Your ShelfYour Projects

Signs of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 7.

LIVING FOR CHRIST
Earlier text: THE SPIRIT OF HEALTH PRINCIPLES

LESSON 7.—FEBRUARY 16.—THE SECOND PERSECUTION.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 5:33-42, R.V.
33 “But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were minded to slay them. But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while. And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do. For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to naught. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they hadcalled the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. 42 And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.”
Golden Text.—“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:10.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Who are referred to as being “cut to the heart”? What had produced such an effect? What extreme measure was proposed? Verse 33. Note 1. (2) Who replied to this proposal? What precaution did he first take? Verse 34. (3) With what caution did he open his remarks? Verse 35. Note 2. (4) To what incident did he first refer as a precedent? Verse 36. (5) What other similar case did he mention? Verse 37. Note 3. (6) Then what course did he advise? Verse 38, first part. (7) What general principle was stated in support of this advice? Verse 38, last part, and verse 39. (8) How was Gamaliel’s proposition received? Then what action followed? Verse 40. (9) What spirit was manifested by the apostles? Verse 41. Note 5. (10) In what manner did they continue their work? Verse 42.

NOTES.

1. The pronoun “they” in the opening verse of this lesson refers to the Jewish council, before whom Peter and John had been arraigned. This was the third time they had been arrested while preaching in the name of Jesus; they had twice been put in prison, and the last time had been released by an angel. On this occasion, as before, they had boldly defended the faith, and again charged the rulers with putting the Messiah to death. It was this charge, sustained as it was by so many wonderful works done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, that so “cut to the heart” the members of the Sanhedrin.
2. The caution to “take heed” was timely, as the council had before manifested a spirit of rashness which was liable to get them into trouble with the government by over-reaching their recognized powers. Gamaliel seems to have been more philosophical and cool-headed than his fellows.
3. This Judas of Galilee had headed a revolt in opposition to the land tax imposed by Emperor Augustus. He had raised the cry, “It is not lawful to pay tribute to Cæsar.” This instance and its result shows the significance of the attempt of the Pharisees and Herodians to get Christ to commit Himself on this question of tribute to Cæsar. Matt. 22:15–22.
4. Gamaliel’s advice to “refrain from these men” was based on the idea that it was unnecessary for the council to take steps to have the apostles put to death; for if they were really criminal disturbers, the Roman Government would attend to them, as in the cases which he had cited. And his conclusion regarding the work that was being done in the name of Jesus is sound doctrine. Christianity can go before the world on that proposition; and as long as its votaries will stand on the plain Word of God, the work done in His name will bear the test, and will need no other backing.
5. In the rejoicing of the apostles after being beaten was fulfilled the beatitude of the Lord: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matt. 5:11, 12.

LESSON 8.—FEBRUARY 23.—THE ARREST OF STEPHEN.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 6:7-15, R.V.
7 “And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith. 8 “And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us. And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”
Golden Text.—“Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” Matt. 10:28.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What testimony is here given of the prosperity of the Gospel work? What action of the church had just preceded this condition? Verse 7. Note 1. (2) What is said of Stephen’s powers as a laborer? Verse 8. Note 2. (3) What special opposition arose against Stephen? Verse 9. Note 3. (4) What was the result of this combined attack? Verse 10. (5) Then what course was pursued? Verse 11. (6) What further desperate measures were taken? Verse 12. Note 4. (7) With what special sin did they charge Stephen? Verse 13. (8) What did they charge him with saying about Jesus of Nazareth? Verse 14. (9) What evidence of heavenly vindication was then manifested? How many in the council saw this manifestation? Verse 15. Note 5.

NOTES.

1. The testimony that the “Word of God increased,” follows immediately upon the new phase of organization for ministering to the needy. The office of deacon was instituted, which added to the recognized working force of the church, and relieved the apostles from heavy temporal burdens, that they might give themselves exclusively to the ministry of the Word. The result showed the wisdom of the action. First on the list of deacons chosen by the people was Stephen.
2. The office of deacon did not preclude Stephen from spiritual work; we may rather infer that it gave him increased opportunity to develop the work of the Spirit that was begun in his heart, and to manifest it in an eminent degree. There is no better way to call out the possibilities that lie in a humble Christian heart than to assign the individual to some practical work.
3. Satan was getting desperate. So far he had not only failed to silence the apostles, but here was a new man, from the rank and file of the church, suddenly thrust into prominence as a preacher and worker of miracles in the name of Jesus. So the enemy pitted against him all the talent he could find, making a special onslaught on his scholarship and oratorical powers.
4. Worse and worse for the adversary did the situation become when the combined wisdom of such an array of scholars could not resist this one Christian man, before unknown to fame even amidst the despised sect. So Stephen must be subjected to more violent treatment, and he was arraigned before the council.
5. In answer to the false charges against the faithful disciple, his true character was attested by a heavenly radiance displayed in his countenance. But even such a testimony could not melt the hearts of men held under supreme control by the spirit of persecution. But such is the utter futility of all opposition to the wisdom and power of the Word of God.

LESSON IX.—MARCH 1.—THE MARRIAGE SUPPER.

Aid.—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 307-319.

Lesson Scripture, Matt. 22: 1-14, R.V.

1 “And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto 2 them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, which made a marriage feast for his son, and sent 4 forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast; and they would not come. Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own 6 farm, another to his merchandise; and the rest laid hold on his servants, and entreated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 But the king was wroth; and he sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were 9 bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast. 10 And those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad 11 and good; and the wedding was filled with guests. But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man 12 which had not on a wedding-garment; and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then the king said to the 13 servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and gnashing of 14 teeth. For many are called, but few chosen.”

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

  1. With what simple statement did Jesus introduce this parable?
  2. Whom were the servants to call to the marriage?
  3. What shows that they had professed to accept the invitation?
  4. What did they do when they were called?
  5. How did they treat the second message, “All things are now ready: come”?
  6. What did they do to the messengers?
  7. Describe the fate of those who thus slighted the king’s invitation and killed his servants.
  8. What is illustrated by the two calls to the marriage and their rejection?
  9. Afterward, what did the king say to his servants?
  10. Who were to be bidden?
  11. What does this third call represent?
  12. How was the wedding finally furnished with guests?
  13. What was provided for each one?
  14. What is the wedding-garment?
  15. What insult was offered the king by one who accepted his invitation to the marriage?
  16. What question was asked him by the king?
  17. How did he reply? What does this show?
  18. What was done with him?
  19. Like the parables of the two sons, the Lord’s vineyard, etc., what special and solemn meaning had this parable for those who heard it spoken?
  20. How does its lesson apply to the church to-day?
  21. Why are few chosen? Show how this is taught in the parable.

FOR FURTHER STUDY.

  1. The Gospel invitation given to the Jews. Mark 1:14; Luke 4:43, 44; 8:1; 9:1, 2; Matt. 10:1, 7.
  2. Rejected by them. Acts 7:51-54.
  3. Given to the Gentiles. Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 10:34-43.
  4. The wedding-garment:—
 (a) What it is. Rev. 19:8. (b) Worn by whom. Rev. 19:7, 8; Eph. 5:27. (c) How obtained. Rev. 3:18.
  1. The examination of the guests. Rev. 20:11, 12.
  2. The solemn responsibility of those who are bidden to the wedding. Matt. 24:42, 44; Rev. 16:15.

PERIODICALS WANTED.

CLEAN copies of our papers and tracts for missionary work. Address, postpaid, John S. Wightman, Arkansas City, Kansas.
A LIKE request is made by J. W. Norwood, 901 East 9th Street, Galena, Kansas.

THE PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE.

By W. T. Knox; J. J. Ireland

The first annual meeting of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to assemble in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Portland, Oregon, on the 27th day of February, 1902, at the hour of ten A.M., for the purpose of selecting the officers that are to serve during the ensuing biennial term, and of transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Each local conference will be entitled to one delegate in the session of this conference without regard to numbers, and an additional delegate for every three hundred church-members in the conference.
W. T. KNOX, President.
J. J. IRELAND, Secretary.

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.

THE SANITARIUM CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL.

The Correspondence School for Nurses, connected with the Sanitarium Medical Missionary Training School, will begin a new class in April. Lessons are sent weekly to students who are unable to leave home duties in order to take a regular course at one of our sanitariums. This is the fourth year this course has been carried on, and hundreds are availing themselves of it. Studies on eleven subjects are given, among which missionary work and care and treatment of the sick are prominent.
The tuition fee is three dollars, which barely covers the cost of sending out the lessons, correcting the replies, and returning the replies to the pupil. The books required for this work are furnished at actual cost-price. We shall organize a new class in April, which will continue one year (some finish in six months), and shall be glad to hear from all who are interested. A descriptive circular giving full particulars, also testimonials from those who have taken the course, will be sent free on application.
Address, Cor. Dep’t. Sanitarium Training School, Battle Creek, Michigan.

ARREST OF STEPHEN.

By J. O. Corliss

The noble stand taken by the apostles when persecuted by the Jewish commonwealth, resulted in many disciples being added to the church. In doing their work the apostles had given more attention to presenting Christ as the promised Messiah, than to the perfecting of any organization looking to the care of temporal matters. The distribution of funds for the support of dependent widows was, therefore, soon made a public question, because the Grecian believers complained that, under existing conditions, their widows did not receive the due amount of care in comparison with that bestowed on the Hebrew portion of the church.
Seeing the necessity for something to be done by which the difficulty might be adjusted, the apostles called a mass meeting of all near-by believers, and briefly set the situation before them. They said that inasmuch as it was not reasonable for them to leave the preaching of the Word, in order to serve in temporal affairs, they recommended that seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost, be sought out, and appointed over that necessary work. Acts 6:1-3.
While the work of these men was to be somewhat different from that of the apostles, yet one great requisite was necessary for both classes,—the possession of the Holy Ghost in its fulness. From this it is clearly seen that to minister properly in the temporalities of the church, one must have the same qualifications as he whose labors are wholly confined to teaching the Word of God. Another lesson for the church in all ages is, that the prosperity of the church depends upon the various branches of its work being under the supervision of men of decided ability to do the work in the various departments to which they are assigned. But to have the best success, even these natural gifts must be strengthened by the operation of the Holy Spirit.
The seven upon whom the choice of the church rested to fill the deacon’s office, were duly set apart to their work by the apostles, through prayer and the laying on of hands. This done, the apostles proceeded to their special work, and soon saw the number of the disciples greatly multiplied by the enlargement of the Word through them. But this was not wholly due to the efforts of the apostles. Prominent among the seven deacons was one named Stephen, who, being full of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, performed great and wondrous miracles among the people. His witnessing for Christ was so convincing that many, even of the priests, were won over to the side of truth. Verses 5-8.
This last was more than the formal leaders could well endure. They saw the very foundation of their structure crumbling, and that some extreme measure had become necessary to divert the flow of thought into some other channel. So certain leaders of the various synagogues united to confuse Stephen by opening upon him a fusillade of questions and contradictions. But this course did not have the desired effect upon the people. The wisdom with which the intrepid reformer met the storm turned the victory against his opposers.
Seeing their failure in these tactics, others were resorted to, better calculated to close the mouth of the man whom they already cordially hated. But a short time before, Christ had been convicted before the Jewish tribunal through the testimony of false witnesses. What had before been successful was worthy of another trial. So they had men called who were easily induced to swear that they had heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. The infuriated leaders well knew that could such a charge be made to appear correct, the whole populace would be quickly turned against the man to whom they had so gladly listened.
True to the calculations of those basely interested, the people were stirred to indignant prejudice against Stephen. This was the desired opportunity to be seized by the elders and scribes, who, with the people, rushed upon the fervent herald of truth. No chance of escape appearing, he was caught, and brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest council of the Jewish nation.
In an ordinary case such a position would have been no cause of alarm to an innocent man; for the body before whom the reformer was cited, was intended to be organized on a plan to ensure even more than justice. It was supposed to be a court of mercy, and it is said that to secure this the Jewish law permitted no one to become a member of that court who was not first a husband and father, that he might give his voice in behalf of those brought before him as tho they were his own children. But in the days under consideration, and especially under existing circumstances, this feature was no longer regarded.
To make sure of convicting their man on this occasion, they would not trust the testimony of truthful men. In this case their victim might elude their grasp, and so they would fail to curb the press of people toward the faith of Jesus. But Stephen was not deserted of God, even tho in the hands of murderous enemies. As the false witnesses whom they hired to testify against him were saying that they had heard him teach that Jesus would destroy the temple, and the customs Moses had delivered to them, God’s glory shone full in the face of the persecuted one, revealing to all in the council that he was a child of the Most High.
One would think that such a sight would have deterred the council from going further in the persecution they had begun. But like others before and since, their pride of opinion would not let them retrace their steps. Through their own bigoted folly they had taken matters into their own hands, and entirely divorced themselves from God’s grace, so that the needed power for repentance was absent. In the same way now, many become fatally entangled in Satan’s snares, and will only awake to a sense of their mistake when overtaken by the judgment of the great day.
It may be thought that the hardness of heart manifested by the persecutors of Stephen was an extreme case, and one not easily duplicated in the present age. But this is a mistake. The history of the church ever since that day, is but a repetition of the circumstances which made that man of God a martyr. And altho the scenes of the Dark Ages appear dim in the lapse of time, yet the same spirit of bigotry exists to-day in the hearts of some, and is only prevented from manifesting itself in deeds of violence because of the vestige of Protestantism still left in the land. Let this fade out entirely, as it now bids fair to do, and the last protection for private views of religious faith will be swept away. It is well for all to beware of any movement looking to the church gaining control of civil statutes, lest when it does, it makes its faith a part of the common law, and then holds all amenable to it. It was this condition alone that made persecution possible in the days of Christ and the apostles, and has done the same in every age since.
J. O. Corliss.

Mother Truth’s Melodies

We have just secured a few copies of the book entitled, MOTHER TRUTH’S MELODIES. Its design is to displace the nonsensical rhymes of Mother Goose with those which will not only entertain but profit. Notice the first verse:—
“Mother Goose, Mother Goose, Why fly away?” “Because Mother Truth is A-coming to-day. She’ll tell you funny things, But they’ll be true; She’ll bring you pictures So charming and new; She’ll sing you Melodies, helping to show How, to true women and men, you may grow.”
The following quotation indicates the plan of the book still more in detail:—
Mama, ’tause I’m tross don’t whip me; I tan’t help it, not a bit! ’Tis the tandy hurts my stomat, And that mates me whine and fret. Sometimes, too, I’m whipped for trossness, When the trossness tomes from meat; Think how tiders drowl and drumble, And then dive me food to eat That will mate me well and happy,— Wheat and oat-meal, rice and fruit, These will mate me dood and gentle, ’Stead of mating me a brute.
The book is fully illustrated, contains 352 pages, is bound in cloth, and will be sent post-paid for $1.00
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY Oakland, Cal. 11 W. 20th St., New York City 18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.

THE FALL OF BABYLON

Such is the title of No. 169 of the BIBLE STUDENTS’ LIBRARY, just from the press. The subject matter of the tract is based on Revelation 14:8:—
“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
From this and other scriptures, the writer shows conclusively what Babylon is, what her fall means, when it takes place, and the only way of escape from her ruin. You can’t help being interested in reading this tract, and then you will want your neighbors and friends to read it.
A neat design of the ruins of ancient Babylon adorns the front cover. It is in every way attractive, interesting, and helpful.
Twenty-four pages. Price 1½ cents; per hundred, post-paid, $1.10. Order of
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
11 W. 20th St., New York  18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.
Or your State Tract Society

Sample Copy Free

The first article in the February Pacific Health Journal is entitled, “Warfare Against Tuberculosis.”
It illustrates various breathing exercises which may be used to advantage in this warfare.
Sample copy FREE.
Ten copies single issue, 25 cents.
Subscription price, 50 cents per year.
PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL :: OAKLAND, CAL.

A Touching Story

If there are among your friends or acquaintances those who are struggling against the power of an evil habit or inclination, hand them a copy of the story entitled,

“THE NAME”

They will be sure to read it, and it will be almost sure to help them. The price is 65 cents per hundred.
Pacific Press Publishing Co. :: Oakland, Cal.
11 W. 20th Street, New York City 18 W. 5th Street, Kansas City, Mo.

A Club Privilege

By Editor

If you are taking five copies of the Signs direct from us or through your church club, you have the privilege of sending us additional single subscriptions for only 83 cents per year.
Five papers, one year, will cost $3.50.
Additions to the club, 70 cents a copy a year.
Additional single subscriptions, 83 cents a copy a year.
Address, Signs of the Times
OAKLAND, CAL.

CHICAGO IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS

From San Francisco at 10 a. m.

Chicago, Union Pacific & Northwestern Line

DOUBLE Drawing-Room Sleeping Cars, Buffet, Smoking and Library Cars, with Barber. Dining Cars—meals a la carte. Daily Tourist Car Service at 6 p. m., and Personally Conducted Excursions every Wednesday and Friday at 8 a. m. from San Francisco. The cost of everything.
R. R. RITCHIE
617 MARKET ST.  GEN. AGENT PACIFIC COAST
PALACE HOTEL  SAN FRANCISCO
or S. P. COMPANY'S AGENT

The Overland Limited

When you go East, take

The Overland Limited

Via UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
Less Than Three Days to Chicago
Four Days to New York
Leaves Oakland Daily at 10:36 A. M.
“The Fast Mail”
Three and One-half Days to Chicago
Both Pullman and Tourist Sleepers through to Denver, Kansas City, Omaha and Chicago Daily without Change. Leaves Oakland at 6:44 P. M.
EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR
PERSONALLY-CONDUCTED TOURIST EXCURSIONS TO THE EAST EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS
Steamship Tickets to and from all points in Europe by all trans-Atlantic steamship lines
H. V. BLASDEL, Passenger Agent
1160 Broadway, Oakland, Cal.

Ought Christians to Keep the Sabbath?

“Ought Christians to Keep the Sabbath?” is the title of a small pamphlet by R. A. Torrey. His introduction is as follows: “Before reading this tract upon one of the burning questions of the day, the reader is earnestly requested to go to God in prayer, and covenant with Him that he will take his stand upon what the Word of God teaches, whether it may agree with his previous notions or not. Let us, at all cost, be true to the Word of God [amen]. Having made this agreement with God, read the tract, Bible in hand, and read it to the end.”
And then, candid reader, after you have read the forty-five pages of abuse, misrepresentation, and perversion of Scripture, turn to the eternal law of God, and read: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day [of the cycle or week, Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2] is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work.” Read the words of Jesus by David: “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Read, “I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” Read further, “He that saith he abideth in Him [Christ] ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” There are many other texts. God gave His eternal and unchangeable law of the Sabbath. Christ Jesus, our only Example, kept that law, and that seventh-day Sabbath. And God’s Word and Christ’s life are worth more than all the words of men.

First-Page Illustration Delayed

By Editor

We designed to have a first-page illustration for this number, but we could not get the plate in time from the photo-engravers. But we are sure that throughout, this paper will have compensating advantages.

The Harm of an Unforgiving Spirit

He who seeks to wrong another wrongs himself more. He who will not forgive another's wrong injures his own character most. There is nothing which will so eat out of one's heart all peace, and joy, and goodness as an unforgiving spirit. “Mercy is twice blessed.”

Enterprising and Unique

Enterprising and Unique.—Now we do not use “Schilling’s Best” coffee, nor any other brand, because we do not believe that coffee is a wholesome drink. Days agone we used to like it much, and if “Schilling’s Best” had been there, we would doubtless have used it, charmed by the unique, enterprising advertisements of the firm. But that is another story. We do not use coffee; we do not need it or want it now. We have found and proved something better, nature’s beverage. But we have seen no nicer souvenir than A. Schilling & Co., San Francisco, Cal., is offering on conditions, of a celluloid blotting-pad, court-plaster case, pocket calendar, pocket rule, pocket mirror, and an aluminum-bronze coin charm. They are very unique, dainty, and pretty, and show a genius which commands success.

Seed-time and Harvest

Before the harvest comes the seed-time; and the seeding is one of the essential factors of the harvest. One wants not only to sow the right kind of seed, but good seed of the right kind. The chief thing is the harvest. For that we sow. Then just now in the West and South of this land, and a little later, perhaps, in the North and East, men should think seriously of harvest by deciding the seed. Good seed, reliable seed, proved seed, is wanted; and we know none better and more reliable than that furnished by the firm of D. M. Ferry & Co. Last year it is said that this firm sent out more seed than any other seed-house in the world, an indication of growing confidence. Their 1902 catalogue is now ready, a useful guide in selecting seeds, and it will be sent free, by the above company, on request. D. M. Ferry & Co., Detroit, Mich.

Growth in the Christian Life

A living Christian is a growing Christian. Progress in growth may seem slow; it may at times be not at all manifest to human observation; but there is growth if there is life.

A Living Christian Bears Fruit

A living Christian is a fruit-bearing Christian. "The Spirit is life because of righteousness;" and "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

Evil Knows No Bounds

The more we concede to evil in any form, the more it demands. It is difficult to check any species of wickedness one day in seven, if it be allowed loose rein the six days previous. A car allowed to run uncontrolled down a steep grade, will not stop suddenly at the foot of the grade, altho the brakes be thrown on at that point. A child that is allowed his own way for six days in the week, will not be very submissive on the seventh day. It is no wonder that the saloon, that has been pampered by the law for six days, will chafe and rebel on being checked the next day. Evil knows no bounds but the bounds of absolute prohibition.

The Blessedness of Light

When the great Creator beheld by His command the first dawning of light on this darkened earth, He “saw the light, that it was good.” Gen. 1:4. But not so did He see of the darkness. Darkness is absence of light. It is not good of itself. It is necessary to man only because man has sinned, and can not yet bear the undimmed light of God. Sometime that day will come, that day which knows no night, and darkness shall forever flee away from the universe of God. Then shall the righteous see His face who dwelleth in the light that no man can approach unto. And only those shall so see in whom Christ, the Light of the world, dwells abidingly. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” “Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”

God's Law.

In another part of this paper will be found a page the center of which is God's law as spoken from Mount Sinai and recorded in Ex. 20: 1-17. It is spoken to the Israel of God in all ages, those who have been delivered from the Egyptian bondage of sin and unbelief to the light and freedom of the saving truth of God. He who wishes to remain in Egypt may reject the law; he who wishes to partake of the promises to Israel (and they are to no others) will delight in the beauty of that law, and “make haste” to keep its precepts. At the top of the page are two mighty witnesses portrayed in outline; Sinai and Calvary, from both of which God speaks to us, to the majesty, the holiness, the perpetuity of His law; and two Scripture witnesses showing the perfection of that law, given because God loves His people. On the left of that law are arranged ten witnesses from the ancient Scriptures, showing the nature of the law, the spirit of its requirements, and its everlasting immutability. On the right of that law will be found ten witnesses from the later Scriptures of truth, setting forth the same great facts in the teachings of Christ and His apostles, and the regard that Jesus and His disciples had for that law. At the foot of the page are six more witnesses as to the relation which the man in Christ Jesus sustains to God's wonderful law of love. It will be seen that this loyalty will be especially evident in the remnant church. Many more witnesses might have been given,—scores of other scriptures equally pertinent. But study these, reader. They are the words of God. Let them sink into your heart. Yield to their glory, their majesty, their love, their power. Let Sinai and Calvary in their awful majesty and undying love appeal to you to yield all and forever to the service of Him who alone is worthy to be served.
Continue reading: In the Image of God