Books to the value of $1,027 were sold by canvassers in the southern states during the two weeks ending July 17.
Elder D. T. Bourdeau reports the baptism of seventeen candidates at Robinson, Wis. Brother Bourdeau’s labors are confined almost exclusively to the French.
At the recent session of the Florida conference, the following officers were elected: President, L. H. Crisler; secretary, Miss Josephine Grannis; treasurer, E. C. Keck.
Good reports concerning the progress of the work in South Africa are brought home by Brother W. F. Williams and wife, who have recently come to America from Cape Town.
Elder R. W. Parmele reports fifteen accessions to the faith as the result of meetings held at and in the vicinity of Okarche, Ok. T. He also reports four new adherents at Britton.
Under the auspices of the president of the General Conference and the superintendent of General Conference District No. 2, Brethren J. O. Johnson and B. F. Pardham were ordained to the Gospel ministry at the recent camp-meeting at Chattanooga, Tenn.
On July 26, at Garden Grove, Cal., twelve persons were baptized, and a church of twenty-eight members was organized. Elders R. S. Owen and W. T. Knox officiated on the occasion. A small but comfortable house of worship has been erected by this newly-developed company.
After attending the camp-meetings at Tampa, Florida, and Chattanooga, Tenn., Elder G. A. Olsen went to Keene, Texas, to attend the meeting at that place. After the Chattanooga meeting, Elder G. E. Fifield went to Charlottesville, Va., to attend the meeting that was to convene on the 7th inst.
The Review notes the receipt of a report, dated June 18, from Elder G. B. Tripp, of Bulawayo, Matabeleland, Africa. Our brethren will be gratified to learn that the danger to which our missionaries were exposed, owing to the extensive uprising of natives, was at that time practically past.
When three Seventh-day Adventists, convicted of doing some honest labor on Sunday, were imprisoned in the county jail at Tiptonville, Tenn., the sheriff thrust them into a cage with the worst of criminals, on the plea that it was to “satisfy public sentiment.” Our brethren have the consolation that their Master was crucified between two thieves, to gratify public sentiment. He has also given the warning to his disciples, “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” And one of his apostles says, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” In the county where these legal outrages are being enacted, “public sentiment” is endeavoring to procure indictments against women and the larger children for doing family washing on Sunday.
Through ignorance of the law, the officers of Lake County, Tenn., kept Brother J. W. Lewis, convicted of Sunday labor, in jail thirty days longer than his fine called for. Such ignorance accounts, in part, at least, for the “public sentiment” that is satisfied only with bitter persecution of innocent people because of their religious opinions.
The recent local camp-meeting held at Eureka, Humboldt County, Cal., was a profitable occasion for the cause in that part of the state. There was a large and quite regular attendance on the part of the people of Eureka, who gave marked attention to the discourses. There was also an impressive instance of healing in answer to prayer. An aged sister who had been a great sufferer from rheumatism, and had been unable to walk alone for eighteen months, or to raise her hands above her head, was brought to the camp and assisted into a tent by two persons. After prayers by a few of the brethren, she arose and walked home, a distance of several blocks, without assistance. From that time till the close of the meeting, she walked back and forth to the services, both in the daytime and in the evening, thus demonstrating that the healing was effectual. The interest awakened by the camp-meeting is being followed up by Elders N. C. McClure and Wm. Ings.
A contributor to Field Tidings, published in London, tells of a sister who rejoices in the last message, and has a burden to carry it to others. She had much opposition from her husband and adult sons. This brother loaned her a copy of “Bible Readings” to help her along. Her persecuting husband, who threatened to flog her if she mentioned Sabbath-keeping again, is now so taken up with it that he sent me an order the other morning for a gilt-edged “Bible Readings,” and says it is worth its weight in gold. A few days previously, he went to a married son to induce him to go to work with him the following day, it being the Sabbath according to the commandment. The simple reply of the son, “No, I dare not; it is the Sabbath,” seems to have troubled him much. One of the other sons has been caught reading his mother’s Bible on the sly—the marked places referring to the Sabbath have evidently softened his feelings towards his mother. Such incidents show that the most effectual preaching is a patient continuance in well-doing.
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 one exception (Detroit), Sabbath school. The first address is that of the church, or place of meeting; the second, if given, that of the pastor or clerk.
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 7:30 P.M., 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 P.M., Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Mary J. Dimock, Clerk, National City, Box 136.
Stockton.—Cor. Miner Ave. and Stanislaus St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday 2:30 P.M. H. S. Guilford, Elder.
Alameda.—Foresters’ Hall, cor. Santa Clara Ave. and Park St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. and 2:45 P.M. H. F. Courter, 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.—2917 S. K St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 6 and 7:30 P.M. Arthur Lister, Clerk.
Washington, D. C.—On 8th bet. F and G Sts., N. E. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M., Sunday 6 P.M. Wednesday 7:30 P.M.
Brooklyn, N. Y.—Wurzler’s Hall, 315 Washington St. near city post office. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M.
Boston, Mass.—United Fellowship Hall, 1371 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. George B. Wheeler, Pastor.
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.—Library Hall, room 6 Olneyville Square. Public services: Sabbath 1:30 and 3 P.M., Friday 7:30 P.M. Wm. H. Warfield, Clerk, 36 Bush St., Providence.
Hartford, Conn.—Hall at 302 Asylum St. Sabbath 2 and 3 P.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. O. M. Hatch, Clerk.
Philadelphia, Penn.—Hall, 1722 N. Broad St. Public services: Sabbath 9:30 and 11:30 A.M., Sunday 7:30 P.M. E. A. Merrell, Pastor, 1787 Edgely St., north of Diamond.
Baltimore, Md.—Bowen’s Hall, 1718 Frederick Ave. Public services: Sabbath 9:45 and 11 A.M., Sunday and Friday 7:45 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. John H. Hunt, Clerk.
Cleveland, Ohio.—249 Cedar Ave., bet. Sterling and Hayward. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. (sun time), Sunday 7:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Willard H. Saxby, Pastor.
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, 2481 West Broadway.
Detroit, Mich.—424 Trumbull Ave., bet. Perry and Bagg Sts. Public services: Sabbath 11:15 A.M., Sunday, 10 and 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 3:30 P.M., Tuesday and Wednesday 7 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, 470 Martin 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, Neb.—Cor. 18th and Cumming Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10:15 and 11 A.M., Sunday 8 P.M. J. H. Rogers, Pastor, cor. 27th and Steward Sts.
Salt Lake City, Utah.—Room No. 30 East 4th St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Sunday 7:45 P.M., Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:45 P.M. J. M. Willoughby, Pastor, Water St., Waterloo, Salt Lake City.
New Orleans, La.—Pythian Hall, cor. 7th and Magazine Sts. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11:15 A.M. J. E. Evans, Pastor, 1027 Delachaise 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.
Helena, Mont.—Room 8, Denver Block. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., Wednesday, 7:30 P.M. C. T. Shaffer, Leader, 818 Breckenridge St.
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. Jernegan, 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.—Room 8, Denver Block. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M., and Wednesday, 7:30 P.M. C. T. Shaffer, Leader, 818 Breckenridge St.
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.
Boston, Mass.—Hall, 694 Washington St. Public services: Sabbath 10 and 11 A.M. Geo. B. Wheeler, Pastor.
IMPORTANT COLLEGE ANNOUNCEMENT.
By F. W. Howe
THE Fall Announcement of Healdsburg College, a pamphlet supplementary to the calendar, and containing information on the latest developments of the school work, is now ready for distribution to all who send a two-cent stamp for postage. Each applicant is requested to state whether he already has the College Calendar of 1895-96. If not, the present Calendar will be sent, if an additional stamp is inclosed. A small circular explaining a special offer of free tuition, in connection with a classified list of questions on the Calendar, will also be sent, if mentioned by applicants for the Announcement. F. W. HOWE, Pres.
Pitcairn Photographs
Before the ship Pitcairn sailed on her last voyage, May 19, photographs of three different views were taken: A group of the missionaries, group of the crew; also a view of the vessel as she was departing. Size of photos, 5 x 8 in. Price 25c each. Address
F. J. BRAINERD,
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
THE CHILDREN'S BOOK.
Useful as well as ornamental. Volume 6 of Our Little Friend is full of good stories, just such as children like. They can spend many an hour reading, with no danger of their minds being poisoned with such matter as many do read in other books and papers.
The bound volumes of Our Little Friend are just the books to place in the hands of our children. If we get books for our children, let us get good books for them. There are none better than the bound volumes of Our Little Friend, of which volume 6 is the latest. 416 pp., cloth; profusely illustrated.
It will be sent to any address for $1.00 postpaid. Address, OUR LITTLE FRIEND, Box 548, Oakland, Cal.
39 “And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did. So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them; and 41 he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his word; and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.”
43 “And after the two days he went forth from thence into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country. So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also went unto the feast.”
46 “He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in nowise believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. The man believed the word that Jesus spake unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, saying, that his son lived. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to amend. They said therefore unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth; and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.”
QUESTIONS.
How did the woman’s testimony affect the Samaritans? What was that testimony?
What did the Samaritans request Christ to do? How long did he stay?
What were the results of his preaching?
Upon what did they base their faith? What did they thus know?
To what country did Jesus then continue his journey?
To what did the experience of Jesus bear testimony?
How was he treated by the Galileans? Why?
To what city did Jesus go? What notable event had occurred there? What prominent man is now mentioned?
When he learned that Jesus was near at hand, what did he do? How critical was the case?
How did Jesus test his faith?
How did the man endure the test?
How did Jesus respond to his faith?
What evidence did the man give of the sincerity of his faith in the divinity of Jesus?
Whom did he meet on his way home? What news did they bring to him?
What inquiry did he make of them? What answer did he receive?
What two experiences were thus connected? What was the effect upon his family?
How many recorded miracles had Jesus now performed in Galilee?
NOTES.
1. When the Saviour’s presence is really desired, and he is “besought” to abide with us, he does so. See Luke 24:29. The woman brought her neighbors and friends to Christ, with the inquiry, “Is not this the Christ?” and after hearing him for themselves, they “believed because of his own word,” and their belief went beyond hers, just as Nathanael’s belief went beyond Philip’s. “Before, they had looked upon him as the great Teacher, Solver of problems, the Answerer of questions. Now they see that he is the ‘Saviour of the world.’” “Come into the very presence of Christ and hear him for yourselves. . . . Such spiritual contact is the life of the Christian life.”
2. The Samaritans believed, and then they knew. “Faith is simply the heart’s reception of the words of Christ. Belief of the truth is the knowledge of the truth.”
3. “The father thought the presence of Christ was necessary. . . . Jesus therefore demands a stronger faith; and in his presence that stronger faith which can trust his word is developed. . . . The faith he approves and delights in is a faith which does not require miracles as its foundation. . . . There was that in himself and in his talk which was its own best evidence.” See chapter 20:29.
4. The words of Christ to the ruler consist of a demand (“Go thy way”), and a statement of fact (“Thy son liveth”). The ruler permitted the command to become true in him (he went his way), and the servants met him with the testimony that the statement had become true in his son, repeating the very words of Jesus (“Thy son liveth”). By comparing notes they find that the experience and the statement were synchronous.
Suggestions for Further Study.
1. The miracle of this scripture is the third lesson of “life only in Christ,” and the means of apprehending it. To Nicodemus it is the new birth, and “whosoever believeth in him should . . . have everlasting life.” To the woman of Samaria it is “living water, springing up unto everlasting life.” To the ruler it is, “Thy son liveth,” and he “believed the word.” What classes are here represented? To which one do you belong?
2. See in this lesson two illustrations of the faith which pleases the Master: “Many more believed because of his own word,” and “the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken.” See Rom. 10:17.
3. Are signs and wonders a safe basis for faith?
INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”
9. And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
10. And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
11. And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
12. And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son; for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
13. Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life; for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.
14. Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
15. And ten young men that bare Joab’s armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
16. And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.
17. And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him; and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
32. And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
33. And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom! my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
Golden Text: “The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Ps. 1:6.
Note.—For a record of the events leading up to this battle read chapters 16 and 17. About three months intervened between the occupation of Jerusalem by Absalom and his tragic death at the hand of Joab. During this time David had numbered his adherents and thoroughly organized his army. This delay had been occasioned by the counsel of Hushai, David’s friend. In answer to David’s prayer (chapter 15:31) the counsel of Ahithophel had been brought to naught. Absalom had also been busy during this time in rallying the people to his standard. But his superiority of numbers counted for nothing when pitted against the trained heroes of David under the direction of his experienced generals. In addition to this, God was not with him. Majorities are not necessarily divine agencies. However loud the profession, however large the following, however flattering the prospects, ultimate failure is certain if God is not in the move.
Suggestive Questions.
(1) Near the close of the battle what happened to Absalom? Verse 9. Note 1. (2) What report was brought to Joab? Verse 10. (3) How did Joab reproach the news bearer? Verse 11, first part. (4) What recompense and honor did Joab say he would have received? Verse 11, last part. (5) What reply did the man make? Verse 12, first part. (6) What reason did he give for not taking Absalom’s life? Verse 12, last part. (7) How did he show that he understood the character of Joab? Verse 13. Note 2. (8) What did Joab himself then do? Verse 14. Note 3. (9) How was the battle brought to a close? Verse 16. (10) What was done with the body of Absalom? Verse 17. Note 4. (11) What was David’s first concern on hearing tidings from the battle? Verse 32, first clause. Note 5. (12) Give the messenger’s answer? Verse 32, last clause. (13) How did the king receive this news? Verse 33. (14) What wish did he express? Ibid. Note 6.
Notes.
1. His head caught hold of the oak.—Josephus says that Absalom’s hair became entangled in the branches of the tree, while others claim that his neck was caught in the forked boughs, and that he hung there, stunned and helpless.
2. Wouldest have set thyself against me.—This man understood the character of Joab. He was a skilled general, but cunning and treacherous. The records of David’s wars furnish instances of the manifestations of these characteristics on the part of Joab; and he was the only one of the king’s followers who felt able in himself to disregard with impunity the wishes of his sovereign; but this Joab did in several instances.
3. It is quite evident that Joab considered his act a necessity to the future stability of the kingdom. So long as Absalom lived, there would continue to exist the danger of future insurrections, and he was determined to forestall any such possibility, even though his method of procedure was in defiance of express commands. He had before dictated to David when he considered the king’s administration of affairs faulty. See 2 Sam. 12:27, 28.
4. Laid a . . . heap of stones upon him.—This is supposed to have been done to express their detestation of Absalom’s memory, as this custom is known to exist among some of the peoples of the east. This is the fate of one who had sought by unholy means to elevate himself at the expense of God’s people. We have another instance of this kind in the death of Haman. It may also be typical of the ultimate result of the conspiracy and rebellion in heaven.
5. Is . . . Absalom safe?—A touching illustration of a fond parent’s solicitude for the course of a wayward, erring child.
6. Would God I had died for thee.—David’s anguish is made the keener from his knowledge of Absalom’s wicked course and unrepenting character. David knew the terrible consequence of Absalom’s act, knew that nothing could avert it, and that if he, who had made his peace with God, had died in Absalom’s place, Absalom might have repented and still found favor in the sight of God. Although David’s grief was great when the son of Bathsheba died, it could not be compared with this; for Absalom’s sun had sunk in rayless night, while of the other he could say, “I shall go to him.”
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.
