Elder J. B. Goodrich reports the baptism of five persons at Lakehurst, P. Q., on the 19th ult.
Elder H. K. Willis reports the baptism of two persons at Enyart, Mo., November 17, which was accompanied by a good outside interest.
Meetings held by Brother E. A. Morey, at Lawndale, Kansas, have resulted in a church of thirteen adult members, and a Sabbath school of twenty-seven members.
The first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, was organized October 27, with H. F. Graf as elder, W. H. Thurston, deacon, and Florence Thurston, clerk.
Elder D. C. Babcock, president of West Virginia conference, reports the baptism of three at Newark. His report of the conference school at that place is very encouraging.
There are now three bands of Christian help workers connected with the church in Washington, D. C. If the interest continues to grow, it may be thought advisable to establish a medical mission in that city.
Elder E. G. Olsen, president of Iowa Conference, reports the organization of a church of thirteen members at Glenwood. He expects to organize a church, and that a house of worship will be erected, at Eureka in the near future.
Elder S. J. Hersum writes very encouragingly of the interest in St. Johns, N. F. Of a meeting on a certain evening he says: “Notwithstanding the fact that it rained and snowed so that the water ran in the streets in brooks, our hall was full, some standing.”
Two little girls in Newberg, W. Va., recently started out to sell the “Gospel Primer,” and during the day one took nine orders, and the other eight. This is an indication of what may be done in many other places when the people have a mind to work, and to let the children work.
On the evening of the 5th inst. Elders A. J. Breed, N. C. McClure, M. H. Brown, R. S. Owen, and J. A. Burden, left Oakland, Cal., for Walla Walla, Wash., to attend the district conference. On the following morning Elder Grant Adkins and wife started for East Tennessee, to resume work in the field which they temporarily left some months ago.
THE LORD'S DAY
By Milton C. Wilcox
THE TEST OF THE AGES.
By MILTON C. WILCOX.
A new publication on the all-important Sabbath question. It treats the subject in the light of the Dispensations. In fact, it is, in a nutshell
THE SABBATH FROM EDEN TO EDEN.
It presents, in a brief, simple way, the important portion of the Bible evidence on both sides of the Sabbath question.
New and Original Illustrations and Diagrams
The book contains 12 chapters, 128 pages, and is issued as No. 134 of the Bible Students' Library.
PRICE 15 CENTS
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Your Life Work
Is it of Men or of God? A new tract in the Apples of Gold Library. Order A. G. L. No. 20. Price, 50 cents per 100 or one cent each in small quantities. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; or New York City, N. Y.
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International Sunday School Lessons
“If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God.”—John 7:17.
Note.—Study carefully a good map of Palestine in the time of the tribes, locating each tribe and principal cities. With Jerusalem as a center, locate as to direction and relative distances Jericho, Gilgal, Shiloh, Ramah, Gibeah, Bethel, Bethlehem, Vale of Elah, Hebron, Ophrah, Shechem, Moab, Shochoh, and other principal points mentioned during the quarter. A map of Palestine should be consulted each week as new places are indicated. Remember the character of the country, the social and religious conditions of the people, their occupations, etc. The quarter’s lessons on the ancient history of Israel cover about four hundred years.
Lesson 1.—The Time of the Judges. Judges 2:1-12, 16. Golden Text: “The Lord raised up judges, which delivered them.” Judges 2:16. In this lesson is brought to view the care the Lord had for his ancient people Israel even during their backslidings. The steadfastness of his promises is shown in the fact that he declared that he never would break his covenant with them. For the sake of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he delivered them in times of extremity by judges, who sought to induce the people to return to the Lord.
Lesson 2.—The Triumph of Gideon. Judges 7:13-23. Golden Text: “Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.” Ps. 27:3. A striking illustration of the power of the Lord working through apparently incompetent agencies is shown in this battle. Such instances are given to lead us to appreciate the real fact of God’s care for those who trust him, to lead us to trust less to human means and power, in fact, to place absolutely no confidence in flesh. Ps. 146:3, 4. It is not by might, nor power, as man would estimate them, but by the Spirit of the Lord, that the spiritual victories are gained. Zech. 4:6.
Lesson 3.—Ruth’s Choice. Ruth 1:14-22. Golden Text: “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Ruth 1:16. This lesson really includes the book of Ruth, bringing to view as it does the private life of a devoted family in those troublous times. The story is a charming one, and shows the result of abiding faith in God, and a consistent life.
Lesson 4.—The Child Samuel. 1 Sam. 3:1-13. Golden Text: “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” 1 Sam. 3:9. The incidents connected with the call of Samuel are here outlined. The lesson shows that evil will not be permitted to continue indefinitely without severe rebuke from the Lord. There is also depicted the readiness that should characterize the child of God to obey his voice when commanded.
Lesson 5.—Samuel the Judge. 1 Sam. 7:5-15. Golden Text: “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Sam. 7:12. The beginning of Samuel’s judgeship is here brought to view, together with a national revival on account of the oppressions by the Philistines. Once again, when his people turned to him, the Lord discomfited their enemies. God is an impartial judge, but he can not grant spiritual blessings to sinful men.
Lesson 6.—Saul Chosen King. 1 Sam. 10:17-27. Golden Text: “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice.” Ps. 97:1. In this lesson is explicitly and fully set forth God’s reason for granting Israel a king. It was because they had rejected him and demanded a ruler to stand at their head, like the nations about them. Here ended the pure theocracy, although the Lord still maintained chief rule and guidance until the utter rejection of Israel.
Lesson 7.—Saul Rejected. 1 Sam. 15:10-23. Golden Text: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Sam. 15:22. Saul’s course is here outlined. He did not follow the Lord, as it was his privilege to do, and hence another was raised up to take his place.14The Lord demands obedience. This is the purest and highest worship, and no substitute of man’s devising can take its place. “Thus saith the Lord” is the only guide and standard, no matter how pleasing or humanly reasonable any other course may appear.
Lesson 8.—The Woes of Intemperance. Isa. 5:11-23. Golden Text: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink.” Isa. 5:11. Intemperance, with all its evils, ills, and woes, is described in no uncertain manner. No class is excluded, from the highest to the lowest, and it is plainly shown that indulgence in wine and kindred drinks, as well as in gluttony, tends inevitably to a dulling of the moral senses and consequent forgetting of God. Whatever comes in between an individual and God in this manner is idolatry.
Lesson 9.—David Anointed King. 1 Sam. 16:1-13. Golden Text: “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. Because of the truth stated in the golden text the Lord was able to select for Israel’s future king a man fit for the place. Not that Saul was not so when the Lord chose him. He was, for his heart was changed. The fault lay with himself, and developed later. But he was of kingly appearance, while David was not. The poorest in appearance may be one with whom the Lord delights to dwell.
Lesson 10.—David and Goliath. 1 Sam. 17:38-51. Golden Text: “The battle is the Lord’s.” 1 Sam. 17:47. In this lesson is described the conflict between David and the giant Philistine in the vale of Elah. Points to be noted are the fear of the Israelites, and its cause,—lack of the Lord’s presence, and David’s assurance, begotten of confidence in Him whose power he knew.
Lesson 11.—David and Jonathan. 1 Sam. 20:32-42. Golden Text: “There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Prov. 18:24. The principle illustrated in this lesson is love, and the practical point brought out is the strength of that love which should exist between every individual and his Redeemer.
Lesson 12.—The Birth of Christ. Luke 2:8-20. Golden Text: “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy.” Luke 2:10. The announcement of the angels to the shepherds of the birth of the world’s Redeemer, the heavenly chorus, the adoration of the shepherds, and the spreading of the news, are the principal features of the lesson. The bearings on the subject are the time of the advent, as outlined in prophecy, the condition of the world, and the work to be accomplished.
INTERNATIONAL SABBATH SCHOOL 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 XIII.—Sabbath, December 28, 1895.
TRUE PROTESTANTISM.
WHEN IT AROSE.
1. From what does the word “Protestantism” come? Ans.—The word “protest.”
2. What is the meaning of the word “protest?” Ans.—To affirm in a public or formal manner, to declare solemnly; to make a solemn declaration expressive of opposition.”—Webster.
3. When did Protestantism arise? Ans.—In the early part of the sixteenth century.
4. Against what did the Protestants protest? Ans.—The assumed right of the church to use the power of the state, and the multitude of abuses growing out of it,—against a union of church and state.
5. In what language did the Christian princes of Germany couch their famous protest?
Ans.—“We protest by these presents, before God, who will one day be our judge, as well as before all men and all creatures, that we, for us and for our people, neither consent nor adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree, in anything that is contrary to God, to his holy word, to our right conscience, to the salvation of our souls, and to the last decree of Spires.” “We can not assert that when Almighty God calls a man to his knowledge, he dare not embrace that divine knowledge.” “We reject the yoke that is imposed on us.”—D’Aubigne’s History of the Reformation, book 13.
6. What did they further say? Ans.—“Let us reject this decree. In matters of conscience the majority has no power.”—D’Aubigne’s History of the Reformation, book 13.
7. What has been truthfully said of this protest?
Ans.—“One of the noblest testimonies ever uttered for the Reformation was the protest offered by the Christian princes of Germany at the Diet of Spires, in 1529. The courage, faith, and firmness of those men of God gained for succeeding ages liberty of thought and conscience. Their protest gave to the reformed church the name of Protestant; its principles are the very essence of Protestantism.”—Great Controversy, page 197.
UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES.
8. Are these principles in harmony with the course pursued by the apostles and the teachings of Christ?
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29. See also Acts 4:19; Matt. 22:21.
9. Is the union of church and state wrong simply when the Romish Church is united to the state, or is it wrong in principle?
10. Do the same principles inhere and the same evils result when any other church or religion is united to the state? Ans.—They do. See note .
11. Have other churches persecuted when they sought and gained control of the power of the state? Ans.—They have. See note .
12. Therefore, what is it to be a true Protestant? Ans.—To protest against the union of church and state on principle, and the workings of it wherever found.
WHO ASK AND WHO REFUSE STATE SUPPORT.
13. What is a noteworthy fact? Ans.—That those who have the truth do not feel the need nor ask for the assistance of state laws in support of the doctrines they preach.
14. Do Baptists ask for a law enforcing baptism, or the disciples a law enforcing the Lord’s Supper, or the Seventh-day Adventist a law enforcing the observance of the seventh day?
15. Why do such not feel the need of state laws in these matters? Ans.—Because they find a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in the Bible for all these, and that is sufficient.
16. Who is it, then, that calls for aid of the state? Ans.—The men who defend those institutions which are not founded on God’s word are the ones who call for state legislation. The lack of divine command is supplied by oppressive enactments.
“God never forces the will or the conscience, but Satan will employ the most cruel measures to control the consciences of men, and to secure worship to himself. And this work of compulsion is always in favor of human creeds and laws, and in defiance of God’s holy law.”—Great Controversy, old edition, p. 444.
17. On which side of the controversy, therefore, do true Protestants naturally stand? Ans.—On the side of God’s word.
PROTESTANT APOSTASY.
18. What do the Scriptures say in regard to the professed Christian world in the last days?
“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Rev. 14:8.
“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. 18:1, 2. See also 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
19. What position will the Papacy then hold, and how will it be regarded?
“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast.” “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev. 13:3, 8.
20. When Romanism and apostate Protestantism so far unite as to constitute the great Babylon of Rev. 18:1-8, what warning is due?
“And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” Verse 4.
21. How will Babylon regard her condition then?
“How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Rev. 18:7.
22. Why do not the Protestant churches see what the Papacy is aiming at? Ans.—They are blinded by Rome’s errors. See note .
23. What do the people need? Ans.—They need to be warned. See note .
24. And what is this? Ans.—The warning of the third angel’s message, the closing work of the “everlasting Gospel” to men.
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Rev. 14:6-10.
THE TIME’S DEMAND.
“God give us men! A time like this demands
Great hearts, strong minds, true faith, and willing hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor, men who will not lie;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Wrangle in selfish strife—lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps.”
—O. W. Holmes.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
Argentina—Mary T. Westphal, 25 Casas de Sola Calle, Barracas al Norte, Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic, S. A.
Arkansas Tract Society—H. Clay Griffin, Van Buren, Ark.
Atlantic Tract Society—C. D. Zirkle, Sec., 618 French St., Wilmington, Del.
Australia—Echo Publishing House, North Fitzroy, Victoria.
California Tract Society—1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
Canada—Mrs. A. E. Taylor, 294 Maria Anne St., Montreal, Quebec; Sec. Quebec Tract Society; Marian Klaiber, 194 Brock Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Sec. Ont. Tract Society; and Int. Tract Society, 268 Crawford St., Toronto, Ontario.
China and Japan—A. La Rue, International Tract Society, Queen’s Road 219, Hongkong, China.
Most children like picture books, and most people who have children buy picture books for them. But about holiday time many people buy picture books for other people's children.
A nice picture book is a nice present. A good picture book is a good present. An instructive picture book is an instructive present.
All these qualifications are included in the BOUND VOLUME of
OUR LITTLE FRIEND.
There is no use of buying books that teach children folly and nonsense. They learn too much of that incidentally. They get too much without buying it. Let the money be spent for something useful.
Volume 5 contains over 400 pages, 7x10 inches, and is bound in cloth, with a handsome design on cover.
Price, Postpaid . . . . . . . . . $1.00
Address,
OUR LITTLE FRIEND,
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CHRIST, OUR ADVOCATE
His Ministry in the True Tabernacle
An up-to-date pamphlet on the work of Christ in the sanctuary in Heaven. Bible Students’ Library No. 128. Fully illustrated. Paper covers. Price, 10 cents.
