p. 235 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 15. (2/13/1893)

Earlier text: A BLOW AT THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

NORFOLK ISLAND.

By Elder A. J. Read

Social Experiment—No. 3.

THE age in which we live is an age of experiments. This is true not only in the physical world, but also in the social world. To this fact alone a large part of the achievement of this century is perhaps due. Some of the grandest achievements have only been made possible by massing the working forces in one place, and there, where the best possible instruments, machinery, and skill were combined, the material was wrought, and the grandest possible results reached. It is the principle of concentration of labor and effort, bringing about the best results, and the best results leading to future successes, in contrast to the old principle of individual effort and short-lived success. Strange to say, most modern missions lean toward the old plan of individual effort, while they are very slow to see the advantages of concentration which have wrought such wonders in almost every other department. Perhaps the first to give this method a fair trial was the Melanesian Anglican Mission, whose headquarters are now at Norfolk Island.

The diocese of the first Anglican bishop of New Zealand, old Bishop Selwin, extended over 84 degrees of latitude and 20 degrees of longitude, and thus embraced New Zealand, then partly Christianized, and also the New Hebrides, Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands, and neighboring groups, inhabited by a race of cannibals fearfully dwarfed and degraded by long years of sin. Immediately after his consecration as bishop, in 1841, he began to plan for the accomplishment of Archbishop Howley's suggestion at that time, namely, that he should establish an island mission apart from New Zealand.

In 1847 he set sail in Her Majesty's ship Dido, on a tour of inspection. If he was interested before in these degraded people, his interest was only increased by visiting them and seeing their deplorable condition in their island homes. His plans began at once to

take definite shape for the uplifting of these benighted islanders.

He could readily see that to place a white missionary here would be expensive and also hazardous to human life; moreover, if that course were pursued it would not accomplish the desired end, for the natives would look upon their new visitor, if not in their treachery as a dainty morsel for a feast, at least in their indolence as a "heaven-born" wonder, whose good example was to be attributed to his high origin, but scarcely to be imitated by a native. And thus the feeble ray of light which one might shed would soon be swallowed up in heathen superstition and darkness that was worse than night. Evidently he must depart from the usual method of mission operations; and what established him more positively in this conclusion was the fact that the malarious climate was almost sure death to the white man who should attempt to dwell there throughout the year.

With these facts in mind the bishop fitted out his own schooner, the Undine, a little craft of twenty-one tons burden, and in 1849 started for the islands. Notwithstanding his craft was so small for a sea voyage, its very diminutiveness made it suitable for cruising in and out among the dangerous shoals; angels seemed to speed the little vessel on its way, and in ten days from the time she left New Zealand she reached Aneityum, in the New Hebrides, one thousand miles north of Auckland. Here he met with Captain (now Admiral) Erskine, of H. M. S. Havannah, in whose company he proposed to make his trial voyage with the object of taking a few young lads from each group (New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and Loyalty) to Auckland, and there, amid all the enlightening influences of civilization, give them a thorough course of instruction in elementary and biblical studies, which he thought would fit them to return and live among their own people, exerting almost untold influence for good.

Captain Erskine, being a practical man, at once became interested in this plan and agreed to accompany the bishop. With this valuable escort he again visited the islands; the bishop exhibited wonderful skill and tact in winning the wild natives, with beads, mirrors, and bits of hoop iron, and soon he had secured peaceably the young lads whom he wanted for the starting of his school.

In 1851 he made another successful trip, this time in the Border Maid, a schooner of one hundred and sixty tons.

In 1855 the enterprise was joined by John Coleridge Patterson, M. A., a gentleman of fine ability and talent, who came at his own charges.

Mr. Patterson gave himself wholly to the island work, and exhibited wonderful intrepidity and skill in dealing with the savages. He would approach a cannibal island, and when the sailors in the boat would quail at the sight of the wild men dancing in savage expectation on the beach and swimming eagerly toward the boat, Patterson, before anybody knew what he was doing, would pull off his coat, and, regardless of sharks or savages, plunge into the water, and with a handful of beads and bright trinkets swim toward the howling natives. His very bravery and presence among them would have almost a magic effect, and to the astonishment of the sailors as well as the natives themselves he would soon be peaceably on shore with the savages, who readily learned to love him, even though their heathen breasts were so little capable of that emotion.

Patterson was consecrated Bishop of Melanesia in 1861, and in 1867, finding that the climate of Auckland was proving fatal to the natives of the tropical climate, and thus to the enterprise, he removed the headquarters of the mission to Norfolk Island, and their society purchased for them a thousand acres of land at the northwest end of the island, where the native lads could be taught industrial pursuits, and especially agriculture. Here also provision would be less expensive than in Auckland, the climate mild and agreeable, and the influence of the hospitable Norfolk people, whom it will be remembered were originally the world-renowned Pitcairn islanders, would tend to aid the work.

Here, then, for the first time the experiment had a fair trial. As other missionaries joined the enterprise, it was found that they could labor among the islands from April to November, and, returning to Norfolk to avoid the heated term, teach in the school from December to March inclusive.

But it was not Bishop Patterson's plan to have the work in the islands carried on by the white missionaries; they were to serve as overseers, to visit the old students who had returned to the field and encourage them in their work, or, as the bishop himself expressed it, borrowing the figure from the native mode of fishing, "The white corks are to float the black net."

He labored extensively in the Banks Islands, New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, and Santa Cruz groups.

Though some of his graduates from the school proved untrue and returned to their former heathen customs, yet for the most part, upon their return to the islands, they lived among their people and exerted a powerful influence for good, teaching to hundreds what they alone had learned at the mission, and in many cases after laboring a few years, presenting themselves for an advanced course and bringing with them others who desired to attend the school.

Of course all these movements among the islands required the constant attendance of a mission vessel, and it was found necessary, owing to the uncertainty of the winds and the danger from hidden reefs and unknown currents, to have auxiliary steam power.

One great obstacle to the success of the missionaries was the work of the labor vessels among these groups. These vessels visit the islands and entice the natives away to work on plantations in other groups of the South Pacific, with promises of plenty of hatchets, guns, tobacco, and rum, and a safe return home in three or four years; sometimes these natives are used as well as could be expected, but more frequently they are put under a cruel taskmaster and made to do service little better than slavery.

Such visitors, the unfaithfulness on the part of the labor men, and the reports brought back by the natives of the treatment they had received, have proved a serious hindrance. It was after the visit of one of these agencies of Satan that good Bishop Patterson in attempting to land at Nakapu, in the Swallow group, was greeted with a shower of poisoned arrows from the natives on the shore, and himself and two other missionaries were fatally wounded. He was martyred September 20, 1871, in the cause he was so nobly serving, and it is stated by those who were with him that he died with a sweet smile on his face, entertaining only feelings of love for those who had so rudely and treacherously taken his life. We personally met, at Norfolk Island, and conversed with two individuals who were with him in the boat at the time, and who minutely described the touching scene from beginning to end. The bishop's remains were near the place of his martyrdom, adrift on a small float with two palm leaves crossed on his breast (a sign of peace), placed there by the savages, who had discovered their mistake in wreaking upon their benefactor the revenge intended for their enemies.

The feelings of his colaborers may perhaps be best expressed in the words of one of them:—

"And yet we dare not nourish hate Toward those who wrought with fatal power. He loved them, though so sad his fate, And sweetly smiled in death's dark hour.

"The shattered tenement of clay Erelong was sought by loving eyes; And thus they found him as he lay Unsheltered 'neath the burning skies. "No earthly ground contains his grave, No tomb confines the martyr's breast; Beneath the broad Pacific's wave They gently laid him down to rest."

Strangely enough there is now attending the school at Norfolk the son of the man whose hand sent the fatal arrow, and, as he expressed it when we were there, he can hardly understand why they are all so kind to him, when, according to the customs of his native island, he would expect to receive only their hatred and revenge.

After the death of Bishop Patterson, Dr. Codrington continued the work till 1877, when Rev. James R. Selwin, M. A., son of old Bishop Selwin, was consecrated bishop of Melanesia.

He possessed a large share of the paternal tact and ability, and from the time of his consecration he prosecuted the work successfully, till two years ago, when he was obliged to return to England for medical treatment. The work however still goes on, and at the time of our visit was in the charge of Revs. Chas. Bice and C. Comins. These gentlemen received us very kindly and invited us to spend a day at the mission, which we did, and were thus enabled to become familiar with the details and internal workings of the enterprise.

The buildings consist of a neat chapel built in memory of Bishop Patterson, elegantly ornamented outside and in, and furnished with a pipe organ (the only grand organ in the South Pacific save that recently procured by King George Tubou, of Tonga), a small, one-roomed building for a printing office, the old chapel building, which now makes a spacious school room and two recitation rooms, a long dining hall, where missionaries and students take their meals, eight or ten comfortable cottages for the missionaries and their families, and a number of small cottages for the native students and their young wives, whom they bring with them to the school.

The following simple program is observed, Saturdays and Sundays excepted: 6 A.M., rise; 7, chapel; 7:30, breakfast; 8 to 9:30, Bible history, arithmetic, and English language, on alternate days; 9:30 to 12:45, manual labor in the mission garden and about the mission premises; 1 P.M., dinner; 2-3, writing; 3-6, optional to the students for working in their own gardens, doing errands, supplying their families with food by fishing, etc.; 6, tea; 6:45, chapel; 7-8, session of school for Bible history and singing on alternate evenings; 9, retire and lights out.

The very regularity of habits thus taught the natives is itself beneficial, and in a measure clings to them after returning to their native islands.

The Melanesian Mission is now firmly established; it has a vast field before it, and with an annual income of over $32,500 it will probably continue its work year by year, till its present success in the few places where it has operated has reached many another obscure place, and may we not hope till its successful methods have become more generally known, and thus furnish an important factor for the success of modern missions.

Papeete, Tahiti. December, 9, 1892.

A BETTER EDUCATION WANTED.

A PRACTICAL example of the inefficiency of the modern education to meet ordinary household requirements occurred with us the other day, to my shame be it spoken, said the intellectual mother of a couple of highly educated daughters. Our laundress was taken suddenly ill, leaving the clothes washed and dampened ready to iron; the housemaid took her place and finished the house linen, but confessed her total inability to cope with my husband's and son's shirts and collars. I tried in vain to find someone to come by the day, and finally, in desperation, as the men were becoming rampant, I attempted a collar myself. Such a limp, queer-looking rag it was! "Come, girls," I said, "what is the use of your Latin and Greek and all your 'ologies if you can't even do up a man's collar?" But it was of no use. There was not one among us who could manage to make the wretched things fit to wear. "Truly," I thought to myself, as I hied to a Chinese laundry, "there is something wanting in a woman's general knowledge if the simplest practical details of her household are unknown to her." And I have made up my mind that my daughters shall have a "finishing course," not in the generally accepted sense of the expression, which is usually understood to refer to mere accomplishments, but a course of useful information, and the practical knowledge of each part of the household economy. This should comprise a thorough understanding of every branch of the work of the house,—cooking, laundry work, housework, in fact, every department in which they expect to supervise in the future.—N. Y. Tribune.

FROM A LITTLE NINE-YEAR-OLD NATIVE GIRL.

SISTER HATTIE W. READ writes as follows from Tahiti: "DEAR BROTHER WILCOX: I was sick one day and not able to teach my little school, so wrote to this little girl, and through her sent word to the others. This is her answer, and thinking it might interest you, I send it, with the English translation written below. The child is nine years old, and began keeping the Sabbath before her mother and grandmother":—

Pirae te 11 no Vitema 1892. Parae, the 11th of December 1892. E Mrs. Read ma e! To Mrs. Read and companion! Taorana orua, i te faaroo ia Jesu Mesia. Greeting to you both in the faith of Jesus Christ. Ei puoi; raa 'tu i taorua rata no Let there be a joining together in our letters on teienei mahana e mea maururu. this day which thing alone is delightful. E rahi ra e faaitoito i to oe mai e Mrs. Read Be vigilant and watchful of your sickness and Mrs. Read vahine; e pure i te Atua na roto i te faaroo ia Jesu Mesia. dear lady pray to the God in the faith of Jesus Christ. Ya maitai orua! Blessings to you both, Moe iti! Little Mae.

FAITH.

I WILL not doubt, though all my ships at sea Come drifting home with broken masts and sails; I will believe the Hand which never fails, From seeming evil, worketh good for me. And though I weep because those sails are tattered, Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered, "I trust in Thee."

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return Unanswered from the still white realm above. I will believe it is an all-wise love Which has refused these things for which I yearn, And though at times I cannot keep from grieving, Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing Undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain, And troubles swarm like bees about a hive; I will believe the heights for which I strive Are only reached by anguish and by pain; And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses, I yet shall see through my severest losses The greater gain.

I will not doubt. Well anchored in this faith, Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale. So strong its courage that it will not quail To breast the mighty, unknown sea of death. Oh, may I cry, though body parts with spirit, "I do not doubt," so listening worlds may hear it With my last breath.

—Selected.

Shared Grief Grows Less

By Edwin Arnold

The grief which all hearts share grows less for one.—Edwin Arnold.

Bishop Taylor’s African Mission

THE San Francisco Christian Advocate says that Bishop Taylor expects to reach the west coast of Africa in the latter part of December. He has sent out nine missionaries since last May.

Making Pine Resemble Fine Wood

PINE may be made to look like some beautiful wood by giving repeated coats of hot linseed oil, and rubbing hard after each coat.

Brightening Carpets with Ammonia

To BRIGHTEN carpets, wipe them with warm water in which has been poured a few drops of ammonia.

Conduct and the Lord’s Prayer

"The man who does not say 'Our Father' in his conduct wherever he goes, cannot say it on his knees."

Love for God’s Law

THE more men love the law of God, the more they will see the guilt of violating it.

Paul’s Missionary Method

PAUL’S idea of missionary work seems to have been to preach the word of God till souls were converted, organize them into churches, ordain elders and deacons, and then go on to the next place. He kept an eye on the churches and received reports from them. But he organized nothing except churches, nor did he lift a finger towards educating and civilizing the Galatians.—Exchange.

SOUTH AFRICA.

By I. J. Hankins

BY I. J. HANKINS.

(Concluded.)

OUR general meeting closed this morning (December 14) with a praise service. We have great reason for gratitude to God for the love and harmony which have prevailed in all our counsels. A brief outline of the work only will be given in this, as a more full and complete report will doubtless be published in the Review.

After careful consideration, a "South African Conference of S. D. Adventists" was organized, with Elder A. T. Robinson as President; I. J. Hankins, Secretary; and Mrs. N. H. Druillard, Treasurer. This Conference includes in its territory all south of the northern boundary of Cape Colony, Transvaal, and Zululand.

Resolutions were passed expressing our appreciation of the love and care of the General Conference shown us during the five years of our "mission" life, and also that the cause has so far advanced in this field, through the blessing of God, as to be, we hope, self-supporting in the future. Financially the Lord has blessed the work here, so that we start out as a Conference with fair prospects of success in this line. Before we entered into the Conference organization, the meeting voted unanimously to pay one-tenth of all the tithe we had received up to date, to the General Conference.

When the report of the College Building Committee was presented, it showed a debt on the college building, grounds, furniture, etc., of $10,000. When opportunity was given for contributions to pay off this indebtedness, the brethren promptly responded, and raised in the meeting in cash and pledges about $8,000 of this amount. It was very gratifying to see all the brethren present (or very nearly all) contribute something toward removing this debt from the college. When we consider the $15,000 expended in the erection of the church and depository in Cape Town, and the $35,000 invested in the college, and that it has all been paid but about $2,000, surely we have reason for heartfelt gratitude to God.

These things lead us to see more and more clearly that the providence of God has been directing in the erection of these buildings. Now that the college is soon to be opened, our people throughout this field are anxious to have their children receive its benefits, and we hope to see the school open in February with a goodly number of students from all parts of the Colony.

As the relation of parents and teachers was presented by Mrs. Miller, and the ideal students' home by Miss Peck, all seemed to be bound more closely together, and we felt assured of the hearty coöperation of parents and teachers in school work. A good many in the vicinity of the college are inquiring the rates of tuition, etc., and the prospects are good for a fair attendance from without. We hope the college will exert an influence for good throughout the Colony.

The experience of the canvassers was listened to with much interest. Although they have met with difficulties and strong opposition, yet they have placed the truth in the homes of thousands of people. All seemed of good courage, and, although they expect hardships and to meet with the prejudices of ignorant people, yet they believe the Lord will give success to the work, because it is his work.

It was voted to make special efforts to increase the circulation of the Present Truth and the Bijbel Lezer, and that one or more persons be employed to give their whole time to canvassing for these papers. At the present time there are upwards of 500 copies of the Present Truth being circulated fortnightly in this field. The paper is being read, too, with much interest.

We are gratified to note the general interest taken in the circulation of literature in the Holland language. Considering the short time since the light was introduced to this people, a large amount of literature has been published in their language, and is being received very readily by the Dutch-speaking people. Brother Scholtz has been laboring more or less among the Dutch, and several have recently been brought into the full light of the gospel. There is a special demand for a subscription book on the subject of health and temperance, and a resolution was passed requesting the General Conference to prepare such a work as soon as possible.

The Religious Liberty question was discussed with much enthusiasm and called forth a resolution to the effect that the Executive Committee should provide literature on this subject, suitable for general circulation throughout South Africa, and that it be done without delay. There is an increasing sentiment in this country in favor of religious legislation, and especially in favor of laws enforcing a more sacred regard for the Sunday.

The question has already been up in Parliament, and will probably come up again at the next session.

Brother Peter Wessels and wife, Brother Scholtz and wife, and Brother John Wessels will sail to-morrow for America, to attend the Ministers' Institute and the General Conference. While we are sorry to lose these brethren from this field, even for a few months, yet we are glad that they are to have the privilege of visiting our institutions in America, and of coming in closer contact with the body of Adventists.

I hope these frequent visits, and the education of so many students in the Battle Creek College, will create such a bond of union in the work as can never be broken; and I am sure it will be so. May the Lord bless these dear brethren, care for them on their voyage, make them a blessing where they go, and return them in due time to help to swell the notes of warning throughout South Africa.

We are glad to have the labors of Brother E. M. Morrison again in this field. He will begin a Canvassers' Institute to-morrow, which will be attended by every canvasser in South Africa, and also by some who contemplate entering that branch of work.

As a young Conference, we start out with hope and courage. It is the general feeling of all that we are rapidly approaching the time when the work of the gospel will have been completed; that what is done must be done quickly; and, in order to accomplish the work, we must have the special help and blessing of God. We are assured that those who seek help from God will not seek in vain.

December 14, 1892.

BEATITUDE.

By Philip Burroughs Strong

To MINISTER to all nor seek return; Freely to give with never thought to get; To do the service others coldly spurn, Where, too, no answering gratitude is met; To serve when duty calls unquestioning, Whether the call be one to loss or gain; To deem and do the tasks each day doth bring, As sent of God, give they or joy or pain; To tread where right conducts, with steadfast soul, That in its consciousness of truth doth rest; To walk by faith, ne'er doubting Heaven's control— Who doeth this shall be supremely blest. —Philip Burroughs Strong, in Household.

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

ELDER HARRISON GRANT, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has taken up his abode in College View, Nebraska.

J. L. WILSON, 231 Pandora Street, Victoria, B. C., calls for clean copies of the SIGNS, Review, Sentinel, and Instructor for missionary purposes. Send postpaid.

ELDER J. H. MORRISON, formerly of Iowa Conference but recently connected with the Rural Health Retreat at St. Helena, Cal., will shortly remove his family to the latter place.

MRS. M. J. BAHLER, St. Charles Hotel, El Paso, Texas, would be glad to receive unsoiled copies of the Youth's Instructor and Our Little Friend to use in the Chinese mission school of that city. She says: "Our school is prospering. We now have twenty names enrolled."

A MAN who is a Buddhist writes from India to Brother Carnahan, of Walla Walla, Wash., that he very much enjoys reading the literature sent to him, and that his son wants to be a follower of Christ, and to propagate the Christian religion through the empire of Japan. This man has recently translated some of Dr. Kellogg's health science leaflets into his native tongue, and about 3,000,000 copies are to be printed and circulated.

THE California delegation and visitors to the General Conference at Battle Creek, Mich., left Oakland on the 2d inst., in a special car, by the Santa Fe route. Following is the list of names: M. C. Wilcox, wife, and two children, N. C. McClure, wife, and child, J. H. Durland, C. H. Jones, wife, and child, N. N. Lunt and wife, Wm. Saunders, Miss Hattie Saunders, S. C. Stickney, W. G. Buckner, Mrs. Nettie Reynolds and child, and Miss Phebe Chapman. It was expected that Elder H. A. St. John would join the party at Barstow.

OUR little contemporary, the Reaper, of College Place, Wash., has the following from a secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in Palestine: "I must in my own name and that of the members thank you for your kindness in sending the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and Good Health. And secondly, to tell you that on looking them through I have come to the conclusion that they would be of immense value to our young men were they to come regularly for our reading room. Many of the members who speak Arabic also know English, and they would also get the benefit."

THE work in Oklahoma Territory goes on encouragingly. The latest report stated that there were seven organized churches, with 123 members. Besides these there were some unorganized companies, which would swell the total number to over two hundred. Elder R. H. Brock writes as follows to the Review: "We have eight good canvassers now, devoting almost all their time to the work. They are having excellent success. More than one of the canvassers has told me that he has taken orders of individuals who could not refrain from tears, saying, 'That is the very book I have been wanting.' The canvassers are opening the way for others soon to follow."

THE College View (Neb.) Enterprise informs us that Elder A. T. Jones paid a flying visit to that place on Friday, the 20th ult., and remained until Sunday night, speaking in the chapel of Union College five times. Of the probabilities of a repeal by Congress of its World's Fair Sunday-closing Act, he said: "The only step Congress could take would be a backward one, to undo its wrong work. That it will not do. We have, therefore, no more to do before congressional committees, no more petitions to Congress. In the past our work has been to delay Congress in doing this work; we had no expectation of ultimately preventing it. There is no course now but to warn the people against what has been done."

LESSON IX.—SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1893.

READING THE LAW.

[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.]

Lesson Scripture—Neh. 8: 1-12.

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation, both men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
And he read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand, and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people); and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands; and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law; and the people stood in their place.
And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, which was the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord; neither be ye grieved; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Golden Text.—"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Ps. 119: 18.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.—After our last lesson comes the settlement of difficulties among the Jews from the oppression of their brethren, Nehemiah's rebuke, and the covenant and restitution. See chapter 4. Then follows the treacherous intent of Sanballat, Geshem, and Tobias to draw Nehemiah away from his work, and his noble answer thereto, which Christians would do well to imitate when the tempter would seduce them: "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down." But, in spite of their machinations and plots, the wall was finished in fifty-two days from the time Nehemiah began (see chapter 6: 15), and even their enemies perceived that the work was wrought of God. Proper officers and watches were appointed, and the number of the Jews again given. Chapter 7. The time of the lesson was B.C. 444.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

When the wall was finished, what did the people do? Verse 1, first part.
With what spirit did they gather?—Id.
What did they ask for? Verse 1, second part. Note 1.
When did this take place? Verse 2. (The month of feasts. See Lev. 23: 24-43.)
How was their request complied with? Verse 2.
How long was this first reading and study of the word of God? Verse 3, first part. Note 2.
How did the people regard this long lesson? Verse 3, last clause.
What preparation was made for Ezra? Verse 4.
Who supported or stood with him?—Id.
What respect did the people show to the book of the law? Verse 5.
What did Ezra first do? (He prayed.) Verse 6, first part.
How did the people respond? Verse 6, second part.
Did Ezra have this work to do alone? Verse 7.
With what thoroughness did they teach the people? Verse 8. Note 2.
What showed that the word of God brought conviction and repentance? Verse 9, last clause.
What cheering words did Nehemiah speak? Verse 9, first part.
What should follow true repentance? Verse 10.
What is our strength?—Id, last clause. Note 3.
How did the Levites second the words of Nehemiah? Verse 11.
How did the people obey the instruction given? Verse 12.
Why were they joyful?—Id.
What should be our prayer? Golden text.

NOTES.

1. To bring the book of the law.—The first five books of the Bible, especially those which contained instruction to them as a people. Too often it is the case nowadays that the people are, as the prophet declared, "a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord." Isa. 30: 9. To have a desire to know and do God's law is a sign of a submissive heart. The law had its designed effect: (1) It showed them their sins, and thus led to repentance. (2) It brought them to the pardoning love of God, to the mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus they found peace and joy. Gal. 3: 24; Rom. 5: 11.

2. He read . . . from morning until midday.—It was a long lesson, or sermon, but the people did not grow weary, nor did the preacher exhaust his theme. It was just what such services ought always to be,—a Bible school. Peloubet calls it "a Sunday school of the olden time," but every intelligent reader knows that there was nothing of Sunday, as some now view it, in the matter at all. Sunday has no sacredness in the word of God above Monday or Friday. Ezra's school was simply a Bible school. He had a message of instruction for the people, and they desired to know God's will. There is nothing like the word of God. If ministers and teachers would read the word of God, and make that plain, we would have stronger Christians than now. We see its result here. We see what it was on the day of Pentecost. God's word is the same now.

3. The joy of the Lord is your strength.—The law of itself does not bring joy to the sinner's heart, but it puts him in the way of joy,—a godly sorrow. Joy is here put for salvation from sin, for the gift of God's gracious Spirit, of which joy is one of the fruits. See Rom. 5: 11; Gal. 5: 22. In gloom and despondency are discouragement and weakness. In joy and gladness are strength and courage. Another thought. Christ's joy is in seeing souls saved. See Isa. 53: 11; Heb. 12: 2. It is solely by his love and mercy that he does save man. Therefore our strength, our "stronghold" (margin), is God's mercy and goodness.

LESSON IX.—SABBATH, FEBRUARY 25, 1893

By Editor

THE NEW BIRTH AND THE INDWELLING SPIRIT.

[For any modification in these lessons, and for the notes, the editor is responsible. For other notes and suggestions the student is referred to the lesson pamphlet, and to the S. S. Worker.]

Lesson Scriptures and Suggestive Questions.

I. John 3:3-8: "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born anew. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit."

What is necessary in order to see the kingdom of God?
With what birth only was Nicodemus acquainted?
To what birth did Jesus refer?
What is the difference between the two?
With what is the work of the Spirit compared?

II. Eze. 36:25-27: "And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."

How are we to be cleansed?
From what are we to be cleansed?
What is done with the stony heart?
What takes its place?
Through what agency are we enabled to keep God's commandments?

III. 1 Cor. 3:16: "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

Whose temple are we?
Who dwells in us?

IV. 1 Cor. 6:19: "Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own."

What is the body?
From whom does the Holy Spirit come?
Do we belong to self?

NOTE.

It is worse than useless to speculate on the process of the new birth. It is our privilege, however, to know the fact. "Like the wind, which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly seen and felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human heart. That regenerating power which no human eye can see, begets a new life in the soul; it creates a new being in the image of God." To know God (John 17:3), or to be known of him (Gal. 4:9), involves that idea of that generative power of the Holy Spirit which creates a new heart (Ps. 51:10). The birth of Christ, in whom God was manifested (2 Cor. 5:19), and who is God with us (Matt. 1:25), was due to the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35); so we are begotten of God through his word (James 1:18), are born of his Spirit (John 3:3, 5), are sons now (1 John 3:1, 2), receive power by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Religion is not mere sentiment, but a life; and the mystery of godliness (or the "secret of piety") is that as God dwelt and worked in Christ (John 14:10), and in him condemned sin in the flesh (Rom. 8:3), so Christ shall dwell in us (Eph. 3:17), and live in us (Gal. 2:20), being with us always (Matt. 28:20), enabling us to do all things (Phil. 4:13). All this new life and power come through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16), which is to dwell in us (John 14:17). Thus it was that after Christ left his disciples "their union with him was closer than when he was personally with them." Thus we become a habitation of God (Eph. 2:22), a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5; Heb. 3:6), a temple of God in which he dwells (2 Cor. 6:16).

THE TALENTS. 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.

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