p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 15. (4/9/1902)

PEARL FISHERIES OF VENEZUELA.

The pearl fisheries of the island of Margarita, on the coast of Venezuela, have become quite important within recent years, and are now extensively worked. The pearls of Margarita Island have been known ever since the discovery of the country. The Indians of the time of Columbus were already provided with ornamental objects in which pearls figured prominently, and it seems to have been these pearls which occasioned the first difficulties between the Spaniards and the inhabitants. During the last few years the oyster-beds of the island have been more and more actively worked. At present there are about 400 sail boats with native equipments working about the islands of Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua. The pearls are of a fine quality, generally white or yellow. Sometimes a black pearl is found, but this is rare, and it brings a high price. Not long ago a white pearl was sold for nearly $2,000. The shell of the pearl oyster is not of any great value, as it is too thin to be utilized. The Margarita oyster has a relatively short life, and on an average, it does not exceed eight years. A French company has been lately formed for the pearl fishery. It will operate, not by using drags, but by divers with and without suits. In this way the smaller oysters will be spared, and the beds will not be depopulated. The value of the annual production of the Margarita Island region is over $600,000. Most of the pearls are sold in the Paris market, where the sale appears to be the most active, and the best prices are obtained.

“WHEN JESUS WAS BUT OLD AS I.”

By C. De W. Sharp

Through pastures green, o’er by-ways plain, In shade, or sunshine’s ruddy glow; At hill-top’s brow, in vale beneath, On winter’s ice, ’neath heaven’s snow, I feel a ready presence near, And pleasant pictures of my Lord Come flitting softly, surely by— The Christ! a child! as real as I.

When Jesus was but old as I— O could I have but seen Him then; And took His hand and asked Him why That children are so tried at ten, I wonder what to me He’d said? With Father’s Word, He’d made reply. Then why not do as Jesus would, When Jesus was but old as I?

I grew, to years, a half score more, And life’s bright sun ascended high; The flowers grew about my feet, And pleasures fair bewitched my eye. About to take a wayward step, I felt that friendly presence nigh, Suggesting to my waiting ear— The Christ a youth! as real as I.

When Jesus was but old as I, Say just an even measured score; When all things promised sunshine sure To be for Him a pleasant store, I’d like to ask what kept him pure. I know He’d say, “Our Father” high; Then, why not keep me pure as He, When He was but as old as I?

The years passed on, till three decades Grew silent, as their days filled full The time allotted to their span; And ne’er a one of them was dull. The glowing clouds that hide the sun Cause me to tremble as I see; Yet should I fear to forward go, When Jesus was a man like me?

When Jesus was but old as I, And knew the cares that rest on me; When yearning for a quiet place, And finding not a minute free— His “throne of strength” was Father’s seat, The seat from which the angels fly; Then there I’ll seek for strength like His When He was but as old as I.

C. De W. Sharp.

94 Ontario St., Rochester, N.Y.

LOVE MAKES BURDENS A JOY.

A MAN was walking along a road one day, when he overtook a small girl carrying a very heavy, fat baby.

“O you poor little girl!” said he. “I am sorry for you, carrying that big burden!”

To his surprise the little girl was not at all grateful for his sympathy. She looked at him indignantly, and replied,—

“Taint no big burden! It’s my dear little brother!”

The man learned a lesson. He said to himself, “She loves the baby, and love turns burdens into a joy.”

May we not all learn a lesson from this? Do we count what we have given up for Christ and the burdens we bear in His service, a burden or a joy? If we do not count it all joy, even the greatest care or deepest sorrow, if it is for His sake, surely love is lacking.

“Tell me not of heavy crosses, Nor of burdens hard to bear; For I find this great salvation Makes each burden light appear.” —The Christian Life.

A DYING GIRL'S INVESTMENT.

A LITTLE girl was lying sick, nigh unto death. Beside the bed her father was watching and weeping. “How much do I cost you, papa, every year?” asked the dying child. Again and again she asked the question, until the father named a certain sum. “Why do you ask this?” he said. “Because,” said the dear child, “I thought may be you would lay that amount out this year in Bibles for poor children to remember me by.” With heart swelling with feeling, the father kissed the cold brow, and replied, “I will, my child;” and then; after a pause, he added: “I will do it every year, that you may draw others after you to heaven.”—Selected.

WHERE Herod slew hundreds of children, a much-advertised soothing syrup has slain thousands.

An Opinion

“I received the Washing Tablets. I tried them last week, and to say I was pleased, don’t half express my delight. It is the first time in my life that I have done a washing without rubbing, and I am nearly fifty years old. The Tablets are well advertised here already.”

Samples for three washings by mail for ten cents.

ALFRED MALLETT, 710 E. 171 St., New York

AGENT’S SAMPLE, 20C

TWO LETTERS

The following letters have just been received, and show how anxious the children are to work for their Master:—

“I would like to sell ten copies of the SIGNS. It was in Our Little Friend that I saw your offer to send ten SIGNS free at first. I am a little girl ten years old, and would like to do all I can for the Lord before He comes. I also expect to raise some flowers and do missionary work with them. “Your sister in Christ, “Anna Bjork.”

“I saw a piece in Our Little Friend saying you would give ten copies of the SIGNS to start with. I am a little boy twelve years old, and I want to work for the Lord and hasten His coming. “Your brother in Christ, “Victor J. Bjork.”

In explanation of the above letters will say that we still offer to send children ten single copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES free. After they have sold these they can purchase future issues at the rate of 54 cents per month for ten copies.

Address, SIGNS of the TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY.

By C. H. Jones; E. A. Chapman

THE annual meeting of the stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of California, will be held at the office of the company, corner of Twelfth and Castro Streets, in the City of Oakland, County of Alameda, State of California, on Monday the 28th day of April, A.D. 1902, at 9:30 A.M., for the purpose of electing a board of seven directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

By order of C. H. JONES, President of Pacific Press Publishing Company.

E. A. CHAPMAN, Secretary of Pacific Press Publishing Company

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.

By Alonzo T. Jones; M. E. Cady

NOTICE is hereby given that the Twenty-first Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Healdsburg College will be held on Monday, April 21, 1902, at 11 o'clock A.M., in South College building, Healdsburg, Cal., for the purpose of electing a board of seven directors, and transacting any other business that shall lawfully come before the stockholders.

By order of the Board of Trustees.

A. T. JONES, Pres.

M. E. CADY, Sec'y.

ANGLO-INDIANS IN INDIA.

By Geo. Gyther

Of late I have seen a number of articles in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES regarding India’s great need of competent Christian workers among the heathen millions of natives. Perhaps it would be as well for some one to say a few words in behalf of the Anglo-Indian and Eurasian community in this respect. They are a body of people who number some hundreds of thousands, of European parentage. The majority are at best but nominal Christians, who have the form without the power, and who search the Scriptures but very little.

This sad state of things is due to the utter indifference displayed by parents in general with regard to the early religious education of their children. Few of our boys and girls know anything of family prayers or daily Bible reading, their spiritual training being left to day-school and Sunday-school teachers, the former of whom teach Scripture in a way which awakens no love for the Word in the hearts of the pupils. It is very generally a case of the blind leading the blind. As to the latter, whatever his or her capabilities may be, it is certain the teachers can not do much in the way of instruction when they have only an hour a week with their scholars. This neglect of spiritual training of the Anglo-Indian and Eurasian youth results in producing callous, nominal Christians.

Very likely many of your readers do not know who the Anglo-Indians and Eurasians are. Well, let me tell about them as briefly as possible. An Anglo-Indian is a domiciled European who has not mixed his blood in any way, while the Eurasian is one who has a tinge of Indian blood flowing through his veins.

The former term applied to both classes until one of the late governor-generals thought it necessary to make a distinction between the two classes.

The writer belongs to the latter class. Our customs, habits, etc., are English, but the mode of living is very different from that of Europe. Here we have everything done for us; even those in the most ordinary circumstances keep three servants, a home servant, a washerman, and a sweeper. These cost in all from $6 to $8 per month. Others keep five servants, and those of us who are well off employ from eight to thirteen. A full complement of Indian domestics, twelve in number, costs in all about $36. Thus our mothers have very little to do except to superintend a little housework, such as giving out stores, etc., doing a little mending, and looking after baby when the nurse is taking her meals. Dress and suit making are done by Mohammedan tailors. To cut and sew a lady’s dress costs $2, and a gent’s warm suit $1.66; drill suits for the hot season are cut and sewed for 50 cents each.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES OF FINANCE, CALCUTTA.

The staple food of India is rice, and, as in the case of the natives, the first solid food our infants touch is dal, or lentils and rice, when they are a year old. Naturally few of us can do without our kari-bhat (curry and rice). It is also a very strange fact that all our little ones talk the Hindustani language before their mother tongue. It is, of course, because of association with the native nurses.

Meat is the principal diet among us. Perhaps this is due largely to its cheapness; for the very best beef procurable in our municipal market here can be had at 4 cts. a lb., mutton at 6 cts. a lb., fowls from 6 to 12 cts. each, ducks at 16 cts., geese at 66 cents. Fish, fruit, and vegetables are also very cheap and very plentiful. Things in the country are just about half the above prices.

The cigarette is a great curse among our boys, the majority of whom learn to smoke at the early age of twelve to thirteen, and even before that. This is easily accounted for, as there is no duty on imported tobacco in this country. American and English tobacco manufacturers are able to sell their goods at ridiculously low prices, so that a few coppers will purchase a packet of ten good brand cigarettes. Of recent years, since times have been getting hard, our girls have taken more generally to working for themselves.

Our men are employed in all the subordinate grades of government service, public work’s department, accounts, railway, telegraph, medical, etc. A large number are engineers, and a few are employed as tradesmen’s assistants. The salaries range from $15 to $250 per month. There are others who have influence and means who pass into the superior grades, from Roorkee College and England, and a small number have flourishing businesses of their own.

Now, dear reader, here are hundreds of thousands of professing Christians, who do not know where they are, or how near the great consummation is, when the Lord Jesus will appear the second time, without sin unto salvation, to take unto Him His own. The glad tidings must reach them; but how can they hear without preachers? So do come over and help us. India’s need is great. May the Lord touch the hearts of our American brethren, and wake them up to seeing and supplying this great need, not only in the shape of workers, but funds also. Respond to this call by giving bountifully, and thus not only lay up treasure for yourself in heaven, but do your part in the great work of announcing the Lord’s soon coming, and inviting India’s thousands to take a firm stand on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

GEO. GYTHER.

Calcutta, India.

IN HOLLAND AND EASTERN AND WESTERN GERMANY.

By Guy Dail

Holland.

Holland’s midwinter meeting was held in Amsterdam, January 9-12. Amsterdam is the largest city of Holland, and has 511,000 inhabitants. About eighty were in attendance, and every church and company in that field was represented.

The business sessions passed off nicely. After paying their expenses and audit for the last six months of 1901, and turning over to the German Union Conference a tenth of their tithe, there was a deficit of about $250. Considering that we have only about 180 members in this territory, and that the tithe averages nearly $10 per member altho by far the greater number of our people are by no means well-to-do, we think this is a fair showing.

In view of the advantages to be derived from such an arrangement, Holland and Flemish Belgium were organized into a conference at this time. Pastor R. G. Klingbeil was unanimously chosen president.

Among the aggressive steps suggested for the coming season is the proposed series of tent-meetings in Amsterdam itself. Seeing this will be our initial effort in that direction, we shall watch it with no small degree of interest, and we trust that God’s children who are interested in the progress of the Gospel in other lands, will pray for its success.

The religious exercises were conducted with spirit. Pastors L. R. Conradi and O. A. Olsen rendered much valuable help. In the presentation of the Word; two subjects were made specially prominent: The advent hope, and the advent work. In the social services there was a good degree of liberty. The last day of the meeting seven were baptized.

The delegates showed due appreciation of the kind offices rendered them by the Colorado Conference, which is supporting one laborer there, and Germany received a vote of thanks for the help it had rendered the Holland field during its infancy.

This conference, the youngest in the sisterhood of European conferences, starts out on its career with two ordained ministers, two licentiates, three Bible-workers, and ten canvassers. All seem of good courage to press forward, and the outlook is hopeful.

Eastern Germany.

It was in Posen, eastern Prussia, that the sixty-one delegates of the East-German Conference assembled for their local meeting, January 16-19. There were about 120 of our people in attendance. A hall sufficiently large for the accommodation of the business sessions was used on Thursday and Friday, while for Sabbath and Sunday the larger hall in Hotel Monopol was engaged. After the payment of the laborers for the past six months, and turning over a tenth of its tithe to the German Union Conference,

there was a shortage of about $50 in the East-German Conference treasury. Considering the poverty of the field, this certainly speaks well for our churches here. Eight new churches and companies were received into this conference, making its present membership 913. There has been an increase of ninety-seven in membership during the past six months. On Sunday, ten were baptized.

The religious services were characterized by an earnest zeal that was refreshing. Spiritual instruction was freely given, and it was as eagerly received. Practical help was rendered in the health and temperance department by Dr. Hoenes and his fellow-workers from Friedensau. The outside interest was fair. Brother Pieper and the conference committee that served with him during the last six months, were re-elected, and this field begins its new year of service with five ministers, three licentiates, six Bible-workers, and fifty colporters. Of this number five will devote their time to work among the Poles, of whom there are very large numbers in eastern Prussia. Taken as a whole, this was a very successful meeting, and our people left it with renewed determination to give themselves more unreservedly to the work of the Master in the future. The help rendered by Pastor L. R. Conradi and H. F. Schuberth was much appreciated.

Western Germany.

The last and the largest of the local meetings in Germany, the West-German Conference, was held in Hanover, January 23-26. Hanover, including Linden, is a thriving city of 287,000 inhabitants. Its clean, well-paved streets, its neatly constructed public and private buildings, as well as the general appearance of its inhabitants, bespeak a good degree of prosperity, and show that, as a city, it is not at all lacking in this world’s goods.

There were about two hundred at this meeting. Pastors L. R. Conradi and J. Pieper were present, and took an active part in the meetings. The business sessions of the conference were held in the hall regularly occupied by the Hanover church; the Sabbath meetings filled a much larger hall, and the three services especially for the accommodation of outsiders tested the capacity of one of the finest halls in the city, the audiences ranging from four hundred to four hundred and fifty.

During the past six months, the tithe of this conference was almost $5,000. It will be remembered that not only is the wealthiest section of Germany within its territory, but it contains our two institutions—the publishing house in Hamburg, and the sanitarium and school at Friedensau. After paying its audit and two tithes to the German Union Conference, there was still a surplus of nearly a thousand dollars, a portion of which was voted to open up the work in Abyssinia. During the past six months 113 have been baptized, and the total enrolment is now 981. At this meeting two were ordained to the Gospel ministry. The ordination service was held Sabbath afternoon, and was attended by a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Brethren Madsen and Baumann received this token of their call to the work of proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation.

A word further about the meetings for the public. In advertising them, the name of our local Hanover mission committee was given; but the paper took special pains to say that the State Church knew of no such mission committee. This bit of free advertising seemed rather to arouse the popular interest than to lessen it. We believe the time is here when the truth should go with a power hitherto unknown, because God has gone out before us, and prepared the way.

At Hanover, as at Stuttgart and in Berlin, we had the privilege of taking our meals in a good vegetarian restaurant,—a privilege that is not enjoyed everywhere.

The West-German Conference begins another year with five ministers, seventeen other workers, and seventy canvassers. There is no reason why all should not be full of hope and good cheer, at the prospect of the work in this field. We wish for it the richest blessings of God. Guy Dail.

INCONSISTENT PROFESSION.

By Louise Perry

You say you are following Jesus your Saviour, And yet you are hoarding your silver and gold, While widows and orphans are starving and dying, Are dying alone in their hunger and cold.

You say you are serving your Lord and Redeemer, While robbing the laborer of hardly earned pelf; You take from his wages, so scanty and meager, Thus greedily gathering more for yourself.

You say you are longing for Christ’s coming kingdom, While you cast in your vote for the license of rum, And around you are falling your weak, tempted brothers, Who by its cursed power are forever o’ercome.

O soul, rouse thee quickly, repent of thy doings; God’s terrible judgments are swift drawing near. If you stand in His presence so sin-stained and guilty, “Depart from Me, cursed,” His voice thou shalt hear.

—Louise Perry.

The Devil’s Missionary

Few persons have any idea whatever of the enormous quantities of intoxicating liquors that go to the western and southern portions of Africa almost every week in vessels sailing from American and European ports. These vessels all stop at the island of Madeira, and a record of cargoes is made there. In one week recently, and it was by no means an exceptional week, there went to Africa 960,000 cases of gin, 800,000 demijohns of rum, 36,000 barrels of rum, 24,000 butts of rum, 30,000 cases of brandy, 50,000 cases of whisky, and other intoxicants in considerable quantities, the value of the whole, expressed in American money, being $5,200,000. And the meaning of this is that over five million dollars weekly goes to retard the civilization and Christianization of Africa. Surely this is enough to appal every Christian and arouse him to his utmost endeavors to lessen, if not suppress entirely, this monstrous evil which confronts the advance of Christianity.—Christian Work.

Marathi Mission’s Growth in 1900

“During eighty-two years, twice as many missionaries died in the Marathi mission in India, as the mission had converts from heathenism. During the year 1900 the mission baptized more converts than during the previous sixty-three years, while thirty villages begged for Christian schools, and seventy villages sent complaints that the Gospel is not preached among them.”

GEMS OF THOUGHT FROM THE STUDENT VOLUNTEER CONVENTION.

By J. W. Collie

“Every man in the world, bad though he may be, has in him the possibility of being a son of God.”

“A minister was once accused of not sticking to his text. His reply was, ‘I may not have adhered to my text; but I did to my object.’”

“There is infinite wisdom in the fact that Christianity is the religion of the person.”

“What is needed for the regeneration of the heathen is not so much the Bible passages and addresses, but the presentation of a truly Christian life.”

“The successes of the past may be used as an argument for the possibilities of the future.”

“We give according to our means,—or to our meanness.”

“There is danger of our means assuming the place of master instead of servant.”

“We should possess a divine impatience for the salvation of the world.”

“Faith is literally the victory that overcometh the world.”

“If the church will arrest the attention of the world in its mad rush, it must be tremendously in earnest.”

“We are to be optimistic, not because of favorable circumstances; but because of God’s promises.”

“The knowledge of an unconquered world stands out prominently before us, and never will be lost sight of by the true soldier of Jesus Christ.”

“Jesus Christ went to the center of every problem.”

“We are either faithful or faithless.”

“The best way to make advancement in our spiritual life is on our knees.”

“We do not want the faith that comes by seeing, but the seeing that comes by faith.”

J. W. COLLIE.

TO LOVE IS TO KNOW.

By Jean Ingelow

LEARN that to love is the one way to know Of God or man; it is not love received That maketh man to know the inner life Of them that love Him; His own love bestowed shall do it. —Jean Ingelow.

THE LORD'S PRAYER.

Mr. Hay, in his work on Western Barbary, tells the following anecdote.

On one occasion, traveling in the Barbary States with a companion who had some knowledge of medicine, we had arrived at a door near which we were about to pitch our tents, when a crowd of Arabs surrounded us, cursing and swearing at the rebellers against God.

My friend, who spoke a little Arabic, turning round to an elderly person, whose garb bespoke him a priest, said, “Who taught you that we were unbelievers? Hear my daily prayer and judge for yourselves.”

He then repeated the Lord’s Prayer.

All stood amazed and silent, till the priest exclaimed: “May God curse me, if ever I curse again those who hold such belief! Nay, more, that shall be my prayer till my hour be come. I pray thee, O Nazarine, repeat the prayer, that it may be remembered and written among us in letters of gold.”—Exchange.

Mormon Missionary Zeal

“THE growth of Mormonism stands as one of the surprises of human history. Their missionary zeal can hardly be overestimated. This organization of Latter-day Saints has all the compactness and authority of an army. At this time there are 2,500 young men, trained in Utah, posted in their dogmas, compelled to memorize their arguments, working as missionaries in the field. They work for the barest existence. They subsist on the countries or cities or towns where they work. No wonder their success is phenomenal.” But if error’s devotees are so zealous, how much more ought the advocates of truth to do.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

THE brethren at North Creek, N. Y., have erected a new church-school house.

THREE converts are reported at the Sunday evening meetings held at Vienna, N. Y., by Brother Roy F. Cottrell.

THE general meeting at Phoenix, Arizona, was attended by Brethren J. O. Corliss and J. J. Ireland, with a view to organizing a conference.

AFTER a period of missionary labor in the South Sea Islands, mainly in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Brother J. D. Rice and wife have returned to California.

A GENERAL meeting for Nevada is to be held at Reno, beginning the 16th inst., and continuing till the 20th. Brethren A. T. Jones and J. O. Corliss will conduct the services.

AT the session of the Pacific Union Conference held in Portland, Oregon, last month, Prof. M. E. Cady was ordained to the Gospel ministry. Brother A. G. Daniells offered the prayer, and Brother A. T. Jones gave the charge.

A COMPANY at Grey Eagle, Minn., who have commenced observing the Sabbath “according to the commandment,” are contemplating the erection of a church building. Brethren B. Francis and J. O. Peet have been laboring there.

NO BRANCH of work among Seventh-day Adventists is succeeding better just now than the church-school, and it is especially successful in places where it had been deemed impossible. Surely the Lord has guided in this matter, and the work is manifestly His.

THE Upper Columbia Conference will hold a camp-meeting at Pendleton, Oregon, May 15-25. The annual business session of the Conference will be held at that time. It is expected that Brethren J. O. Corliss and M. E. Cady and Dr. Abbie Winegar will attend this meeting.

AT the recent session of the Pacific Union Conference, it was recommended that assistance be given to the work of erecting a church and school building in Salt Lake City. There are now four organized churches in Utah—Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and Logan. A church-school is maintained at Provo, conducted by Sister Fanny Johnson.

AT the late conference held at Butte, Mont., all the officers of the conference were re-elected: President, W. B. White; Secretary, Mrs. N. G. White; Treasurer and Missionary Secretary, T. G. Johnson; Executive Committee—W. B. White, J. C. Foster, L. A. Gibson, T. G. Johnson, A. E. Parker. On the last evening of the conference five persons were baptized. R. D. Quinn and L. A. Gibson were ordained to the Gospel ministry.

THERE is now a special interest in the missionary-acre enterprise among our farming brethren because it is the principal planting season. The proceeds of this fund have been dedicated to the equipment of a medical missionary college. The old Battle Creek College ground and buildings were purchased, and the new Berrien Springs College needs the money for the erection of buildings. Other donations besides the missionary-acre fund are needed also, and are earnestly solicited, for the much-needed medical college.

Living by Faith

“Living by Faith.” (Spanish.) A translation of Bible Students’ Library No. 75; 16 pp.; price, 2 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.

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LESSON 3.—APRIL 20.—PETER AND CORNELIUS.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 10:34-48, R.V.

34 “And Peter opened his mouth, and said, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; 35 but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to Him. The word which He sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace 36 by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)—that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judæa, beginning 37 from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached, even Jesus of Nazareth, how that God anointed Him with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with 38 Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom also they 39 slew, hanging Him on a tree. Him God raised up the third 40 day, and gave Him to be made manifest, not to all the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. 41 And He charged us to preach unto the people, and to testify that this is He which is ordained of God to be the Judge of 42 quick and dead. To Him bear all the prophets witness, that 43 through His name every one that believeth on Him shall receive remission of sins.”

44 “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on 45 all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the 46 Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid the 47 water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to 48 be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

Golden Text.— “God is no respecter of persons.” Verse 34.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Where did the incident related in this lesson occur? Under what circumstances did Peter come to be there? What were the opening words of his discourse? Verse 34. Note 1. (2) What constitutes acceptance with God? What about nationality? Verse 35. Note 2. (3) What word did God send to the children of Israel? Verse 36. (4) To what extent had this word been published? From what time? Verse 37. (5) What did this word say of Jesus of Nazareth? How had He accomplished so much good? Verse 38. Note 3. (6) Of what were Peter and his brethren witnesses? Verse 39. (7) What had God done after Jesus was thus slain? Verse 40. (8) To whom was Christ’s manifestation restricted after His resurrection? Verse 41. (9) What commandment did He give to those witnesses? Verse 42. (10) Who had previously witnessed for Christ? What had they said of Him? Verse 43. (11) What wonderful thing occurred as Peter was speaking? Verse 44. (12) How were Peter’s companions affected? What was especially remarkable to them? Verses 45, 46. Note 4. (13) What then did Peter say? Verse 47. (14) What did he command? After baptism what request did the people make? Verse 48. Note 5.

NOTES.

1. The Situation.—This lesson commences so abruptly that a word of introduction seems necessary. Peter was at the house of Cornelius, the commander of the Roman garrison at Cæsarea. His soldiers were Italians. It was the policy of the Roman Government to garrison one part of the empire with troops from a distant part. Cornelius was not a Jew, but he was “a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” An angel had appeared to Cornelius, and told him to send to Joppa for Peter, who would give him further instruction. Peter had been instructed through a vision to go to Cornelius. This had been necessary on account of Peter’s Jewish prejudice, not having yet fully understood that the Gospel was for the Gentiles. He had now appeared at the centurion’s house, and had been introduced to a considerable audience. His first announcement was the confession of his new conviction that “God is no respecter of persons.”

2. The redeemed host will be from “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9; 14:6.

3. “God was with Him.” This is the key to all power to do good. Even Christ acknowledged that He was absolutely dependent upon the Father for the power which was manifested through His ministration. John 5:19, 30; 8:28. We can do nothing without Christ (ch. 15:5), but He says, “No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him.” Ch. 6:44.

4. A Notable Event.—The meeting at the home of Cornelius was in a measure a repetition of the scene on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. While there was no visible similitude, the presence of the Holy Ghost was manifest to, and acknowledged by, Peter and his six Jewish companions. One evidence that could not be mistaken was the gift of tongues. When Peter related the circumstance to the brethren at Jerusalem, he said, “As I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” Acts 11:15. Thus the Lord Himself opened the door to the Gentiles, leaving His human ministers nothing to do but walk in and give the necessary instruction. So all the missionary has to do is to obey God, follow the leadings of the Spirit, and witness for Christ as the way is opened. Peter had laid no plans for this wonderful work; he had simply followed the leadings of the Spirit, and went in where neither he nor the council would have dreamed of trying to “waken an interest.”

5. Baptism.—We are often confronted with the argument that the baptism in water is rendered unnecessary by the baptism of the Spirit. But this ordinance was indorsed by the leadings of the Spirit after the outpouring on the day of Pentecost, and on this occasion of the introduction of the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit was not sent to annul anything that the Lord Himself had appointed. The more men are imbued with the Spirit, the greater will be their regard for the ordinance of the church. The Spirit was not given as an originator of doctrine, but as a guide to that which the Lord had already established. John 16:12-15.

[For further instruction see article in another column of the same title as the lesson.]

Continue reading: THE SABBATH SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SERIES