May 24 is the date set for dedicating the new church building at West Valley, N. Y.
Elder Rodney S. Owen and Brother C. F. Curtis are holding tent meetings in Rome, Ga.
Three new members are reported for the church at Muscatine, Iowa, and two additions to the church at Sheldon.
Elder J. W. Collie, assisted by Brethren M. W. Lewis and I. C. Colcord, is now conducting a series of tent meetings in Louisville, Ky.
Elder L. R. Conradi says there are now three hundred Sabbath-keepers in eastern Germany along the Russian border and the Baltic Sea.
Elder J. W. Raymond reports six additions to the faith at Sidney, N. Y., and the organization of a church of fifteen members at Elmira.
Elder J. B. Goodrich reports the baptism of thirteen persons, and the organization of a church with sixteen members, at Belleville, Ontario.
At Great Falls, Mont., under the labors of Elder W. J. Stone, ten have accepted the truths presented during a recent series of meetings.
The church at Algona, Iowa, was recently increased by the addition of ten members, the fruit of meetings held by Brother Henry Johnson.
Brother L. W. Felter reports a good interest among the colored people at Kahota, Mo., where the minister (Methodist) has invited him to preach.
Brother M. C. Guild reports a good interest at Chase, Mich., with eight converts, making seventeen adherents at that place and a prospective church organization.
Concerning the case of Brother Hasty, described at length on page 9, a later report says that friends paid his fine, and he was set at liberty after serving two days of his cruel sentence.
Reports from Great Britain are to the effect that Elder Kershaw has an encouraging prospect in Cardiff; that the way is opening for labor in Bristol; and that Elder Hutchinson meets encouraging success in Ireland.
More commodious quarters have been secured for the Chicago Medical Mission just south of its old stand, at 40 Custom House Place. It is thought that it can be conducted in its new quarters on a more nearly self-sustaining basis.
Elder C. N. Martin reports a deep interest at Stevensville, Mont., where a bitter determination on the part of certain ministers to frustrate the truth has been manifested. Precious fruit for the Master invariably emerges from the fires of such opposition.
Elder J. R. Palmer reports the baptism of four candidates at Butte, Mont., and four at a locality on the Cottonwood, where Brother C. T. Shafer was holding meetings, and where thirteen have decided to obey the truth as presented from the word of God.
At Bloomington, Ill., Elder C. H. Bliss reports the baptism of four persons. He further states that “at Bloomington and Springfield an effort is being made for the colored people with good result, some in both places having embraced the truth. Good testimonies are given by this people, showing true conversion.”
As a result of labor by Brother E. L. Richardson at Arnica, Mo., about twenty are reported as ready to lay hold of the truths presented from the Scriptures, and a church organization is soon to be formed. The interest is of sufficient extent to call forth strong antagonism. This is always a sign of alarm on the part of the enemy of truth.
At a recent stockholders’ meeting of the Rural Health Retreat the following trustees were elected: N. C. McClure, A. J. Breed, Dr. W. H. Maxson, J. A. Burden, Wm. Ings, T. Coolidge, and F. Zelinski. The board was organized by electing N. C. McClure, president, and J. A. Burden, secretary. The management of the Retreat is under the control of the following: A. J. Breed, C. H. Jones, Dr. W. H. Maxson, N. C. McClure, and I. Keck, of which the first-named is chairman, and the last secretary. These are appointed by the General Conference Association, to whom the sanitarium is leased. The physician-in-chief is W. H. Maxson, M.D., assisted by A. J. Sanderson, M.D., and Mrs. Hattie S. Maxson, M.D., and other able helpers. The business manager is Irving Keck. The address of physicians and manager is Crystal Springs, St. Helena, Cal.
A report in the Review concerning recent work at Eureka, Iowa, says that “Elder E. G. Olsen baptized twelve willing souls, and others would have gone forward if they had not been deprived of the privilege by their friends. This church was organized last winter with eight members.”
RESOLUTIONS OF PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
The following resolutions were unanimously passed at the meeting of the stockholders’ association of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, May 6. It is to these Brother Jones refers in his notes on the last page.
WHEREAS, The publishing work of this institution has been marked with a good degree of prosperity during the past year, notwithstanding the continued business depression; therefore,
1. Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God for his blessing and guidance in this branch of the work, and acknowledge our entire dependence upon him for wisdom and success in the future.
WHEREAS, Our pioneer missionary paper, Signs of the Times, has been greatly improved during the past year at increased expense, and yet has been furnished at lower rates than ever before in proportion to its size; and,
WHEREAS, Its circulation, altho considerably increased, has not reached a figure which will enable us to publish it at the present low price without loss; therefore,
2. Resolved, That we urge upon our people everywhere the importance of increased efforts to enlarge its circulation: (1) By taking clubs for use in missionary work; (2) by canvassing for yearly and six months’ subscriptions; (3) by selling the paper in cities and towns.
WHEREAS, The American Sentinel is an earnest and able advocate of true liberty and the rights of man; therefore,
3. Resolved, That we give it our hearty support, and urge all our people to co-operate with us in giving it the circulation it deserves.
WHEREAS, The children’s paper entitled Our Little Friend is a valuable help in our Sabbath schools, and affords excellent instruction for children in the home; therefore,
4. Resolved, That we recommend its use not only among our people but wherever it can be introduced; and we would request Sabbath school officers, teachers, and parents, to interest the children in loaning it and soliciting subscriptions for it among those not of our faith.
WHEREAS, The increase in the business of the institution, especially the increased circulation of the Signs of the Times, demands additional facilities for our work; therefore,
5. Resolved, That we approve the action of the directors in purchasing the two new large Cottrell presses which have been added to the plant, and also the other machinery which seemed to be necessary to carry on the business successfully.
WHEREAS, The canvassing work is an important branch of the cause of God, and is intimately connected with the publishing work among us; therefore,
6. Resolved, That we hereby express our interest in the work of the canvassers, and our appreciation of their labors in the sale of our publications, and pledge them our hearty co-operation in this good work during the coming year.
7. Resolved, That we hereby express our appreciation of the moral and financial support of our people in carrying forward the work of the institution.
ANGELS, Their Nature and Ministry.
Revised by the late J. H. Waggoner. In two parts. Part Two considers some hints on the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan, as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students’ Library No. 83. 140 pages. Paper covers. Price, 20 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
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MATTHEW 24, OR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. An exposition of the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. A brief resumé of the advents of Christ and the prophecies which cluster around these events. Two diagrams assist in the study. 80 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE. Showing the work that Christ accomplishes in the Sanctuary in Heaven, before his second coming. 112 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A consideration of the important prophecies of the book of Daniel, the last chapter of which brings us to the “time of the end,” just previous to Christ’s second coming. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.
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THE JUDGMENT
By John Nevins Andrews
By the late J. N. ANDREWS
The Events of the Judgment and their Order. Following are principal chapter headings: The Investigative Judgment, Examination of the Books, God the Father the Judge, Offices of Christ, Messages to the World, The Sanctuary in Heaven, The Crowning of Christ, The Executive Judgment, The Saints Sitting in Judgment. Bible Student's Library No. 55. 136 pages. Paper covers. Price, 15 cents.
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SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A study of the book of Daniel.
A concise study of this important prophetic portion of the Bible. Fully illustrated. Paper covers. 96 pages. Bible Students’ Library No. 131. Price, 10 cents.
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SPECIAL NOTICE.
By C. H. Jones
How to Reach the Camp Ground in Alameda.
Last week directions were given as to how to reach the camp ground in Alameda, but upon further inquiry it is found that in some cases there is a better way; therefore, instructions in full are given anew. Pay no attention to the instructions given in last issue, but follow these.
Those coming from Monterey and stations below San Jose should take the train leaving Monterey at 6:48 A.M. Change cars at Santa Clara, taking the narrow-gauge train to Alameda. Check baggage to and get off at Park Street station, Alameda. Then take electric cars direct to camp ground. Those coming from San Jose will also take the narrow-gauge train, and follow directions as given above.
Those coming by way of Niles and Tracy should purchase tickets and check baggage to Park Street station, Alameda. Change cars at Broadway and First Streets, Oakland, taking the Alameda local train to Park Street, Alameda.
Those coming via Benicia, Vallejo, and Port Costa should purchase tickets and check baggage to Alameda. At Oakland pier they will change cars, taking the Alameda local train to Park Street station. This is about six blocks from the camp ground.
Those coming from San Francisco should take the boat connecting with the broad-gauge trains at the pier. On the Oakland side take the Alameda local train to Park Street station, Alameda, or, if preferred, change at the foot of Broadway, Oakland, taking the electric cars (belt line) going toward Alameda, and get off at Santa Clara Avenue and Walnut Streets. The electric cars leave you three short blocks from the camp ground, and the broad-gauge steam cars, six blocks.
Arrangements have been made with the Whitney Transfer Company to take trunks and packages from San Francisco to the camp ground in Alameda at twenty-five cents each, and from depots in Oakland to the ground for fifteen cents each. Checks should be given only to the authorized agents of the Whitney Transfer Company, who will deliver trunks to the camp ground in Alameda at the above-named prices. Pay the agent when checks are delivered, taking receipt for same. A baggage room will be established on the camp ground, where all baggage will be delivered, and can be claimed on presentation of receipt.
Trunks and packages will be taken to the camp ground from either the broad or narrow-gauge depots, Alameda, at from five to fifteen cents each, according to the size and number.
By carefully following the above directions much trouble and inconvenience will be avoided.
C. H. JONES.
Lesson X.—Sabbath, June 6, 1896
“Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
Lesson X.—Sabbath, June 6, 1896.
THE DOMINION LOST.
1. What offer did Satan make Christ in one of his great temptations?
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it.” Luke 4:5, 6.
2. How did he come into possession of this dominion?
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19.
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Rom. 6:16.
3. How did Satan overcome man, by force or deception?
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die; for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” Gen. 3:1–6. See also 1 Tim. 2:13, 14.
4. In what condition is man since the fall?
“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Tim. 2:26.
“For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin.” Rom. 7:14.
6. Whom did Satan say they would be like if they would obey him?
“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:5.
“And ye shall be as God.” Revised Version.
7. Besides deceiving the woman, how many has Satan deceived?
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev. 12:9.
8. How extensive was the result of Adam’s sin?
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12.
9. What, then, is the condition of the world?
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19. See note.
10. What is the nature of Satan’s kingdom?
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 5:8, 11; 6:12.
11. To what did this darkness pertain?
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Rom. 1:21.
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Eph. 4:18.
12. When this kingdom is set up in the mind, what condition is the person in?
“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:11.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” Acts 26:18.
13. When a man is wandering in the dark, what is his condition? Ans.—He is lost. See Matt. 10:6; 18:11.
14. When a man is lost, how will he usually act?
“Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us; we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.” Isa. 59:9, 10.
15. In what condition does the Saviour say such people are?
“Let them alone; they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matt. 15:14. See also Matt. 23:16, 17, 19, 24, 26.
16. Where is the seat of the blindness or darkness?
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Eph. 4:18. See also Matt. 13:15.
17. If man in the fall lost both his dominion over the earth and the proper control of his own mind, what is involved in the restoration?
NOTE.
“The whole world lieth in the evil one.” Revised Version. “The whole world lies under the evil one.” Emphatic Diaglott. “Lieth in the wicked one.” Macknight. “Is embraced in the arms of the devil, where it lies fast asleep and carnally secure, deriving its heat and power from its infernal fosterer.”—Clarke’s Commentary.
International Sunday School Lesson
“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”
24. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26. But ye shall not be so; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat;
32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.
36. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
(Memorize verses 24-26.)
Golden Text: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5.
NOTE.—This discourse was given in the upper room, where Jesus and his disciples assembled to celebrate the Passover. Here were instituted the Lord’s supper and the rite of humility, or washing of feet (John 13); which were to be observed until his return in person at the close of the Gospel age. They were to be reminders of his humiliation in taking our nature upon him, his life of humility in the work of salvation, and of his broken body and spilt blood freely given for the world. The time was Thursday evening before and after sunset, the day before the crucifixion, and the place Jerusalem. Read parallel records in the other Gospels.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What strife existed among the disciples? Verse 24. Note 1. (2) What did Jesus say concerning lords and masters? Verse 25. Note 2. (3) How did he say it should be with the disciples? Verse 26. (4) How did he illustrate his meaning? Verse 27. Note 3. (5) Who did he say they were? Verse 28. (6) What did Jesus say he appointed for them? Verse 29. See John 14:2, 3. (7) What joys and positions would be theirs in the kingdom? Verse 30. (8) What special message did Jesus have for Peter? Verse 31. (9) For what purpose had the Lord prayed? Verse 32. Note 4. (10) What did he further tell Peter to do? Same verse. (11) What declaration did Peter make? Verse 33. See Mark 14:27-31. (12) What did the Lord say Peter would do? Verse 34. (13) What question did Jesus ask the disciples concerning their needs when he sent them forth to preach? Verse 35. (14) What did he say of the present time? Verse 36. Note 5. (15) Would aught fail that was written concerning him? Verse 37. (16) What was written of him? Same verse. Note 6.
NOTES.
1. Strife.—The original suggests earnest and eager discussion. Literally, it is love of strife.
2. Benefactors.—In the world kings and lords are highly exalted, and rule, more often than otherwise, harshly. They lord it over them. Yet for what they choose to do to promote prosperity they wish to be called benefactors. Not only this, but in a worldly sense those who do what the world considers good actions or deeds are desirous of and frequently obtain chief positions. The Lord teaches his people in all ages that these motives are not inspired by his example and teaching.
3. He that serveth.—The striking lesson of humility—the washing of his disciples’ feet (John 13)—evidently followed the record in verse 24. Jesus was greater than they, yet he served. Therein was the great lesson and the great example. By right of position he was Lord of all, and all creatures should serve and obey him. Yet he emptied himself of his rights and his power, did not long for a high estate, and took upon him the form of a servant. Philippians 2. This is Christianity. This was the mind that he wished the disciples to have, and this is the mind he wishes his followers in all ages to let work in them. Why not? he virtually asks. This is the course that overcomes the world, and for them who continue with him in this way is prepared a kingdom, and a table therein. The end justifies the temporary hardness of the way.
4. That thy faith fail not.—This was Peter’s special failing, that he was inclined to waver. He was not so constant as it was his privilege to be, yet he believed himself full of faith and constancy. How many Peters there are in the world at the present day! A little hardship, or a little adversity, turns them from their purpose. The Lord knew what was in store for Peter, and prayed, not that the trial and temptation might pass, but that when the shock came, and the man learned how utterly weak he was, his faith might not fail. He prayed that he might not be disheartened, but take hold with firmer purpose. That prayer was for every wavering or overconfident soul who might pass through the same experience. Have you been overcome by the strong foe, and denied your Lord? Let not your faith fail. Satan desires to have you, but there’s a stronger than he, even Christ. And when you have turned again, go to work for the Master.
5. He that hath a purse.—They went forth full of trust in the power of God. There was victory everywhere. But now the Bridegroom was to be taken away, and they were to face stern realities. Their faith was to be tested, and, as subsequent events showed, they were offended because of him, and scattered as sheep without a shepherd, all because they clung to the idea that Christ was then to establish a worldly kingdom. The purse and the sword are the only alternatives when faith in Christ is allowed to falter. There was that, however, in his remarks at this moment, that they failed to see, even tho rebuked at the last (Matt. 26:52), until after the resurrection.
6. This that is written.—The prophecies concerning him would be accomplished. He was made to be sin for us, tho he knew no sin. Have an end,—are to be fulfilled.
Abiding Sabbath and Lord’s Day
By Alonzo T. Jones
By ALONZO T. JONES
A pointed review of two prize essays which are, without doubt, the best contributions to the defense of Sunday as the Sabbath. Those desiring to find some $1,000 reasons for keeping the first day of the week will find them in this work. Bible Students’ Library No. 2. 173 pages. Paper covers. Price, 20 cents. Address
