Earlier text: YOUR SON'S CIGARLESSON XII.—SABBATH, MARCH 20, 1897. THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT; THE PROOF OF LOVE; THE LEGACY OF PEACE.
15 “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you desolate; I come unto you. Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me; because I live, ye shall live also. In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my words; and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, while yet abiding with you. But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe. 30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me; 31 but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” 1. What results from love to Christ? 2. What promise did Jesus make to the disciples? 3. What is the name of the Advocate promised? 4. What is the attitude of the world toward it? Why? 5. What is the attitude of the disciples toward it? Why? 6. What assurance did Jesus then give to his disciples? 7. What difference would there be between the world and the disciples in reference to this promise? 8. What assurance would the fulfilment of the promise bring to the disciples? 9. What is the proof of love to Jesus? 10. What promises did he make to the one who loves him? 11. What inquiry did one of the disciples make? 12. How did Jesus again state the proof of love? 13. What further promises did he make? 14. What did he say shows the lack of love? 15. Whose instruction did he give? 16. What two agencies did he mention through which the disciples were instructed? 17. What did he say would be the office of the Comforter? 18. What gift did he then bestow? How contrasted with the world's gift? 19. What exhortation did he deliver unto them? 20. Of what former statement did he remind them? 21. On what condition would this statement bring them joy? Why? 22. Why did he speak of these things before they occurred? 23. How much further instruction did he propose to give them? Why? 24. What was the basis of his conduct? 25. With what words did Jesus close this lesson? 1. “In his farewell discourse, he (Jesus) time after time spoke of obedience to his commands as the one condition of all further spiritual blessing.” While the freedom of grace and the simplicity of faith have been preached, the absolute necessity of obedience and holiness has not been equally insisted on. The obedient must and may look for the fulness of the Spirit. A living obedience is indispensable to the full experience of the indwelling; the full experience of the indwelling is what a loving obedience may certainly claim. It is only when God’s will has been accepted as our only law, and the commands of Jesus are by the Holy Spirit written in the heart, that the glory of God can fill his temple.” 2. “‘I LIVE,’ the Lord says; not, ‘I shall live,’ but now, at the present time, ‘I live’; for he is indeed life, he is the Living One (Rev. 1:18, R. V.);13 and, therefore, because he is life, as a necessary consequence he swallowed up death in victory by rising from the dead. But in respect to believers, he says: ‘Ye shall live,’ because their life grows not out of themselves, but as the fruit out of Christ’s life.” 3. “The love of the Lord Jesus Christ is expressed in his commandments as well as in his promises and invitations. To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is to believe that his commandments are expressive of his love. . . . As often as you shut your eyes in presence of a command of the Saviour, you shut your eyes to an exquisite gift sent down to you from the Father of mercies.” 4. “If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life? When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, when man is renewed after the image of Him that created him, the new covenant promise is fulfilled, ‘I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.’ And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship.” 5. “‘We will come unto him.’ What wonderful visitation! It had been dimly anticipated in former times (Ps. 8:4); but now it was to be the free and full privilege of all that would receive it (Rev. 3:20). Some indeed could not receive God, nor could they even behold or know him; from them God and Christ alike were hidden, because sin had blinded their eyes (John 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4). But to the contrite in spirit, God will look (Isa. 66:2); to the humble he will draw nigh (James 4:6, 8). ‘And make Our abode with him,’ not as coming for a temporary sojourn, but to be with us ‘forever.’ And that our heart should be God’s home—surely this means unutterable love of God to us, and our unspeakable joy in God! For it means most intimate communing, even the sharing of his life. He that inhabiteth eternity is the willing inmate of the lowly soul. Isa. 57:15.” 6. “The Holy Ghost was to teach them all things, by bringing to their remembrance all things which they had heard from their Lord.” The Holy Spirit is the memory of “the new man.” This is the true secret of remembering the right scripture at the right time. “Only those who have the love and the longing for goodness will be wise scholars in Christ’s school.” 7. “The peace which Christ desires his disciples to enjoy is that which characterized himself. By calling it specifically, ‘My peace,’ our Lord distinguishes it from the peace which men ordinarily pursue. . . . The peace of which Christ here speaks may be called his, as being wrought out by him, and as being only attainable by others through his communication of it to them. . . . Peace amidst all the ills of life can only be attained by a real following of Christ and a hearty and profound acceptance of his principles and Spirit.” 8. “To fear is to have more faith in your antagonist than in Christ. When you have found one greater than Christ, then you may fear.” 9. “Satan had nothing in Christ. Look into thy heart, O man, and see what Satan has there.” 10. “What Christ rejoiced to do, believers should also make haste to do. They should aim to give full proof to the world that they love the Father and keep his commandments.” Suggestions for Further Study.
1. The word “Comforter” in this lesson is translated “Advocate” in the margin of the R. V. Compare 1 John 2:1. In what sense is the Holy Spirit another “Comforter” or “Advocate”? 2. In proportion as the church loses the power to see the invisible, it demands visible representations and representations of invisible things and persons. Compare the history of the great apostasy. 3. Study in this lesson the true doctrine of the Real Presence. 4. What hinders the prayer of Christ from being answered just as fully in our day as at Pentecost? 5. Compare the ability of the world to see and appreciate Christ with the ability of the Christian. What makes the difference? 6. What is the one fundamental cause of the weakness of the present-day religion? What will be the only remedy? 7. What things only can the Holy Spirit bring to our remembrance? How does this emphasize the importance of Bible study? 9. How is life only in Christ taught in this lesson? In order to assist the thousands of unemployed men in Chicago, the Workingmen’s Home, at 42 Custom House Place, has established a Free Labor Bureau, and is prepared to furnish men to farmers and others in all parts of the country without expense to either. Employers applying should state definitely as to the kind of work, wages to be paid, and if railway fare will be advanced. Address, Labor Bureau, Workingmen’s Home,
42 Custom House Place,
Tel. Harrison 243. Chicago, Ill. 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 but few exceptions, Sabbath school. The first address is that of the church, or place of meeting; the second, if given, that of pastor or clerk. 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 3 P. M., Tuesday and Friday 7:30 P. M. A. B. Jernigan, Elder, A. B. Felton, Clerk, 35 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.—307 N. Warren St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7:30 P. M. W. T. Henton, Elder. New Bedford, Mass.—Church at Willow St., west of Cedar. Public services: Sabbath 10:30 A. M. and 12 M. J. B. Hall, Clerk, Box 72, Acushnet, Mass. Garden Grove, Cal.—Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 3 P. M. Harriet A. Rainsey, Clerk. Wilmington, Del.—Red Men’s Hall, 515 Shipley St. 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. 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. First S. D. A. Church, Broadway, bet. 8th and 9th Sts. Sabbath school at 9:30, and preaching at 10:30, A. M. J. R. Buster, Pastor. Detroit, Mich.—424 Trumbull Ave., bet. Perry and Bagg Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 A. M., Sunday 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 12:30 P. M., Sunday 7:15 P. M., Tuesday 7 P. M., and Thursday 7:30 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, 1634 Carroll 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, Nebr.—Near cor. N. 25th and Indiana Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 6 and 7:30 P. M., Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7:30 P. M. Also at South Omaha Sabbath at 3 P. M. A. J. Howard, Pastor, 941 N. 25th St. Salt Lake City, Utah.—Room No. 30 East 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 7:45 P. M. Wednesday and Saturday 7:45 P. M. J. M. Willoughby, Pastor, 839 E. 9 South Sts., Salt Lake City. New Orleans, La.—Jefferson Hall, cor. Magazine and Philip Sts. Public services: Every Sabbath at 10 and 11:15 A. M. J. E. Evans, Pastor, 6325 Patton 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. Boston, Mass.—694 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. George B. Wheeler, Pastor. Richmond, Va.—Meetings at 501 North 25th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. J. P. Neff, Pastor. Alameda.—Foresters’ Hall, cor. Santa Clara Ave. and Park St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. and 2:45 P. M. W. N. Glenn, Elder. East Portland, Or.—Cor. 11th and East Everett Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M. and 7 P. M., Wednesday 7 P. M. Tacoma, Wash.—Cor. South 16th and K Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday 6 and 7:45 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. F. H. Smith, Elder, 1507 South 6th St. Washington, D. C.—On 8th bet. F. and G. Sts., N. E. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. W. H. Lucas, Pastor, 209 8th Street, N. E. 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.—Olney St. Congregational (Unitarian) Church. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P. M., Friday 7:30 P. M. Wm. H. Warfield, Clerk, 27 Susan St., Providence. Hartford, Conn.—Room 6, 254 Main St. Sabbath school at 2, and preaching at 3:15 P. M. O. M. Hatch, Clerk. Philadelphia, Penn.—Public services at 1724 N. 15th St.: Sabbath 10 (Sabbath school 11:15) A. M., Sunday 7:45 P. M. A. Merrell, Pastor, 1724 N. 15th St. Baltimore, Md.—Harlem Hall, North Stricker St. Public services: Sabbath 11 A. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M. S. E. de Bruyn, Clerk. Cleveland, Ohio.—249 Cedar Ave., bet. Sterling and Hayward Place. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M. (sun time), Sunday and Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Willard H. Saxby, Pastor. Oakland.—Cor. 12th and Brush Sts. Public services: Sunday 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 and Thursday 7:30 P. M. Belle P. Baker, Clerk, 926 Hill St. Sacramento.—G St. bet. 18th and 19th Sts. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Pasadena.—Cor. of Summit Ave. and Mountain St. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 10 and 11:30 A. M. O. S. Smyth, Clerk, Box 261. San Diego.—Cor. 18th and G Sts. Public services: Sunday 7:30 P. M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 7:30 P. M. Mary J. Dimock, Clerk, National City, Box 136. Stockton.—Cor. Mineral Ave. and Stanislaus St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Wednesday 2:30 P. M. M. C. Israel, Elder. San Jose, Cal.—Church, San Salvador St., near Delmas Ave. Sabbath school 10, Bible study 11 A. M., missionary meeting Sunday 7 P. M.; prayer meeting Wednesday 7 P. M. Phoenix, Ariz.—Cor. 9th Ave. and Washington St., upstairs. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 10:45 A. M.; Wednesday 7:30 P. M. (Elder C. D. M. Williams, absent). Leader, Eugene A. Browne, 306 N. 2nd St. Nashville, Tenn.—Hall 415 Woodland St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A. M., Sunday and Wednesday 7 P. M. Minnie M. Hoyt, Lib., 56 Ramsey St. Duluth, Minn.—208 E. 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 2 and 3 P. M., Sunday 7:30 P. M., Friday 7:30 P. M. Daniel Nettleton, Pastor. Portland, Me.—36 Oak St., “Hunt Kindergarten” rooms. Sabbath school 2 P. M., social meeting 3 P. M. W. E. Gerald, General Canvassing Agent. LESSON XII.—SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1897. CHRISTIAN SELF-RESTRAINT.
NOTE.—The beginning of the early Christian church, its growth, and development having been considered in previous lessons, we come now to a consideration of some of the underlying principles of true Christianity—a few of the fundamental stones of character-building. The lesson may be used as a temperance lesson. We see that the same temptations to excess had to be fought against in those days that oppose the Christian's advance to-day; and the same power which overcame them in those days will overcome them to-day. That power is not our own, but is given us by Him who has overcome all things and is sitting now where we may sit if we use the power he has for us. The epistle was written from Ephesus about A.D. 57, and was in the Greek language. The church at Corinth was now about five years old. 19 “For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. And I do all things for the Gospel's sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof. 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run, that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games is temperate in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage; lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.” Golden Text.—“Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” 1 Cor. 9:25. (1) What was Paul's condition among his fellow-men? Verse 19, first clause. Note 1. (2) Notwithstanding this what condition was he willing to assume? Ib., second clause. (3) For what purpose? Ib., last clause. (4) What relation did he assume to the Jews, and why? Verse 20, first part. Note 2. Toward those who were under the law, and why? Ib., last part. (5) How did he deport himself toward those who were without law, and why? Verse 21. Note 3. (6) What was his attitude toward the weak, and why? Verse 22, first part. (7) What was Paul's whole object in life? Ib., last clause. Note 4. (8) In what work was his interest absorbed? Verse 23, first clause. (9) What was his object in this? Ib., last clause. Note 5. (10) How many in the Olympic races received the prize? Verse 24, first part. (11) What exhortation does he therefore give? Ib., last clause. Note 6. (12) What was considered necessary on the part of those who wished to excel? Verse 25, first clause. (13) What comparison does Paul draw between the reward of the Christian and that of those who would excel in earthly things? Ib., last part. (14) How did Paul run? Verse 26, first part. Note 7. (15) What was his manner of fighting for the truth? Ib., last part. (16) What did he consider necessary to his success? Verse 27, first part. (17) Without this what would be the result? Ib., last part. 1. Free from all men.—Paul was a free man, a citizen of Rome, and could not be enslaved against his will. None could require of him that he should give his life to serving them; but of his own free will he became the servant of all. In serving men in this way he served Christ. 2. Became as a Jew.—He complied with their rites and prejudices as far as he could do so without violating God's commands or his own conscience. He did not seek to antagonize them needlessly. By this it is not to be understood that he did not teach them the truth, nor did he shrink from showing them the error of their way. He became to them what he did in order that he might save them from what they were. 3. That are without law.—That is, the heathen, those who had not known the law of God. He plunged into the sea of heathen sophistries that he might lead out the honest, struggling souls therein. He went over onto their ground that he might lead back from the enchanted land those who were willing to accept of salvation from sin. He reasoned with them from their own standpoint, and brought God and salvation to them in that way. 4. Made all things to all men.—If Paul became a servant of man, it was that he might induce man to become a servant of Christ; if he became to the Jews a Jew, it was that they might become Jews indeed, in the spirit and not in the letter; if he became without law to those who were without law, it was that he might bring them to the knowledge of the law of love in Christ; if he became weak to the weak, it was that he might teach them the value of the strength of Christ in overcoming the temptations of the world. To save men was the object of his warfare. 5. Partaker thereof with you.—Paul had a sincere sympathy with those whom he desired to save from sin. If they suffered, he suffered with them. This sympathy is Christlike; for we read, “In all their afflictions He was afflicted.” It was that he might the more perfectly sympathize with man that Christ lived the life of man on earth; “that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest.” Paul was certainly a “partaker” in the afflictions that beset the Christian's journey. Witness his record: “In labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren, in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” 2 Cor. 11:23-27, R. V. 6. So run.—Those who entered the Olympic games made other things subservient to that contest and the preparation for it; but all could not be victorious. Only one could win in each of the several games. It is not so in the Christian race. “Come unto me, all ye ends of the earth.” All will not heed the invitation; all will not throw life and soul, mind and body, into this race; but all may come, and all may win if they comply with the conditions. They must “throw aside every weight [earthly entanglements] and the sin that doth so easily beset” them, “and run with patience.” As the runner left nothing undone that would assist him to win, so must the Christian. 7. Not as uncertainly.—Paul knew the course to be run, he had seen the Judge of the race, he knew the goal, and the reward there awaiting him. He knew that a faithful performance of duty, with implicit trust in Him who was his strength and righteousness, would make him victor in that race; and not to him only would this reward and honor come, “but to all them also which love His appearing,” doing that which is commanded in His Word. “LAW OF GOD AS CHANGED BY THE PAPACY.”
This chart has been thoroughly revised, and contains some of the more recent utterances of this great apostate power. The plan of the chart is the same as the old one. On either side are telling quotations from Catholic authorities admitting and boasting of the change, while the “Commandments as Changed by the Papacy” occupy a central position. It is a forcible presentation of the subject, and will be a valuable help to Bible workers and ministers. Size 36x48 inches. Price $1.00. Printed on thin paper for inclosure in letters and miscellaneous distribution, 50 cents per 100. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N. Y. BOUND VOLUMES OF OUR LITTLE FRIEND
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