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Signs of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 15.

CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN
Earlier text: The Christ of the Ages

The Sabbath School

International Series.
LESSON V.—SABBATH, MAY 1, 1897.

The Prayer of Christ.

Lesson Scripture, John 17:1-13, R. V.
“These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that whatsoever thou hast given him, to them he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee; 8 for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; 10 for they are thine; and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

Questions.

1. What did Jesus do after speaking these words?
2. With what statement did he open his prayer?
3. What was the first petition? What was its purpose?
4. What power did he acknowledge that he had received?
5. What did he declare to be eternal life?
6. What had Christ accomplished during his earthly career?
7. What petition did he base upon this fact?
8. What had he done to his followers?
9. How did they come to be followers of Christ? What had been their experience?
10. What had his followers learned?
11. What had Christ imparted to them? With what result?
12. For whom did he pray? How is the statement repeated?
13. What statements show the complete union of the Father and the Son?
14. What change was coming in Christ’s experience? Where were his followers? What petition does he make in their behalf?
15. What had Christ done for them? To what extent was this true? Upon what did the exception rest?
16. Where was Christ about to go?
17. With what intent was he saying these things?

Notes.

1. In verse 2 we learn that Christ was given power or authority to give eternal life to as many as the Father had given him. By comparing this verse with verses 6-12 we learn who were given to him, namely, those who keep God’s Word. See verse 6, last clause. The reason why Judas was lost was because he forsook Jesus, and thus departed from God’s Word. So when we yield our hearts to God, to keep his Word, and do not forsake Jesus, we will be “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5.
2. To know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, will make a person a Christian, a true child of God, because he who knows God truly will love and obey him. By beholding we become changed into the same image. 2 Cor. 3:18. Our love for God will be in proportion to our acquaintance with him. Hence, eternal life is sure to those who know God; for they are connected with the source of life.
3. “In the intercessory prayer of Jesus with his Father, he claimed that he had fulfilled the conditions which made it obligatory upon the Father to fulfil his part of the contract made in heaven with regard to fallen man. He prayed: ‘I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [That is, he had wrought out a righteous character on earth as an example for men to follow.] And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.’”—Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 260.
4. “I pray for them.” “The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God’s right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to him. We may trust in our Advocate, for he pleads his own merits in our behalf. Hear his prayer before his betrayal and trial, . . . and let every word be engraven upon the tablets of the soul.”—Review and Herald, August 15, 1893.

Suggestions for Further Study.

1. Why are people destroyed? Compare Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13; Jer. 8:7, and John 4:22. What, then, is our mission?
2. Do you also glorify God in the earth? How? See John 15:8.
3. To what did Jesus refer in verse 5, when he prayed the Father to glorify him with the glory which he (Christ) had with him before the world was? Compare also with verse 22 in the next lesson.
4. How does the Father respond to the request in verse 11? See Zech. 2:8.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

BROTHER E. E. GARDNER reports six converts at Ladoga, Iowa, and the work there was encouraging.
THE company at Kilmarnock, Va., have erected a new meeting-house. Elder C. A. Watkins has been holding meetings there with a view to organization and dedication.
PROF. W. E. HOWELL, recently a teacher in Healdsburg College, sailed from San Francisco for Honolulu, H. I., on the 2d inst., for the purpose of working up a school interest at the latter place.
MEETINGS held at the village of Levey, Iowa, by Brethren F. A. Washburn and C. T. Adams, resulted in the conversion of twenty persons and the organization of a Sabbath-school of thirty members.
APRIL 7. Elders W. W. Prescott and O. A. Olsen sailed from New York, the former for England and the latter for the continent of Europe. It is expected that Elder Olsen will also go to South Africa for a season.
BROTHER S. M. JACOBS, manager of the Industrial School Farm near Huntsville, Ala., reports to the Iowa Bulletin that “the school is running along nicely.” They plowed fifty acres in February. The fruit trees were in bloom, and the prospect was promising.
THE annual meeting of the Iowa State Conference will be held at Nevada, May 29-31. This meeting will be held in connection with a local camp-meeting, it having been decided not to hold a State camp-meeting this spring, but to hold a greater number of local meetings instead.
WE are informed by letter that Elder J. C. Bunch, who has been laboring in the vicinity of Milton, Fla., died on March 27, aged 69 years 5 months and 28 days. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. S. H. Chappelle, of the M. E. Church South.
SISTER FLORENCE HARPER reports to the Echoes that she has been laboring in a part of Pueblo, Colo., where there are people speaking seven different languages—English, French, Polish, Italian, Swedish, German, and Spanish. There are many opportunities for doing foreign mission work at home.
THIS good report from Brother B. W. Marsh is from the Echoes, of Denver, Colo.: “The Lord’s blessing rests upon the work in Howard. Seventeen are now keeping the commandments of God and rejoicing in the salvation of a precious Saviour. Besides this number the children have caught the Spirit of Christ, and several have expressed a desire to unite with us and keep the commandments, too.”
FROM a private letter from Elder C. B. Tripp, now in Matabeleland, Central Africa, dated February 7, and published in the Minnesota Worker, we take the following: “There is a rich blessing to every soul who moves out in the opening providence of the Lord. To many, the thought of coming to Central Africa is quite a bugbear, but when you are here, you find you are still in the world, surrounded with human beings—the purchase of the precious blood of our Saviour, and just as precious in his sight as those in America. Then the Lord is just as near here, in Central Africa, as in any part of the world. It is not as it was twenty years ago, and is nearing civilization rapidly. In a year from now we expect the railroad at Buluwayo; then we are not so far separated from the world as one might imagine. . . . I suppose you know our family has increased since coming here. We have been here about a year and a half, and our own children, including George, number eleven, all black but George. We have taken ten native children as our own, whom we feed and clothe from our own funds.”
FOUR candidates were baptized in the baptistry of the church in this city after the missionary meeting on the evening of the 7th inst. They were united to the church in Alameda. Appropriate remarks were made by Elder M. C. Wilcox.
On the new Religious Liberty Library pamphlet, No. 46, entitled “Baptist Principles of Religious Liberty,” the publishers have this testimonial from Dr. Wayland, editor of the Examiner, leading Baptist organ: “I have read your pamphlet on ‘Baptist Principles of Religious Liberty’ with great interest and with entire sympathy. I believe that Sunday laws have frequently been used as a means of infamous oppression. . . . I hope you will continue your efforts for the promotion of religious liberty.” Baptists should read this pamphlet; it was written by one who was a Baptist minister for fifteen years. Price, 6 cents.
THE delegates to the late General Conference, at College View, Neb., who went eastward by way of Chicago, visited the Working Men’s Home in that city, and partook of a penny breakfast. The editor of the Cleveland Welcome Visitor has this to say of the breakfast and of the institution:—
“The soup was pronounced good by all, and the measure liberal. The Home is located in one of the worst parts of Chicago, and this day was crowded with men, as it was raining. We learned that about seventy gallons of soup were served daily. The reading-room, used also for a dining-room, is cleaned three times a day, all the men being sent out. Many wait outside until the door is opened, to return again. Up one flight of steps and we were brought to the large dormitory, where about three hundred men find beds. These, with a number more, on the third floor, accommodate about 480 men. For ten cents each man receives a ticket entitling him to a bath and a bed. If he attempts to go to bed without the bath, it is detected at the check-room and he is required to take the bath first. He then goes to the check-room, a sort of ante-room to the dormitory, and deposits his clothing, for which he receives a check, which he hangs about his neck. This is done to prevent the men from stealing each other’s clothing during the night. The beds are arranged in double berth style. Religious service is held every morning after breakfast, a Bible reading in the afternoon, and preaching or Gospel service in the evening. We were surprised to learn that out of the forty helpers, all but six were converts from the class of men who frequent this place. The blessing of the Lord has rested upon this work in a wonderful manner, and there have been some marked conversions. To visit this home is to appreciate its work.”

IMPORTANT TRACTS.

Bible Students’ Library No. 75, “Living by Faith,” by Elder E. J. Waggoner, our London editor. The object of this number is to show how the Christian may live and grow up in Christ. It contains precious instruction. Price, 2 cents.
Bible Students’ Library No. 104, “Justified by Faith,” by Mrs. E. G. White. The means by which the sinner is pardoned and justified is given careful attention throughout. It also takes up the question as to what constitutes the first steps in the work of salvation. A valuable number. Price, 2 cents.
Bible Students’ Library No. 105, “The Way to Christ,” by the same author as No. 104. The commandments of God are shown to contain the whole duty of man. While man has miserably failed in the performance of this duty, he still has a “way to Christ” provided. How this has been done is one of the questions answered in this tract. It contains 16 pages. Price, 2 cents.
Bible Students’ Library No. 125, “The Privilege of Prayer,” by the same author as Nos. 104 and 105. It contains precious instruction on this vital subject, which is so closely connected with the Christian life and growth. It should be carefully and prayerfully read by every follower of Christ. Sixteen pages; price, 2 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal. New York City, N. Y. Kansas City, Mo.

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BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL, Battle Creek, Mich.

STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING.

By N. C. McClure; Wm. Ings

The stockholders of Healdsburg College corporation will hold their sixteenth annual meeting on Monday, April 19, 1897, at the south college building, in Healdsburg, California, at 10:30 A.M., for the purpose of electing a board of seven trustees, to serve one year, from the above date, and to transact such other business as shall be brought before said meeting. N. C. McCLURE, President. Wm. Ings, Secretary.

News and Notes

FOREIGN.

—By a vote of the German Reichstag on April 2 the law excluding Jesuits was repealed, after a hot debate.
—At Lisbon, Portugal, on April 6, twenty persons were killed and many others injured by an explosion in a fireworks factory.
—Colonel Vassos, commander of the Greek troops in Crete, has been raised by his government to the rank of general.
—The number of lives lost by accident on British merchant ships during the past year, as reported by the British Board of Trade, was 1,897.
—The Spanish minister of war has telegraphed to acting Captain-General Ahumada, at Cuba, not to try General Ruiz Rivera immediately by court-martial.
—It is reported that the Russian Government has requested the king of Denmark to use his good offices in the settlement of the Cretan question by arbitration.
—Chulalongkorn I., king of Siam, has announced his intention of making a tour of the world. He will first visit Europe, and will then pass through the United States.
—In view of the approaching jubilee of the queen of England, E. T. Hooley, a wealthy Jew of London, has taken opportunity to devote $2,000,000 to charitable enterprises.
—The Spanish Government has cabled General Weyler, giving him instructions to carry into effect the reforms which the Cabinet recently agreed to institute in the island.
—Rain is now reported to be falling plentifully in the famine-stricken districts of India, and it is expected that the next crop will alleviate to a large extent the sufferings of the people.
—A report from Montevideo, Uruguay, dated April 2, states that the national troops have defeated the rebels with severe loss, but that 500 Brazilians have crossed the border to assist the insurgents.
—Advices from Constantinople state that Turkish military preparations, which had been suspended for some days, have been renewed with great energy, £300,000 having been subscribed for this purpose.
—At Malaga, Spain, on April 4, bands of starving working people broke out in open riot, destroyed property, and seized large sums of money. The condition of affairs in Andalusia is said to be growing worse daily.
—At a cabinet meeting in Paris on April 1, the Minister for the Colonies was authorized to present to the Chamber of Deputies a bill providing for the expenditure of 80,000,000 francs for the purpose of building war ships.
—The Vali of Monastir is said to have discovered many abuses in the supply of provisions and munitions of war to the Turkish army, among which was a shipment of alleged gunpowder, which was found to consist chiefly of sand.
—Guatemala is reported to be in a turmoil over her elections. President Barrios and his former minister of war represent the opposing factions, and both parties are bringing every possible influence to bear to defeat their opponents.
—The Austrian Cabinet resigned on April 2, and it was expected that Count Badeni, the president of the council of ministers, would be intrusted with the task of reconstructing the Cabinet; but the emperor refused to accept the resignation.
—It is reported on good authority that to the Germans is due the efficient manner in which the Turkish troops have been mobilized on the Macedonian frontier, and that the plans of the campaign have been prepared by able strategists at Berlin.
—Despatches from St. Petersburg state that the czar is in a very bad condition mentally. He is said to be very morose, speaking to no one unless compelled to do so to make known his wants, and keeps himself shut up in his bedchamber day after day.
—C. E. Ackers, correspondent of the London Times, in a letter to the New York World, declares that the worst horrors of Crete and Armenia are equaled by Spanish barbarities in Cuba, and states that it is the moral duty of the United States to stop the war.
—The two factions of the Samoan natives, taking advantage of the absence of war ships, are preparing for an encounter. Chief Tamasesse is stirring up a revolt against king Malietoa, and is reported to have a strong following. It is feared that a collision may occur at any time.
—The powers have warned the Turkish and Grecian Governments that in the event of hostilities on the Macedonian frontier, the aggressor will be held answerable for all the consequences of a disturbance of the peace, and that, whatever might be the result of a struggle between these two nations, the aggressors would not be allowed to derive the slightest advantage should they be victorious.
—The Russian Government is now contemplating a proposition to connect the Black and Baltic Seas by an artificial waterway, which will be 1,000 miles long. The estimated cost is $500,000,000. It is considered that this canal would nearly double the efficiency of the Russian navy.
—Advices from Rio Janeiro state that the Brazilian rebels continue to gain ground in Bahia. The head of General Moreira, whom the fanatics captured in battle, is used as an ensign for the rebels when in action. The ghastly trophy is carried in the van of the forces, transfixed on a pike.
—The Uruguayan rebels are now reported to have captured the town of Artigas, and are also collecting duties on the Brazilian frontier. Their army, numbering 6,000 men, is also reported to be in active pursuit of the government forces, who dare not risk an engagement on account of the disparity of numbers.
—The sultan of Zanzibar has issued a decree abolishing slavery, but providing that the existing rights over concubines shall remain as heretofore, unless such persons claim freedom on account of cruelty. The government will pay compensation for all slaves legally held, and the concubines will be regarded as wives.
—On April 3 a band of Cretan insurgents, while under a flag of truce, were attacked by a company of Mussulmans on the plain near Akrotiri, and a fierce fight ensued, in the presence of the international troops, who were powerless to stop the engagement. As a result of the fight fifty Moslems, killed or wounded, were borne into the city.
—The Spanish report decisive victories over the Philippine Island insurgents. Simultaneously with the attack on the insurgent stronghold by land, the Spanish gunboats shelled a number of seaport towns which had been fortified by the rebels. The insurgent losses are said to be very heavy, and 1,630 prisoners surrendered as a result of the shelling of Cavilevego.
—From an emigration bill recently submitted to the Reichstag, it appears that it is the settled policy of the German Government to turn the stream of German emigrants elsewhere than to the United States. A German emigration company, having the patronage of the government, has secured a tract of 1,700,000 acres of fertile land in Brazil, and thither it is expected that many of Germany’s emigrants will flock.
—April 6 the anniversary of Grecian independence was celebrated throughout the kingdom with marked enthusiasm; but the expected outbreak of hostilities between the Greeks and Turks on the border in consequence of the memorable occasion, did not occur. The leaders of the Greek army on that day assembled at the headquarters of Prince Constantine, and demanded immediate aggressive movements.
—A late despatch from Havana states that while Gen. Ruiz Rivera was being conveyed from San Cristobal to Havana the train was captured by the insurgents, and that Rivera is at liberty among them once more. During the week the insurgents have captured two of the forts which the Spanish had erected along the trocha, and secured the arms and ammunition contained therein. Gen. Julio Sanguilly, who was released from a Cuban prison on account of being an American citizen, is under arrest in the United States for attempting to conduct a filibustering expedition to Cuba. A New York World special from Havana states that the Spanish jail at Calabazar, Havana Province, was raided by the insurgents, and eighteen prisoners who were to be shot this week were liberated.
—The blockade of Greece which was threatened in connection with the blockade of Crete, and was to have taken place several days ago, has not yet been enforced, and many believe that it will not be. The powers seem unable to make a concerted move in this direction. Several times it has seemed as though a decisive point was reached, when some one or more of the “concert” powers would refuse to participate. Germany now shows signs of being willing to step completely out of the Cretan embroglio, and Austria has refused to send any more troops to the troubled island. France, which some days ago was unwilling to coerce Greece, is now about to send an additional force of men to Crete; and England’s attitude in the matter is very uncertain. Russia threatens King George, and at the same time it is reported that the Russian Government is making a proposition to Greece which will give her all she asks. The Cretan insurgents are now forcing the fighting, especially in the vicinity of Candia. There were conflicts in various parts of the island on April 7, and in every instance the insurgents were the aggressors. Turkey has at last proposed to withdraw her troops from Crete on condition that Greece will withdraw hers, and that the powers will agree to restore order in the island.

DOMESTIC.

—The Senate of the State of Minnesota has passed a bill authorizing the issuing of bonds for the construction of its new $2,000,000 capitol.
—On April 3 the House adopted the Senate resolution providing for the chartering of a vessel to carry provisions to the starving people of India.
—An “April fool” joke played on a blacksmith of Phoenicia, N. Y., by John Graham, resulted in the death of the latter by a bullet from the enraged blacksmith.
—Secretary Gage has taken steps looking to the better enforcement of the immigration laws which prohibit the admission into this country of alien women of immoral character.
—Four thousand men were forced out of employment on April 7 in Chicago by the closing of the works of the Illinois Steel Company. The action is taken by the officials to head off a strike.
—At the Grant memorial ceremonies in New York several thousand Confederate veterans will join in the parade, and will give the famous “rebel yell” along the route and at the tomb of Grant.
—William J. Bryan is heading a movement for the preservation of the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson as a national reservation, and will urge that Congress make an appropriation for the purchase of the property.
—The Western Pennsylvanian states that Schrader, the “divine healer,” visited Pittsburg some time ago, and, finding no business, hired himself out to a dime museum, where he healed (?) all who applied. But few applied, and the receipts would not warrant the museum management in retaining him.
—Nicola Tesla, the famous electrician, has made an important discovery in the field of electricity which bids fair to revolutionize the present systems of electric lighting. His “electric oscillators” do away with the necessity of the induction coils, and the light is produced from either direct or alternating currents.
—The McKinley administration proposes to adopt a vigorous policy toward the Turkish Government for the settlement of the claims preferred by this government on account of the destruction of American missionary property and outrages to American missionaries during the Armenian massacres of 1895. These claims amount to $150,000.
—The Philadelphia, flag-ship of the Pacific squadron, sailed for Honolulu on April 8, under sealed orders. It is rumored that this action is taken in view of the expected uprising of the Japanese population in Hawaii, and the fact that a Japanese cruiser is now on its way to Hawaii to enforce certain demands of the Japanese Government.
—The new battle-ship Iowa, which had her trial trip on April 7, earned for her makers the sum of $200,000 by making an even record of seventeen knots an hour for four hours. This is the last of the war vessels on which the government will pay a premium for a higher rate of speed than called for in the contract. This battle-ship will be the most formidable of the American navy.
—A Seattle, Washington, firm is planning to build two stern-wheel steamers for navigating the headwaters of the Yukon in Alaska. When these are completed, those going to the gold fields of Alaska will proceed to the head of Lynn Canal, then over the mountains to Lake Bennet, in British territory, and thence down the Yukon to the gold regions, making the trip from Seattle in about two weeks.
—Sailor Ramsey, an American seaman and an officer on the steamer Cambrian Monarch, was arrested several months ago in Peru for disorderly conduct, and sentenced, without trial, to one year’s imprisonment. This being contrary to the treaty between the two powers, the United States Government demanded the release of Ramsey. The demand was refused for some time, and it was feared the circumstance might lead to serious trouble. The Peruvian Government has finally acceded to the demand, and Ramsey is once more free.
—The Senate of Wisconsin, on April 1, passed a bill prohibiting any kind of betting or pool selling in the State. If the bill receives the governor’s signature, it will “be unlawful for any person or corporation to engage in pool selling or book making, or occupy a building of any kind for registering any kind of bets on the result of any kind of contest of skill, speed, or power of endurance of man or beast, or upon any event or occurrence of any kind whatever, the result of which is uncertain.” The penalty for infraction of this law will be from $100 to $500, and imprisonment for ninety days.
—The whole valley of the Mississippi, together with many of her tributaries, is in a deplorable condition, from the floods, that have now been pounding at the dikes and levees for nearly a month. Continual rains, blizzards, and high winds keep all the rivers and streams in the valley at the danger line, and even the defenses of some of the large cities near the Mississippi or her swollen tributaries are looked upon with grave misgivings. In scores of places the levees have been broken, villages are submerged, and relief steamers in some instances have to go fifteen miles inland to rescue isolated parties, or carry relief to small towns cut off from communication with the surrounding country.

The Sunday School

International Series.

LESSON V.—SUNDAY, MAY 2, 1897.

Paul Begins His First Missionary Journey.

NOTE.—After some sixteen years of growth, the church now sends out her first missionaries to the Gentiles, and in this and succeeding lessons we will follow the journeys of these men to the different peoples for whom they labored. The lesson section includes also the account of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:1–30 and Gal. 1:13–24. In teaching these lessons the use of the map will be essential. It may be well also to mention that from this time on Saul is known by his Roman name of Paul (little). Claudius Caesar is still ruling Rome, and Cuspius is governor of Judea.
Lesson Scripture, Acts 13:1–13, R. V.
“Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
“So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had also John as their attendant. And when they had gone through the whole island unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus; which was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. The same called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the Word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, fastened his eyes on him, and said, O full of all guile and all villany, thou son of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”
“Now Paul and his company set sail for Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.”
Golden Text.—“Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What gifts of the Spirit were represented in the church at Antioch? Verse 1, first part. (2) Who are mentioned as having these gifts? Ib., last part. Note 1. (3) What command came to the church at this time? Verse 2. Note 2. (4) What solemn ceremony was performed over the departing missionaries? Verse 3. (5) Where did they go? Verse 4. Note 3. (6) At Salamis to whom did they preach? Verse 5, first part. Note 4. (7) Who was with them, acting as their assistant? Ib., last clause. Note 5. (8) Whom did they meet at Paphos? Verse 6. Note 6. (9) What important position did this sorcerer hold? Verse 7, first part. Note 7. (10) What did this proconsul desire of Barnabas and Saul? Ib., last part. (11) In view of the expected loss of his position, what course did the sorcerer take? Verse 8. (12) What was Saul then moved to do? Verse 9. Note 8. (13) How did the apostle address him? Verse 10. (14) What judgment did Saul pronounce upon Elymas? Verse 11, first part. Note 9. (15) What was the effect of the words pronounced upon Bar-jesus? Ib., last part. (16) Seeing this manifestation of power, what did the deputy, or proconsul, do? Verse 12. (17) How was he affected by the teaching of the Lord? Ib. (18) To what place did the apostle and his company next sail? Verse 13, first part. (19) Locate these places on the map. (20) To what place did John go? Verse 13. Note 10.

NOTES.

1. The Barnabas here mentioned is the same who, “having land, sold it,” and laid the money at the apostles’ feet. He was a native of the island of Cyprus. One writer says of Barnabas that he was “born of rich parents, who sent him to be trained at Jerusalem under Gamaliel. There he formed an early friendship with Paul. He was a witness of our Lord’s miracles, and was converted by the healing of the impotent man at Bethesda. He then was the means of converting his sister Mary and her son Mark.” “Niger was a common Roman name, and therefore there is no reason to suppose that he was an African, and was called Niger on account of his dark complexion.”—Meyer. Cyrene was a province of northern Africa; and there is a strong supposition that this Lucius was one of the men of Cyrene mentioned in Acts 11:19, 20, who were instrumental in bringing the Gospel to Antioch. Manaen must have been a person of considerable influence, as well as a man of piety and great strength of character. The association with Herod the Tetrarch, how different was the character developed in the two men. Manaen had abundant opportunity to become as bad a man as his boyhood companion, but what a gulf separates the unrestricted indulgence of the one and the manly, Christian self-restraint of the other!
2. And fasted.—The earnestness of the early church to know the will of the Lord and to keep themselves in a condition to receive his blessing and guidance is clearly shown in this verse. The time had arrived for the church to begin a broader work than she had yet done. The church is in the proper condition to receive the divine command; the command is given, and a new era is marked in the work of God.
3. Seleucia.—This city was the seaport of Antioch, and was distant from it about sixteen and one-half miles. The island of Cyprus was southwest of Seleucia, and nearly 100 miles distant. It is about sixty miles wide, and about 150 long. It was the old home of Barnabas, and no doubt many of his friends and acquaintances with whom he would have influence still lived there. The Gospel had already been preached there to some extent by the Christians who were scattered by the persecution.
4. Preached . . . in the synagogues.—It seems to have been the custom of the apostles to preach first to the Jews, to give them the first opportunity of accepting the truth of Christ’s Messiahship, and then to extend the same privilege to any who would hear. There were many Jews in Cyprus, numbers of whom were working in the copper mines of that place.
5. John.—This is John Mark, author of the Gospel according to Mark, who was a cousin of Barnabas. Col. 4:10, R. V.
6. A certain sorcerer.—Note the different terms applied to him. He was a sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, and was known also as Bar-jesus (son of Jesus), and Elymas (which means a magician). He was false in more senses than being unable to do what he professed to do; for being a Jew, he knew that any such pretensions as he made were false, and it seems to have been his aim to mislead and to teach falsehood for his own profit.
7. Which was with the deputy.—The deputy was a proconsul, or governor, appointed by the State, and Elymas was one of his train, a “friend or associate.” The position which he held was an honorable one, but it was also one which would try the character of the one holding it. Professor Ramsay states that “in the east it is always believed that the governor’s friend may influence his judgment; and every suppliant, every litigant, and every criminal, tries to propitiate or to bribe the friend.” He was in a position where he might have done much good; but the glitter of gold was brighter to him than the purity of a spotless character.
8. Set his eyes on him.—“With an intent and piercing gaze that looked into his very soul.”—Peloubet. The verse would seem to indicate that Paul was specially empowered for this act; that he was specially filled with the Holy Ghost for that particular occasion.
9. Thou shalt be blind.—Elymas had pretended to an ability to do wonderful things. How apparent does his weakness become in the presence of real power! How complete is the overthrow of all his assumptions when he first stretches out his hand to steady or to guide himself, and appeals to the bystanders to lead him. The immediate execution of the sentence by the “hand of the Lord” leaves no room for doubt as to where is truth and where is falsehood. “Not seeing the sun for a season” would indicate total blindness.
10. John . . . returned to Jerusalem.—We do not know why John chose to leave the work and return home; but from Acts 15:37, 38 we see that Paul did not approve of his course. It was this action of John Mark’s which caused the separation of Paul and Barnabas. Mark afterward reentered the work and became an efficient worker, as is shown in Col. 4:10 and 2 Tim. 4:11.

Bible Sanctification: A Contrast of True and False Theories.

By Mrs. E. G. White.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates; a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
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Nearly 500 Pages, with Many Illustrations. Limp Binding.
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