p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 24. (6/12/1901)

Earlier text: MISSION FIELDS AT OUR DOORS

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

LESSON. II—JUNE 16.—JESUS APPEARS TO JOHN.

Lesson Scripture, Rev. 1:9-20, R.V.

9 “I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet saying, 11 What thou seest, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice which spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 and in the midst of the candlesticks One like unto a Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about 14 at the breasts with a golden girdle. And His head and His hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and His eyes 15 were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and His voice as the 16 voice of many waters. And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword; and His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as one dead. 17 And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am 18 the first and the last, and the Living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of 19 death and of hades. Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall 20 come to pass hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks are seven churches.”

Golden Text: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” Heb. 13:8.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What does John say of his relation to the church? Where was he when the Lord appeared to him? Why was he there? Verse 9. Note 1. (2) In what condition was the apostle? On what day? What did he hear? Verse 10. Note 2. (3) What did the voice say? Verse 11. Note 3. (4) What did John do when he heard the voice? What did he see when he turned? Verse 12. (5) Who was in the midst of the candlesticks? How was He clothed? Verse 13. Note 4. (6) Describe His head and eyes. Verse 14. (7) Describe His feet and His voice. Verse 15. (8) What did He have in His right hand? What proceeded from His mouth? What is said of His countenance? Verse 16. Note 5. (9) What was the effect of His appearance upon John? Then how was he revived and encouraged by the Lord? Verse 17. (10) What assurance was given to the apostle? Verse 18. Note 6. (11) What command did John receive? Verse 19. Note 7. (12) What were these things? Verse 20, first part. What do the seven stars and seven candlesticks represent? Same verse, last part.

NOTES.

1. The Place.—The Island of Patmos is twenty-four miles from the west coast of Asia Minor. Miletus (where Paul had his interview with the elders of Ephesus, Acts 20) is the nearest city on the mainland. The Cause.—John was on the island as a State prisoner, banished from the outside world as a criminal for preaching the religion of Jesus Christ, and to deter him from further effort in that direction.

2. “On the Lord’s Day.”—This expression has given rise to much unnecessary and unprofitable controversy. John had the vision concerning the messages to the seven churches on a certain day. That day was the “Lord’s day.” The Lord has designated but one day as peculiarly His. “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Ex. 20:10. The Lord refers to this Sabbath in explicit terms as “My holy day” (Isa. 58:13), and He never has so designated any other day.

3. “To the Seven Churches.”—It will be noted that the Revised Version omits “which are in Asia.” It would hardly be proper to say “the seven churches which are in Asia” when there were a number of other churches in Asia. These churches are typical of the church as a whole in its entire history to the end. The character and experience of the church in seven successive periods are indicated by the meaning of these names. The number seven is often used in the Scriptures to indicate completeness or fulness, as the “seven trumpets,” “seven seals,” “seven angels,” “seven stars,” etc.

4. “A Son of Man.”—This Being from whom the voice came was Christ, and the description shows that He still retains His human form in which He ascended from earth. The additional features, mentioned in verses 14, 15, are characteristic of the glorified body. His walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks would indicate the presence of Christ with the church in all ages. This would be in fulfilment of His promise, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. 28:20. The seven candlesticks, or churches, receive their light from the glory of Him that walketh in the midst. This light they are to reflect unto the world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16.

5. “Two-edged Sword.”—That which goes out of the mouth of Christ is His Word. “The Word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” etc. Heb. 4:12, R.V. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Eph. 6:17.

6. The Keys.—The keys of death and of hades (the grave) were borne away in triumph when Christ rose from the dead. He is able to release whosoever He will. See John 5:24–29. The hope of the church is the resurrection of the dead (Phil. 3:8–11), “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).

7. The Extent of the Revelation.—That the Revelation contains instruction for the church, not only in John’s day, but until the close of the judgment and the final triumph of the righteous, is shown in verse 19. But the fact is emphasized by the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Revelation, and the depicting of scenes in the new earth and in the New Jerusalem. See chapters 21 and 22.

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The Prophetic Gift in the Gospel Church

Bible Students' Library, No. 164

THIS pamphlet from the pen of Elder J. N. Loughborough is one of particular value and interest.

In Part One is shown how God spoke to His people in ancient and apostolic times, how the apostasy caused Him to cease to speak, and His promises for the “REFRESHING” time that is to precede His second coming.

In Part Two is a consideration of the prophetic gift in connection with “the great second-advent movement.” Having been acquainted with its manifestations through Mrs. E. G. White and others for over forty-three years, the writer speaks of that which he has seen and knows.

This is just the pamphlet to hand to those who are interested in and desire information on this subject.

120 pages 15 cents, post-paid

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REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING CO.

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WHAT IS COMING.

By Editor

During the next few months the SIGNS will contain many things of deep and vital interest to all. A few of the articles now in hand we enumerate thus:—

A general series of articles, each complete in itself, written by Pastor E. J. Hibbard, evangelist of the great Battle Creek Sanitarium. These will treat on the law of God. The first will consider the law as a whole, and the ten succeeding chapters will deal with the commandments of the Decalog one by one.

Another series, by Pastor R. S. Owen, will be an exposition of the meagerly understood book of Zechariah. These articles are excellent; and to every one who desires an understanding of the Scriptures, they alone will be worth far more than the price of the subscription to the paper.

It is certainly expected that Mrs. DuBois will contribute another series of her most instructive articles on every-day home-like topics, which will without doubt equal, perhaps surpass in interest and worth, those most highly commended chapters from her pen which appeared in the SIGNS during the past winter. Every father, mother, brother, sister, teacher, etc., should read them.

The Editor in Chief will present some of his thoughts on the book of Daniel. That book of which it was said, “The words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end,” is now opened and unsealed, for “the time of the end” is reached. These articles will be meat in due season for all.

There is now being published a general series of articles on The End of Sin’s Dominion, under the following headings, by Pastor Geo. W. Reaser:—

“Will Saved Man Fall Again?”

“Light of the Wicked Put Out.”

“Who Shall Change the Body of Our Humiliation.”

“Sin Conquered by Love.”

“The End of Sin’s Dominion.”

The issues of the paper containing these articles can be furnished to those who may wish their subscriptions to include them. Let us hear from you.

Many ought to have the benefit derived from reading the SIGNS. Will not our friends call the attention of their neighbors to it, to the good things it has in it now, and to that which is to follow?

The U. S. Census Office after trying all Competitors adopts the Densmore exclusively

Since its origination about one year ago, the U. S. Census Office has had considerable experience with various typewriters. They are now, however, purchasing the Densmore exclusively, having bought over fifty during the past two months.

Their choice should exert a strong influence with the individual purchaser, for the ball-bearing Densmore satisfies the exacting conditions of the Census Office, hence it is remarkable both for speed and durability.

United Typewriter and Supplies Company

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING.

By W. T. Knox; E. E. Parlin

The Fourth Annual Meeting of the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, for the purpose of electing four or more members of the Board of Directors, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, will be held at Crystal Springs, St. Helena, Napa County, Cal., Wednesday, June 19, 1901, at the hour of 12 o'clock M.

For the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. W. T. KNOX, President.

E. E. PARLIN, Secretary.

THE PERFECTION

Peanut Blancher

(Pat. Applied for)

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NO NUT MILL IS COMPLETE WITHOUT ONE

Reduces labor nearly one-half

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Weight, boxed for shipment, 20 to 25 pounds

Regular Price, $5.00. But in order to quickly introduce these machines, we will make a

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Send money by Post-office Money-Order, Express Money-Order, or Registered Letter. Be sure to write name and address plainly. Address

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TESTIMONIALS

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:—

I had the privilege of witnessing B. B. Newman's Peanut Blancher in operation. An ordinary water bucket full of nuts was blanched in about five minutes. The work was thoroughly and satisfactorily done. I can heartily recommend the machine to any who are in need of such an instrument.

Respectfully, 243 So. Boulevard, Atlanta, Ga. JNO. A. BRUNSAN

For the blanching of peanuts I have never seen anything to equal Newman's Perfection Peanut Blancher. I have seen the skins removed from twelve quarts of peanuts in five and one-half minutes, the work being done perfectly. It is self-feeding and can be operated by a child.

Box 508, Orlando, Fla. C. P. WHITFORD.

Good Health

By Editor

Everybody wants it who hasn't it, but it is not always easy to get it

_GOOD HEALTH_ is the leading health journal of the world, and no household should be without it. It is the purpose of this magazine to give scientific instruction to those who are well whereby they can keep well; to the sick whereby they may be able to get well. Subscribers are at liberty to ask questions, which are answered in the correspondence department by the editor.

A special offer is made to subscribers for the next sixty days. Send us a year's subscription to Good Health, $1.00, and the names of five persons who ought to be interested in the question of diet, and we will send you Good Health for one year, postage prepaid, and our

FAMILY BOX FREE

Just think of it! $1.50 worth of Battle Creek Sanitarium Food Co.'s and Sanitas Nut Food Co.'s cereal and nut foods, and other household necessities, and a year's subscription to Good Health, a 64-page magazine, 800 pages a year, all for $1.00. We could not do this only that the manufacturers have made us a present of these articles to use for this purpose, well knowing that the merits of the foods will secure for them sufficient trade to pay their expense. Cut out this clipping and send to us with $1.00 and we will do the rest.

N. B.—We do not pay freight or express charges. Have the goods go by freight. One Family Box weighs 14 pounds. Get six persons to join with you, which will make 100 pounds. Have all shipped to one address, and the expense will be but a few cents each.

Good Health Publishing Company Battle Creek, Michigan

2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1

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The SIGNS OF THE TIMES, a sixteen-page weekly, illustrated, family journal, devoted to the exposition of Scripture, the prophecies especially, and to the promotion of temperance and all true morality.

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Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

Sanitarium Training School’s Call

Read the Sanitarium Training School’s call in another column.

The Outlook Department

Do you read the Outlook department of this paper? It is of special interest this week. It is always of special interest.

Special Issue on Wealth and War

By Editor

The “Signs of the Times” will soon have a special issue on Wealth and War, the worship of Mammon and Mars. We hope to announce its date next week.

Sepulchers of the Kings.

On our first page is a picture of the sepulcher of the kings of Judah. Read the article. The men who were entombed in those rock-hewn tombs, the kings in name, were subject to death, and but few of them kings indeed, reigning over sin. But these are not the only sepulchers of kings. Wherever a child of God sleeps, there is the sepulcher of a king, and one day, when the one Voice is heard, will be demonstrated the right of the sleeper to rise and rule forever in and thru Christ Jesus. Every son of righteousness is a king, and the resurrection to life will demonstrate his right to rule.

Looting

Looting.—One missionary, the Rev. Gilbert Reid, with admirable candor and little or no repentance, writes to the North China Herald, “I confess I looted, and in good company.” For a time he was deciding or pointing out “those whose places should be looted, and those not;” and in this work he tells us: “Now and then I branched out to loot from those who were our enemies, and I only regret I didn’t have more time to loot from such despicable wretches, instead of leaving so much to others.” Mr. Reid thus closes: “It has also grieved me that so many really good people think my loot is good enough for them to want. The friends of looters are beyond my calculation.” We can well believe from Mr. Reid’s letter that he “forgot the tenth commandment.” All this may to some seem smart and cute, but did it win souls to Christ? Was it a part of Mr. Reid’s mission?

The United States of Europe

“The United States of Europe” is coming to be a common term by leading newspapers and agitators in European countries. Its present aspect is commercial, in order to meet the overtowering commercial ambitions of the combined capital of this country. It seems to many in the Old World that the only way America can be checked is for European States to unite against her. That accomplished, the union of the “Powers” religiously would be an easy step, and probably the next. And then would we see the ten horns of Revelation 17 of one mind and one purpose. These are days of quick and far-reaching revolutions. Watch.

Grocers and Sunday Closing

The Kansas City “World,” in commenting on the Sunday-closing question and retail grocers, truly says that “the grocers themselves are best qualified to judge of what they should do.” And this is true of any and every class and their relation to the Sabbath. They deserve a rest once a week, and there is no law to prevent their taking it. On the other hand, as the World points out, there are many who wish to get fresh groceries Sunday morning, and who ought to have the privilege. The best way, the only true way, is to let both parties adjust it themselves instead of demanding that the law interfere.

The Man Who Faces What He Must

“I LIKE the man who faces what he must With step triumphant and with heart of cheer, Who fights the daily battle without fear, Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps unfaltering trust That God is good; that somehow, true and just, His plans work out for mortals;—not a tear Is shed when fortune, which the world holds dear, Falls from His grasp;—better with love a crust Than living in dishonor,—envies not, Nor loses faith in man; but does his best, Nor murmurs ever at his humbler lot; But with a smile and words of hope gives zest To every toiler. He alone is great Who by a life triumphant conquers fate.”

Supreme Court Decisions on Island Tariffs

The Supreme Court of the United States announced, on May 27, its decision in two of the cases brought before it dealing with the status of the islands acquired from Spain. The court decides that Porto Rico became American territory at the signing of the treaty of peace with Spain. From the time of its occupancy by the American troops until the signing of the treaty it was simply conquered territory. After the signing of the treaty, Congress became the ruling power in the island, with power to fix duties on goods coming from Porto Rico to the United States, or to make such legislation as it is permitted to make for any of the rest of its territories; that the constitutional specification that all duties must be uniform thruout all the States does not apply to the territories; but until Congress legislates in the matter, no such duties can be collected. The decision in the second case makes the Foraker tariff act constitutional, or within the power of Congress. That is, Congress has the power to declare a tariff on goods imported from the island territory of Porto Rico. It must follow, then, that no duties are yet collectable on imports from the Philippines, as Congress has not legislated in the matter. In the first case, duties paid on Porto Rican imports before the passage of the Foraker amendment, were ordered refunded. It is expected that a similar decision will be rendered in a case now before the court in reference to certain importations from the Philippines. Still other decisions bearing on recent possessions are yet to follow.

High and Lofty One

We do not know, but the newspapers say, that there is burning and jealousy among the politicians and “society” people over the attention and favors of that much-to-be-commiserated man, President McKinley. We have no doubt that he tried to do the best he could, and every true heart sympathized with him in the affliction of his wife. But what we started to say was this: There are thousands of us who may not be honored by the personal friendship or social favors of the rulers of earth; but it is the privilege of all to have as a constant abiding friend, counselor, and helper, One greater than all of earth. “For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” He is willing, anxious, and able to be the guest of all. Will you let Him?

Pray Without Ceasing for Righteousness

“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night; ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” Isa. 62:6, 7. How consoling, how helpful, it is to have the Lord thus urge us to plead with Him to have the right established in the earth, so that His church may be a praise and blessing to all men! It is not necessary thus to plead with the Lord in order to persuade Him to do this needed work; He is always ready. But He desires to have us realize the need of the ways of righteousness so strongly that we will keep in the atmosphere of heaven thru constant prayer. He does not say, “Cease troubling Me with your perplexities and difficulties;” He bids us “give Him no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem [His true people] a praise in the earth.” “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16.

Dynamite Attack on Boston Bank

In the City of Boston, Massachusetts, a bank cashier has been in the habit during banking hours of keeping a little trunk full of funds sitting on a shelf on the rear wall of his bank. A few days since some desperadoes, in the busiest hours of the day, exploded a charge of dynamite against the wall from the outside, with the hope of making a hole that would enable them to grab the trunk and run off with it. The charge was so heavy that it not only shattered the wall, but blew the trunk across the room so that the robbers could not reach it. The excitement was such that no one noticed the men that did the deed, and there is no clue to their identity: The ever-increasing daring of criminals is one of the things which show the spirit of violence and lawlessness that is filling the world.

Modern Civilization and Ancient Rome

Mr. Frederic Harrison had this to say of the present at the Nineteenth Century Club not long since: “We boast about our great mechanical and scientific progress, but we still see barbarism in China, Africa, and India, terrible slums in our cities, and recrudescences in savagery in the lynchings we read about almost daily. Our multiplication of mechanical aids has vulgarized life and tended to luxury and unbridled power, similar to that seen in the time of Nero.” And those who are most familiar with Rome’s life will clearly see that we are paralleling it in more ways than one. God gave us the inspired history of Rome as a warning. But O how few believe it! National pride and political prejudice blind the great majority to the positive dangers on every side.

The Danger of Respectable Sins

The Rev. John Watson, D.D., is publishing in the New York Observer a series of articles on “respectable sins.” Of course this means respectable from the human view, respectable because common, or because of the wealth, station, or influence of the sinner. But let all know that there are no “respectable sins” in God’s sight. Neither is He a respecter of persons. The so-called “respectable sins” are oftentimes the very worst, because they stand in every path as stumbling-blocks, are in every cup that is quaffed to dull and stupefy the senses, blind every vision by their fog, and so corrupt and destroy the finer spiritual sensibilities that the soul makes shipwreck. Beware of the “respectable sins;” they are the devil’s own ambassadors.

Bishop Ingram and Catholic Rituals

If the charge be true which Mr. John Kensit brought against Rt. Rev. A. F. Ingram while the latter was receiving his appointment recently as bishop of London, there certainly is no broad and inseparable gulf between such Protestantism and the Church of Rome. Mr. Kensit's charge was that the bishop had encouraged clergymen, who, “in defiance of the rubrics, had elevated the host, offered masses, and practised the confession.” The report states that the Vicar-General overruled the objections, and the election of Dr. Ingram was confirmed. Mr. Kensit is known as an anti-ritualist, and the practises which he condemns are well-known rituals of the Catholic Church.

Character Is True Success

True success is not a matter of shekels, however this mercenary age may view it. Character is of infinitely greater worth. The use of money leaves us at the portals of the tomb; a righteous character shall “shine as the stars forever and ever.”