THERE is something in the beautiful story of the Prodigal Son which appeals irresistibly to the hearts of the boys.
“I tell you,” says Johnnie Wildhead, “I shouldn’t expect to be forgiven if I’d ever done like the prodigal. I don’t believe my father’d run to meet me, with a nice robe and a gold ring. Why, last night I stayed out till eleven o’clock because I couldn’t very well get away from the boys. My father met me in the hall as cross as two sticks. He didn’t have any ring for me, I can tell you. ‘Don’t you remember, John,’ he said stiffly, ‘that I told you to be home at nine? your mother and I have been sitting up waiting for you all this time;’ and then he added severely: ‘Now, don’t let this occur again.’ Mother’s eyes were all red and swollen, and I heard her say to father that she believed she smelled cigarets on my clothes. I hurried off to bed fast as I could go; but I do think it’s too bad I can’t have my own way at all, but must be watched like a little boy,—why, I’m most fifteen years old!”
So says Johnnie Wildhead, as he straightens himself up very straight, tips his hat a little farther on one side, and assumes an air of great importance.
Of course, boys, this is Johnnie Wildhead,—it isn’t you! I don’t suppose any of you would do as he does,—but just step in a minute and listen while I have a little talk with young Mr. Wildhead.
You say, John, that your father did not meet you with a robe and a ring. Well, my lad, did you comply with the conditions with which the prodigal in the parable complied?
“Why, I didn’t know that the prodigal did anything worthy of imitation, except to go home.”
But he did, John. Do you forget that the first and only thing he said was, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants.” He was humble enough to take the lowest place if he might only stay at home. Now, sir, did you meet your father with the words, “Father, I have sinned”? Then how could you expect the ring and the robe?
Seriously now, do you not think your father and mother showed great care and love for you in sitting up until you came home? Don’t you remember how pale your mother looked, and how tired your father seemed? Your father is getting to be an old man, John, and your dear mother will not always be with you. She was weary last night, and needed her rest, but she could not sleep while you were away. She feared you were in bad company. It would break her heart if she knew you were spending all the long evening with those rough, profane Blank boys. The first thing you know, sir, you will be learning to drink beer like an old toper. Already your mother smelled cigaret smoke on your clothes,—this you admit.
Come, tell me now; you have learned to smoke, haven’t you?
“Well, the boys made fun of me. They called me a baby, and I couldn’t stand that,—I’m no baby—I’m in my fifteenth year.”
So you told me before. Yet you are not man enough and you have not enough true courage to brave a little ridicule. O John! you are a great coward, in spite of your fifteen years. How long before you are going to be a man instead of a coward?
I see your eyes snap at that word “coward.” I hope you are not angry with me,—wait, I’m not done yet. I want to speak a word about the way you treat your sister. She is a little younger than you, and so you treat her as if she were your inferior. This morning you were not civil to her. You were positively cruel. Is that the way a true gentleman treats those who are weaker than he? If that is your idea of manliness, I pity you. Why do you not treat your sister as well as you do other girls? When you meet Amy Jones or Susie Dean on the street, you very gallantly raise your hat. That is good; I am glad you do; but what has your own dear sister done that she is not entitled to as much love and respect as other girls? If any other fellow dared to treat her as you do, you would be angry enough to punish him. Do you not see that you lack some of the qualities of a true gentleman?
Now then, my boy, turn square about. Be loving and kind and helpful in your home. Quit staying out late nights. Break off from your questionable companions. Don’t smoke another one of those dirty cigarets. Be good and generous toward your sister, and never be ashamed of showing your affection for her. Be brave enough to dare the ridicule of bad boys, even if they are larger than you. Don’t be afraid of being laughed at if you should be seen to give your mother a good, warm kiss now and then. She loves you, Johnnie Wildhead, better than any one else does in this world. And remember that your father needs your help. Quit dawdling. Have some aim and object in life. Don’t deceive yourself into the idea that you know it all, even if you are almost fifteen. You can’t imagine how disgusting your pompos airs appear to every one. Have courage enough to confess your faults, both to the God whom you have offended, and to your parents and friends,—and perhaps, Johnnie Wildhead, you may yet become a man, and a true one.
What! crying? I’m glad to see those tears—you need not try to hide them, they are the best proof of a tender and loving heart, and they are a much better proof of true manhood than a cigaret between your lips.
Now, boys, all this has been said to John Wildhead. But if any one of you should notice that Johnnie’s coat fits you exactly, why, just put it on; and then you will not have listened in vain, and maybe some day you will be glad you heard every word.
Hallowed Hymns New and Old
HALLOWED HYMNS NEW and OLD
By I. ALLAN SANKEY
Son of IRA D. SANKEY
WORTH WHILE SEEING—EVEN OUT OF CURIOSITY
256 Pages JUST PUBLISHED Scripture Readings
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Bibles
Bibles.—Remember that we are headquarters for anything in the Bible line. We shall be pleased to send you our catalog of Bible selections on application. Pacific Press Publishing Co., Mountain View, Cal.
Bible Text-Book
By O. A. Johnson
Bible Text-Book.—By O. A. Johnson. A pocket edition of Bible-readings on 49 subjects, covering in a concise and complete way the prophecies, the Third Angel's Message, Two Covenants, Law of God, Sabbath Question, and many other kindred topics. 208 pages. Cloth, net, 30 cents; leather, 50 cents. Address this office.
Steps to Christ
Steps to Christ. This little work, by Mrs. E. G. White, presents in a simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience. Paper covers, 25 cents; cloth, plain edges, 50 cents; cloth, gilt edges, 85 cents. Address this office.
Daniel and the Revelation
By U. Smith
Daniel and the Revelation.—Revised edition. By U. Smith. A history of the rise and fall of nations, being an exposition, verse by verse, of the important prophecies of Daniel and John, comparing Scripture predictions with historical facts. It follows in the track of no other commentary; but, guided by the obvious rule that the Bible should be its own interpreter, it aims to arrive at the exact meaning of the sacred writers in harmony with the great plan of redemption as presented thruout the Scriptures. The author has devoted over thirty years to the study of the Bible, and believes that the prophecies of Daniel and John were written for our admonition, and that the subjects they unfold are the coming themes for the religious world, destined to engage the attention of all thoughtful minds. Over 900 pages, with illustrations, beautifully bound. Cloth, marbled edges, $2.75. Address this office.
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An honest S. D. A. chore-boy who can give good reference. Address P. O. Box No. 50, Vacaville, Cal.
Annual Meeting Notice
The Eleventh Annual Meeting of the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, for the purpose of electing four or more members of the Board of Directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting, will be held at Sanitarium, Napa County, California, on Wednesday, March 11, 1908, at 12 o'clock M.
L. M. BOWEN, President.
E. E. PARLIN, Secretary.
S. S. Supplies
S. S. Supplies.—We still have a good supply of S. S. Record F at 35 cents, for schools of 20 to 90 members; class records at 10 cents; S. S. Quarterlies at five cents each. If you need a Bible, send for our 'Select List of Bibles.' Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.
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Bible-Readings for the Home Circle
Bible-Readings for the Home Circle. This book comprises 162 readings for public and private study, and answers nearly 3,000 questions on religious topics—practical, historical, and prophetic. It contains 600 octavo pages, printed on a superior quality of tinted paper, embellished with 57 full-page engravings and 170 ornamental headings, together with 10 full-page Scriptural and prophetic diagrams, 3 colored plates, and other attractive features. The bindings are elegant and substantial, the styles and prices being as follows: Cloth, gilt side title, marbled edges, $2.75; library, marbled edges, $3.75; full leather, marbled edges, $4.75. Cheap edition, 400 pages, solid type, no illustrations or colored plates, no poetry, thin paper, brown cloth, plain edges, $1.25. Address this office.
Two Republics, The. By Alonzo T. Jones. A comparative history of the two greatest republics, Rome and the United States. The study of years and elaboration of many volumes are presented in a concise and pleasing manner. In reviewing the history of the Roman republic, the rocks upon which she stranded are clearly pointed out. It contrasts the principles underlying enforced religious observances with the true principles of religious freedom for every man, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. One octavo volume of 899 pages, clearly printed on fine, tinted paper, beautifully and substantially bound, and illustrated with over 67 full-page engravings. Cloth, marbled edges, $2.50; cloth, gilt edges, $3.00; Library, marbled edges $3.50. Address this office.
Seventh-day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book. The best selected and arranged hymn and tune book ever issued. Contains 1,413 hymns and 568 of the choicest tunes and sacred songs ever written. 640 large pages. Cloth, plain edges, 75 cents; half leather, marbled edges, $1.50; Russia, marbled edges, $2.00; Turkey morocco, gilt edges, $2.25; Levant, round corners, gilt edges, leather lined, $3.25. Address this office.
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The LORD'S DAY
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A Right Decision
A Right Decision.—Some years ago Mr. Eugene Christian of New York, having failed to find health in any other way, began to study his own case, the chemistry of his own body, and food chemistry, and worked out a plan by which he fully recovered. Since that time he has endeavored to help others by prescribing diets, and excellent success has been reported. Mr. Christian came to the conclusion that Materia Medica is a very uncertain thing, that as many are cured outside of physicians' prescriptions as inside. He therefore has prescribed no medicine in his suggestions to others, simply a better diet. But the physicians undertook to make out that Mr. Christian was practising medicine without license and hence prosecuted him, that is, the county medical society of New York did. Detectives followed him, hounded him, and finally secured evidence, supposedly, against him. His case was brought before the court of special session of 1907, and decided against him. His work was considered unlawful and he was fined the sum of $25.00. An appeal was taken to the appellate division of the Supreme Court, and from there it was passed on to the Supreme Court itself. A decision was handed down Dec. 20, 1907, exonerating him completely in the following words: "As upon the whole case we find that no crime was committed and that the defendant was improperly convicted, the judgment appealed from should be reversed." And so it should be. Certainly one should have the right to choose his own physician and his own methods of treatment for any disease that he may have.
Plague in San Francisco
Plague in San Francisco.—Mighty efforts are being put forth in San Francisco at the present time to rid that city of the plague conditions.
At the head of this work is Dr. Blue, a federal officer. The great danger now, Dr. Blue tells us, lies in the spring crop of fleas. Fleas infest rats, rats are infected with plague, fleas become infected and inoculate human beings with the plague bacillus.
Rats have been found in rabbit warrens, and rabbits are ordered destroyed. Other pets, such as dogs and cats, are likely to spread the plague. Rats swarm in the city and around the wharves. Thousands upon thousands have been killed, thousands more must be killed yet if victory is assured.
One journal estimates the cost to San Francisco alone at $500,000. The federal government is bearing its share of the expense also. The failure to stamp out plague conditions now will mean the quarantine of the city a little later, which would practically spell its ruin.
Poor San Francisco has been struck hard. Earthquake, fire, graft, drunkenness, crimes of various sorts, and now the plague. We sympathize with many of the merchants and business men who are making a fight for very existence. We sympathize with the men who are endeavoring to clean up the city and earnestly hope they will be successful.
Contained in This Issue.
By Editor
With Our Inquirers
Questions Nos. 2405 to 2411 - - - - 2
General
Christ the Teacher and Healer - - - - 3
A Twofold Expression of the Law - - - 4
Why Keep the Seventh Day of the Week as the Sabbath of the Lord? - - - - 4
The Resurrection of Christ - - - - 5
An Age of Deception - - - - 5
Home Bible Studies
Man in Life and Death - - - - 6
Our Bible Band - - - - 7
Editorial
The Knowledge of Man - - - - 8
Studies in Romans - - - - 8
Studies in the Book of Daniel (God the Preserver) - - - - 9
Outlook
Is the World Getting Better? - - - - 10
"Shall He Find Faith?" - - - - 10
Sunday Laws Infringe on Personal Liberties - - - - 11
The "European Concert" - - - - 11
Missions
Progress of the Work in Fiji - - - - 12
The Home
Duties of the Son and Brother in the Home - - - - 14
Our Candle Is Burning Out - - - - 14
Poetry
Invitation - - - - 5
'Tis but a Step - - - - 12
Tap on the Window, Mother - - - - 14
Important Congressional Documents
"The Congressional Record" of Jan. 29, 1908, contains two important documents, "The Constitution of Oklahoma," a remarkably elaborate affair, and a memorial on religious liberty by Seventh-day Adventists, presented by Senator Burrows. It is a splendid appeal to Congress and the country. Oklahoma's constitution is important to that new state and as an experiment and example for other states. Religious liberty is important to the nation and the world.
Sabbath-school Lesson Quarterly
The Sabbath-school Lesson Quarterly for the second quarter of 1908 is now ready for delivery. The subject of the lessons for the next quarter is, ''Great Movements in the Light of the Threefold Message of Revelation 14.'' This series of studies will prove to be not only very instructive, but also very interesting as well. Order in the usual way thru your tract society or of any of our publishing houses.
Drunkenness among Students
By Editor
Drunkenness among Students.—A good deal of agitation is on at this writing over drunkenness among the students in Stanford University. President Jordan and some of his coworkers have been doing the very best they could to close saloons in the vicinity of the university and the town of Palo Alto. Outside of the university they seem to have been quite successful, but there are club houses and saloons in Menlo Park, not very far away, that run wide open. Just recently a member of a roistering party from one of these saloons coming home late at night intoxicated, entered the wrong house and was shot and killed as a burglar. Investigation since that time has shown that there are many who drink, and the action of the board of directors in calling for a cessation of the practise is met by threats of the student body to resign, at least so it has been reported. Matters are yet in an unsettled condition. For our part we hope that President Jordan and the faculty will stand for absolute prohibition of the liquor traffic in connection with the university itself, even if half the student body should leave the university. We believe it would be much more than made up by young men and women who have more regard for education than they do for drunkenness and reveling.
Eternal Life and Immortality
"Eternal Life" is the life which is in harmony with God's eternal law. The believer possesses it now by faith. John 3:16; 1 John 5:11, 12. The unbeliever does not know it. When character is formed and Christ comes, the believer will possess it absolutely, forever. "Immortality" is a state or condition which one can possess now only in character. When Christ comes, God will stamp with immortality, incorruptibility, those whose characters are incorruptible.
Awakening of India
Awakening of India.—A despatch from London, under date of February 15, speaks of an immense mass meeting of Hindus held in London to protest against the treatment of their fellow countrymen in the Transvaal. Several of the speakers intimate that trouble is coming in India, that India is rapidly marching toward revolution. A breakdown of British arms or any other indication of weakening of British authority would bring the bureaucratic rule of England in India to the ground. And the despatch continues that Britain is alarmed. One of the movements in India is to boycott all British-made cotton and hardware. That of course would greatly affect British commerce. One of the greatest grievances of the Indian peoples is the over-taxation.
Suspected French Plans
Suspected French Plans.—A despatch from Tangier, Morocco, declares that the internal affairs of that country are at a critical stage, and that the absolute overthrow of Sultan Abd-el-Aziz is imminent, and that the authority of France is assuming alarming proportions, aiming at a stupendous empire reaching from Morocco to Timbuctu and Lake Tehad in addition to Senegambia, bringing under her power 30,000,000 of warlike people. With France at the back of these countries, they could place in commission an army of 500,000 fighting men, and give France a monopoly of trade totaling $600,000,000. Now the rebellion against the reigning sultan, and the proclamation of Mulai-el-Hafid has given France the waited-for excuse to make her long-contemplated movement. It is also declared that Italy and Spain are complacent, or will not oppose the scheme. The whole thing has come about because Abd-el-Aziz has been a little too modern, especially in his sports and amusements. These have stirred up against him the orthodox Mohammedans.
Immortality Belongs to God Alone
"Immortal" and "Immortality" are constantly used of man. He is said to have an "immortal soul" or an "immortal spirit." Such expressions abound in theology and hymnology. One would naturally expect to find them abundant in the Bible. But this is not so. "Immortal" is found but once in the Scriptures, and there it is applied to "the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God." 1 Tim. 1:17. "Immortality" is found five times. It is a condition, or state, that men seek after (Rom. 2:7); what the righteous shall put on at Christ's coming and the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:53, 54); that which Christ brings to light thru the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:10); that which is possessed by God, "who only hath immortality" (1 Tim. 6:16). The evidences of these are conclusive that man does not possess immortality here. There is one equivalent Old Testament expression predicted of man, "Ye shall not surely die," but unfortunately the author is not reputable. In Christ alone is immortality for man.
Cotton-seed Oil versus Olive-oil
Cotton-seed Oil versus Olive-oil.—Bulletin No. 6, of the Inter-State Cotton Seed Crushers Association, printed at Columbia, S. C., utterly repudiates the reflections cast upon them by certain olive growers. It is contended that the Pure Food Law is welcomed; that cotton-seed oil is superior to olive-oil; that the mixture of the two improves the olive-oil; that it is equally a natural vegetable product; that in its manufacture there is greater cleanliness and care observed.
Slavery Still Tolerated in the Philippines
A despatch from the Senate at Washington declares that in the discussion of some of the old ante-bellum laws, it was brought out that the United States still tolerates slavery in the Philippines.
