say they had been astonished?
12. Of what were they still in doubt?
13. How did Jesus then address them?
14. What question did he ask them?
15. What did he then proceed to do?
16. Where did he begin?
17. When they reached the village, what did Jesus seem about to do?
18. What did the two disciples do?
19. When they sat down to supper, what did Jesus do?
20. What immediately took place?
21. What did the two say to each other?
22. What did they do the same hour?
23. What did they find when they reached Jerusalem?
24. What did the eleven say to them as they entered?
25. What did the two then relate?
26. Was their story believed by the eleven? Mark 16: 12, 13.
NOTES.
1. Jesus will not force his presence upon anybody. He made as if he would have gone further, and so he would if the two had not asked him to come in. He is willing to come in and sup with everyone, but waits for an invitation. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
2. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?" In this we find out what is meant by expounding the Scriptures. Jesus expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself; and this was simply opening the Scriptures to them, and letting the truth that is in them shine forth. "The opening of thy words giveth light." Ps. 119: 130, Revised Version.
3. "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?" The same experience may be had to-day. Jesus says, "Lo, I am with you alway." His presence is as real as when he walked with the two disciples to Emmaus. His Spirit will open the Scriptures to his people now as well as then; and any disciple, however humble, may have that presence, and may have his heart made to glow as he is taught by the Master.
4. The two disciples went back to Jerusalem the same hour, although it was late. They could not keep the good news to themselves. They found the eleven gathered together, discussing what Peter and the others had told them. Some make the mistake of reading verses 23 and 24 as though it was the two disciples that said, "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared unto Simon;" but it will at once appear that this was not so when we consider that the two did not know that Peter had seen Jesus. All they knew about was "the vision of angels" which the women had seen. Besides, if they had known of what Peter had seen, that would not likely have been the first thing on their lips. They were full of the revelation that had been made to them, and the first thing they told was that which they had come all the way from Emmaus to tell. The difficulty has arisen over the fact that Mark says that the eleven did not believe the story of the two. But their minds were in a whirl of excitement. They had accepted Peter's story, but now when these two came and told them how they had seen Jesus at Emmaus, they were ready to disbelieve everything. They did not yet understand the scriptures which set forth that Christ must needs have suffered, and then enter into glory.
