p. 637 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 40. (8/13/1894)

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

ELDER A. J. OSBORNE reports the baptism of six persons at Vacaville, Cal.

As a result of meetings held at Springfield, Mo., by Elder J. H. Coffman, eleven adults accepted the faith.

At the last quarterly meeting of the church at Sioux City, Iowa, nine members were added, six by baptism.

ELDER J. H. ROGERS reports the covenant organization of sixteen persons at Beatrice, Neb., and twelve at Wymore.

ELDER G. K. OWEN reports the baptism of three candidates at San Diego, and the addition of two converts at National City, Cal.

At Buffalo, Ind., under the labors of Elder H. M. Stewart and Brethren R. M. Harrison and W. C. McCuaig, fourteen adults accepted the faith.

ELDER I. SANBORN reports the addition of eleven members to the church at Kickapoo, Wis., as the result of a two weeks' meeting. At Cashton he baptized three.

THE brethren in charge of the tent work at Benton, Iowa, report ten additions to the faith. The work is conducted by Brethren H. M. J. Richards, F. L. Moody, and A. L. Lingle.

ELDER J. W. SCOLES has been holding tent meetings at Benton, Ill., amidst strong prejudice. At first he had great difficulty to even secure ground on which to pitch his tent, and afterward the ministers publicly warned their congregations to keep away. Yet he reports a remarkably good attendance.

THE city authorities of Gainesville, Ga., have granted our brethren the free use of the city park for a camp meeting ground, and also water from the water works free of charge.

THROUGH a private letter from Australia we are informed that “Sister E. G. White is feeling much better. The Lord bestowed his healing power upon her lately, and she is greatly relieved.”

BROTHER WALTER HARPER writes from Sheridan, Wyo., July 27: “I have been at work now something like seven weeks, and God has given success in taking nearly 850 orders for our books, helps, etc., but mostly for books.”

OUR missionary ship Pitcairn was spoken July 5, in latitude 5 north, longitude 118 west, by the British bark Zinita. She signaled, “All well.” So we are informed by Elder G. K. Owen, who visited the bark at San Diego, Cal., on the 3d inst.

MEETINGS held in Fort Wayne, Ind., by Brethren W. A. Young, S. G. Huntington, and T. E. Johnson, have resulted so far in six converts to the faith. There were eight Sabbath keepers there before, and now they report a Sabbath school of forty-three members.

ELDER R. G. GARRETT recently visited the community in Weakley County, Tenn., where Brother Capps is now in jail for working on Sunday. He reports that one of the grand jurors who indicted Brother Capps is now, with his wife, keeping the Sabbath of the Lord.

ELDER N. C. MCCLURE, president of California Conference, left this city on the 1st inst., for Eureka, to prepare for the camp meeting, which is appointed to commence on the 16th, continuing till the 26th. It is expected that Elders E. H. Gates, Wm. Ings, and A. J. Osborne will also attend the meeting.

ELDER O. A. OLSEN, president of the General Conference, announces that the next session of that body will be held February 15 to March 4, 1895, at Battle Creek, Mich., and that from February 1-14 there will be held a ministerial institute and a council of the presidents of the different Conferences.

ELDER W. M. HEALEY, president of North Pacific Conference, passed through this city to his home at Healdsburg, this State, on the 30th inst. He expects to return to the North in time to attend a local camp meeting to be held at Seattle, Wash., August 23 to September 3. He reports business very dull both in Oregon and Western Washington.

FROM the Bible Echo we learn that in June Elder G. B. Starr and wife had gone from Melbourne, Australia, to open up the work in the province of Queensland. They expected to visit Brisbane, and afterward a company of Sabbath keepers at Rockhampton who never had seen a minister of our faith. They were subsequently to be joined by Elder A. S. Hickox and wife, and engage in a series of tent meetings at some point to be selected.

ELDER L. H. CRISLER, president of Florida Conference, writes that the place of their proposed camp meeting has been changed from Seffner to Tampa. The change is made partly on account of the good interest in the tent meetings held at Tampa by Elder J. W. Collie. The date of the camp meeting will be November 8-18. Brother Crisler reports favorably of the work in Florida. There have been fifty accessions to the faith since the organization of the Conference, nine months ago.

THE latest advices from the work in Jamaica Island state that the church at Kingston has forty-four members. At another point, in the Blue Mountain Valley, about twenty are keeping the Sabbath. The people are much given to rum and tobacco, but immediately give them up on accepting the truths presented by our missionaries. An Independent Baptist minister has accepted our doctrines, and

is preaching them to his people. He expects that the more substantial members of his flock will go with him. The canvassing work progresses encouragingly.

ELDER J. H. COOK, for several years a minister of California Conference, has gone to Colorado, hoping to regain his failing health. He has been suffering with asthma for a year or more.

TENT meetings are to be held in Benicia, Cal., by Prof. E. L. McKibben and Brother Stephen Hare, and also at some point in Ventura County, by Elder D. C. Hunter and Brother J. G. Smith. Special interest in our work is being manifested in East Los Angeles, as reported by Elder R. S. Owen. A tent effort is contemplated in that locality.

JUST FOR TO-DAY.

By Mrs. J. E. Green

BY MRS. J. E. GREEN.

Just for to-day, oh, let me be, My blessed Saviour, just like thee! When night has come, then may I say, My Lord accepts me for to-day.

Just for to-day, oh, lead me, Lord, By guiding hand and living word! Oh, keep me in the narrow way That leads to life, just for this day!

Just for this day let every thought Be pure and holy as it ought. Just for this day let all my words Be fitly chosen, like my Lord's.

Just for to-day let every deed Be loving, thoughtful, free from greed. When Jesus comes then I can say, He led me on just day by day.

THE WORK IN TURKEY.

ELDER H. P. HOLSER writes thus encouragingly of the work in what would naturally be deemed a most discouraging field:—

Of all parts of the field, Turkey has been the most encouraging. The difficulties to be encountered there are the greatest; still there has been a constant interest and growth in our work. Brethren Baharian and Anthony have been in prison several times during the past year, and have been forbidden to hold public meetings; and Brother Baharian has twice been attacked by mobs; yet the Lord has wonderfully protected them, and they are still as active in holding meetings as workers are in a field where there are no such difficulties. Our work has spread from Constantinople to the province of Nicomedia, where several villages have been stirred by the message, and also far into Syria, where a superintendent of colporters embraced the truth, and spread it far and wide in his travels. Although the country is bankrupt, and its citizens poverty stricken, those who have embraced the truth are faithful in paying tithes, and free in donating for the support of the work. For the past year their donations have been almost as much as those of France, one of the richest countries of Europe. Our membership in France being several times that of Turkey, the donations per capita were several times larger in Turkey than in France. This is the more encouraging when we consider that the membership gained in Turkey by other missionaries is a dead weight on their hands, often demanding much help, instead of giving anything toward the support of the work in their field.

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 IX.—SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 1894.

THE FIRST MIRACLE OF JESUS.

[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.]

Lesson Scripture, John 2: 1-11.

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there;
And Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage.
And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it.
And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants which had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom, and saith unto him,
Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse, thou hast kept the good wine until now.
This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Golden Text: "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, manifesting forth his glory." John 2: 11.

NOTE.—This lesson contains an account of the first miracle of Jesus. It was wrought in Cana of Galilee, eight or nine miles northeast of Nazareth. It was the home of Nathanael, or Bartholomew. John was still preaching in the wilderness of Judea. The last lesson left Jesus on the way from Bethabara to Galilee, having connected with him Philip and Nathanael, and the three or four disciples he had already made. On reaching Nazareth, two or three days later, his mother, together with himself and disciples, were invited to a marriage.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

After Christ's conversation with Nathanael, what occurred in Cana of Galilee? Verse 1.
Who were there?
Who else besides were called to the marriage? Verse 2. Note 1.
When the wine failed, what did the mother of Jesus say to him? Verse 3.
What reply did Jesus make to his mother? Verse 4. Note 2.
What did the mother say to the servants? Verse 5.
What vessels were there near at hand? Verse 6. Note 3.
What did Jesus say to them? and how was his command obeyed? Verse 7.
After the servants had filled them up, what command did he give? Verse 8.
Did the ruler of the feast know of this matter? Verse 9.
As he tasted the wine, what did he say to the bridegroom? Verse 10. Note 4.
What did he do in this beginning of miracles? Memory verse. Note 5.

NOTES.

1. It seems, from the meager account that is given of this, that the mother must have been a friend of the parties where the marriage took place, or a relative, from the familiarity which is shown and the commands which she gives the servants. It is worthy of note that, while our Lord was never married, yet his first public appearance was at a wedding. He sanctifies all true earthly joys, and shows that he honors the institution of marriage, which was given by him in Eden before sin entered. Those who would destroy or weaken the marriage relation in any way are contrary to Jesus of Nazareth.

2. Woman, what have I to do with thee?—Schaff says the English words convey an impression of disrespect and harshness which is absent from the original. The use of the Greek word for "woman" is consistent with the utmost respect. The Cambridge Bible says the word might more properly be rendered "lady." In Homer, for example, Priam thus addresses his queen. The question literally is, "What is there to me and thee?" That is, "My work is different from yours; leave me to myself." The earthly relation of Christ to his mother was ended. He who had been her submissive son was now her divine Lord. Her only hope, in common with the rest of mankind, was to believe him to be the Redeemer of the world, and yield him implicit obedience. The fearful delusion of the Roman Church exalts the mother of Christ equal with the Son of the infinite God; but he, the Saviour, places the matter in a vastly different light, and in a pointed manner indicates that the tie of relationship between them in no way raises her to his level, or insures her future. Human sympathies must no longer affect the One whose mission is to the world. The mother of Christ understood the character of her son, and bowed in submission to his will. She knew that he would comply with her request if it was best to do so. Her manner evidenced her perfect faith in his wisdom and power, and it was this faith to which Jesus responded in the miracle that followed. Mary believed that Jesus was able to do that which she had desired of him, and she was exceedingly anxious that everything in regard to the feast should be properly ordered, and pass off with due honor. She said to those serving at table, 'Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.' Thus she did what she could to prepare the way."—Great Controversy, vol. 2, page 102. Jesus perhaps meant that the time had not yet come for him to begin his public ministry. Not until the wine was wholly gone, not until their time of need had come, did Jesus manifest himself. When all other sources of help fail, then Christ becomes to us our help. Man's need is God's opportunity.

3. THESE waterpots were evidently there so that the Jews could wash themselves according to their customs and traditions. They used neither knives nor forks in eating, but only their hands and fingers. The feet of each guest were to be washed as he entered. The rabbis placed washing and cleansing outwardly above all inward righteousness. Note also that these vessels were waterpots, not wine vessels, so that, in all probability, there was no residue or sediment of wine remaining in them which could give a flavor to the water. The term "firkin" is almost the exact equivalent of the Greek metrētēs, which was about nine gallons. All these jars, therefore, held from 18 to 27 gallons each.

4. Good wine.—There is nothing whatever in the original words which would indicate whether the wine was intoxicating or not. But we cannot conceive for a moment that the Lord of glory created that which was a poison, and which he himself had forbidden in the words which he had spoken through his servants in the past. It was Christ speaking through Solomon: "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." Fermentation is a process of decay, and Christ did not create fermentation or disease. What he did create was good, that which was healthful as well as refreshing. In other words, it was just the same life which he had placed in the grape, without going through the long process of nature. In what is called the natural way God works his wonderful miracle of putting life into the grape, and making it food and strength for man. In this matter the process was quickened, and God did instantaneously by his word what is done by the slower process which he has ordained by that same word in nature.

5. Manifesting forth his glory.—He showed that the creative power of God was in him, and that just as he could change that water into wine, so he could change the natural heart of man into that which would glorify God; and the lesson that we should learn from it is that the same power that wrought that miracle may perform in us just what is needed to fit us for the kingdom of God. His glory is also his goodness, and he shows by this that he has respect unto the wants and needs of men in all that is good for them. The filling of the various kinds of luscious fruits with their refreshing juices is God's constant miracle before us; and he would have us learn, even by nature's laws, of his goodness, and that all things show forth his glory, except sin and sinful men. He came right down to men; he does so still. He meets our needs just where we are, if we will but trust in him.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

By Editor

"CHOOSE YE THIS DAY." This is No. 14 of the Apples of Gold Library. It is an earnest and impressive exhortation to the sinner to choose the service of God without delay. It is an excellent number to place in the hands of the unconverted.

"THE CROSS OF CHRIST." No. 15 of the Apples of Gold Library. This is a clear and forcible exposition of this subject. It exposes many false ideas and views of the cross, and shows what the true cross is, and in what it consists.

The price of each of these numbers is 50 cents per hundred, or $4.00 per 1,000. Address Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.; 43 Bond Street, New York City; 18 West Fifth Street, Kansas City, Mo.

"CALIFORNIA YEAR BOOK FOR 1894-95" is ready for distribution. It contains in compact form comprehensive synopses of proceedings of the annual meetings of California Conference, California Tract Society, California Sabbath School Association, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Rural Health Retreat, and Healdsburg College. There is also a directory of all officers of these associations and institutions, and Conference laborers; a list of churches, with the number of members and amount of tithes paid the past year; a table giving the area and population of the various counties in the State, together with the name and population, in 1890, of each county seat. Also a page devoted to postage and postal regulations. The whole is compressed into 32 pages Apples of Gold size, and sells for 5 cents. Address, California Tract Society, 1059 Castro Street, Oakland, Cal.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY CAMP MEETING.

By Editor

This meeting has been appointed to be held in Eureka, from August 16-26. This time and place seem to suit the brethren of this section of the country as best. As there are but about two weeks until the beginning of the meeting, it will be necessary that orders for tents be sent at once. In ordering your tents, state the size you want, with or without fly and carpet. The price of a 10x12 tent will be $4.00 and 12x16 tents $5.00. Fly and carpet extra. We trust that all our people throughout that section of the State will make special effort to be present. The stirring times in which we are living are evidence that we are fast approaching the end. We will not be able to hold many more camp meetings. Come, brethren, praying that God's Spirit may rest with power upon his people. Send tent orders to N. C. McClure, 1591 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland.

SPECIAL NOTICES.

By Editor

Will those who may have occasion to send a cable message to the Echo Publishing Co., Ltd., of North Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, please note that the cable address has been changed to "Echo." Any cable message from New Zealand, or other countries, addressed "Echo, Melbourne," will be delivered to us. W. D. SALISBURY, Sec.

MAIL for Elder J. M. Cole should be addressed, Norfolk Island, South P. O., via Sydney, N. S. W. Letters require 5 cents for each half ounce; newspapers and books or other printed matter, 1 cent for each ounce, and must be fully prepaid.

MAN'S NATURE AND DESTINY.—Assorted tract package No. 5. Six subjects or chapters in one; price, 10 cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

CAMP MEETINGS FOR 1894.

By General Conference Committee

DISTRICT NUMBER ONE.

Virginia, Mt. Jackson....................Aug. 7-14 West Virginia, Parkersburg............Aug. 16-27 Vermont, Morrisville...................Aug. 23 to Sept. 3 New England, Tyngsborough..Aug. 30 to Sept. 10 Maine, Bath..................................Sept. 6-17

DISTRICT NUMBER TWO.

Georgia, Gainesville......................Aug. 15-21 Tennessee River, Nashville, Tenn...........................................Aug. 31 to Sept. 10 Florida, Tampa.............................Nov. 8-18

DISTRICT NUMBER THREE.

Indiana, Indianapolis..................Aug. 7-13

Ohio, Newark................................Aug. 10-20 Michigan (northern) Frankfort.......Aug. 20-27

Illinois, Plano................................Aug. 22-28
Illinois (southern), Fairfield.........Sept. 7-17
Michigan (State) Lansing.............Sept. 19 to Oct. 1

DISTRICT NUMBER FOUR.

Iowa, Hawleyville..........................Aug. 7-13

Nebraska, Lincoln (Peck's Grove), Aug. 16-27

DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE.

Texas, Keene.................................Aug. 9-20 Arkansas, Fayetteville...................Aug. 16-27 Oklahoma T'y, Oklahoma City..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 Colorado, Delta..............................Oct. 3-8 Arkansas (Southern), Nashville......Oct. 19-29

DISTRICT NUMBER SIX.

Northern California, Eureka, Hum- boldt Co......................................Aug. 16-26 Nevada, Wadsworth......................Sept. 13-23 Southern California, Los Angeles...Oct. 4-14

Appointments marked by a star will be preceded by a workers' meeting.

GEN. CONF. COM.

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.

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.

Chicago, Illinois.—Church on Forty-sixth Street, corner of Champlaiu 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. 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.

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 9:45 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.

Cleveland Bicycles,

STODDARD & LEE, 306 McAllister St., San Francisco, Cal.

LESSON VIII.—SABBATH, AUGUST 25, 1894.

GIVING NO OFFENSE AND GLORIFYING GOD.

Lesson Scripture, Luke 17: 1-19.

AND he said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come.
It were well with him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.
Take heed to yourselves; if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
And the Lord said, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would have obeyed you.
But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightaway and sit down to meat?
And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded?
Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.
And it came to pass, as they were on the way to Jerusalem, that he was passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off;
And they lifted up their voices, saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back with a loud voice glorifying God;
And he fell upon his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.
And Jesus answering said, Were not the ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
Were there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger?
And he said unto him, Arise, and go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

The sixteenth chapter of Luke includes two parables,—the unfaithful steward, and the rich man and Lazarus. The chapter is not omitted from detailed consideration in this study because it is unimportant, but because it is thought better not to open the way for the speculation and controversy that would inevitably arise in a class study of the two parables. Each one would have a theory as to the meaning of the parables, and the time of the class would be worse than wasted. It is evident from verses 14 and 15 that the entire chapter is directed against covetousness. Let each one meditate upon the parables more than he ever did before, but forbearing to speculate or to indulge in any fancies as to what they mean. In the meantime, the continuity of this study of the book of Luke will be unbroken if you remember that the sixteenth chapter is devoted to the two parables.

In the lesson before us we have a warning against causing any to stumble; an illustration of the fact that we have nothing by which we place God under any obligation to us; and the account of the healing of ten lepers, only one of whom thanked God.

What did Jesus say will certainly come?
What about the one by whom they come?
What would be better for such an one?
Of what are we to take heed?
What is to be done in case a brother sins?
What if a brother trespasses against us repeatedly?
What did the apostles see was necessary in order to forgive?
What did Jesus say about the power of faith as a grain of mustard seed?
If one has a servant, what will be expected of him?
When the servant waits upon his master, what only does he do?
What might be said of us if we had done all that is commanded us?
What only can we do?
As Jesus was going to Jerusalem, through what did he pass?
Who met him in a certain village?
What did they cry out?
What did Jesus say to them?
What took place as they went?
What did one of them do when he saw that he was healed?
Who was this one?
What did Jesus say about it?

NOTES.

1. "OFFENSES." The Revised Version has "occasions of stumbling." The Greek word is skandala—scandals. The idea is not of things by which one may be personally affronted, but of sin of any kind—things whereby one stumbles.

2. "TAKE heed to yourselves." Compare Gal. 6:1. "If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." The Revised Version omits the words "against thee." "If thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him." This removes the personal element, which should not appear in any case. Our duty to restore a brother is as great if the offense be against anybody else as though it were against us, and we are to have no more feeling over the matter because our personal rights have been interfered with than though the offense was against a stranger.

3. In the fourth verse we have offenses against the individual referred to. If a brother trespass against us seven times in a day, and seven times turns and says, "I repent," we are to forgive him. We cannot suppose that this limits the number of times we are to forgive, for he who would keep count of the number of times that he was trespassed against, and the number of times that he had forgiven, so as to be sure not to overstep the number, would thereby show there was no real spirit of forgiveness in him. The idea is that there is to be nothing but a spirit of forgiveness all the time. "And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32. How does God forgive?—"All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. . . . As though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:18-20. Notice that if the brother shall say, "I repent," we are to forgive him. We are not to inquire into his motives nor his sincerity.

4. "AND the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith;" literally, "add to us faith." Whether the apostles really asked for an increase of faith, or that they might have faith, makes no difference, for the Saviour's answer shows that if one has faith at all it is sufficient. Faith cannot exist with doubt. If one has faith as a grain of mustard seed, he has no doubt whatever; and therefore he can do all things that may be done by faith. Such forgiveness as is here enjoined cannot be done without faith, for we are to forgive as God forgives, and that can be done only with his Spirit, which is ours only by faith.

5. Eph. 6:5-9 shows the proper relation between masters and servants, as also in Matt. 20:25-28. No one is to exhibit a lordly disposition toward any other. All are brethren, and there is no respect of persons with God. Therefore Luke 17:7-9 cannot be construed as teaching that employers need not be grateful for services rendered by employees. Jesus took the ordinary condition of things as an illustration. The lesson that we are to learn is not to expect that whatever we do we are adding anything to the Lord, so that he is under obligation to us. Let no one think that in a few short years he can earn an eternal reward. "The gift of God is eternal life."

The Law of God as Changed by the Papacy

By Editor

Is the title of a large Chart just issued, which shows in a striking manner the blasphemous pretensions of the Papal power. The testimony of the Best Catholic Authorities is given, and shows, by quoting their own words, that Sunday is a child of the Catholic Church. These quotations, together with admissions from standard Catholic works, are arranged in parallel columns on either side of this Chart, while the center column contains the Ten Commandments as taught by the Catholic Church. The whole forms a collection of extracts of incalculable value for every Bible student.

The Charts are three by four feet in size, and are printed on heavy map cloth in bold type, easily read across the largest room.

Price, Post-paid, $1.00.

A fac-simile edition on thin paper, size 5½x7½ inches, suitable for missionary distribution, has been prepared, and will be sent post-paid at 50 cents per hundred, or $4.00 per thousand. Address all orders to

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., OAKLAND, CAL.

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