(13) "Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart; and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed Him on foot from the cities. (14) And He came forth, and saw a great multitude, and He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. (15) And when even was come, the disciples came to Him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food. (16) But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat. (17) And they say unto Him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. (18) And He said, Bring them hither to Me. (19) And He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and He took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. (20) And they all ate, and were filled; and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. (21) And they that did eat were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
(22) "And straightway He constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before Him unto the other side, till He should send the multitudes away. (23) And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into the mountain apart to pray; and when even was come, He was there alone."
Golden Text.—"Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of Life." John 6:35.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) For what reason did Jesus, on a certain occasion, cross the sea from Capernaum? To what kind of place did He and His disciples go? Who followed Him? Verse 13, Note 1. (2) What was His feeling when He saw the multitude? What did He do? Verse 14, Note 2. (3) As the evening drew on, what did the disciples say to Jesus? Verse 15, Note 3. (4) How did Jesus reply to this proposition? Verse 16, Note 4. (5) What did the disciples say of their ability to feed so many? Verse 17, Note 5. (6) How did Jesus meet this spirit of doubt? Verse 18, Note 6. (7) Then what disposition did He make of the multitude? Verse 19, first clause; John 9:14; Mark 6:39, 40. (8) What did Jesus do then before distributing the food? To whom did He pass the food for distribution? Verse 19, last clause. Note 7. (9) Did the people have sufficient food? What was done with what remained? How much was left over? Verse 20; Mark 6:42, 43. Note 8. (10) How many people were fed? Verse 21, Note 9. (11) What then did Jesus urge His disciples to do? Verse 22. (12) After sending the multitude away, where did Jesus go? For what purpose? Did He have any companions? Verse 23, Note 10.
NOTES.
1. "When Jesus heard it,"—that is, of the death of John the Baptist, He proposed this temporary retirement. Mark and Luke note the fact that the disciples of Jesus had just returned from a missionary tour, and had reported to Him the results of their labors, and He suggested that they go over the sea for a brief rest. These are the two reasons given for the trip across the sea. Those who saw the company depart noted their course, and followed by land, telling others as they passed through the villages or met them by the way. Some also followed in boats.
2. When Jesus saw the eager multitude so anxious to hear Him, He could not turn away from them. So He gave up His rest and began to minister to them. The necessities of suffering mankind were of far more importance to Him than His own rest and comfort.
3. The disciples did not yet fully understand the Spirit of Christ. To turn a needy people away to shift for themselves was no part of His mission. Moreover there was yet an important lesson to be taught on that occasion, important to the disciples as well as to the multitude—namely, that He was possessed of creative power.
4. "They have no need to go away." Why?—Because there was One there who could supply all their needs. "Give ye them to eat." A real test of faith was this. Had they not yet learned that a command of Christ implied the power to obey? The Lord never requires an impossibility of any one.
5. Walking by sight as yet, the disciples did not see beyond their little personal stock of food, and limited their ability to that.
6. "Bring them to Me." Ah! that changes the character of all human effort. Their little stock was all right if dispensed through the power of Jesus. Says the Master, "Without Me ye can do nothing." But the man of faith replies, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
7. Jesus worked through His disciples, making them the mediums of His blessing to the people. "In Christ's act of supplying the temporal necessities of a hungry multitude, is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for all His workers: Christ received from the Father; He imparted to the disciples; they imparted to the multitude; and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life, the heavenly food, and impart it to others."—"The Desire of Ages," page 369.
8. The fragments were precious, not only as food for others, but as evidences of the power and benevolence of God through Christ, who is the Bread of Life. In the work of Christ there is to be no waste, either of material blessings or of opportunities for doing good.
9. He who fed the five thousand in this desert place was the same who fed the children of Israel in the wilderness with manna from heaven. As in that case, so in this, He gave them only plain, substantial food rather than the luxuries of life. Yet it was the same food that was provided for Himself and His disciples.
10. The importance of this great miracle is emphasized by the fact that it is the only one recorded by all the four evangelists. The student of this lesson should compare all four accounts for important points. And let us all remember that "He that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God." 2 Cor. 9:10, 11.
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LESSON XII.—THE STANDING UP OF MICHAEL.
(Study for Sabbath, March 19.)
QUESTIONS.
1. REPEAT Luke 21:25, 26. In the signs given by our Saviour, where were distress and perplexity to be seen? What was to cause men's hearts to fail them for fear?
2. What power has for the past fifty years caused more unrest and uneasiness among the great European nations than all other questions combined? Note 1.
3. Of what sublime events will the driving of the Turk from the soil of Europe be the signal? Note 2.
4. Repeat Dan. 12:1, 2. What does the term to "stand up," as used in this prophecy, mean? Who is Michael? Compare 1 Thess. 4:16, Jude 9, and John 5:25, 28. How great a time of trouble is to follow the standing up of Michael? What will God's people then experience? How many will thus be delivered?
5. Repeat Rev. 3:5. Whose names only will be retained in the book of life?
6. Repeat Luke 10:20. What is great cause for rejoicing?
7. Rev. 20:15. Will search be made for the names which have been entered as candidates for eternal life? What will be the fate of those whose names shall then have been blotted out? Is your name written there? Will it be retained, or blotted out?
8. To what events, then, do the first two verses of Daniel 12 bring us?
9. Repeat Ps. 2:8, 9. What inheritance and possession was promised to Christ? What disposition is He to make of the heathen nations when they are given to Him?
10. Study Dan. 2:34, 35, 44. Does the promise in the second psalm harmonize with the prophecy of this chapter?
1. Lord Salisbury, prime minister of Great Britain, in a speech delivered Nov. 9, 1895, uttered the following words:—
"Turkey is in that remarkable condition that it has now stood for half a century, mainly because the great powers of the world have resolved that for the peace of Christendom it is necessary that the Ottoman Empire should stand. They came to that conclusion nearly half a century ago. I do not think they have altered it now."
2. It must be clear to every careful reader that the driving of the Turk from the soil of Europe will be the fulfilment of the closing verse of the eleventh chapter of Daniel's prophecy. What makes this line of prophecy of momentous interest to every one now living is the fact that the downfall of the Turkish Empire will be the signal of the most sublime events that the world has ever witnessed. The prophecy closes with the first two verses of chapter 12.
Lamp Chimney Index
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NOTICE.
THE manufacturer of E-Z Washing Tablets wishes to inform his patrons that the great fire in Baltimore did not affect his business. All orders and communications will be promptly attended to as heretofore.
Address, ALFRED MALLETT,
907 Second Ave., Baltimore, Md.
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NORTHFIELD HYMNAL
By Geo. C. Stebbins
The long looked for hymn book just issued.
NORTHFIELD HYMNAL
BY GEO. C. STEBBINS
For use in Evangelistic and Church Services, Conventions, Sunday Schools and all Prayer and Social Meetings of the Church and Home.
It contains a very large number of most useful and singable sacred songs, both new and old, among which are
MANY of the favorite “Gospel Hymns” and “Sacred Songs.”
MANY NEW SONGS soon to become FAVORITES.
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Before deciding on the new hymn book for your church you had better see NORTHFIELD HYMNAL
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Some Good
Books, Pamphlets,
and Tracts
HERALDS OF THE MORNING
"Jesus is coming again" is the cheering and comforting assurance that has come to many weary hearts in times past, and now the glad tidings that He is coming soon must be heralded quickly through all the world.
To meet the needs of the hour, a live, interesting book has been written, containing a definite and thrilling message of the coming of the King of kings. In it are portrayed the signs that are all about us, in earth, sea, and sky,—but so little heeded,—showing by the Bible how they are all omens of His coming. The conditions existing in the social, political, and business world, as well as the voice of nature, are made to tell in the light of Scripture a clear and forcible story of the nearness of the great event.
Some of the points particularly dwelt on are: The Significance of the Remarkable Progress of the Past Century; Prevalence of Crime; The Social Vice; Preparation for War Among the Nations; Heaping Treasures Together; Disturbance of the Elements in Nature, and Great Deceptions of Satan.
Fully illustrated. Price, cloth, marbled edge, $1.25. Cloth, gilt edge, $1.50. In German at same prices.
SIGNS OF THE END
The question "What shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the world?" was not only in the minds of the disciples as they sat overlooking Jerusalem on that day so long ago, but was, and is, the one great question which interests all. The Saviour's answer, as recorded in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, is therefore of interest to every individual. Its exposition, as given in the work entitled "Matthew Twenty-four," is complete, thorough, and readable. Bound in paper covers. Price 10 cents.
WHO CHANGED THE SABBATH
Did Christ change the Sabbath? or by what power was it changed? These questions are answered in the little tract, "Who Changed the Sabbath?" It gives testimony of both Catholic and Protestant. It proves how the Sabbath was kept by the prophets before Christ, by Christ himself, and also by the apostles. B. S. L. 107. 24 pages. Price 1½ cents. $1.00 per hundred.
THE VEGETARIAN COOK-BOOK
We will soon have a book by the above title in press. Its author is Mr. E. G. Fulton, manager of the well-known Vegetarian Cafe of San Francisco. It is the result of years of careful study and experiments, and we have no hesitation in saying that it is the best book on the subject ever published. The price will probably be $1.00.
TESTIMONY VOLUME 8
We have been somewhat delayed the past week in receiving proofs, but they have been nearly all returned at this writing (Feb. 24). The formal date of publication will probably be March 23, at which time books may be secured in small quantities in some of the Eastern depositories. A large number of advance orders have already been received.
The prices, as stated last week, are 75 cents in cloth, and $1.25 in limp leather.
MODERN MYSTERIES
Their Moral Aspect
This new number of the Bible Students' Library is attracting attention everywhere. It takes up the questions of Clairvoyance, Mind Reading, Hypnotism, Theosophy, New Thought, and Pantheism in a way that will interest and instruct. Price 15 cents.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
This little pamphlet contains full Scripture references and comments on twenty-six different subjects, some of which are: The Scriptures, The Prophecies, The Second Advent, The Resurrection, The Millennium, The Sanctuary, The Sabbath, Immortality, Spiritualism, Nature of Man, The Two Covenants, etc. B. S. L. 10. Price 2 cents each. Per hundred, $1.40.
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TO CONTRIBUTORS.
By Editor
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.
Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are inclosed. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript, mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought, if their productions are returned. When we receive too much matter, we can not use all.
Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important phase of truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely, in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.
TO ADVERTISERS.
The fact that an advertisement appears in this paper indicates that, as far as its managers can ascertain, it is reliable. Extreme care is taken in the securing of advertisements, and losses incurred through misrepresentation of firms advertising in this journal, have been made good by publishers. We can give no editorial notices or assurances at the request of advertisers.
Paper Subscriptions and Bible Versions
By Editor
We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the "Signs" are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
Our authority is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. When the Common (King James) Version, the Revised Version, or the American Standard Revised Version is used, quotations will not be designated in reference. Any Bible quotation in this paper, therefore, differing from the Common Version, unless otherwise indicated, will be from one of the two revised versions, usually the American Standard.
Living for Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
We Are Not Our Own, ALONZO BRIGGS . . . . . . . . . . . 2
How to Study the Bible, H. A. ST. JOHN . . . . . . . . . 2
The Builders, RODERICK S. OWEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
"The Solitary Bible Class," L. D. SANTEE . . . . . . . . 3
Departure from True Principles, A. T. JONES . . . . . . 4
It Is So Dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How They Became Convinced (A Sabbath Symposium) . . . . 5
Editorial.—More of the Life of God—Unity versus Division—Jude's Exhortation and Warning—What Is Christ's Mission?—War as a Civilizer—Impossible—Not Settled that Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7
Outlook.—Congress Legislates the Third Time in Behalf of "Sabbath" Observance—Beyond the Tyranny of Trades-union—The War in the Orient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
The Home.—The After Results of Family Prayer, MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE—The Business of Alcohol, JUSTUS ALBOR—Signs of Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11
Missions.—En Route to China, A. C. SELMON, M.D.—Our Personal Touch—The Legion Periodicals of the United States—The Missionary Prospect in China . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13
International Sabbath-school Lesson, The Standing Up of Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
International Sunday-school Lesson, Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Next week will close the instructive series of articles on Government, by Alonzo T. Jones. We hope they have been studied and circulated.
Capital and Labor Series
We shall soon begin the series of articles on Capital and Labor, by Prof. G. W. Rine. These will be instructive, and show a striking fulfilment of prophecy.
Illustration Quality and Engraving
By Editor
We regret that the first-page illustration of two weeks ago came out so indistinct. It was not of our own make. We have gotten engravings from the same reputable eastern firm in the past and secured much better results. The contrast between that and the work of our own young men is vividly seen by comparing the first-page scene of the Fall of Babel with our first-page illustration of last week on the Amphitheater of Pompeii. It recalls the old saying, If you want good work done, do it yourself, —if you can.
Sabbath-School Lessons on Revelation
By Editor
Our Sabbath-school lessons for the second quarter of the year will be upon the book of the Revelation, but not an exhaustive or a thorough study of the book. They pass over it too rapidly for that. But with these lessons for helps there is no reason why individuals should not make a more or less thorough study of the book as we progress. The Sabbath-school Lesson Quarterly will be a little late on account of delay in the reception of copy. But we will get it out as early as possible. Send in your orders. Price 5 cents. Ten cents more will furnish you the pamphlet, with four-color illustration on 'The Seven Churches and the Seven Seals.'
Sunday Legislation in Washington
Do not fail to read the article in the Outlook department on Sunday Legislation in Washington. This government, which once rightly, nobly, grandly, refused through both branches of Congress to legislate upon the Sunday question as involving religious legislation and beyond the purview of civil government, is now committing itself the third time in recent years to the evil principle dominant in the Dark Ages.
Wo worth the day!
And yet how few are concerned about it! Principles seem to be worthless to them.
The Seven Churches and the Seven Seals
"The Seven Churches" and "the Seven Seals" are subjects which will be studied in the second quarter's Sabbath-school lessons for 1904. These subjects are of great interest. To help in this study, and also for general circulation, this office has prepared a pamphlet on these two lines of prophecy,—the Seven Churches covering chapters 2 and 3 of the Revelation, and the Seven Seals from chapter 5:1 to 8:1 inclusive, including the seal of God. In order to make this study clearer two diagrams in four colors have been prepared for this interesting pamphlet. Order when you order your Sabbath-school lessons. Price, by mail, post-paid, 10 cents. Address, Pacific Press, 12th and Castro Streets, Oakland, Cal.
Will the Present War Become Universal?
"Is this present war to become universal?" we are frequently asked. It looks as tho it easily might involve all the great powers of earth. One untoward, unwise act might easily plunge Great Britain and France in the impending struggle; and it can be seen that the United States might follow with little provocation. And then the world. But we do not believe that this struggle will be universal. There will still be a little time of peace before the great Armageddon comes. God has a work to do in this world which is not finished. He is gathering out a people and sealing them for his kingdom. Rev. 7: 1-3. The angels are holding the winds of war till that work is done. Our prayer is that the effects of this war will be to open Russia and Korea more fully to the Gospel.
The Horrors and Fruits of War
War is a horrible, hellish thing; and it is not strange that, among the men who are speaking for the public over the Russo-Japanese war, the old military men are the ones who express this thought. They have been in it, sometimes from a sense of duty, and they know its horrors. Sherman said, "War is hell," and General Miles and General Wheeler have echoed the same sentiment regarding war in connection with the present struggle. But the sad thing is to find merchants, tradesmen, and others delighting in the war because "it will be a good thing for this country," "it will help trade," etc. The psalmist declares that God will scatter "the people that delight in war." Ps. 68:30. Feelings of profound pity ought to be cherished for the countries and peoples now suffering war's ravages. Surely we would not like to be in their stead. Let us pray that amid all this calamity men's hearts may turn to God and to that better land where the inhabitants shall eternally "delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Ps. 37:11.
Modern Mysteries: Their Moral Aspect
"Modern Mysteries: Their Moral Aspect," is a pamphlet issued by the Pacific Press Publishing Company, on the subjects of Hypnotism, Clairvoyance, Telepathy, Theosophy, the "New Thought," and Pantheism. There are nine chapters, 107 pages, and the price is 15 cents. The edition will be soon exhausted, and probably will not be re-issued in this form. The pamphlet has received high commendation and some severe criticism. But there has been no criticism against the arguments presented or the general way in which the subject is treated. The criticism has been, and we say it frankly and openly, against the sarcasm and lightness sometimes indulged by the author. When Elijah witnessed the physical contortions and antics of the priests of Baal, he "mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for he is a god; either he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth and must be awaked." The prophet thought that the time and the occasion demanded the biting sarcasm and banter, that made Baal and his worship appear in a ridiculous light. So the author of "Modern Mysteries" has felt as he has examined some of the silly, vapid, ridiculous theories put forth for the salvation or benefit of man by these various isms. Perhaps
A Warning Against Occult Isms
he has indulged it too much; there was sufficient temptation. Perhaps some expressions have not been wisely guarded. Granted; nevertheless souls have been helped, enlightened, and strengthened by a perusal of the matter in the book; and the work has commended itself to earnest men and women, not only as a strong indictment against these occult isms, but as a faithful warning against having anything to do with them.
Lacking in Spiritual Power
Lacking in spiritual power, is the almost universal verdict against the modern church. The church concedes the truth of the indictment in her persistent grasping for political power. There can be but one cause for such an effect, and that is, departure from fundamental principles—the corruption of genuine doctrine by the introduction of that which is fraudulent. To this end the apostle Paul said of even his early day, "The mystery of iniquity doth already work." The iniquity that the enemy of souls was then injecting into the church came from paganism, and it continued to work until the Papacy was developed, after which consummation it worked even more effectually than before. For a terse and authentic statement of the origin and results of some of the false ideas imbibed by many professed Christians of to-day, we commend the pamphlet, "Pagan Counterfeits in the Christian Church," by Chas. A. S. Temple, a Presbyterian clergyman. For sale at this office, and branches. 187 pp.; price 25 cents. All who desire to know the truth in this relation should read this little work.
Hypnotism—What Is It?
Hypnotism—What Is It?—A Boston architect writes us: "Read Acts 13: 9-13 and know that Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are now named Hypnotism!" We have before said that men would come to believe that mesmerism and hypnotism were the power of God, and confound it with the Holy Spirit, and that they would do this solely from the fact that it was a wonder-working power, whereas the only test of the nature of any such manifestation is the moral test of the law of God. All the hypnotism of Acts 13: 9-13, was manifest in Elymas, the sorcerer, and the Spirit of God, in direct antagonism thereto, rebuked it. Simon the sorcerer, of Acts 8: 9-13, was another instance, of a man bewitched by hypnotism, and the people said, "This is that power of God which is called great." They thought it was the Spirit of God. God's Spirit does not work that way. It is always in harmony with His law, and enslaves no man.
Tolstoi
Tolstoi, says Bishop Charles C. Grafton, Episcopal, who has recently returned from Russia, is "not antagonistic to the Greek Church alone. He reviles at all churches." But this may be taken with a grain of salt. About the only churches that Tolstoi knows are the State churches of the Old World. There would probably be this difference between Bishop Grafton and Tolstoi. The former would reject all churches outside of Catholic, Episcopal, Greek, and certain State churches of Europe, while the latter would be inclined to regard favorably what the bishop condemned and reject those which the bishop approves.
The Troubles of a Trust
"The Troubles of a Trust" is the title of another instalment of Miss Tarbell's history of the Standard Oil Company in the March McClure's. After his great machine was perfected, Mr. Rockefeller wished to be let alone, but, as Miss Tarbell remarks: "Probably the greatest trial Mr. Rockefeller has ever had has come from the persistency with which the malcontents have kept him before the public." It is an interesting chapter. And the magazine contains more of interest.
