INTRODUCTORY NOTE.—At the Passover supper Jesus gave the instruction found in chapters 13 and 14. Then Jesus said, “Arise, let us go hence” (John 14:31), and he and his disciples left the upper chamber, and crossed the brook Cedron toward the Garden of Gethsemane, which lies at the foot of the Mount of Olives. While on their way the instruction found in chapters 15 and 16 was given, and the Saviour’s prayer, as recorded in chapter 17, was offered. See chapter 18, verse 1.
1 “I am the True Vine, and my Father is the Husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the Vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit; for apart from me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. 9 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you; abide ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be fulfilled.”
QUESTIONS.
1. What does Christ declare himself to be?
2. What is the Father?
3. What is done with the fruitless branch?
4. What is done to the fruit-bearing branch? For what purpose?
5. What was said of the condition of the disciples?
6. How is union with Christ urged?
7. On what condition only is a branch fruitful? What application is made of this fact in nature?
8. Under what figure is union with Christ taught?
9. What is the condition of fruitfulness for the disciple? Why is union with Christ necessary?
10. What is done to the one who does not abide in Christ? What is done to these withered branches?
11. What promise is based upon union with Christ?
12. How is God glorified? Of what is such an experience the evidence?
13. What is the measure of Christ’s love to man? What exhortation is based upon this statement?
14. What is the experience of abiding in Christ’s love? How is this experience illustrated to us?
15. What is the first purpose in giving this instruction? The second?
NOTES.
1. THE following extract shows the circumstances under which the Saviour gave the instruction contained in this lesson: “Jesus now repaired with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of Mount Olivet, a retired place, which he had often visited for seasons of communion with his Father: It was night; but the moon was shining brightly, and revealed to him a flourishing grape-vine. Drawing the attention of the disciples to it, he said, ‘I am the True Vine, and my Father is the Husbandman.’” —Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, pp. 89, 90.
Palestine abounded in vineyards, and the Jews were familiar with the facts which formed the basis of the Saviour’s illustration. In the Old Testament scriptures, God’s people had often been compared to a vineyard. See Ps. 80:8-16; Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 2:21.
2. “PURGETH” here means “pruneth” or “cleanseth,” and is rendered “cleanseth” in the Revised Version. So the Saviour says of his disciples, who are compared to branches in verse 5, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Verse 3. It means the taking away of worthless and unprofitable portions.
3. “THEY are burned.” As the branches which are separated from the vine wither and die, and are cast into the fire and burned, so those who are separated from Christ become lifeless branches, and are burned up, root and branch. Mal. 4:1. In the parable of the wheat and tares, recorded in Matt. 13:24-30, the Saviour compared the wicked to tares, and in explanation of the parable he declares that the tares will be gathered and burned in the fire (see verses 38-40). And it is a remarkable fact that in every instance in the Scriptures where the fate of the wicked is mentioned, and a comparison is used, they are always compared to the most perishable or combustible materials, and they are never compared to imperishable or enduring substances that withstand the action of the elements and the ravages of time. See Ps. 37:20; Isa. 1:28-31; 10:16-18; Nahum 1:9, 10; Matt. 3:12; 13:47, 48; 1 Cor. 3:12, 13.
4. “ABIDE IN ME.” This means a constant union with Christ, the True Vine, by living faith and entire submission of the will to God. When we thus abide in Christ, we shall only will to ask according to his will, and then we may be sure that the promise, “It shall be done unto you,” will be fulfilled. This was Christ’s experience in his relation to the Father. His will was wholly submitted to God’s will, and his prayers were always heard. John 11:41, 42.
Suggestions for Further Study:
1. Can a branch that has just been severed from the vine be distinguished from the other branches by its appearance?
2. Are branches that are severed from the stock the only fruitless ones? Compare Matt. 21:19, 20. What is the lesson?
3. Name a few plants, trees, etc., which live and bear fruit exclusively for themselves. How about the human tree—the “planting of the Lord”?
4. What is Christ’s joy?
The Sunday School
International Series
LESSON I.—SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 1897.
Peter Working Miracles.
NOTE.—The lessons of the present quarter will take up portions of the Acts, Romans, James, and 2 Timothy. The time of this lesson is probably about A.D. 40. This is accounted for by the fact that during the years 39 and 40 A.D., Petronius, the governor of Syria, was attempting to set up the statue of the emperor Caligula in the temple at Jerusalem. This caused great consternation among the Jews, and so filled their minds with their own affairs that they had little time to persecute the Christians, which would account for the rest which the church enjoyed at this time, as mentioned in the verse preceding the present lesson scripture. The Jews declared that they would never submit to such an outrage as that contemplated by Petronius, and made such a demonstration that the project was finally dropped. The church was enjoying rest, but it was not the rest of indolence or drowsiness. It was a rest by which they were “edified” and their numbers “multiplied.”
32 “And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, 33 he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept 34 his bed eight years; for he was palsied. And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee; arise, and make thy 35 bed. And straightway he arose. And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full 37 of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, intreating him, 39 Delay not to come on unto us. And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, 40 while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw 41 Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her 42 alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa; and many 43 believed on the Lord. And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.”
Golden Text.—“Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.” Acts 9:34.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) In what work was Peter engaged? Verse 32, first part. (2) In pursuing this work what city did he reach? Ib., last clause. (3) Whom did he find at Lydda? Verse 33, first part. (4) What was his condition? Ib., last part. Note 2. (5) What statement and command did Peter address to him? Verse 34, first part. (6) What did he do? Ib., last clause. Note 3. (7) To how many did this miraculous cure become known? Verse 35, first part. (8) What effect did it have upon their attitude toward Christianity? Ib., last clause. (9) What noted woman was living at Joppa? Verse 36, first part. (10) What is recorded of her life? Ib., last clause. Note 4. (11) What befell this good woman? Verse 37, first part. (12) What disposition was made of her body? Ib., last part. (13) What gave hope to the friends of Dorcas? Verse 38, first part. (14) What request did they send to Peter? Ib., last part. Note 5. (15) What did Peter do? Verse 39, first clause. (16) On going into the upper chamber, what did Peter find? Ib., last part. (17) What worthy tribute were the widows paying to her memory? Ib. Note 6. (18) Having put them all out of the room, what did Peter do? Verse 40, first part. Note 7. (19) What was the result of Peter’s prayer? Ib., last part, and verse 41. (20) To what extent did the news of this restoration to life spread? Verse 42, first clause. (21) What was the result of the miracle? Ib., last clause. (22) With whom did Peter tarry while in Joppa? Verse 43. Note 8.
NOTES.
1. Passed throughout all quarters.—The persecution of the early Christians had scattered them abroad, and they went everywhere preaching the Gospel. As a result of this work churches were raised up in various quarters, and Peter was now engaged in the work of confirming them. Lydda was the Lud mentioned in the Old Testament, situated about a day’s journey northwest of Jerusalem, and was a city of considerable size.
2. Sick of the palsy.—The length of time which this man had suffered from the incurable disease made the miraculous nature of his cure more evident. The word “palsy” was used by the ancient physicians to include not only paralysis, but also catalepsy and tetanus, which are very painful and dangerous.
3. Maketh thee whole.—This condition of wholeness meant a perfect healing from all diseases; a restoration to perfect health. There was no hesitancy on the part of the former palsied man. The words which Peter spoke to him had in them the power of God. He felt that power, realized the change which was worked in him, and “immediately” obeyed the command.
4. Full of good works.—The life of this good woman was true Christianity truly lived out. Her special work seemed to have been in making garments for the poor widows, who, in that country, were a most unfortunate class. It was real home missionary work, Christian help work. The poorest of the poor were not below her attention. Praise is frequently given by the nobles and the wealthy, and seems an important thing at the time; but the praise of the common people is a praise that lives. The person who would be full of good deeds must be constantly giving out such deeds.
5. Desiring that he would not delay.—Lydda was nigh to Joppa, about nine or ten miles away, or about two hours’ journey. The friends of Dorcas desired that there should be no delay, lest decay should set in before Peter arrived.
6. Showing the coats and garments.—The form of the original word here indicates that the coats and garments which they showed as evidence of the good works of Dorcas were upon themselves. They were wearing them at the time. The original also indicates that it was her custom to make these garments for the poor.
7. Put them all forth.—In thus doing Peter followed the example set by the Master when he raised Jairus’ daughter. He desired an uninterrupted season of prayer, that he might concentrate his mind upon the will of the Lord. It was in keeping with the occasion that he should be alone with the subject of his prayer.
8. Simon, a tanner.—“The trade of a tanner was held as abominable by the Jews. A wife, it is said, could claim a divorce from a husband who became a tanner.”—Cambridge Bible. While we can not say just what reasons Peter had for taking up his abode where he did, it certainly shows that he was departing from the Jewish customs and traditions which were incompatible with the spirit of Christianity. The Gospel and true Gospel workers are no respecters of persons.
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News and Notes
FOREIGN.
—Austria is mobilizing her troops, and has ordered a detachment to put itself in readiness to proceed to the seat of trouble in Crete.
—The German socialists are greatly excited and incensed over a recent speech of the emperor, in which he declares his intention of uprooting socialism to its last trace.
—Reports from Hierapetra state that the Italian admiral has shelled the position of the Cretan insurgents, compelling them to retire from an attempted attack upon that city.
—A despatch from Rio Janeiro states that the “fanatics” under Conselheiro have defeated the government troops, killing Colonel Moreira Cæsar, three other officers, and 200 men.
—During the past twelve months $15,000,000 has been contributed to the foreign missionary work. This is about $1,000,000 more than was contributed for the same work during the previous year.
—A despatch from Manila, Philippine Islands, states that an engagement has recently taken place between the Spaniards and insurgents, in which the latter were defeated with a loss of 200 men.
—It is said that the Orthodox Church of Russia is the wealthiest church in the world, and that it could, without impoverishing itself, pay off the whole national debt, which amounts to $200,000,000.
—General Antonio Ezeta, who has figured so conspicuously in Central American politics for a number of years, is now reported dying in Panama. Reports of his death have already been received, but lack confirmation.
—Advices from Samoa state that a strong body of natives, led by Tamasese, formerly the king, were threatening King Malietoa at Apia, the capital. It was reported that the foreign consuls would be powerless to quell the disturbance.
—The Spanish minister to Mexico has requested that the Mexican Government prevent the further collection of funds for the Cubans in that country. It is the opinion of the Mexican press that the Spanish minister has exceeded the limits of prudence.
—General Weyler has returned again to Havana, and it is reported that his much-talked-of military expedition in Matanzas and Santa Clara provinces was a complete failure, the insurgents having evaded him at will, inflicting severe loss upon his columns repeatedly.
—As a result of the recent earthquake shocks along the west coast of Mexico, especially in the vicinity of Calcutta, the bottom of the ocean for miles along the shore has been elevated so that coasting vessels have been compelled to change their course.
—Advices from Russia state that great numbers of Russian Jews are now emigrating to different parts of Africa. So great is the exodus from certain parts of Russia that the Jewish male population is greatly diminished, and business in the shops is carried on by the Jewish women.
—An American professor in a Peking university makes the statement that if the Methodist Church in America was as liberal in proportion to its numbers as the Chinese church of which he is pastor, $15,000,000 would be contributed yearly to the missionary work by that denomination alone.
—Consul-General Lee has been officially notified that there has been no one yet selected to take his place in Havana. He has been promised “fair treatment” by the new administration, and assured that all reasonable demands which he may make will be backed by the authority of the United States Government.
—The revolution in Uruguay, which it is believed was fomented by Brazilian monarchists, is assuming serious proportions, and an attack upon the capital is expected soon. The rebel leader, Saraiva, now has under his command about 9,000 men, and the number is being rapidly increased by opponents of the established government.
—Fighting is still going on between the Turkish troops and Cretan insurgents, with the advantage rather in favor of the latter. Greece has replied to the ultimatum of “the powers,” refusing to withdraw her troops from Crete, and placing upon “the powers” the responsibility for the war which seems inevitable. The foreign admirals have compelled the Greek newspaper correspondents to leave Crete, and have also expelled the Greek vice-consul. Russia, Germany, and Austria are in favor of the coercion of Greece; but England’s support, if given, will be done reluctantly, and without the approval of the English people. France has refused to join the concert of powers for the time being, on account of the pressure of public opinion. Italy stands aloof for a similar reason, altho her admiral is in command of the combined fleets in Cretan waters. It is not likely, therefore, that “the powers” will assume an offensive attitude toward Greece for the present; but the motley array of soldiery on the Graeco-Turkish border may precipitate a climax at any moment which would involve all Europe.
—There are three plagues now raging in Mexico—smallpox in the eastern part, la grippe in the western, and black vomit in the city of Oaxaca. In the latter place the scourge has reached such dimensions that the people are in a panic. The reports state that hundreds are dying, and that none who are attacked recover.
—Osman Digna is now engaged in mobilizing his Arab forces to meet the advance of the Anglo-Egyptian expedition up the Nile. Egyptian spies report that the Dervishes are reluctant to fight against the expedition, and are only driven into the army by fear of the death penalty, which will be imposed upon those who refuse to serve in the ranks.
—A New York telegram from the Philippines states that the situation in the islands is now worse than ever before. The native soldiers are deserting, and there has been an increase in the supply of firearms among the rebels. The natives have flooded certain portions of the country and prevented the moving of artillery. In a recent engagement the Spaniards lost 300 men.
—German Vice-Admiral von Hollmann stated in the Reichstag on March 5 that he considered the situation in Europe so serious as to compel him to plainly state the intention of the government to make such changes and additions in the navy as to place it in a condition to meet the strongest forces on the sea. The Diet was asked to vote 358,000,000 marks within the next two years for this purpose.
—Preparations for hostility between Greece and Turkey are now being hurried forward with all possible speed. Crown Prince Constantine, of Greece, has started for the Turkish frontier to take command of the Greek troops. Greek transports have landed great quantities of war material in Thessaly, and all available vessels are being pressed into service. Reserves are arriving in Athens by the thousands, and are being hurried to the front amid the enthusiasm of the populace.
—On February 26 an important battle was fought between the Spanish and insurgents in Cuba, in which the former were completely defeated after a hard fight. General Garcia directed the rebel forces in person, and the situation for the Spanish was so desperate that their commander narrowly escaped capture. Over 1,000 Spaniards were left on the field of battle, and the remainder were dispersed in the greatest disorder. This is considered the most important battle of the war.
—The situation in Spain is now reported to be extremely critical. The government is confronted by two revolutions, one by the followers of Don Carlos, the pretender to the throne, and the other by the advocates of a republican form of government. General Martinez Campos states that the Cubans are now stronger than ever, and that to subdue them will require 600,000 men and an expenditure of $400,000,000. The national treasury, however, is empty, and Spain’s last attempt at creating a loan was a failure.
—While an Italian mail steamer, armed with the necessary papers, was passing through the Dardanelles, she was fired upon by the forts on shore, notwithstanding the fact that she had displayed the signals usual on such occasions. Altho the Italian fleet is taking an active part in the naval display in Cretan waters, the whole nation is incensed over the attempt at coercion on the part of “the powers,” and demonstrations in behalf of the union of Crete and Greece are being held in the country. The German embassy and colleges at Rome are being repeatedly and strongly hissed by the Italians.
DOMESTIC.
—Rome, New York, suffered a $200,000 fire on March 5.
—A large filibustering expedition is said to have left the New Jersey coast on March 8 for Cuba.
—Sylvester Scovel, the American newspaper correspondent who has been for some time imprisoned in Cuba, is now at liberty.
—Two hundred railway postal clerks left Chicago by special train on March 9, to attend an annual meeting of men of their vocation in San Francisco.
—President McKinley, on March 6, issued a call for a special meeting of the fifty-fifth Congress of the United States, to convene on the 15th of March.
—Capt. John D. Hart, owner of the filibustering steamers Laurada and Bermuda, has been refused a new trial, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
—The widow of Henry Ward Beecher died at Stamford, Conn., on the morning of March 8, as a result of a severe fall sustained on Thanksgiving day. She was eighty-five years old.
—A large strike of garment-makers is now on in New York on account of the starvation wages which they have been receiving. It is expected that at least 15,000 of these laborers will go out.
—An avalanche at Park City, Utah, on March 7, destroyed mining property to the extent of $50,000. Eight miners were buried in the rushing mountain of snow, four of whom were instantly killed.
—The national convention of horticultural societies met at Washington on March 5, to recommend appropriate legislation for the prevention of the diffusion of noxious insects and fungi in the United States.
—A union elevator belonging to the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, at Peoria, Ill., was destroyed by fire on March 4. The building contained 90,000 bushels of grain. The entire loss is estimated at $350,000.
—The government of Peru has refused to allow the claim of Victor H. McCord, an American citizen, for $200,000 damages for false imprisonment. Secretary Olney had made a peremptory demand for the settlement of the claim.
—By the explosion of a large gas main at the corner of Tremont and Boylston Streets, Boston, on March 4, six persons were instantly killed, and fully 100 more or less seriously injured. The gas main was weakened by electrolysis.
—The damage to property along the Ohio River and its tributaries by the recent rains and flood is estimated to be over a million dollars. The Alabama, Warrior, and Tombigbee Rivers are also at a dangerous height, and many factories and stores at Memphis are severely damaged.
—The great Leadville strike, which began on June 1, 1896, was officially declared off on March 9. It is estimated that it has cost the camp $4,000,000, exclusive of the expense to labor organizations in other parts of the country who have contributed to the support of the Leadville strikers.
SEEDS, BULBS, AND PLANTS.
By W. C. Eaton
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Send for my Price List.W. C. Eaton, Yeddo, N. Y.
THE STOMACH...
By John Harvey Kellogg
ITS DISORDERS AND HOW TO CURE THEM
BY J. H. KELLOGG, M. D., Superintendent of the Battle Creek (Mich.) Sanitarium.
This book presents in a nutshell what every person ought to know about the stomach, its functions in health, the symptoms produced by disease, and the best methods of cure. The long experience of the already well-known author in the treatment of stomach disorders, in his supervision of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, makes this a work of inestimable value, not only for the sick but those who desire to keep well.
THE FOLLOWING ARE LEADING CHAPTER HEADINGS:
The Organs of Digestion
Foods
The Digestive Fluids
General View of the Digestive Process
The Maladies of the Modern Stomach
Important and New Discoveries Relating to Digestion
The Symptoms of Dyspepsia
The Systematic Treatment of Indigestion
Treatment of Dyspepsia
Remedies for the Home Treatment of Dyspepsia
Quacks and Nostrums
The work is illustrated with more than one hundred and thirty cuts, including eleven full-page plates, three colored plates, etc. This work ought to be in the hands of every dyspeptic.
