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Signs of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 13.

HIS STRENGTH
Earlier text: THE CHANGED CROSS

LESSON 1.—APRIL 6.—SAUL OF TARSUS CONVERTED.

Lesson Scripture, Acts 9:1-20, R. V.
1 “But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 2 And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus; and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven; and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, 5 Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth. And when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. 10 “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus; for behold, he prayeth; and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem; and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon Thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake. 17 And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. 20 “And he was certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that He is the Son of God.”
Golden Text.—“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What was Saul’s attitude toward the church of Christ? To whom did he go for authority? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) What special commission did he desire? Verse 2. (3) As he journeyed to Damascus, what suddenly came upon him? Verse 3. (4) How did this light affect him? What did he then hear? Verse 4. Note 2. (5) What was Saul’s reply? Then what did the Lord say to him? Verse 5. Note 3. (6) What command did Saul then receive? Verse 6. (7) What was the experience of Saul’s companions? Verse 7. (8) What was Saul’s further experience by the way? Verse 8. (9) How did he pass his first three days in Damascus? Verse 9. (10) To whom did the Lord speak in a vision in the city? Verse 10. (11) What command was given to Ananias? What was he told concerning Saul? Verses 11, 12. (12) What did Ananias say he had heard about Saul? Verses 13, 14. (13) On repeating His command, what further explanation did the Lord give? Verses 15, 16. (14) When Ananias found Saul, what did he do first? How did he address the afflicted man? Verse 17. (15) What was the immediate effect upon Saul? How did he further manifest his faith in Christ? Verse 18. (16) With whom did Saul then abide for a while? Verse 19. (17) What prominent part did he take in their work? Verse 20. Note 4.

NOTES.

1. “Breathing out threatening” indicates that Saul’s whole soul was wrapped in the work of destroying the church of Christ, the slaughter of individuals being a mere incidental in the ultimate purpose. It was a matter of conscience with Saul. He was “zealous toward God,” and verily thought that he “ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” Acts 22:3, 4; 26:9. This is proof that the human conscience is a very unreliable guide. Only the Word of God can be depended upon as infallible.
2. This glorious light would not have smitten Saul to the ground had he been in harmony with it. Stephen saw the same manifestation (Acts 7:55), and it was a source of consolation to him. The unbeliever could not stand in the presence of God, if permitted to go to heaven. Therefore salvation without perfect harmony with Christ would be an impossibility. It was by faith that Enoch “walked with God” and was “translated.”
3. Persecuting the disciples of Christ is persecution of the Lord Himself; therefore persecution should not separate us from Him. Rom. 8:35.
4. Saul’s Experience.—(1) He is overcome by the One against whom he is making war. (2) He immediately submits, humbles himself, and asks what he shall do. (3) From a proud leader he becomes helpless and dependent upon his followers. (4) He is left in affliction three days as a further test of his faith. (5) His humiliation and prayer bring an answer of relief, and he receives healing and instruction at the hands of those whom he designed to imprison, and perhaps put to death. (6) His mission of murder is turned to one of love, and zeal for the salvation of souls. Such is the Gospel of Christ; it is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16.

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NOW IS THE TIME.

Bring Your Friends From the East.

If you have friends or relatives coming to California, write D. W. Hitchcock, Gen. Ag’t., Union Pacific R. R., 1 Montgomery St., San Francisco, or H. V. Blasdel, Pass’r. Ag’t., 1160 Broadway, Oakland, Cal., who will arrange to secure for them the following special low rates, beginning March 1 and continuing until April 30:—
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An Opinion

By ALFRED MALLETT

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ALFRED MALLETT, 710 E. 171 St., New York

Saving's Bank Free

SEND YOUR ADDRESS TO THE Pacific Newspaper Union, 927 Market St., San Francisco, and secure free, a beautiful Nickel Saving's Bank, also full particulars regarding the new Three Volume 1902 International Encyclopaedic Dictionary which is now being furnished to readers of this paper for only Five Cents a Day.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.

By Alonzo T. Jones; M. E. Cady

Notice is hereby given that the Twenty-first Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Healdsburg College will be held on Monday, April 21, 1902, at 11 o’clock A.M., in South College building, Healdsburg, Cal., for the purpose of electing a board of seven directors, and transacting any other business that shall lawfully come before the stockholders.
By order of the Board of Trustees.
A. T. Jones, Pres. M. E. Cady, Sec’y.

CHINESE SHORTHAND.

Mrs. J. A. BARRETT, author of Chinese shorthand, extends an invitation to any one interested in work for the Chinese, to visit her at the home of Mr. Frank Barnes, Haywards, Cal., where she will remain until the tenth of April. She will gladly explain and teach the system to any one contemplating work among the Chinese, or going to China as a missionary. She offers her services gratuitously. Those contemplating work among the Chinese or going to China should acquaint themselves with the system. Call for, or address Mrs. J. A. Barrett, Haywards, Cal. Care of Frank Barnes.

ANNUAL MEETING.

By E. A. Chapman

The regular annual meeting of the Society of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Oakland, Cal., will be held at the house of worship, corner Twelfth and Brush Streets, Wednesday evening, April 2, 1902, at 7:30 o'clock. A general attendance of resident members is desired. E. A. Chapman, Sec.

Eggs for Hatching

By C. H. Tyrrell

From BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS and BLACK LANGSHANS at reasonable prices. Illustrated circular of valuable information free.
C. H. TYRRELL, Sioux Rapids, Iowa

—Christian Ward

By Christian Ward

“Doing”

This treatise, “Power for Witnessing,” as the author, Albion F. Ballenger, truly remarks in the preface, is more an “exhortation to doing” than an exposition of doctrine. It is written in a good, clear style, and can not fail to impress the reader as the utterance of a man with deep convictions and an intense desire to do good.
The theme is the full baptism of the Holy Ghost as a necessary preparation for witnessing. To secure this power there must first be a cleansing. We have no need of power to bear witness of weaknesses, infirmities, or sins. Who wants to publish the possession of an unruly tongue or an uncontrolled temper? In order to be a witness, there must first of all be something to tell. Upon repentance and faith come forgiveness of sins. We must bear witness at once up to the point of all that God has done for us. The reason why the class or testimony meeting is often so poorly attended is because there are so few that have anything to tell. The first thing to do is to get an experience worth telling.
At this stage in the unfolding of his theme, the author gives a vivid account of his own experience. Candidates for the baptism of the Holy Ghost must confess their sins to God and their faults to their neighbor, and in every case wherein they have wronged any one, make full restitution.
These points Mr. Ballenger illustrates by many incidents and personal illustrations. Righteousness must precede power. The dominion of sin can and must be broken. When the Lord has shown us a sin there is no need for us to continue in it any more.

—Christian Ward

BIBLE NATURE STUDIES.

Revised Edition.

The first edition of Bible Nature Studies consisted of but one thousand copies. This has long since been exhausted, and the revised work may now be ordered. The new form of this work is much more convenient than that of the first work. Page is about 4x6 inches and type is 10-point (long primer). The book contains over five hundred pages and 262 lessons, covering the different phases of nature as mentioned in the first chapter of Genesis.
To the Christian, Nature's voice declares continually that there is but one God, that He is thrice holy, and that the whole earth is full of His glory. This work will be especially valuable to parents and teachers in training the children and youth to grasp and appreciate the wonderful truths in Nature all about them. When the search-light of God's Word is turned upon the things of Nature, there is a new interest aroused, and not only is the mind enlightened, but the heart is impressed with the goodness and love of God as revealed in His handiwork. This book is placed at the nominal sum of $1.00 per copy. It is neatly and substantially bound in cloth, and will serve as an excellent text-book in the hands of pupils in the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grades. It should be in the hands of teachers who are teaching below the 6th grade. At the end of each lesson are notes and suggestions to the teacher as to how the studies should be conducted. Those desiring copies of this book should address the author, Prof. M. E. Cady, President of Healdsburg College, Healdsburg, Cal.

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Medical Journal Needs an Agent.

“DOCTOR” 154 E 72 N. Y. C.

March Number

By Editor

Among the important articles in the March number of the Pacific Health Journal are
The Human Temple and Its Divine Occupant By Dr. J. H. Kellogg
The Warfare against Tuberculosis By Dr. G. H. Heald
Hope for the Broken-Down Dyspeptic By Dr. David Paulson
Influence of Light upon Disease By Dr. J. R. Leadsworth
The subscription price of the Journal is 50 cents per year, while in clubs of five or more the cost is but 30 cents per year per copy. Address
Pacific Health Journal
OAKLAND, CAL.

Looking unto Jesus

By A. G. L.

A remarkably impressive little tract translated from the French. It aims to lead souls so to behold Him that they will ask not, “What can I do?” but “What can He not do?” A. G. L. No. 1. 50 cents per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
New York City  Oakland, Cal.  Kansas City, Mo.

THE TALENTS.

By M. C. Wilcox

By M. C. Wilcox. A brief essay on "The Parable of the Talents," showing that the talents represent the various gifts of the Spirit which God bestows as he will upon those who are consecrated to him, with the duties and blessed privileges involved therein. Bible Students' Library, No. 77; 16 pp., price 2 cents.

Disappearance of the Devil.

It is a common ruse among noted bandits to circulate a report that the bandit is dead. The people in the vicinity of former raids begin to feel at ease, grow careless of goods and person, and the bandit makes a new raid with old-time success. So the devil has worked. He first of all disgusted the world with stories of horns and hoofs and cloven foot and barbed tail, till the educated and philosophical rejected it all, and the world is coming to believe that there is no devil. They did well to reject the stories of grotesque appearance, but they are making a fearful mistake in ignoring the fact that he is. But this goes with other Bible stories, and the Bible will eventually go with it in the minds of those who disregard its plainest teachings. For if anything is clearly taught in God's Word, it is that there is a personal adversary of God, of His people, of all good, who controls evil spirits, or demons; these seduce and possess the men who will yield to their influence. Of course the devil is pleased to have it so. As men progress in this belief, the next declaration will be that there is no evil and no sin, and hence no Saviour. There is a devil, “who, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” But praise God, there is also One mighty to save, and able to deliver us from all the snares of the devil. Jesus, the Son of God, met the great spiritual adversary, met all his wiles, all his power, and conquered in all for us, and conquered forever. The victory is ours now, if we will accept it by faith.

Saved to Save Others

Jesus Christ saves men that these men may through Him become saviours of others.

Astronomy Article Postponed

By Editor

Professor Griggs’ interesting article on Astronomy is unavoidably omitted this issue. We hope to present it next week, and we are sure it will be found of interest.

Student Volunteer Convention at Toronto

By Editor

In our Mission department will be found an interesting article from our own correspondent, Mr. J. W. Collie, president of Ontario Conference, on the Student Volunteer Convention at Toronto. Next week we will print another from the same sympathetic pen, on the impressions made by the convention.

Music and Song

By Editor

Music and Song.—In this paper will be found a sweet, simple song for our readers. Words by Mrs. L. D. A. Stuttle, music by C. A. Smith. Next month we publish a song for the children entitled, “Jesus Loves the Little Ones.” Words and music by G. E. Johnston. From now on for some time a piece of original music will appear monthly.

Signs Scholarships

Young man or woman (or for the matter of that, older), do you wish to go to school for a year at a good Christian school? There are thousands who do, but who lack the funds. Well, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES wishes to help you to a scholarship. Write to us, if you desire to co-operate with us, and receive instructions as to how you may accomplish the desire of your heart. This is indeed a “golden opportunity” that is offered on “Signs Scholarships.”

The New Thought Movement

What is called the “new thought” school or cult is said to number over a half million in the United States, and as many elsewhere. It is said to be to the most of those who hold it a “practical, everyday working philosophy that takes the place of a religion, and is, indeed, to those people the only possible religion.” Many who belong to it retain old affiliations, and thus it is honey-combing the churches. The idea is that the metaphysical controls the physical, “the power of the will is asserted in larger control and dominion over the forces of nature.” Emerson is its patron saint; R. Heber Newton and Geo. D. Herron are among its advocates. It is an attempt at a human substitute for righteousness and life through faith in Jesus Christ; human inspiration and leading for the divine Word.

A Burden for Unsaved Souls

You are not living a Christian life if you have no burden for the souls that do not know Him. The travailing of Christ has not ceased. His true people have the same Spirit as the “Man of Sorrows,”—not His own sorrows, but those of others. Only those will enter His “joy” who know of His “travail.”

Conviction Wanted.—

One prominent public man, Charles Francis Adams, writing on political affairs, says: “The trouble is absence of conviction in our political leaders;” that men are “playing politics; going through the motions.” Yes, men of conviction are wanted, not alone in State but in Church. Religious conviction is deplorably absent. But men are not playing at politics; they are doing politics, not always wisely. They are doing politics in religion. That is why conviction is absent. Conviction is a fruit of principle, but politics, expediency, not principle, righteousness, is swaying many now from Senator and bishop down to ward-heeler and church-clerk. Wanted, men of conviction. Politicians need not apply. But after all, they are not gotten by advertising. They are the outgrowth of inborn principles.

Valentine’s Day and the Church

The Gospel Message of Kansas City, referring to a “Valentine Social” for raising funds to build a church, says:—
Of all the days in the year, it seems that what is called “St. Valentine’s Day” is one of the last that should be honored by the church. It originated in the mingling of the superstition of the “Dark Ages” of Roman Catholicism with the old heathen nature-worship, and probably took its character from the fact that at this season the birds choose their mates; and now the “progressive” Protestant church of the twentieth century is perpetuating the hollow mockery. Love is indeed divine—it is the very essence of the nature of the Godhead. But how different is this pure, holy, and self-sacrificing love, as exemplified and enjoined by the Saviour, from that represented by the old heathen customs, which was associated with all that is impure and unholy! Their god of love was really nothing more than a god of lust. How, then, can anything that is pure and holy come out of such associations!
And just so the festivals of Candlemas, Christmas, Easter and Sunday originated. Let us make no exception in the light of God’s Word.

Preparing the Army for War

A plan is now being worked out in Washington by the heads of the War Department, which, if put into execution, as it probably will be, will Europeanize the American army, putting it in a condition to respond more quickly to any call that might come than it did at the outbreak of the Spanish war. The main feature of the plan is a centralized group of officers who shall have charge of the control and subsistence of the army, and be responsible for its efficiency and equipment. These duties are now divided among a number of bureaus which are under political control to a greater or less extent, and to this fact is charged the confusion which was so manifest at the outbreak of the late war. From the viewpoint of military expediency, there is no doubt that the new plan would be much better than the old, and it will probably take the place of the old, even tho a political appointee be given the nominal supervision. But the plan is of interest to us simply as an illustration of the continual advancement being made in the preparation for war which is seen in all parts of the world. There will be nothing lacking from a military point of view when the great battle is called, and that work of preparation is rapidly going on to completion.

A Healthful Candy

Do you like candy?—There is almost no need of asking the question. Who does not like candy? Rare indeed is he who does not possess a “sweet tooth,” and with some of us, every tooth is a “sweet tooth.” But, and that is the sad part, candy does not agree with us. Even in its purest state of crystallized cane sugar, it can not be eaten ad libitum with impunity. The uncomplaining stomach or liver or kidneys or all together, will at last rebel, and then comes trouble which may last for years. But the candy mixed with every dye and essence and powdered mineral and glucose is enough to wreck the stomach of alligator or ostrich. No wonder there are so many pale little boys and and girls. Yet we like candy. Is there no substitute?—Yes; and it is of that we wish to speak. The Sanitas Nut Food Co., of Battle Creek, Mich., has been experimenting for years with nuts roasted, boiled, malted, and what not, and from them and pure grains they have manufactured a predigested substance called “malt honey,” or “meltose,” which can be eaten as freely as bread by nearly all people. But this is not candy, and yet like the syrup of cane and maple it is what they make candy out of. From malted honey the company above named is manufacturing “Sanitas Food Candy,” or a health confection. It not only does not hinder or retard digestion, but actually aids it. It is made in the form of caramels and brittles of various flavors, and is put up in pound and half-pound boxes. Two to six tablets may be taken after every meal with beneficial results by persons who suffer from indigestion. It is a scientific health candy, which ought to be twice welcomed by parents, once for themselves and twice for their children. The candy sells as follows: one pound package 40 cents, by mail 58 cents; half-pound, 20 cents, by mail 30 cents. The manufacturer of this and other excellent foods is the Sanitas Nut Food Co., Battle Creek, Mich.

Cigaret Smokers.

J. C. Ayer and Co., the well-known patent medicine firm, have adopted this rule: “Believing that the smoking of cigarets is injurious to both mind and body, thereby unfitting man for his best work; therefore after this date [March 1, 1902], we will not employ any young man under twenty-one years of age who smokes cigarets.” This is good as far as it goes; but it has two limitations, which raise these queries: (1) Why stop at twenty-one? and (2) Why cigarets alone? Is not tobacco an evil in every form, especially to the young? Yet this action by this firm ought to set the young men to thinking. O, it is so much better to be a free man!

The Crisis Is With the Church

“The Crisis,” in religion, about which so many of our contemporaries are talking, is not on God's part. The great armory of heaven is stocked with complete panoplies of armor, with invulnerable coats of mail, with two-edged swords for every volunteer soldier. The treasuries of God's kingdom are all open for all the needs of His army. He furnishes the Captain who never lost a battle. All heaven is ready. Where, then, is the trouble?—With the church. Face it squarely. It is no time for flattery or self-delusion. The trouble is with the church, with the ministry, with the individual church-members, with me. O “have faith in God.” Let in His life.

Automobile and Outing Number

The Scientific American gives one whole issue nearly, that of March 1, to automobiles and various motor machines. It is called the Automobile and Outing number. It has a fine illustration on separate sheet of the German Emperor's yacht Meteor. Price 10 cents.
Continue reading: God’s Life Through Jesus Christ