Earlier text: CATHOLIC CONSISTENCYSEVERAL accessions to the faith are reported at Syracuse, N. Y., as a result of Bible work. A NEW meeting house was dedicated at South Russell, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., on the 18th inst. PROF. W. W. PRESCOTT, educational secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, preached in the Oakland church Sunday evening, the 18th inst. BROTHER A. R. HENRY, manager of the Review and Herald Publishing House, at Battle Creek, Mich., arrived in Oakland on the 15th inst., and remained until the 19th. THE Spring Conference of the General Conference Committee, Foreign Mission Board, and representatives of other general interests, will convene in Battle Creek, Mich., on the 27th inst. UNDER date of the 8th inst., Elder C. N. Martin writes from Miles City, Mont.: “The work is onward here. A few days ago I baptized three more adults, who were added to the church.” DR. J. H. KELLOGG and wife took the evening train from this city to Portland, Oregon, on the 19th inst. He will hold an institute there in the interest of medical missionary and Christian help work. ELDER A. J. OSBORNE reports the baptism of five persons at Tulare, Cal., and four at Lakeside. At the latter place a Sabbath school of thirty members had been organized by Brother Baxter Howe. BROTHER E. R. PALMER and wife, of Essex Junction, Vt., are about to sail for Chile, South America, to engage in the canvassing work. He has been holding a canvassers’ institute at Providence, R. I. THE cause at Santa Cruz, Cal., is represented as having an encouraging outlook. Brother T. D. Wallar, missionary, reports fifteen adults ready to unite with the church as soon as an organization can be effected. ELDER I. H. EVANS, president of Michigan Conference, gives encouraging reports of the mission work in Detroit. There are fourteen Bible workers in that city, and the chapel is hardly large enough to accommodate the people. OF the prospects of the cause in Minnesota, Elder N. W. Allee, president, says, “Three times the number of our present force of laborers would scarcely supply the places whence the soul-stirring pleadings are coming for help.” ON Sunday evening, March 4, the new meeting house at Jersey City, N. J., was dedicated. Elder I. D. Van Horn preached the sermon. A district conference was in session at the time, and several leading ministers of the district were present. The audience numbered about 450. SISTER LOTTIE MULLIN, Cottage Grove, San Jose, Cal., repeats her request for primary school books, toys, and seeds, to be sent to our missionaries at Raiatea Island. The matter of the books is especially urgent, and no doubt there are many second hand ones amongst our people that might as well be in use. ELDER I. SANBORN recently had a peculiar experience in Viroqua, Wis. He had secured the Christian Church for a series of meetings. In a short time, however, he was suddenly notified by the trustees that the meetings must cease, because they did not like it. He asked if he had preached anything but the plain word of God, and they replied, “Well, no; but we do not like it.”333 ELDER C. L. BOYD, president of Tennessee Conference, says that his charge never has been in so prosperous and promising a condition as at the present time. The ministers and colporters are unable to fill half the openings of the providence of God. OUR humble workers in Bellefonte, Pa., not long ago were the innocent cause of a newspaper controversy. One paper went so far as to incite the boycott and mob violence against the truth and its representatives, while the other essayed a severe reprimand of its contemporary. ON the 19th inst. Elder O. A. Olsen, Prof. W. W. Prescott, and Brother A. R. Henry left this city for Battle Creek, Mich. They had expected to meet our brethren who are coming on the missionary ship Pitcairn before going East, but the vessel did not arrive as soon as expected. ELDER O. A. OLSEN arrived in San Francisco from Australia on the 15th inst. He preached in Oakland church the following Sabbath morning, and in the afternoon gave an interesting account of his trip around the world, and the condition of the work in the various fields. THERE IS WORK TO DO.
By John M’Carthy
Up! there is work to do;
Heed now the call
To Jesus' service blest,
By him to be possessed;
Give him thine all. Where'er he bid'st thee go,
Quickly obey,
Nor question why nor how,
But e'er submissive bow
To him alway. Then shalt thou sure receive
Souls for thy pay;
Thou shalt be used to guide
Many to Jesus' side
'Long Calvary's way. NOTES FROM TAHITI.
By Elliot C. Chapman
EDITOR “SIGNS OF THE TIMES”—Dear Brother: The following items from this place may be of interest to the readers of the SIGNS:— January 30 Sister Paul Deane was laid away to sleep till the resurrection. She testified of her trust in the Lord shortly before her death. We have now arrived at a very important point in our work, as we have completed and have ready for circulation quite a quantity of literature, which is to be distributed generally among those who read the Tahitian language. How much the prayers of those who fear God are needed that the seed we sow may fall into good ground, and bring forth fruit to the glory of God! Good results have lately been obtained and much prejudice removed by efforts in the line of medical missionary work. We have been quite surprised by the way the Lord has helped in this way, and blessed the efforts of our colaborers to the good of precious souls. I have been informed by a representative of the person known as the “high priest” of the Latter-day Saints that no such meaning was intended to be conveyed in his sermon to which I made reference some months ago, as that “Christ did not come into the world to save sinners.” I stated it as his words were understood to mean by one who heard them. Sunday, January 28, was one of our busy days, of which we have many. In our two bedrooms the ladies conducted their school of 29 children; 17 visitors came and went during the day; eight of these busied themselves for a while folding papers on a forthcoming tract, while another company were engaged in conducting a Sabbath school teachers’ meeting. Visiting the sick, proofreading, and work in the printing office also received considerable attention during the day. We have everything to encourage us. The words are especially true of this field that “now, just now, is the time to work in foreign fields.” Papeete, Tahiti, February 7. LITERARY NOTICES.
By Editor
[The Signs of the Times holds itself under no obligation to notice any publications sent it by publishers. Those considered worthy of notice, or which are deemed profitable to its subscribers, will receive such notice as time, space, and value will permit.] We have received from the Coöperative Building Plan Association, 63 Broadway, New York, No. 41 of Shoppell's Modern Houses, price 50 cents. This is an illustrated architectural quarterly, containing 50 colonial designs and 26 designs of other styles, also steeples, store fronts, staircases, and much other material pertaining to building, that would be of great value, we should judge, to house builders and architects. "REVISED ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA." Adapted from the ninth edition of that great work for the use of American readers, to which is added about 4,000 biographies of distinguished people of the present century, containing maps of every State in the Union, and of all foreign countries. It has been issued weekly by the Chicago Educational Publishing Co. Price, $25 per year. The first volume contains 326 pages, including the initial letters from A to Anc. It places this great work within the reach of many who cannot procure the larger edition. "THE RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD." Published by Latin Historical Society, room 501 Owings Building, Chicago, Ill. Price, 25 cents. The object of this work is to set forth the world's great religions as defined by their greatest living exponents. It has an introduction by Dwight Baldwin. It deals with the religion of Zoroaster, or the Parsees, Hinduism, Judaism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Mohammedanism. Of course this small pamphlet of 64 pages can only give fragments of the papers which were read. Some of these papers are much condensed. Those who wish to have a more complete knowledge must of course consult larger works. "NEELY'S HISTORY OF THE PARLIAMENT OF RELIGIONS AND RELIGIOUS CONGRESSES AT THE COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION." Two volumes in one; illustrated. F. T. Neely, publisher, Chicago, Ill. Edited by a corps of able writers, with Prof. Walter R. Houghton editor in chief. Price, $2.50. It is sold also by subscription. We have already given notice of this work before it appeared. It consists of four parts, 23 chapters. Part First gives the mission of the World's Congress Auxiliary of the World's Columbian Exposition; Part Second, the proceedings of the Parliament of Religions; Part Third, denominational and other congresses; Part Fourth, biographies, arguments, and opinions. The important part of the work is Part Second, Proceedings of the Parliament of Religions. In this we have addresses from eminent scholars from all parts of the world, and exponents of all the great historic religions of the world; and we do not know of any work at the same price which will give a clearer idea of what is held by the various scholars in these religions than this work of Mr. Neely's. It gives a clear, concise report of the proceedings of the great Parliament. The weight of the arguments presented, the creditability to be attached to the statements made by the various speakers, the concise views presented of comparative religions, and the merits and demerits of each, the reader, of course, must judge for himself. The task of the publisher and editors of the work has been to set before the reader a definite and accurate stenographic report of the Parliament; and with the facilities possessed by them, the work has been well done. For a good work at a reasonable price we can recommend Mr. Neely's to our readers. "GEOGRAPHICAL SPICE." A manual for the use of teachers, by Eliza H. Morton. March Brothers, publishers. Bound in boards, after common school style; 210 pages. Price, 75 cents. Miss Morton is the author of Potter's Series of Geographies, and an old and experienced teacher. This book is designed to be of help to teachers in making the study of geography interesting. It is composed of bits of authentic information of an attractive nature concerning all countries and climes. It is easily seen that a child will take much more interest in a country if he learns something concrete about that country. The mere geographical abstract soon vanishes from the mind; but a little anecdote told about some country or place or nation is that which will be likely to fix the locality in the mind, and be the means of increasing interest in it in the future. The author has well said that children take pleasure in the marvelous, and the works of earth, sea, and air appeal to their curiosity, so as to open new worlds of thought and vary the monotony of school exercises. The aim has been to select spice which has not lost its flavor. For instance, on page 24 we have a brief account of the Largest Dam in the World and where it is situated; on page 31 an account is given of the Dismal Swamp, and the healthfulness of that locality; page 47 speaks of Electric Snowflakes; page 67, the Needle and Thread Tree; page 93, of the place where the beautiful poem, "Gray's Elegy," was written; page 140, the Smallest Country in the World; page 173, Straw Shoes for Horses. These stories and illustrations are divided among the various great divisions of the earth. These which we have mentioned have been taken at random, without any purpose of selecting the best. A good index accompanies the work. The book is one which we believe would prove of benefit to the teachers, and be of interest and worth to the class. Address all orders to the author, N. Deering, Maine. A new periodical which lays claim to public favor is The American Medical Temperance Quarterly, organ of the American Medical Temperance Association. Published by the Modern Medicine Publishing Co., Battle Creek, Mich. Price, 50 cents a year. Its object is to bring more prominently to medical men the after influence of alcohol on the living human body, to show just what the true value of alcohol is in its various uses as a medicine, and to disprove the illogical and pernicious doctrine that alcohol, opium, etc., are stimulants and tonic in smaller doses, but sedative and paralyzing in larger doses, and other erroneous views held by the medical profession. The ability of the journal to fulfill its object is indicated by the men who conduct it. The editorial committee are: N. S. Davis, A.M., M.D., LL.D., T. D. Crothers, A.M., M.D., and J. H. Kellogg, M.D. One of the finest seed catalogues which has come to our notice is that issued by Peter Henderson & Co., 35 and 37 Cortland Street, New York. It is a manual of everything for the garden. The price, 20 cents, to be deducted from the first order of those who purchase seeds. It contains a vast amount of information in regard to all the various flowers and plants, and remedies for insects, care of plants, etc. It has six colored plates, besides the cover, and contains instructions how to order, remit, etc. Babyhood for March is an interesting number. John H. Wallace Rhein, M.D., contributes an article on the very common trouble of "sniffles" in children, and shows how this very trivial disease results in serious consequences if not checked. Dr. C. W. Smith has an article on some of the "Early Symptoms of Chronic Diseases in Children," especially in the matter of digestive organs, joint diseases, the diseases of a tuberculous and scrofulous nature, etc. Articles are given for interesting the little ones. The magazine contains other articles of interest also, some of which are valuable, and some of which, to our mind, would honor the magazine by their absence. Price, $1.00 a year. Babyhood Publishing Co., 5 Beacon Street, New York. The Pacific Health Journal for March, 1894, is an excellent number. Among the contributed articles are "Cold and Cool Bathing," by Dr. A. J. Sanderson, "Croup," by Dr. Mary A. Sanderson, "Tonsilitis," by Dr. Heald. "Diseased Nerve Centers" is the topic of a reported lecture from Dr. Maxson. The Editorial department has an article on the "Blues," and the Mother's Helper gives excellent instruction on that dread disease, scarlet fever. Other useful and instructive articles are given for the various departments of home interest. Price, $1.00 a year. Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. "CHRISTIAN EDUCATION" has been noticed so many times in the Signs that our readers are familiar with it. It is a book written by Mrs. E. G. White, published by the International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich. An excellent work on Christian education in all its departments. 255 pages, the price of which is 50 cents. We have lately received from the publishers a supplement to this work, of 32 pages, containing the following articles: "The Best Education," "Christ as Teacher," "The Students at Battle Creek College," "Students Required to Be Workers with God," and "Students Deciding Their Eternal Destiny." These subjects are of great importance, and nothing which we can say can add to the value of the book and its supplement. It ought to be in the hands of all our people, and of all people who have children to educate. The price is such that it is within the reach of every family. CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers. Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study. Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 P.M., and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited. San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free. Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome. East Portland, Oregon.—Church, No. 507 East Ankeny St. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free. Washington, D. C.—Church on Eighth Street between F and G Streets, N. E. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbaths. Sabbath school 9:45 A.M. Sunday, 7:30 P.M., Bible study. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 P.M. All are welcome. Sacramento.—Church on G Street between Seventeenth and Eighteenth Streets. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching service at 11 A.M., Sunday at 7:30 P.M. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30. Seats free. All are cordially invited. ANNUAL MEETING.
By W. N. Glenn
The annual meeting of the Society of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Oakland, will be held at the house of worship, corner Twelfth and Brush Streets, Wednesday evening, April 4, 1894, at 7:30 o'clock. A general attendance of resident members is desired. By order of the president. In the twenty chapters into which this book is divided, the author discusses the unity of the divine plan and the continuity of God's purpose through all the ages, showing that in all dispensations the truths constantly impressed upon the minds of the people have tended to one end,—the elucidation of one central idea, of the dominion which was lost in Adam. CHAPTER I is a brief discussion of the Creation of the World; Man's Dominion and How He Lost It; the Origin and Authorship of Sin, with the divine remedy for its consequences. CHAPTER II treats of the "Promise of God to the Fathers," with all that it implied in heaven and on earth. In other chapters are discussed such subjects as "The Abrahamic Covenant;" "Righteousness through Faith;" "The Covenant with Israel," the reasons for it, and the universality of its application; "The Return of the Jews;" "The World's History in a Dream;" "The Setting Up of the Everlasting Kingdom;" "The Hour of Judgment;" "The Fall of Babylon;" "The Seal and the Mark;" "Signs of the Second Coming of Christ," and the responsibility of man in recognizing them; "The Resurrection of the Dead," and what the doctrine involves. THE LAST CHAPTER is a GRAND COMPILATION of the Promises of God in regard to the "Restoration of the First Dominion," with a vivid portrayal of the earth's appearance and condition when clothed in the garb of Edenic purity and loveliness. THE BOOK is substantially bound, and handsomely embossed with floral designs; gold title on side and back; heavy, cream-tinted, sized and super-calendered paper; size, 5 1/2 in. x 9 in.; price, postpaid, $1.00; gilt edge, with side design embossed in gold, $1.50. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 Bond St., New York. THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW.—A pamphlet of 190 pages; price, 25 cents. It is the argument of Alonzo T. Jones before the United States Senate Committee on Education and Labor, together with the text of the Blair Sunday Bill introduced in the U. S. Senate. Address orders to your State Tract Society secretary or to Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PAMPHLETS.—"Religious Intolerance in the Republic," price two cents. "Due Process of Law and the Divine Right of Dissent," price 15 cents. "The Captivity of the Republic," by A. T. Jones, price 15 cents, or the three postpaid for 30 cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. SUNDAY LAWS OF THE STATES AND TERRITORIES. A comprehensive collection of laws and decisions regarding Sunday observance, especially useful as a compendium of information. Paper covers, 25 cents. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. International S. S. 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 II.—SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1894.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.] DISCORD IN JACOB'S FAMILY.
Lesson Scripture, Gen. 37: 1-11.- AND Jacob dwelt in the land of his father's sojournings, in the land of Canaan.
- These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock of his brethren; and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives; and Joseph brought the evil report of them unto their father.
- Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a coat of many colors.
- And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
- And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren; and they hated him yet the more.
- And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
- For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves came round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
- And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
- And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed yet a dream; and, behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me.
- And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come and bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
- And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.
Golden Text: "See that ye fall not out by the way." Gen. 45: 24. - Give a brief account of the intervening events between this and our last lesson. Note 1.
- Where did Jacob dwell? Verse 1.
- In what was his son Joseph engaged at the time of our lesson? Verse 2.
- With which of his brethren was he? and what was their character? Same verse. Note 2.
- How did Joseph regard their evil lives? Verse 2.
- How did Israel regard Joseph? and why? Verse 3.
- What token did he give him of his love?
- How did this manifestation of love for Joseph affect his brothers? Verse 4.
- How did they treat him? Same verse.
- What led his brothers to hate Joseph yet the more? Verse 5.
- What was his dream? Verses 6 and 7.
- What did his brethren say in regard to the dream? Verse 8.
- How did the telling of his dream affect his brothers? Same verse.
- What other dream did he dream? Verse 9.
- What did his father say in regard to this? Verse 10.
- How did this affect his brothers and father? Verse 11. Note 3.
1. Our last lesson, closing with Gen. 32: 30, left Jacob rejoicing under the blessing of God at Peniel, ten or eleven years previous to our present lesson. Chapter 33 gives an account of Jacob's affecting meeting with Esau, which shows the power of the Lord to change men's hearts, and how Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem. Chapter 34 gives an incident in the history of Jacob's family, resulting in the destruction of the city and inhabitants of Shechem. Chapter 35 tells of the revival which took place in Jacob's family, how they put away their idols, how God blessed Jacob and renewed to him his promises; it also records the death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin. Reuben's sin is mentioned, and the last part of the chapter gives an account of the sons of Israel and the death of Isaac, at the age of 180, at which time Esau and Jacob probably met for the last time. Chapter 36 is wholly taken up with Esau and the nations which sprang from him. Jacob was at this time about 109, Joseph 17, and Benjamin a small child from two to four years old. 2. Sons of Bilhah and Zilpah.—We learn from Gen. 35: 25, 26 that the sons of Jacob's concubines were Dan and Naphtali, sons of Bilhah, and Gad and Asher, sons of Zilpah. Their character evidently was not of the best. Evil associations with the inhabitants of the land had no doubt affected them, as well as jealousy, which was in the family because of Jacob's having so many wives. God designed that man should have but one wife, and every departure from that rule has ever brought discord and strife. The real character of these brothers, as well as the other sons of Leah, is well shown in their treatment of Joseph, as will be seen by the lesson. 3. His brethren envied him.—Of all cruel vices and emotions of the flesh, envy is the worst. It is thoroughly evil in its nature, with no good, not even the semblance of good, about it. It is defined as "pain, uneasiness, mortification, or discontent, excited by the sight of another's superiority or success, accompanied by some degree of hatred or malignity, and often or usually with a desire or an effort to depreciate the person, or with pleasure in seeing him depressed." Joseph had done his brothers no wrong; they simply hated him because his father loved him and because he was superior to themselves. They seemed to feel, also, that his dreams were prophecies, and so they were, prophecies of God, designed of the Lord to reveal to those brethren what should come to pass, that when it did they might know that God lived and reigned. Their envy at last led them to sell their brother into Egypt, and to concoct a lie to hide their guilt from their father. This will be considered in our next lesson. LESSON XVI.—SABBATH, APRIL 7, 1894.
Lesson Scripture, Luke 7: 1-17.- After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
- And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick and at the point of death.
- And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant.
- And they, when they came to Jesus, besought him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him:
- For he loveth our nation, and himself built us our synagogue.
- And Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof;
- Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee; but say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
- For I also am a man set under authority, having under myself soldiers; and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
- And when Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said unto the multitude that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel:
- And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole.
- And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great multitude.
- Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and much people of the city was with her.
- And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
- And he came nigh and touched the bier; and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
- And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.
- And fear took hold on all; and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us; and, God hath visited his people.
- And this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judea, and all the region round about.
THIS lesson is easily analyzed. It consists of but two subjects, healing the centurion's servant (verses 1-10), and raising the son of the widow of Nain (verses 11-17).- When Christ had ended his discourse, where did he go?
- Who was lying there at the point of death?
- How was this servant regarded by the centurion?
- What did the centurion desire of Jesus?
- Whom did he send to Jesus with the message?
- What did the Jews say of the centurion?
- Why did they think he was worthy to be favored?
- What additional message came to Jesus as he was on his way to the centurion's house?
- What did the centurion say of himself?
- What only did he say Jesus needed to do in order to heal the servant?
- How did he illustrate his idea of the power of Christ's word?
- When Jesus heard these things, what did he say to those with him?
- What was the result of the centurion's faith? Matt. 8: 13; Luke 7: 10.
- Where did Jesus go the next day?
- What did he meet at the gate of the city?
- How was Jesus affected by the sight of the mother's grief?
- What did he say to her?
- What did he then do and say?
- What wonderful result followed?
- How did this affect the multitude?
- What did they say?
- How extensively was this published?
1. Let no one be disturbed over the difference in the accounts that Matthew and Luke give of the request that Jesus should heal the centurion's servant. While there is a difference in the two accounts, there is no disagreement. Luke does not mention the centurion's meeting with Jesus, but his silence does not contradict Matthew's statement that the centurion did meet Jesus. Both accounts must be joined, in order to get all the particulars. But do not let anxiety to "harmonize" the two records draw the mind away from the important lessons to be learned from the story. 2. THE JEWS said to Jesus, concerning the centurion, "He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him; for he loveth our nation, and himself built us our synagogue" (Revised Version). They thought that this would make Jesus more ready to grant the request. The idea that God thinks more of men who are able to do much for the church than he does for others is not yet extinct. It is this that leads ministers sometimes to think more of the conversion of a rich man than of a poor man. It is this wrong idea of God's estimate of worthiness, that keeps many from receiving the help that God wants to give. They say, "I am so unworthy," meaning that they are not good enough to receive anything. "I can see how God can save such an one, but I can't have any hope for myself." Their only thought is that God expects men to do something for him before he will do anything for them. When people come to think that they are accepted by the Lord on that basis, they form the criticising portion of the church. They are always looking at other professed Christians, to see if the others have really come up to the standard of goodness that God can accept, namely, the standard to which they themselves have arrived. The centurion himself did not consider that his liberality gave him any special claim on the attention of the Lord. Said he, "I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof." But he was not like so many in these days who confess their own unworthiness, and who, therefore, will not claim anything from the Lord. He said, "Say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." He expected blessings in spite of his unworthiness, and such are the ones who receive mercies from God. Jesus himself was not influenced by the representations of the Jews; but when the centurion, while pleading his own unworthiness, showed how easily Christ could grant his request, the Lord said, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; as thou hast believed, so be it unto thee." Matt. 8: 13. It was his simple faith, and not his rich gifts, that recommended the centurion to Jesus. 3. "But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it." Jesus regarded this as the most marvelous manifestation of faith that he had ever seen. Wherein lay the greatness of the faith?—In the simple fact of grasping the power of Christ's word. Just as the centurion's word could set men in motion, and thus accomplish results, so Christ's word could command the disease15to depart. The Psalmist, speaking of God's dealing with ancient Israel, said, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Ps. 107: 20. This was fulfilled in the case of the centurion's servant. Jesus sent his word, and the life that was in it made the sick man well. It is such faith as the centurion manifested, and only such,—faith that lays hold of and rests upon the power of the living word,—that will give us the kingdom. See Matt. 8: 10-12. 4. "Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not." "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." Ps. 103: 13. "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them." Isa. 63: 9. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." Heb. 4: 15. In the compassion of Jesus for the bereaved and sorrowing mother, we see the tender pity of God for suffering and sinful men; for "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." 2 Cor. 5: 19. Satan has led men to think that God is stern, exacting, and tyrannical. Christ "emptied himself" (Phil. 2: 7, Revised Version), that he might represent only the Father, and so disprove Satan's slander. "God is love." Who can hesitate to come to him, when we know that it was his love and compassion that were manifested in the gentle Saviour. 5. "And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak." What was it that put life into the young man?—Just the word of Christ, which is spirit and life. John 6: 63. It was the same word that will raise the dead at the last day. It was the same word that gives life to the sinner. "And you hath he quickened [made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins." Eph. 2: 1. Conversion is resurrection. See Rom. 6: 1-6; Col. 2: 12, 13; 3: 1. The same word produces it that will raise the dead at last. Therefore the apostle longed only to know Christ and the power of his resurrection (Phil. 3: 10), and he prayed that God would give to us who believe, to know the exceeding greatness of God's power, even the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. Eph. 1: 19, 20. This miracle of raising the widow's son was wrought that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that, believing, we might have life through his name. John 20: 31. Our belief in the Lord Jesus, and in the miracles which the Bible says that he did, is measured by our acceptance of the life which he came to give, and which is in his word.