“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Gen. 1:1.
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” Acts 17:24.
2. Through whom was this work accomplished?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” John 1:1–4, 10. See also Col. 1:15, 16.
3. What creatures were made to inhabit the earth?
“And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind; and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind; and God saw that it was good.” Gen. 1:20–25.
4. As the last act of creation, what was done?
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Verse 26.
5. How did God regard his work when it was finished?
“And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” Verse 31.
“It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Ex. 31:17.
6. What was God’s purpose in creating the earth?
“For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.” Isa. 45:18.
“Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” Ps. 115:15, 16.
7. What position did God design man to occupy?
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” Ps. 8:6. See note 1.
8. What is the meaning of the word “dominion”?
Ans.—“Sovereign authority; absolute rule; right of ownership; right of using and disposing of a thing at pleasure.”—Worcester. See also “Standard.”
9. What was put under man?
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Ps. 8:6–8. See note 2.
10. How much of the earth was made subject to man? See answer to question 4.
11. What position did man occupy compared with the angels?
“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels.” Heb. 2:7.
12. What would have been the result if man had not sinned, and had continued to eat of the tree of life? See note 3.
13. What does Paul say was the condition for which God created us?
“For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that13hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 5:4, 5.
14. What came as the result of sin?
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12.
15. When the results of sin are destroyed, to what condition does it bring man?
“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:36.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4.
16. Therefore what may we conclude was the purpose of God in reference to the life of man?
17. What was God’s design in reference to the character of man?
“Thy people also shall be all righteous.” Isa. 60:21.
18. From the foregoing, what shall we conclude was the nature of the men that God designed should inhabit the earth?
NOTES.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
It is said that there are 16 church buildings in process of erection in the Michigan conference.
On recommendation of the General Conference Committee, Elder C. Santee has been transferred from Minnesota to Iowa.
The brethren at Garden Grove, Orange County, Cal., have completed a neat house of worship, and there are other indications that the Lord is blessing their labors in behalf of the truth.
The Bible Echo states that tent meetings at Surry Hills, Sydney, N. S. W., have resulted in two companies of Sabbath-keepers in different parts of the city. Also that the institute for teachers, ministers, and Bible readers, which was held at Cooranbong, from March 26 to April 26, had an attendance of about sixty.
We have encouraging word from the work in London. Arrangements have been made for enlarging the capacity of the printing office by putting in a new American folding machine and a press formerly used in the office at Basel, Switzerland. Increasing sales of Present Truth, and increasing demand for other literature, require this additional machinery.
Reports from our workers on the Gold Coast, Africa—Elder D. U. Hale, G. T. Kerr, wife, and child, and G. P. Riggs—state that the work is in a favorable condition. Some of the laborers have had light attacks of the malignant fever which has swept off so many, but at last reports all were well, and work prospering. But they need our prayers and our offerings.
Word is brought us by Brother W. F. Caldwell, who comes on the Monawa, that the work in Australia is prospering. Brother C. called on Dr. Braucht at Samoa, and reports splendid success in the doctor's medical work, especially in the treatment of that dread disease of the tropics, elephantiasis. He has had remarkable success in treating the malady surgically.
The recent camp-meeting held at Fresno, Cal., is reported to have been a decided success in every way. There was a larger attendance than was expected, including about five hundred of our own people. The brethren were greatly refreshed, and fifty-three persons were baptized. A number of afflicted persons were healed in answer to prayer. At last the controversy in regard to the church property, which has been a source of discouragement to the company at Fresno, has been settled, and a new impetus has been given to the work there. This fact added materially to the success of the camp-meeting, and in turn the meeting has been a source of great encouragement to the church.
Of the work in Kettering, England, Elder J. S. Washburn reports as follows: “We are having a very interesting time here at our Wednesday-night meetings. Our subject for several weeks has been Spiritualism, and it seems to have awakened more interest than any other subject since we began our meetings in this town. We were surprised to find that Spiritualism is very firmly established here. A medium has been at two of the meetings, and by desultory remarks interspersed all through the address, and by questions and a speech at the close, has manifested indeed that he is one of the sons of Lucifer, and that the spirit of the father is in the son. I have seldom seen so venomous and bitter a spirit manifested against the word of God, and it is a sad fact that many in Kettering are being swept away by this strong delusion. The fact has been made very clear that the belief in the immortality of the soul is the foundation of Spiritualism, and many honest people in Kettering are beginning to see that those only who have Christ have eternal life, and that the dead are not alive till the resurrection.”
THE TALENTS.
By M. C. Wilcox
By M. C. Wilcox. A brief essay on “The Parable of the Talents,” showing that the talents represent the various gifts of the Spirit which God bestows as he will upon those who are consecrated to him, with the duties and blessed privileges involved therein. Bible Students’ Library, No. 77; 16 pp., price 2 cents.
20. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
29. And he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30. When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
32. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
33. Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away.
34. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
(Memorize verses 34-36.)
Golden Text: “Heaven and earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away.” Luke 21:33.
NOTE.—The lesson not only includes the destruction of Jerusalem, but foretells the second coming of Christ as well. The parallel scriptures of Matthew 24 and Mark 13 should be studied in connection with the account in Luke. The query that opened the way for this prophecy was propounded by the disciples, following the remark of Jesus that the time would come when the temple, with its magnificence and stately grandeur, would be completely destroyed. Luke 21:6. The question was, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matt. 24:3. Then are enumerated certain signs applicable alike to the destruction of Jerusalem and to the end of the world. Luke 21:8-19. This discourse was given on the Mount of Olives, after leaving the temple for the day. See Matt. 24:3; Luke 21:37. This was the last day of Jesus' public ministry in the temple.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What sure sign would foretell the desolation of Jerusalem? Verse 20. (2) What warnings were given to the inhabitants of city and land? Verse 21. Note 1. (3) What did Jesus call this time? Verse 22. Note 2. (4) What woes were pronounced, and why? Verse 23. (5) How complete was the destruction to be? Verse 24. Note 3. (6) What manifestations will be witnessed in the physical world? Verses 25, 26. Note 4. (7) What will then be seen? Verse 27. Note 5. (8) What were those to do who saw these things, or knew of their fulfillment? Verse 28. (9) What parable did Jesus speak? Verses 29, 30. (10) For what purpose did he give it? Verse 31. (11) How near did he say the kingdom of God was? Verse 32. Note 6. (12) How sure did Jesus declare the prophecy to be? Verse 33. (13) What admonition did he give to all? Verse 34. (14) Will mankind be looking for that event? Verse 35. (15) In view of the nearness of the coming of the Lord, what should be the attitude of every soul? Verse 36.
NOTES.
1. Flee to the mountains.—The query might arise, How could this warning be heeded with armies surrounding the city? History reveals the way. The city was twice surrounded and its destruction threatened before the final stroke was made. In A.D. 66 Cestius Gallus, a Roman general, threw his forces about Jerusalem, but “suddenly, and for no apparent reason, withdrew his army.” Two years and a half later, Vespasian forced his way to the city's walls, and retired to be proclaimed emperor. Eusebius says that during this time of cessation of hostilities the whole body of the church in Jerusalem removed from the city to a town called Pella, in Decapolis, beyond the Jordan, in obedience to the words of the Saviour.
2. Days of vengeance.—The days predicted were the days of vengeance upon Israel for all the neglected opportunities and unperformed duties and final rejection of Christ. They were written of old. See Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28, 29, etc.
3. And they shall fall, etc.—Probably no city in the world's history underwent so terrible a siege as did Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Language can not describe the scenes of famine and pestilence in their awful reality which fell to the lot of the beleaguered Jews. History states that there was accurately fulfilled the prophecy in Deut. 28:53-57. And all because they forsook the Lord. During this siege by Titus, the Roman general, more than 1,100,000 Jews perished, and the survivors were “led away captive into all nations,” where they are found at the present day. The times of the Gentiles refers to the Gospel age, for it was to all nations that the Gospel went when rejected by the Jews. Now all who accept Christ become spiritual children of Abraham, and are of the Israel of God. But into this true and good olive tree, Israel after the flesh who were cut off as unprofitable branches, may again be graffed by believing on Jesus Christ. Rom. 11:23-25. And so all Israel,—the spiritual Israel, which includes all of every nation and kindred who are redeemed through the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:12; Rev. 7:4, 9:12),—shall be saved.
4. There shall be signs.—The signs here mentioned precede the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven (see Luke 21:27), and are not far distant from that event. These signs are literal, and have been fulfilled and are fulfilling at the present time. The sun has been supernaturally darkened (May 19, 1780), the moon likewise (the following night), and a remarkable fall of stars occurred in 1833. There is unprecedented distress of nations, with perplexity, and men's hearts quake with fear of impending calamity. This latter specification of the prophecy is true as never before, and its time in the world's history is fixed by the other signs, as well as by the declaration of verse 27, and the illustration in the following verses.
5. They shall see the Son of man coming.—It is well to note that this is a literal, visible coming, and hence betokens the end of the world. The coming of Christ is not in secret, but will be as the lightning, seen from east to west. Matt. 24:27. The angels told his tearful disciples, “This same Jesus, . . . shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven,” that is, visibly, and with clouds. See also 1 Thess. 4:16-18; Rev. 1:7; 14:14.
6. This generation.—The language has the same import as that of Luke 21:28, and applies to the generation that lives in the time of these signs. That generation is the present generation. The kingdom of God.—As we have learned that the coming is literal, and since we know from various scriptures that the “kingdom and dominion” of the earth made new, with its righteous dwellers, is to be given to Christ at his coming, so we know that it is the literal kingdom of God here referred to. The spiritual kingdom will have been already set up in the hearts of the believers. Luke 17:21. Moreover, the apostles did not look for the coming of the Lord in their day. See 2 Thess. 2:3-10. Is nigh at hand.—The day and the hour knoweth no man (Matt. 24:36); and it is therefore manifestly of no avail to set the exact time, as some attempt to do. Sufficiently solemn should the imminence of that event be to lead every individual to “watch and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:6), lest that day come upon them unawares.
THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE
By Alonzo T. Jones
Or Civil Government and Religion
BY ALONZO T. JONES
An Up-to-Date Pamphlet on the Principles of Religious Liberty.
“THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE” contains fifteen chapters, the following being a portion of the chapter headings:—“Christianity and the Roman Empire—What Is Due to God and What to Caesar—The Powers That Be—How the United States Became a Nation—What Is the Nation?—Who Made the Nation?—Religious Right in the United States—Religious Rights Invaded—The People’s Right of Appeal—National Precedent on Right of Appeal—Sunday-law Movement in the Fourth Century and Its Parallel in the Nineteenth—Will the People Assert and Maintain Their Rights?—Religious Rights in the States.”
In the four appendixes to the book are given the Declaration of Independence—The Constitution of the United States—The Dred Scott Decision, and the “Christian Nation” Decision.
This is a book of permanent value for reference and study and one that all should possess. It contains 384 pages, with several illustrations, is issued as No. 32 of the Religious Liberty Library, and is bound in paper covers. Price 40 Cents.
A FINER EDITION on laid paper is also ready. It is neatly bound in cloth. Price One Dollar.
Steps to Christ.—By Mrs. E. G. White. This most valuable work has been published in six different languages in the United States alone, while chapters from it have been issued in tract form in some countries. Only those who have carefully read its contents can estimate its great worth. Neatly bound in cloth, 75c.
The Rights of the People.—An up-to-date pamphlet on religious liberty, and of permanent value for reference and study. Paper covers, 40c.
Testimony of History to Truth of the Scriptures.—By Geo. Rawlinson, M.D. An excellent and instructive pamphlet on recent archeological discoveries. Paper binding, 35c.
Dictionary of the Bible.—By Wm. Smith, LL.D. A very complete dictionary of the Bible, although small. 467 pages of closely written matter, well and attractively bound, Jewish calendar, map of Palestine, and other valuable features. Price, 85c.
Special Combination Offers.
The Signs of the Times one year, and “Steps to Christ” or “Bible Dictionary,” $1.50.
The Signs of the Times one year, and “Rights of the People,” or “Testimony of History to the Truth of Scripture,” $1.25.
Address
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Ca.
NEWS AND NOTES
FOREIGN.
—Von Hohenlohe, the German chancellor, has resigned, and will vacate his office in September.
—On May 3, Ambassador Uhl, the new United States Representative at Berlin, had his first audience with the emperor and empress of Germany. The visit was conducted with great ceremony.
—The monarchical party is said to be gaining considerable headway in Brazil. A number of monarchist papers have been lately established, and open threats are made for restoring the imperial régime.
—The Oceanic steamship Monowai brings news of the disaster in the Brunner mine, New Zealand, on March 26. An explosion of fire-damp caused a cave-in, imprisoning sixty-seven men, none of whom escaped.
—The forces of the Khalifa in the Soudan are estimated at 110,000 men, of whom 40,000 are armed with rifles. It is believed, however, that not more than one-fourth of this number could be concentrated to repel any attack of the Egyptian army, owing to the wide extent of territory which has to be guarded.
—Since the disastrous defeat of the Italian forces in Abyssinia, King Humbert has donated 400,000 francs to the families of the soldiers killed and wounded in the African campaign. He has also given 100,000 francs to the Red Cross Society for its use in relieving the wounded. It is also reported that the beleaguered garrison at Adigrat has been relieved.
—In the House of Commons, England, on May 8, Mr. Chamberlain admitted that the government was responsible for the acts of the chartered South Africa Company, and that its part in the Jameson raid was a reflection on England. Nevertheless, he asked that Cecil Rhodes be not censured too severely, on account of his services to England in the past.
—Cuban news during the week shows a victory, after a real fight, for the Spaniards, and a town burned within sight of Havana, by the insurgents. It is reported that the private secretary of Maceo has taken advantage of the amnesty declared by Weyler, and has surrendered, being immediately released. The despatch makes him state that Maceo has a well-organized army of 15,000 under his immediate command.
—A disastrous earthquake has visited the province of Manabi, Ecuador. Puerto Viejo, the capital, a city of some ten thousand inhabitants, with advanced improvements and many institutions of learning, is said to be entirely destroyed, with great loss of life. Floods followed the earthquake shocks. Manta, a seaport town of the same province, has also suffered severely. Later advices will probably give particulars as to lives lost.
—Two American newspaper correspondents have been ordered to leave Cuba at once. These are James Creelman, of the New York World, and Frederick W. Lawrence, of the New York Journal. The charges are that they have calumniated General Weyler, the government, and the army, and attributed insurgents’ crimes to the Spanish army. So reads a press item. Sooner or later in the work of the war correspondent he wishes to make his coup by stating the true inwardness of affairs. It is then perhaps the healthiest course to turn towards home.
—The cases of the men captured on board the filibustering steamer Competitor have been heard before a court-martial in Havana, and sentence of death asked for all. Inasmuch as three of these men—one without doubt—are probably American citizens, the United States Government, in the person of President Cleveland, has taken a hand in the matter, and demands that they be brought to Florida for trial. It seems, also, that they are not technically guilty, if all are really guilty, of violating the treaty under which the Spanish court demands the death sentence.
—The Transvaal volksraad, or parliament, assembled May 4, and considerable interest has been shown relative to President Krueger’s speech. That gentleman has been pronounced one of the shrewdest diplomats living, and those looking for any outbreak have been disappointed. Concerning foreign powers, the simple statement was made that the Boer republic continues to maintain friendly relations with them. As to the Orange Free state, the wish is made that a closer union be discussed. This is sufficient, of course, with the known friendly relations between the Transvaal and Germany, to cause unfavorable comment in England, whose secretary for the colonies, Mr. Chamberlain, has been outclassed on every point of diplomacy by President Krueger.
—A despatch says that 100 Chinese have arrived at Montreal via Vancouver, and are waiting for a favorable opportunity to make their way into the United States.
DOMESTIC.
—An explosion of gasoline in Cincinnati on May 4 demolished a five-story building, and buried beneath the ruins about twenty-five people. Six lost their lives.
—John T. Jones, one of the employees arrested for looting the Carson Mint, has received a sentence of eight years’ imprisonment, and must also pay a fine of $5,000 before regaining his liberty.
—By the shutting down of a large packing house in Kansas City, 1,300 men have been thrown out of employment. The main reason for this is trouble between the packing companies and labor organizations.
—The boy wreckers of a train on the New York Central Railroad a few months ago have received sentence at Rome, N. Y. The ringleader received a life sentence, and his two companions must serve forty years’ time each in the penitentiary.
—A combination has been entered into by four immense thread manufacturing establishments,—the Clark Thread Works, of Newark, N. J., the J. P. Coates Thread Company, of Glasgow, Scotland, and the Kearney and Paisley Mills, of Scotland.
—On May 7, murder-fiend Holmes, of Philadelphia, met the deserved penalty for his misdeeds, by hanging. Perhaps no stranger than other actions was his protestations of innocence at the last, in the face of confessions and boasts during imprisonment.
—Gaylord, Smith County, Kansas, is officered entirely by women,—mayor, police judge, and members of the council. This is Mrs. Antoinette Haskell’s second term as mayor, and the first term pleased so well that a complete woman’s council was elected this year.
—Special impetus has been given to the cause of woman suffrage in this state by a resolution adopted by the recent Republican convention at Sacramento, in favor of striking the objectionable word “male” from the suffrage plank of the constitution. Susan B. Anthony and Rev. Anna Shaw are at the helm of the movement at present.
—Politics are again to the front, and conventions are the order of the day. The result of the Republican conventions which are holding in the several states has been an almost unanimous choice of McKinley as presidential candidate, delegates to the national convention at St. Louis in most instances being instructed to vote for that gentleman.
—Commander Booth-Tucker, of the Salvation Army, who is now in San Francisco with his wife, says that out of 2,000 officers, only about fifty have been lost to their work by the departure of Ballington Booth from the ranks. Many of these he claims are returning. At the same time, even tho these figures be correct, a rousing reception has awaited the former commander in the popular churches wherever he has visited since his defection.
CYCLONE WASHER.
By Elder J. A. Sanborn
WILL ORDER A DOZEN MACHINES.
SPARTA, WIS., Feb. 3, 1896.
Coon Bros.: I bought a Cyclone of one of the firms at Milton Junction, Wis., and we like it very much. I will send you $48, for one dozen machines. Please let us hear from you at once.
Yours very truly, ELDER J. A. SANBORN.
For particulars and circulars address: Coon Bros., 137 South Washington St., Battle Creek, Mich.
Union Pacific “Once-a-Week” Personally Conducted Excursions to the East.
The Union Pacific Railway is now running personally conducted excursions to Chicago and St. Paul without change, in Pullman upholstered tourist cars, leaving Los Angeles every Thursday and San Francisco every Friday. Through upholstered tourist cars from San Francisco to Chicago without change every day in the week.
The Union Pacific is the only line running Pullman drawing-room sleepers and dining cars from San Francisco to Chicago without change in three and a half days. Buffet smoking and library cars between Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Chicago.
For tickets and full particulars call on or write to D. W. Hitchcock, general agent, No. 1 Montgomery Street, San Francisco; H. V. Blasdel, 1010 Broadway, Oakland.
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.
