California Tourists Should Have a Copy of the Grand Book
IN THE HEART OF THE SIERRAS.
It Pictures the World-Renowned Yo Semite Valley, the Big Tree Groves of California, the Glaciers, Gold Mines, and Caverns of this Wonderful Region. It is a
COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE YO SEMITE VALLEY,
Giving routes of travel, number of miles by rail and stage; describes points of interest en route; gives map of the Valley, and contains 160 Illustrations, 28 of which are Beautiful Full-Page Artotypes, and which portray the wonderful Cataracts, Mountains, and Precipices with all the REALITY OF A PHOTOGRAPH. Bound in five styles. Copy in cloth, embossed jet and gold, gold edges, sent postpaid, where we have no agent, for $3.50.
CHEAPER EDITION.
We have just issued a special TOURISTS' EDITION of this book, containing all the matter of the other edition, printed on thinner paper, without artotypes, bound in flexible cloth covers. Copies sent postpaid anywhere for $1.50.
Address PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO.,
Or 43 Bond St., New York. Oakland, Cal.
Cleveland Bicycles,
STODDARD & LEE,
306 McAllister St., San Francisco, Cal.
Angels of God
"Angels of God." (Spanish.) A collection of five Bible readings on the following subjects: 1. The Angels of God. 2. Satan and His Work. 3. Christ the Resurrection and the Life. 4. The Second Chapter of Daniel. 5. Signs of the Coming of Christ. Two illustrations; paper; price, 6 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING Co., Oakland, Cal.
RESPONSIBILITY IN THE USE OF MEANS.
By Ellen G. White
MANY would love to see souls converted if it could be done without any sacrifice on their part; but if their property is touched, they draw back, for it is of more value to them than the souls of men and women, for whom Christ died. If those to whom God has intrusted means understood their responsibilities as his stewards, they would retain in their own hands that which God has lent them, that they might faithfully perform the duty devolving upon them to do their part in helping carry forward the work of God. If all could comprehend the plan of salvation, and the worth of even one soul purchased by the blood of Christ, they would make every other interest of minor consequence.
Parents should have great fear in intrusting children with the talents of means that God has placed in their hands, unless they have the surest evidence that their children have greater interest in, love for, and devotion to, the cause of God than they themselves possess, and that these children will be more earnest and zealous in forwarding the work of God, and more benevolent in carrying forward the various enterprises connected with it which call for means. But many place their means in the hands of their children, thus throwing upon them the responsibility of their own stewardship, because Satan prompts them to do it. In so doing, they effectually place that means in the enemy's ranks. Satan works the matter to suit his own purpose, and keeps from the cause of God the means which it needs that it may be abundantly sustained. The efforts made to get the truth before the people are not half as thorough and extensive as they should be. Not a fiftieth part is now being done to extend the truth that might be done by scattering publications, and bringing within the sound of the truth all that can be induced to come.
The probation of many is closing. Satan is daily gathering his harvest of souls. Some are making final decisions against the truth, and many are dying without a knowledge of it. Their minds are unenlightened, and their sins unrepented of; and yet men professing godliness are hoarding up their earthly treasures, and directing their efforts to gaining more. They are insensible to the condition of men and women who come within the sphere of their influence, and who are perishing for want of knowledge. Well-directed labor, bestowed in love and humility, would do much to enlighten and convert their fellow-men; but the example of many who might do great good is virtually saying, Your souls are of less value to me than my worldly interests.
Many love the truth a little, but they love this world more. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Spiritual things are sacrificed for temporal. The fruit that such bear is not unto holiness, and their example will not be such as to convict sinners, and convert them from the error of their ways to the truth.
They allow souls to go to perdition, when they might save them if they would make as earnest efforts in their behalf as they have made to secure the treasures of this life. To obtain more of the things of the world, which they do not really need, and which only increase their responsibility and condemnation, many labor on the high-pressure plan, and peril health and spiritual enjoyment, and the peace, comfort, and happiness of their families. They let souls go to perdition around them, because they fear that it will require a little of their time and means to save them. Money is their god. They decide that it will not pay to sacrifice their means to save souls.
—Testimony for the Church, No. 20.
FIELD NOTES.
By Editor
THERE are now twelve Bible workers in different parts of Chicago.
ELDER J. B. BECKNER reports the organization of a church of fifteen members at Shelton, Ark.
TEN persons united with the church at Fish Creek, Wis., during meetings recently held by Brother Swin Swinson.
BROTHER WHALEY, of Church Hill, Md., has been arrested for working in his garden on the first day of the week.
FOUR students from South Lancaster (Mass.) Academy and one from Battle Creek (Mich.) College have taken up the canvassing work in Vermont.
ELDER E. E. FRANKE reports a successful series of meetings in the church at Jersey City, N. J., and these are being followed by tent meetings in another part of the city.
BROTHER W. C. GAGE, well known in connection with the publishing work at Battle Creek, Mich., is now making a tour of this State, visiting friends and looking after business matters.
CAPTAIN CHRISTIANSEN, who has accompanied the Pitcairn from the beginning of her work, is now located in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he will engage in selling books and in ship missionary work.
A CHURCH of thirty-one members was organized at Hickory Grove, Leon County, Texas, May 25, by Elder Greer. The organization had been preceded by a series of meetings, conducted by Brother D. U. Hale.
THE canvassing work in Montgomery, Ala., has resulted in a dozen accessions to the faith. These have been organized by Brother B. L. Dieffenbacher. A Sabbath school organization was also effected, with an attendance of twenty.
THE sentence of Brother W. B. Capps, of Weakley County, Tenn., for doing manual labor on Sunday, was to pay a fine of $10 and costs. As imprisonment counts at the rate of twenty-five cents a day, his term will be about sixty days.
Two of our brethren, H. O. Bullen and A. J. Howard, of Shady Side, Md., are under bonds to appear before the court at Annapolis in October, for trial on charge of having done ordinary work on Sunday. They asked to waive examination before a magistrate, and their request was granted.
THE recent general meeting held at St. John, N. B., conducted by Elder I. D. Van Horn, gave a new impetus to the work in the Maritime Provinces. The membership of the church in St. John is now forty, and there are reports stating that there are twenty others keeping the Sabbath of the Lord.
Of the work in Ohio we take these items of interest from the report of Elder J. N. Loughborough, in the Review: The number of pupils enrolled at Mt. Vernon Academy is 117, which was above the most sanguine expectations. There had been a phenomenal growth in the Sabbath schools of the State,—an addition of 10 schools and 400 members during the past quarter. The Conference had decided to put six tents in the field the present season.
THE missionary ship Pitcairn did not sail on the 12th inst., as previously announced. Owing to unavoidable delays in preparation for the voyage, she did not sail till the 17th. On that day, however, a successful start was made, at 11:15 A.M. A large concourse of brethren and sisters and friends assembled at the wharf to witness the departure. As a last formal adieu, the hymn "Missionary's Farewell" was sung by the ship's company and others, and Elder M. C. Wilcox offered prayer. A number of brethren and sisters accompanied the ship to the ocean, returning on the boat that towed her out of the harbor. When the tugboat cast off her line, the Pitcairn sailed away in good style, with all sails set, and all on board of good courage.
CAMP MEETINGS FOR 1894.
By Gen. Conf. Com.
DISTRICT NUMBER ONE.
New York............................July 26 to Aug. 6
Virginia.............................Aug. 7-14
West Virginia........................Aug. 16-27
Vermont, Morrisville..............Aug. 23 to Sept. 3
New England.......................Aug. 30 to Sept. 10
Maine, Bath..........................Sept. 6-17
DISTRICT NUMBER TWO.
Tennessee River, Bowling
Green.............................Aug. 27 to Sept. 7
Florida, Seffner....................Nov. 8-18
DISTRICT NUMBER THREE.
Ohio, Newark..........................Aug. 10-20
Indiana, Indianapolis...............Aug. 7-13
Michigan (northern) Frankfort......Aug. 20-27
Illinois............................Aug. 22-28
Michigan (State) Lansing......Sept. 19 to Oct. 1
DISTRICT NUMBER FOUR.
South Dakota, Madison...............June 21-28
Nebraska, Lincoln (Peck's Grove) Aug. 21-28
DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE.
Texas, Cleburne.......................Aug. 9-20
Arkansas, Fayetteville................Aug. 16-27
Oklahoma T............................Aug. 23 to Sept. 3
Colorado, Denver......................Aug. 30 to Sept. 10
Kansas, Emporia.......................Sept. 6-17
Missouri, Warrensburg (Pertle Springs)
Sept. 19 to Oct. 1
DISTRICT NUMBER EIGHT.
Sweden................................June 28 to July 8
Central Europe, Neuchâtel.............July 12-22
Appointments marked by a star will be preceded by a workers' meeting.
Gen. Conf. Com.
LET THY SPEECH BE WITH GRACE.
He that negotiates between God and man,
As God's ambassador, the grand concerns
Of judgment and of mercy, should beware
Of lightness in his speech. 'Tis pitiful
To court a grin when you should woo a soul,
To break a jest when pity would inspire
Pathetic utterances, and address
The skittish fancy with facetious tales
When sent with God's commission to the heart.
—Selected.
DANGER OF PRAISE IN CHRISTIAN WORK.
It is easy to get in the habit of expecting someone to show their appreciation of whatever we are trying to do, and to look for it. This is very often a great hindrance to a Christian worker's best work, for when we are looking and expecting applause, it is sure to take away the spirit and the purpose of what we are trying to do, and we change our motive, unconsciously, perhaps, into one of looking for praise from men rather than doing what work God has laid in our path, conscientiously, and entirely for him, without thinking of what people will say. It is as much of a hindrance to young Christians to have too much attention given to what they do as too little, and perhaps even more. There is great need of watchfulness and care on the part of each one of us as Christian workers that we do not fall into this habit of expecting applause for the work that God is trying to do through us.—Union Gospel News.
MODESTY IN CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY.
BISHOP KEENER, senior bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, is quoted as saying: "When you do get these wonderful blessings, do not be in too great a hurry to tell it. Paul was caught up into Paradise, but he never told it but once, and not until fourteen years after the event. There is a habit nowadays of saying, 'I am wholly sanctified,' 'I am holy.' There must be something wrong about this. Were a man to take me aside and say, 'I am honest,' or, 'I am a wise man,' I would not believe him. So there must be something wrong about this complacent way some have of proclaiming their own piety."—Selected.
LITERARY NOTICES.
By Editor
[The Signs of the Times holds itself under no obligation to notice any publications sent it by publishers. Those considered worthy of notice, or which are deemed profitable to its subscribers, will receive such notice as time, space, and value will permit.]
THE "New Commercial Map of the United States, Canada, and British America," with "Neeley's Historical Chart" on the reverse side, published by F. T. Neeley, 232 and 234 Fifth Avenue, Chicago. Price, $1.00. The size of this map is 4 feet by 3 feet 9 inches. It is well printed in colors, and well up to date, giving county boundaries and all principal towns. At the foot of the map is a list of important chronological discoveries, explorations, and events from 1492 to 1890. Many other statistics are given, such as comparative areas and population of the different countries of the world. The map is the same as Rand & McNally's commercial map. The historical chart gives diagrams showing all the political parties since the founding of the government, all the Presidents and cabinets, with portraits of the Presidents, the political complexion of each Congress, the creeds of the world, standing armies, naval tonnage of each nation, complete maps of the world in hemispheres, of Central America, of Alaska, of South Africa, of Abyssinia, of Persia, Afghanistan, Beloochistan, and a map of the solar system. Valuable historical statistics are given in brief of colonial and revolutionary politics. An analysis of the Federal Government is also given, and very much more, which we have not space to mention. In fact, it would be a difficult matter indeed to put more information in smaller space at the same price. The publisher, Mr. Neeley, has done a good thing for the public in presenting them this valuable map at the low price of $1.00, postage prepaid. Address as above.
"THE NEW MODEL FIRST READER," published by George Sherwood & Co., 307 and 309 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Ill.; price by mail, 35 cents. The claim of the publishers is that this is the best book for little children ever published, and in the way of schoolbooks we are prepared to admit the claim. It follows the "sentence method," which has become so popular among teachers, and which is demonstrated to be superior to the word or old letter method; and this they have combined in a delightful way with object teaching. The book contains 96 pages, and 112 pictures, 77 of which are colored. It starts out by giving a clear, distinct picture of the object, and then the word. It not only teaches how to read, but at the same time it is instructing in form and color. Writing is also taught by nicely printed script, so that the little one who accomplishes the first reader has a very good start in penmanship also. In fact, it is a first-class book in every respect, and we hope to see the "New Model Readers" adopted widely. We do not know of any better book in giving preliminary instruction in the English language among the various foreign missions than Sherwood's "New Model First Reader."
"POEM OF THE GOLDEN STATE AND MIDWINTER EXPOSITION," by Daniel Oscar Loy, author of "Poems of the White City," "The Model Illinois Farm," etc., 59 Dearborn Street, Chicago. This is a beautifully illustrated and finely printed book, giving in verse a description of California, especially of its most interesting and striking features. The author seems to have traveled from one end of the State to the other, taking in the picturesque as well as the more practical life of the people. The reading matter will be found instructive to those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the State, and the beautiful illustrations will delight the reader. Price not stated. The book may be obtained at the above address, or at the Midwinter Exposition, San Francisco, Agricultural Building, near the Illinois Model Farm, of which the author is the owner.
Good Roads, a monthly magazine devoted to the improvement of the public roads and streets; published by the League of American Wheelmen, 12 Pearl Street, Boston, Mass. The aim and object of this magazine is to promote the building and maintenance of good roads, and certainly its object is a good one. Probably nothing would bring more profit to the farmer or teamster in the way of transferring his various products to convenient markets, than the improvement of the public highways. Those who desire more information can obtain it by subscribing for Good Roads. Price, $1.00 per year. That the magazine will be a success is indicated by the fact that Colonel A. Pope is connected with it. We wish it a safe journey over good roads.
Our Dumb Animals comes to us from time to time, full of good things and encouraging items, always speaking "for those who cannot speak for themselves." The last issue, for June, 1894, contains an offer by the American Humane Education Society, of two prizes of $100 each, for two essays, one on the best plan of settling the difficulties between capital and labor, and the other on the best plan of preventing poverty and relieving the poor. The Committee of Award will consist of Hon. Daniel Needham, president of the New England Agricultural Society, Hon. Edward H. Bennett, and Hon. H. O. Houghton. The essays, to win the prizes, must be worthy of publication. Each must be signed by a fictitious name and be accompanied by a sealed letter containing the real name and post office address of the writer, which will not be opened until the decision is made. Essays to be sent to George T. Angel, 19 Milk Street, Boston, Mass., before December 1, 1894.
THROUGH THE COURTESY OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER FAIR, we have received a fine lithographic reproduction of the Midwinter Fair grounds and buildings, containing the official bird's-eye view of the Exposition, which is soon to close; also small cuts of adjacent scenery in Golden Gate Park and at the Cliff House. This is a fine picture, but of course cannot equal the reality. The Midwinter Exposition has been a wonderful enterprise, and, as showing what California could do in a short time, successful. Particulars concerning terms may be obtained by addressing the Midwinter Exposition, San Francisco, Cal.
THE Pacific Health Journal for June is, as usual, full of good things, many of which are not only interesting from a literary standpoint, but which contain a vast amount of practical information in the matter of health and home life. Among its departments are General Articles, Temperance, Mother's Helper, The Household, and Editorial. Many excellent hints and much good instruction are given, especially in the Household and Mother's Helper departments, for the hard-working, overburdened housekeepers of the nation; and those who will follow such instruction will find that many doctor's bills and precious lives will be saved among the children. In the Editorial department the articles by the editors and medical contributors are always helpful from a health and hygienic standpoint. The price of this 32-page magazine is only $1.00 per year. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8
Lesson II.—Sunday, July 8, 1894.
PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]
AND behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,
Then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Now lettest thou thy servant depart, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace;
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And his father and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him;
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and rising up of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
Yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity),
And she had been a widow even for fourscore and four years; which departed not from the temple, worshiping with fastings and supplications night and day.
And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Golden Text: "A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Verse 32.
NOTE.—The time of this lesson is forty days after our last, or B.C. 4. The place is at the temple in Jerusalem, where Joseph and Mary had gone for one day to present the child Jesus to the Lord. The name "Jesus" was the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Joshua," that is, Saviour, or Jehovah the Saviour. The name means Saviour. The history covered is from the 20th to the 30th verse in this lesson. In presenting the child in the temple two ceremonies were required, the first ceremony for the purification of the mother, described in Leviticus 12, for which two offerings were required, and, secondly, the redemption of the firstborn, commonly called "presentation in the temple." In this case the ceremony was performed in the temple, though not necessarily. Every firstborn male child was consecrated to the Lord, as belonging to him, because the firstborn of the children of Israel had been preserved when the firstborn of the Egyptians were slain. Ex. 13:2, 13-15. The oldest sons would naturally become priests and religious teachers of the people; but God afterward chose the whole tribe of Levi for this service. Num. 3:12, 13. In grateful recognition of this the firstborn son was consecrated to God, and redeemed526to the family by the payment of five shekels, nearly three dollars. See Num. 3:44-48; 18:16. This is what parents ought to do with every child, consecrate him to God, and ever keep him before the Lord with earnest prayer.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
What pious man was dwelling in Jerusalem at this time? Verse 25.
For what was he waiting? and by what Spirit was he possessed?
What was revealed to him by that Spirit? Verse 26.
How did he come to be in the temple when Mary brought in Jesus? Verse 27.
When Jesus was brought in, what did Simeon do? Verse 28.
What did he say? Verses 29, 30. See note.
To whom did he say Christ would be a light and a glory? Verse 32.
How did Joseph and Mary regard his words?
What did Simeon say to Mary? Verse 34.
How did he speak of her suffering?
What would be the effect of the manifestation of Christ to Israel? Last clause of verse 34 and last clause of verse 35.
Who came in at that instant? Verse 36.
Of what tribe was she? and what is said of her life? Verses 36, 37.
Of what did she speak? Verse 38.
NOTE.
SIMEON was waiting for the consolation of Israel. His heart was opened to receive whatever instruction God had to give; therefore, just as soon as Jesus was brought in, he knew him; and the fact that Simeon knew him showed that there was no excuse for those that did not know him, but rejected him, for God is no respecter of persons, and his secret will be revealed to everyone that fears him. "To as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." John 1:12. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant." Ps. 25:14.
In the meantime, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
But there is nothing covered up, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Wherefore whatsoever ye have said in the darkness shall be heard in the light; and what ye have spoken in the ear in the inner chambers shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them which kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will warn you of whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? and not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; ye are of more value than many sparrows.
And I say unto you, Everyone who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God;
But he that denieth me in the presence of men shall be denied in the presence of the angels of God.
And everyone who shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.
And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say;
For the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.
And one out of the multitude said unto him, Master, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.
But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.
And he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits?
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my corn and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, Thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry.
But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be?
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
This lesson may be divided into three sections, as follows: Warning against Hypocrisy; Fear of God, and Dependence upon Him; The Poor Rich Man.
How great a company gathered to hear Jesus?
Against what did he warn them?
Why is it useless to act the part of a hypocrite?
How clearly will hidden things be made manifest?
Of whom are we not to be afraid? Why?
Whom should we fear?
What assurance have we of God's care for us?
How close is God's watchfulness over his creatures?
What promise is given to those who confess Christ?
Yet may one find forgiveness for denying Christ? Give a notable instance.
What is said of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?
What preparation for reply should men make when they are brought before magistrates for their faith?
How will they know what to say?
What did one of the company request Jesus to do?
What did Jesus reply?
Of what did he then warn the people?
Why should we not be desirous of gain?
By what did Christ enforce this teaching?
Repeat the parable.
How should we be rich?
NOTES.
1. WITH verses 2 and 3 may be compared Eccl. 12:14; 1 Cor. 3:13; 4:5. The hypocrite hides his real character from a few, only to have it fully exposed to the multitude in the judgment.
2. "Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Col. 3:3. "In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10. God can utterly destroy, while man cannot, though he burn the body to ashes and scatter them to the four winds. Therefore the righteous need never fear what man may attempt to do.
3. "Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Some choose to believe that this is figurative, and not an actual fact. They think so because of the seeming impossibility of the thing; but that is measuring God by man. "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." Luke 18:27. Compare Ps. 139:1-6. God even remembers every sparrow. With confidence then can we trust ourselves in his hands, when we are assured that he not only knows, but that he cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7.
4. WITHOUT trying to define just what constitutes blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, it is sufficient to note one or two points. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. This assures us that everyone who wants forgiveness is sure to receive it. Therefore it is certain that, no matter how grievously one has sinned, he has not sinned against the Holy Ghost, if he desires forgiveness. No repentant soul is rejected by the Lord. "Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out." John 6:37. This should be sufficient to comfort the hearts of those who tremble lest they have committed the unpardonable sin. The man who has committed that sin is not troubled over it.
5. "For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to speak." Still more emphatic is the instruction in Luke 21:12-15. But one who receives the Spirit's aid at such a time must have formed an acquaintance with the Spirit before that time. He must previously have learned to depend upon the Spirit for guidance in speaking. The one who has never dared to speak God's message without settling beforehand just what he would say, will not be likely to begin in the greatest emergency of his life. But not taking thought what one shall say, or how he shall speak, does not mean neglect of preparation. The word of God must be meditated upon day and night. "Meditate on these things; give thyself wholly to them," is the instruction of Paul to every servant of God.
6. "Thou fool." The fool is the one who says in his heart, "There is no God." Ps. 14:1. This was just what the rich man in the parable said. Every man whose soul is absorbed in amassing wealth for himself and for his children, as well as the poor man whose anxiety day and night is how he can make a living, really says in his heart, "There is no God." He acts as though God was not in existence, and everything depended on himself. Life is something besides eating and drinking and having plenty of clothing. Life, indeed, is rest in God, and trust in his care. "He that hath the Son hath life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12.
CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers.
Chicago, Illinois.—Church on Forty-sixth Street, corner of Champlain Avenue. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. every Sabbath. Prayer meeting, Monday evening at 7:30 P.M. The above services are held in the Forestville Congregationalist Church building until our own church will be completed, when proper notice will be given. All are cordially invited.
Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study. Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 P.M., and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free.
Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome.
East Portland, Oregon.—Church at corner of Eleventh and East Everett Streets. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A. M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P. M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free.
Washington, D. C.—Church on Eighth Street between F and G Streets, N. E. Regular preaching service at 11 A. M. Sabbaths. Sabbath school 9:15 A. M. Sunday, 7:30 P. M. Bible study. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 P. M. All are welcome.
H. W. HERRELL, Clerk.
Sacramento.—Church on G Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets. Regular services: Sabbath school at 10 A.M., preaching service at 11 A.M., Sunday at 7:30 P.M. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday evening at 7:30. Seats free. All are cordially invited.
Pasadena.—Church at corner of Summit Ave. and Mountain Street. Sabbath services every Sabbath at 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Prayer meeting every Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Tuesday 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
Box 261. O. S. SMYTH, Clerk.
FOR SALE.
By Editor
"CLARKE'S COMMENTARY," 6 vols., but little used, at this office. Price, $10.
SUGGESTIONS IN LESSON STUDY.
1. Do NOT get the idea that any given analysis of a chapter is the analysis. That which will best serve to bring the contents of the chapter to your mind is the best for you. The essential thing is to master the contents of a book, chapter by chapter. It is obvious that no one can be said to be familiar with the Bible, or with any part of it, unless he knows definitely what is in it, and where to find it.
2. Think as you read and study. The inspired direction is, "Consider what I say," and the promise that follows is, "for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things." 2 Tim. 2:7, R. V.
3. Do not, therefore, try to find out what somebody else thinks. Another's thoughts may be all right, but if you take another's thoughts, he does the thinking, and you do not, and he gets the benefit, while you do not. The injunction, "Consider what I say," is to each one.
4. Remember that no man's opinion about the Bible is of any value. Even a very good man may be mistaken; but the Spirit of the Lord is never mistaken. It is given to teach us all things, and to reveal to us the deep things of God. Learn to ask wisdom from the Source of Wisdom (see Col. 2:2, 3; James 1 : 5, 6), and to expect an answer. This is not saying that anyone of us is independent of others and can receive no help from them; but whatever help comes to us must be the word of God, and no human opinions. Other people are of no help to us if they give us their opinions instead of the word of God.
5. Never guess what a text means, and don't adopt somebody else's guesses. If the meaning of any text is not obvious, meditate on it, compare it with other texts, and do not be impatient in your study. Do not expect to know everything at once. Learn to wait on the Lord. If in this study you make it your principal object to get an intimate acquaintance with the facts recorded, and the place where each event is recorded, you will gain as much as can possibly be expected.
6. Finally do not argue or debate over Scripture. To do so is fatal to an understanding of it. Noise and clamor are incompatible with efficient Bible study. Study in silence with the Lord. Jesus is just as able to open the Scriptures to you, and to open your understanding, as he was when on earth in the flesh. See Luke 24 : 32-45. Go to him and let your faith make him a real presence near at hand, and you will find that the opening of his "words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Ps. 119 : 130, R. V. "For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Prov. 2:6.
