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Signs of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 41.

God the Deliverer
Earlier text: SOME PRINCIPLES OF NATURE STUDY

THE DIVINE REST.

THERE are two kinds of people in this world who do not worry. The one is a child of God, the other is a child of the devil. The former does not worry because of his absolute trust, the latter because of his absolute carelessness. To be sure, freedom from worry is an excellent thing. But it should be based upon an excellent foundation, namely, an undimmed trust in an all-loving Father. Then only is our calm enduring.
We sometimes see a youth unconcerned about his future, or, worse still, unconcerned about making the best of his present, and yet his lack of anxiety does not arise from a perfect trust in God and manly resolve to do his best, but from sheer laziness. Perhaps a father is supporting him at school, and he spends more than half his time in pleasure, and trusts to leaning on some influential one to provide him with a sinecure post, and a large salary by and by. But this type of non-worrying is only temporary. By and by he sighs, and wonders why the “other fellows” who started life with him have outstripped him in the race. Then the wonder gives place to despair, and he pours into youthful minds a lot of sickly trash about “having a good time when you’re young,” and “youth being our best days,” meaning, by a “good time” purposeless frivolity.
But there is another type of man, who is “free from care.” “Trust thou in God.” He has heard the message, and his heart is fixed. He knows who “doeth all things well.” They who start life thus with minds at rest are the mighty pillars of their century, strong as the rocks, unshaken as the hills, with a peace as rich and deep as the still underdepths of midocean. They do not let their burden rest on other shoulders, but they take up their share with a calmer spirit, knowing that “their strength shall be renewed like the eagle’s.” To be unworried is not to be unwatchful. To be trustful is not to be unmindful of duty. There is a great gulf between the smile of trust and the lackadaisical air of carelessness. When God lifts the burden of to-morrow from our shoulders, He has surely a right to expect that we put forth our best efforts to-day.—Selected.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

At the recent camp-meeting held at Seattle, Wash., twelve candidates were baptized.
At Cheboygan, Mich., Brethren O. Soule and F. A. Bristol report the baptism of five persons, with others to follow.
Brother S. M. Cobb, president of West Virginia Conference, notes the baptism of two candidates at Parkersburg, and one at Culloden.
The recommendation of Iowa Conference that Brother E. G. Olsen be assigned to the Scandinavian field has been accepted by the General Conference Committee.
At Gibson, W. Va., where Brethren Toggin and Rule have been laboring, twelve converts are reported, with an increasing interest. The brethren expect to organize a church in the near future.
At the opening of the academy at Cedar Lake, Mich., September 9, the first announcement made was the reading of a telegram bearing news of the death of Brother H. D. Day, of Fairgrove, former principal and business manager of the school.
Brother A. T. Jones, president of California Conference, spent the time from September 13 to 22 in this city, holding two and sometimes three meetings a day. The discourses were of the nature of instruction in practical every-day Christianity, from the standpoint of the Golden Rule.
In a country place near Seymour, Wis., September 1, a church of eleven members was organized by Brother Wm. Covert, president of the conference. They have a new church edifice built by themselves, to be dedicated on the 13th inst. They have also organized for a church-school, and have applied for a teacher. This is a commendable beginning.
As the West Virginia Conference decided not to have a camp-meeting this year, the plan of substituting twelve general meetings in as many convenient localities is being carried out. The last will be held at Parkersburg, December 11–18, at which time the annual business meeting of the conference will be held. Delegates will be elected for this purpose.
And still another of our missionaries has fallen at his post. Brother L. M. Crowther died at Port of Spain, island of Trinidad, August 25, of malarial (or jungle) fever, contracted while on a few weeks’ trip to the island of Tobago. The Mirror, a local paper, in noting his death, says: “He was a most ‘zealous minister of the Gospel, and it can be said ‘of him, that in the service of his Master he knew ‘no rest, and he greatly overworked himself. His ‘remains were followed to the grave by a large con-‘course of the sorrowing members of the church. ‘At the funeral a very solemn service was performed ‘by an elder and two deacons. The service at the ‘grave was also most impressive.” A letter from Sister Crowther to the Dakota Worker, dated August 30, says that Brother W. G. Kneeland came home from Tobago the day after her husband was buried, and was then down with the same disease.
The following item concerning the work in Matabeleland, Africa, is from a letter by Brother F. L. Mead in the Wisconsin Reporter:—
Experience teaches us that the best way to work for this people is to educate a few of their young men, and send these out among the people as teachers. These become an object-lesson of what education will do even for a black man. They know that only a few months before, the young man did not know any more than they do; but now, since attending school at the mission, he can read the Bible and tell them things, as once he could not do. In this, the native has a great advantage over a white man; for the people can see a wonderful transformation in the native youth, and it awakens a desire in them to obtain that which will benefit them as well. We will have four native young men to send out as teachers the first of July. These give evidences of sincerity in their Christian experience. They have made good progress in their school, and we shall send them out to teach what they have learned. After being out three months, they will come back into school again for another term. Our plan is this: A term of school, then field work for the same length of time, then another term of school for three months, then field work again. We believe this plan will bring success to the work here. By and by we hope to have some young natives to send into the interior of Africa, where it is not practicable for white men to go.

The Simplicity of Obedience

By H. A. Bridgman

NOTHING simplifies life like obedience. We sometimes think we are beset by problems, that life is a very difficult and complicated affair. It is not really so. All life is simply doing or learning the will of God. There is never more than one duty for one moment.—H. A. Bridgman.

GREAT CLEARANCE SALE

By C. H. Tyrrell

For October and November
In BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS, BLACK LANGSHANS, and WHITE WYANDOTTES
To make room, will sell at HALF USUAL PRICE for immediate orders
C. H. TYRRELL, Sioux Rapids Iowa

LESSON 2.—OCTOBER 13.—JOSEPH IN PRISON.

Lesson Scripture, Gen. 39: 20 to 40: 8, R.V.
20 “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound; 21 and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor 22 in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, 23 he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand, because the Lord was with him; and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper. 1 “And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord the 2 king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against his two officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the 3 chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where 4 Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them; and they 5 continued a season in ward. And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the 6 prison. And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, 7 and saw them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in ward in his master's 8 house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell it me, I pray you.”
Golden Text.—“But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy.” Gen. 39: 21.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) After Joseph had been highly honored by his master, what sad reverse did he meet? Verse 20. Note 1. (2) How was this additional sorrow greatly alleviated? Verse 21. Note 2. (3) What confidence and respect did his conduct eventually win for him? Verse 22. (4) How was this confidence especially emphasized? What special help did he have in his duties? Verse 23. Note 3. (5) What two officials had greatly offended the king? Ch. 40: 1, 2. Note 4. (6) What did the king do with these officers? Verses 3, 4. (7) What experience did they have one night? Verse 5. (8) Who came in to see them in the morning? What especially attracted his attention? Verse 6. (9) What inquiry did Joseph make? Verse 7. (10) What was their answer? Then what did Joseph say? Verse 8. Note 5.

NOTES.

1. It was apparently a terrible fall for Joseph, from the stewardship of an honorable household, to the stocks of a State prison. His good name was blighted, and his religion dishonored in the estimation of men. But the Scriptures comfort those servants who, being falsely accused, suffer wrongfully. See 1 Peter 2: 18-25; also verses 14-17.
2. “But the Lord was with Joseph” in the prison just as He was in the pit at Dothan, and on the way to Egypt, and in the house of Potiphar. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa. 43: 2, 3.
3. The prison was not an ordinary one, but was one where the king placed officials who offended him. This gave Joseph opportunity to mingle with men of the highest culture in official circles. By his kindness to them during their imprisonment (which would often be for short terms and trivial offenses), he would gain their confidence and obtain valuable information concerning the government. By this means also would their confidence in him and respect for him be gained in after years when he became a ruler.
4. The chief butler and chief baker were two officials whose duties would bring them in close contact with the king. The chief baker had the superintendence of everything relating to the preparation of provisions for the royal table. The butler's office included the function of cup-bearer to the king, and he had the privilege of being admitted to the king's most private seclusion. The king's life was in a measure in the hands of these two officials. Nehemiah was butler, or cup-bearer, to King Artaxerxes, and through this intimate relationship was enabled to present the plea for assistance in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. See Nehemiah 2.
5. “No Interpreter.”—To the Egyptians, as well as to the Chaldeans, dreams were a matter of much concern. Hence there was great anxiety to know their import, and many “wise men” professed ability to interpret them. Now these two officials were shut up in prison, and could not have access to any of the professionals. To an Egyptian official in prison, not knowing his fate, which might depend solely upon the whim or mood of the king, a mysterious and apparently significant dream without an interpretation would be a cause of real sadness.

LESSON III.—OCTOBER 19.—PARABLE OF THE SOWER

NOTE.—In the preparation of these lessons all Scripture references, and the pages of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” should be thoroughly studied first, then the questions. The questions are not the lessons. They are only for the purpose of finding out what we have observed while studying. More of the preciousness of these lessons will be obtained if the lesson is studied each day throughout the week. In the parables of Jesus there is salvation from sin for every type of sinner—from the Pharisee to the prodigal. The notes are wholly selected from such portions of “Christ’s Object Lessons” as apply to each lesson.

LESSON III.—OCTOBER 19.—PARABLE OF THE SOWER.

Wayside and Stony-ground Hearers.

Aid.—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 43-50.
Lesson Scriptures, Matt. 13:3-6, 18-21, R.V.

Matt. 13:3-6.

3 “And He spake to them many things in parables, saying, 4 Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured 5 them; and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth; and straightway they sprang up, because 6 they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.”

Verses 18-21.

18 “Hear then ye the parable of the sower. When any one 19 heareth the Word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the 20 wayside. And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the Word, and straightway with joy receiveth 21 it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, straightway he stumbleth.”

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

1. What is said of a sower? Where did he go? For what purpose? Where did some of the seed fall? What became of it? Other seed fell where? How soon did this grow? Why? What effect had the sun upon this? Why did it wither?
2. What are we asked to hear? Verse 18.
3. In this verse what corresponds to the fowls by the wayside? Away from whom does he catch the seed?
4. What has made the heart of the wayside hearer hard, like the beaten path? Ans.—Selfishness, ingratitude, blindness, hardness of heart, deceived by sin, etc. See Rom. 1:21; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rom. 11:7, margin; Heb. 3:13.
5. In this condition, how do they treat the Word?
6. What gives Satan an opportunity to catch it away?
7. Has Satan any assistants in this work? Ans.—“He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth.” Matt. 12:30. See note.
8. Who receives the seed into stony places? How does such a one receive the Word?
9. What is lacking? How does he become offended? What is understood by the word “offended” in this connection?
10. Does an immediate acceptance of the Word when it is presented, necessarily prove one to be a stony-ground hearer? Matt. 4:18-22, etc.; see also note.
11. Does the fact that one is in the condition of the wayside hearer, or that of the stony-ground hearer, show that there is no hope for him?
“Wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18.

NOTES.

SATAN has many helpers. Many who profess to be Christians are aiding the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other hearts. Many who listen to the preaching of the Word of God make it the subject of criticism at home. They sit in judgment on the sermon as they would on the words of a lecturer or a political speaker.
It is not because men receive the Word immediately, nor because they rejoice in it, that they fall away. As soon as Matthew heard the Saviour’s call, immediately he rose up, left all, and followed Him. As soon as the divine Word comes to our hearts, God desires us to receive it; and it is right to accept it with joy. “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”

VIRGINIA HOMES.

You learn all about Virginia lands, soil, water, climate, resources, products, fruits, berries, mode of cultivation, prices, etc., by reading the Virginia Farmer. Send 10 cents, for three months' subscription, to Farmer Co., Emporia, Va.

PURE FOOD MAKES PURE BLOOD

PUREE & FOOD MILL
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For circulars, terms, etc., address WILL T. DAWSON, Battle Creek, Mich.

Picturesque Route to Pan-American, Buffalo

If you are going to Buffalo, to New York, or to any Eastern point beyond Chicago, bear in mind that the Grand Trunk Railway System runs

SOLID VESTIBULE TRAINS

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To Our Subscribers

By Editor

To Our Subscribers—We are not dead. We are just wrestling with a few difficulties. Be patient. We have many good things which we hope to get to you in the near future. Address always, The Gospel Farmer, Woodbridge, Va.

A Baby’s First Wardrobe

By Mrs. F. M. Kellogg

Is the most trying proposition a young mother can meet. Often everything she makes is wrong. For 30c in stamps you can get twenty-two guaranteed patterns, drawn on anatomical and hygienic lines, with full directions for making. Also an illustrated booklet on care of the body, free. All in plain envelope. Everything essential to know. For information on garments for other ages, send stamp.
MRS. F. M. KELLOGG
205 Hubbard St. Battle Creek, Mich.

PAMPHLETS

The prices of all pamphlets published in the various libraries will probably be increased October first, until that time they will be as follows:—
Price each Price for 10 copies
Bible Sanctification, B. S. L., 1 $0 10 $0 60
The Sabbath and the Law, B. S. L., 53 20 1 24
Judgment, B. S. L., 55 15 94
Matthew Twenty-four, B. S. L., 58 10 62
Christ and His Righteousness, B. S. L., 72 15 93
Sunday: Origin of Its Observance, B. S. L., 80 15 93
Angels, Their Nature, B. S. L., 83 20 1 24
Sun of Righteousness, B. S. L., 97 10 62
Life: Its Source and Purpose, B. S. L., 108 10 62
Prophetic Lights, B. S. L., 117 50
Sure Word of Prophecy, B. S. L., 131 10 62
Lord’s Day, B. S. L., 134 15 92
Honor Due to God, B. S. L., 135 10 62
Saints’ Inheritance, B. S. L., 140 10 62
Will a Man Rob God? B. S. L., 145 10 52
Natural Food of Man, B. S. L., 158 25 1 53
Christian Patriotism, B. S. L., 159 15 92
Marshaling of Nations, B. S. L., 161 10 61
Glad Tidings, B. S. L., 162 25 1 77
Prophetic Gift, B. S. L., 164 15 91
Last Day Tokens, W. of T., 13 10 63
Steps to Christ, Berean Library, 1 25 1 30
Thoughts on Daniel, “ ” 2 25 1 55
Thoughts on Revelation, “ ” 3 25 1 55
Christian Principles, “ ” 4 15 93
Looking Unto Jesus, “ ” 5 25 1 55
History of the Sabbath, “ ” 6 50 3 23
Great Nations of To-Day, “ ” 7 25 1 58
The Battle of the Century, “ ” 8 10 63
Address your Tract Society or
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THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD.

By M. C. Wilcox

By M. C. Wilcox. This tract of 40 pages, sets forth in brief some of the more important events of the Great Day of God Almighty. It discusses the character of that day, shows when it begins, the coming of the Lord, the events in connection with that coming, the Millennium, the Saints in Judgment, when the Day of the Lord Ends, and the Eternal Home of the Redeemed. Bible Students' Library No. 65. Price, 5 cents.

Scripture Answers to Worldly Questions

A tract that is calculated to be a help to those who are halting between two opinions. A. G. L. No. 33. 25 cents per 100.
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Jesus and the Resurrection

Important thoughts upon immortality and the resurrection are clearly presented in this tract, showing our dependence on the Saviour for both. A. G. L. No. 42. 50 cents per 100.
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Healing Power

Have you sometimes wondered why healing power is not manifested in the Church to-day as it was in Pentecostal times? You will find an answer clear and full in

Power for Witnessing

This is a book of 201 pages, treating upon the work of the Holy Spirit, how it may be received, and what it accomplishes when it is received.
Price, 75 cents
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Heralds of His Coming

Is the end near? May we know the time? are important questions deserving of the most serious consideration. These, together with many others bearing on Christ’s second advent, are fully answered in this tract.
A. G. L. No. 51 :: 1½c each :: 98c per hundred
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DAY OF THE SABBATH

IS IT ANY DAY, OR IS IT A PARTICULAR DAY? AND IF A PARTICULAR DAY, WHAT DAY IS IT?
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BACK TO THE OLD PATHS

The experience of Bartholomew Biggs in attending a series of tent meetings, during which the stirring truths for these times were presented
A. G. L. No. 44 :: Price, 1 Cent Each :: 68 Cents per Hundred
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The Winning of Margaret

A story, showing in a beautiful way that the second coming of Christ is very near
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A Few More Diaries

We have a few more vest pocket diaries for 1901, which we are selling at ten cents each. The regular price is twenty-five cents, but on account of the lateness of the season we make this reduction. The diaries are well bound in leather, and contain much valuable information and space for accounts.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.

THAT DINNER

Such is the title of a little book which we published a short time ago, in which was an account of a vegetarian dinner given in New York City. The object of the booklet was to advertise a few of our books advocating health principles. Following is a notice which appeared in the current number of Current Advertising concerning it:—
“‘That Dinner’ is the interesting title of the neatest booklet in a series of well-printed advertisements sent out by the Pacific Press Publishing Company, of Oakland, California. ‘That Dinner’ is a delicious bit of printing. The size is 5x6 inches. The cover is of light gray antique stock, printed in dark gray ink, and tied with a heavy gray cord. It is an overhang cover with deckle edge. The inside consists of eight pages, printed in light blue and olive inks on hand-finished linen paper. The type pages are only twelve ems pica wide, and are printed on the outside of the leaf. By using this page arrangement, it is easy to read the matter without straining the cord binding.”
The above booklet will be sent free to applicants as long as our limited stock lasts.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.

SOUND AN ALARM

This tract is still selling well. It certainly is a timely document and should be circulated right now, when there is such a demand for the news concerning topics of the day. It is illustrated and contains sixteen well filled pages. Price only seventy-two cents per hundred.
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LETTERS

The following extracts from letters are here reproduced to show how those who have read POWER FOR WITNESSING regard it. If you have not yet read this remarkable little volume, we hope these experiences will lead you to do so.
“It has helped me more than anything I ever read except the Bible. I loaned it to one of my friends here, who said she just had to give up her work and read until she had finished it. I want half a dozen copies with which to do missionary work.”
“I feel persuaded to add a word of personal testimony about your book, ‘Power for Witnessing.’ I believe it is the most helpful book I ever got hold of outside the Bible. I can scarcely put it down when I have an opportunity to take it up. I trust it may have a wide circulation.”
“I want to inform you of what the Lord has done for me through reading ‘Power for Witnessing.’ I have been connected with the church for two years, but during all this time was continually falling into certain sins. I have prayed and prayed for victory over the sins, but it never came. But I have the victory now, praise the Lord. Since reading the book I found I was not praying in faith when I asked for forgiveness of sins. I have now asked in faith, and He has forgiven me. I have asked for peace, and He has granted it to me. I am going to give the rest of my life to work for souls that are now out in the dark night of sin.”
“I can not describe my feelings the first night I began to read ‘Power for Witnessing.’ As the Spirit of God brought its searching truths home to my heart with such convicting power, a spirit of darkness seemed to settle upon me, and I could read no more—could only pray for help, and He who never turns a deaf ear to any one heard me. I am learning to trust Him more and more. And as I take more time to study His Word my faith is increasing.”
“My own sister was in a very despondent condition owing to sickness, and her faith was dim, but by the help of a Christian sister and the reading of this book she has been healed spiritually and physically.”
We have just published a beautiful booklet in which this book is described at length. It will be sent free to applicants.
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