A N N I V E R S A R Y
N U M B E R .
JUNE, 1911
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VOL. II.
NO. 6
THE Kl EU « p.
'ROM the time that, at my mother's feet or on my father's knee, I learned to lisp verses from the Sacred Writings, they have been my daily study. The older I grow and the more I read the Holy Scriptures, the more reverence I have for them and the more convinced that they are not only the best guide for the con- duct of this life, but the foundation of all hope respecting the future state. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering, * * but if we and our posterity neglect its in- structions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscur- ity.—Daniel Webster.
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Published Once a Month by THE BIBLE INSTITUTE OF LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Bible Institute Press.
TWENTY - FIVE CENTS A YEAR.
Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven.—Psalm I 19:89 Mbti InstxtnU (Incorporated ) 260-264 South Main Street ( Second Floor) i< b o s A n g e l e s , C a l i f o r n i a The King's Business: Entered as Second-Class Matter Nov. 17, 1910, at the postoffice at Los Angeles, Cal., •Under thte Act of March 3, 1679. • DIRECTORS: ' Lyman Stewart, President Rev. A. B. Prichard, Vice Pre«. T. C. Horton, Superintendent" J. M. Irvine, Secretary-Trea«. R. A. Hadden, Supt. Extension Work . E. A. K. Hackett W. E. Blackstone S. I. Merrill W. L. Green
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Church as expressed in the Common including: The Maintainance of Good Works. The Second Coming of Christ. The Immortality of the Soul. The Resurrection of tho Body. The Life everlasting of Believers. The Endless Punishment of the Im- penitent. The Reality and Personality of Satan.
We hold to the Historic Faith of the Creed of Evangelical Christendom 'and The Trinity of the Godhead. The Deity of the Christ. The Personality of the Holy Spirit. The Supernatural and Plenary au- thority of the Holy Scriptures. The Fellowship of the Church. The Substitutionary Atonement. The Necessity of the New Birth.
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The Institute trains accredited men and women, free knowledge and use of the Bible. f cog ^ j n (1) The Institute Classes held daily except Satur- Sunday. (2) Extension Work. Classes and conferences held in neighboring cities and towns. (3) Evangelistic.»' Meetings conducted by compe- tent evangelists under our direction. (4) Spanish Mission. Meetings every night for Spanish-speaking people and house visitation. (5) Shop Work. Regular services in shops and factories all the year. (6) Jewish Evangelism. Personal work in homes for the Hebrew people. (7) Bible Women. House-to-house work and neigh- borhood classcs. (8) Aqueduct. Work among the 4000 men on the new aqueduct. (9) Oil Fields. A mission to the men on the oil fields. (10) Books and Tracts. Sale and distribution of selected books and tracts. day and 0
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Uepartments
P R AY F OR T H E W O R K A ND WO R K E RS O F T H E INST I TUTE, If ye abide in me and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.—John 15:7.
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LYMAN STEWART, President the Bible Institute of Los Angeles
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The Story of the School J r H E Bible Institute of Los Angeles has passed the third mile stone in its 1 1 1 eventful history. Three years ago it entered its present quarters with a nucleus of two popular night classes, the Fishermen's Club of young men and the Lyceum Club of young women, both of which had been conducted for a year or more. The first session of the day classes was attended by fifteen students. Our rpc>lns,„ were large and commodious.) We had strong convictions that God had called us to the service of training workers for home and foreign fields and spreading the Gospel, and we launched' out into the deep in full assur- ance of faith. The Institute was organized and incorporated on a strong evangelical basis including, "The full and complete Divine inspiration, the infallibility and supreme authority of Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, in the Deity of Jesus f Christ,*;in His death as a substitutionary sacrifice, in His present intercession at • the right hand of God and His premillanial, and imminent return and in the; personal presence and efficiency of the Holy Spirit in the Church." * No one can ever hold an office or teach in the School who does not stand , four square on the old doctrines. j: This evangeliical position was not designed nor Calculated to make up popular ' wife the masses of Christians, hut long ,years, of service had taught us that adherence to the fundamental doctrines of the Scripture and implicit faith in the verbal inspiration of the W;Ord of God would me'et the approval of the Lord and we coveted His favor more than ought else. The development of the wprk has beep natural and logical. Our policy has; been the organization of Bible classes wherever possible and the spread of the GoSpel wherever practicable. I Depattments have been added to our work in the following order: Shop work, Bible Women, Work for the Jews, Bible Class Extension, Spanish Mission, Evangelistic, including special services in churches, tents, and among the men of the aqueduct and oil fields. A Book room was opened for the sale of best books and tracts. "Out of a weekly outline for our Sunday School Teachers' Class grew the little paper we now publish, th" 'King's Business, j fFrom a couple of hundred in our classes each week, the numbers have grown to two and three thousand. Our commodious quarters are overcrowded. ' We have never had in connection with our work a secular address or enter- tainment. We have had no attraction but the Bible and sweet, strong and loving fellowship in the things of God. We have been permitted to reach out to San Francisco on the north and to San Diego on the south and put some spiritual stamp upon the life of the young p£6ple of the whole State. It would be impossible to follow the intricate paths of service into which the hundreds of workers identified with us have been led, but they have been manifold and wonderfully blessed. God has kept up true to our purpose, has saved us from dissension, has enlarged our scope of service, widened our influence and is con- stantly increasing our constituency of praying friends. i We enter our fourth year in this most blessed work with intensified faith in God's call and- purpose. We have had our foundations. deep and strong; we have progressed on our knees and have visions of great things for His glory for the future. / We covet the prayers of all of God's people that we may be kept true to the faith once for all delivered to the saints, humble in service and bold in exploits for our King.
The Fishermen's Club
HIS is the title of the most unique Bible Class we have ever known. There are constant discussions at Conferences and Conventions as lo the best mode of organizing and sustaining a young men's class. This is the demonstration of the How. The Club is five years old, it has never missed a session, although several holidays have occurred on the date of its gathering. It has never had a secular address or an entertainment. Its business meetings occur once in six months. It has never had a contest for membership. Young men are invited to the class, but are not solicited to join. Every applicant is thoroughly tested before being received. The doctrinal test for membership is more stringent than any organization we know of. The Club was originated with a two- fold purpose in view. The study of the Word of God and the doing of the will of God. There has never been any dissension in the Club, never a place-seeker, never any politics. The enrolled membership has varied but little from 100 to 1 50. Probably four hundred different men have been identified with the class. The average attendance is about 115. The Club has held services among young people in most of the churches of Los Angeles city and county, and in many plates throughput the State. Thousands of young people have been influenced through their meetings. Some have been won for Christ, others have been led to a full surrender of their lives. Members who have left the Club and gone to other places have almost invariably organized a young men's class along similar * lines. Most of them are living a strong earnest Christian life. There have never been any fads or fancies in con- nection with the teaching. There has been but one teacher, and he has been enabled to give strong, virile and definite messages. The life of the members has been that of the normal Christian who seeks to live up to his privileges. The name of the Club has come to mean so much and its standard has been so well maintained that it has been incorporated and the Club pin copyrighted. Tht desire to start other clubs, using the same name, which would live on a different level was the cause of this action. The pin belongs to the Club, and must be returned by the wearer whenever it seems desirable for any reason to recall it. The honor and glory of the Lord and the spread of His Word is the controlling motive of this class. The program for the club is meeting on Monday night at 6:15 fqr a light supper, paid for by the members, a short song servipe and an hour's Bible teaching. The spirit of prayer which permeates the life of the organ- ization sustains it in its high level. A copy of the Constitution will be mailed upon application. The Big Brother work for handicapped boys is carried on under the aus- pices of the Club. Forty dollars per month is contributed to H. S. Kimura, the Moody of Japan, for his work and much other practical work which cannot be enumerated here. Earl W. Haney, Pres.
LYCEUM CLUB
Young Ladies' Lyceum Club 3 N these days of multiplied organization this unique Club has proven its ^ In the early days of 1907 after much prayer, Mrs. T. C. Horton •right to live without organization, responded to a cry of need from the hearts of many of the girls employed in stores and offices. The churches were doing the best in their power, the different organizations of the city were working bravely, but it was suggested to Mrs. Horton that the great need of the girls was simply a mothering oversight and help, in connection with definite Christian teaching. So the Lyceum Club was born and has grown so rapidly it is a surprise to even the "promoter herself, who can only say, "See what God hath done. At the outset two things* were determined. The girls must come directly from work to a good warm supper, together and the hour of dismissal must be an early one, both of which plans have been faithfully carried out. A new President appointed every six months, presides at each meeting, where the first half hour is directed according to the pleasure of the Club in singing, whistling or music of any kind desired, furnished by the varied talent in the Club or by friends. The informal program is one of pure enjoyment to every one who partakes or listens, and applause is frequent and hearty. This short time of abandonment to pure pleasure of their own promoting seems to prepare them for the half hour which follows. Recognizing the necessity of winning the girlfj to a higher plane of living and being persuaded there was but one way to do work permanently, Mrs. Horton pends the last half in definite Bible study, bringing the unsaved to a recognition of Jesus Christ as the only hope of salvation and endeavoring to strengthen the faith of those girls who have already confessed Him as Lord. With no attraction but the Word of God, the comradeship found among them- selves and the sympathy counsel and love of their leader, this Club has steadily increased in numbers and power. At the present time there are between four and five hundred girls who consider themselves Lyceum members. There is no fee but the cost of the supper which is 10 cents The average attendance is large and the sight of the great crowd of girls together , is inspiring. They en'ov the Bible lesson as heartily as they do the d'ning room ar»d the son"! service, and the gcod results from the study are proven in their better living. Full 90 per cent of the unsaved girls who come into the Club are brought to see their need of a Saviour and to confess Him. The Christian eirls are earnest in prayer and are constantly seeking out the young strangers in the city, bringing them to the Club and the mother who will help them. They own a good wheel chair which is constantly loaned to some poor cripple. Many a girl on her sick bed has been gladdened by short, bright letters or postals from those they have never seen, but who sign themselves "r>ne of tVe I vceum girls." Thev are faithful in this ministry to the sick and d^li^ht in it. They are often called upon to conduct C. E. or Epworth I eague meetings, but are not urged to do much nicht work. Occasional mother talks are civen missionaries sometimes come and eive helpful talks on girls of other lands, a"d on the first Tuesday of each month a Youna People's meeting is held, when the auditorium is crowded to its full capacity with young men and women. It is a
blessed meeting where none but the young people are permitted to speak. The basis of all the Lyceum Club work is the Bible, a fact recognized and gladly accepted. Many strange, homesick girls have been made glad and been safeguarded by the girls of this Club, whose motto is, "Help the other girl," and every one of them feel assured they have for every time of doubt and difficulty a safe advisor and loving mother in their leader.
O NE branch of the Lyceum Club work which has proven unusually effective has nevjpr before been reported. Mrs. Horton and Mrs. A. C. Stewart, after much prayer, decided that girls who were won to a saving knowledge of the Lord should be followed personally and helped to a living knowl- edge of His will for them, as revealed in the Word of God. Mrs. Horton was not able to give the time necessary for this work, yet the need was imperative. Girls were often ill at home for a few days, or temporarily out of work, and at such a time very susceptable to the power of the loving, sympathy of both friend and Saviour. The young women were crowding into the Lyceum Club in increasing numbers and the close personal touch of a well taught Christian girl seemed the best and only thing to hold these young women to the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. By a little effort on thé part of the two praying women, money was raised sufficient for the employment of a young woman for a year (or nearly a year) and she was commissioned and sent out. The results have more than fulfilled the hopes of the women and few friends interested in the venture and for the first time we are able to rport the work, hoping our Father will permit us to continue it this coming year. This visitor has been in touch with an average of 100 girls per month. Scores of them have been faithfully dealth with personally; many of them led to a definite surrender of their lives, and the monthly list is increasing. The Bible lesson each Tuesday night having touched the heart, the young visitor, who is watching her opportunity, places herself near the one interested and brings the soul to the place of decision. None but the Master can estimate the value of this new branch of our work which has been so quietly prosecuted. Our funds are now exhausted but we feel sure the $20.00 per month necessary for the coming year will be sent in to the treasurer, Mrs. A. C. Stewart, 615 Bixel Street, Los Angeles. We covet the prayers of our friends for this definite personal work among our Lyceum girls.
Extension Department. H E Extension Department of the Bible Institute was organized to meet a growing demand for Union Bible Classes, Institutes and Conferences in Los Angeles and adjacent cities. The past year has witnessed a large growth in the various classes. Splendid classes have been conducted weekly in Anaheim, Long Beach, Pasadena, and Los Angeles. Other cities and towns have been aided by special classes and conferences. .In these classes, Rev. R. A. Hadden, the Superintendent, has been ably assisted by Rev. W. Leon Tucker, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, with occasional assistance by Rev. J. R. Pratt, Mark Lev, J. H. Sammis, Louis Meyer of New York and others. ANAH E I M. -This class was organized nearly a year and a half ago as the direct result of a special union evangelistic campaign conducted by Rev. R. A. Hadden. A large number of the converts entered the class and have con- tinued with deep interest arid growing attendance. At the close of the past season the class voted a splendid letter in appreciation of the labors and teaching of the instructor. LONG BEACH. For the third year the Long Beach class has gathered for instruction under For the third year the Long Beach class has gathered for instruction under the leadership of Mr. Hadden. The attendance and interest has grea f ly increased with each season. This class meets each Monday evening in the First Baptist Church. PASADENA. The Pasadena class meets every Thursday evening in the United Presbyte- rian Church under the instruction of Messrs. R. A. Hadden and W. Leon Tucker. This class is not. only. large in attendance, but is most responsive in the acceptance of the truths given. LOS ANGELES. For four years the teachers of this class, Messrs. Hadden and Tucker have
labored in this great popular class now filling the auditorium of the Bible Institute each Friday evening. Many hundreds testify to the value of the instruction and the inspiration here received. The students in this class repre- sent a large number of the Churches in Los Angeles and surrounding suburbs, and the help derived from the classes is in constant evidence throughout the breadth and length of the city. During the season Dr. Tucker has given two great series of studies, the first upon "The Christians Calling in Colossians" and the second, upon "The Book of Leviticus." Mr. Hadden has given a series upon the theme, "Great Germinal Gleanings in Genesis." During April Mr. Hadden conducted four successful Conferences in Fresno County u n d er the auspices of the Fresno County Y. M. C. A. Mr. S. Warren Douglas is the General Secretary and is the ideal man for the position; with a splendid executive ability, coupled with a great love for men and faithfulness to the Wo rd of God, Mr. Douglas is reaching a multitude of men in this rich and thickly settled county. The work has been organized but a few months but already several large towns have organized the work and seven or eight splendid Bible classes are in operation; Conferences last- ing a week each were held in Selma, Sanger, Reedley and Fowler; the pastors and people in each city were h e a r ty in commendation of t he Bible work and have asked Mr. Hadden to conduct similar classes again in the near future.
MISS EDNA ALGER
O UR F I RST S T UD E NT T O GO T O T H E F OR E I GN FIELD.
Miss Alger is a Missionary in China.
MRS. MANSON AND THE JEWISH SUNDAY SCHOOL Jewish Work
O R more than two years we have had the joy of daily intercession in very many Jewish homes, where she is a welcome visitor. In a quiet behalf of the Jews and our evangelist has been going in and out of unobstrusive way many hearts have been reached and much seed sowing has been done. We have had some remarkable Jewish gatherings in our building through which real impetus have been given to the work. There is much inquiry among the Jews concerning the teaching of the New Testament and they are far more interested in the Word of God than in former years. An interesting work among the children is now being carried on by our visitor Mrs. Mansen, who has succeeded so admirably in winning her way into the heart and homes of so many of our Jewish friends. There have been many incidents in connection with this work, but all are of a personal and delicate nature that will not permit of publicity. We want special and continued prayer for this department of our worK.
BIBLE WOMEN GROUP
The Bible Women
T IS impossible to give any adequate conception of the far-reaching work of this band of consecrated workers who love to call themselves Bible Women. The foundation of the work is laid deep and strong. No woman has been accepted for work who was not a soul winner and fully competent to meet any of the false doctrines of the day with her Bible. She must be a good teacher and a strong personal worker. 3
Mrs. Horton, who is superintendent of this department, is increasingly careful in selecting the women, feeling persuaded that only those who are close Bible students and fully trained workers will be able to meet the awful powers of darkness as manifested in the present day. The method of work is simple and definite as it can be made. A district is assigned, visitation of homes is prosecuted and a series of parlor Bible classes held in different homes which are open for them, until the whole city and surrounding territory is honey-combed with these Bible classes. Lessons are given on the Word of God, its inspiration, the need of its study, the fundamental doctrines, and such other subjects as are best suited to each field and the needs of the class members. The personal work growing out of these classes is stupendous. The Bible Women are in constant demand for addresses and special lectures on the false doctrines permeating our churches. Hospital work among the dying unsaved is continuous and taxing. Bible Conferences are frequent and fruitful. The whole work of these women can never be reported by either facts or figures. The special cases alone so intensely interesting, which are brought to the weekly conference, prayer and counsel meeting of the workers, would make a most fascinating volume. The number of women and girls met in street cars, parks and homes who confess their need and total ignorance of God and His Word is appalling. The Bible Women are alert and watchful and their activities seem boundless. The classes, in attendance vary from six to over 200, but one needy soul is enough to command a worker's deepest interest and closest attention. The nine Bible Women now in the work are as peculiarly diverse in gifts as they are universally blessed in their work, and the difference in strong personality but makes a more effective force as a whole. A more absolutely harmonious group of workers would be difficult to find unless they were led and bound together by the same guiding Holy Spirit who leads, directs and guides this band of Bible Women. Figures are cold things but may indicate in a small measure the possibilities of this needed work in our cities. CALLS AND SPECIAL CASES FOR YEAR. Hospital cases 0 488 Bible classes I —,..•.,.,.. . ............885 Meetings s c s s s t a : ...,....;:..........;.. 553 Minimum attendance 16,75 5 Accepted Christ -1 10 Reclaimed 42 Assurance of salvation given 1 8 Full surrender to God .,.,:„;,...}.:/, 16 Personal dealings letters ...._.„«........„„i.... 283 Number of Bible lessons sent out to leaders in small towns 24 Hundreds of Testaments and Bibles and tracts unnumbered.
INTERIOR OF SPANISH MISSION v Spanish Mission
L. H. JAMI SON. Sup't.
H E R E are thousands of Mexicans in Los Angeles and vicinity. God in His providence has brought them from the land of Roman Catholic bondage to the land of the Bible. They are here to be evangelized. They are entitled to the Gospel and we are seeking to pay our obligation to them through our Spanish Mission, which is open every night in the year. The Gospel is the power of God and this finds its illustration in the nightly scenes at the Mission. Nearly fifteen hundred Mexicans lodge in the vicinity of the Mission and are constantly changing, and thousands in this way hear the Word each year. Beside the indoor services, open air meetings are held each night and much personal work is done. Conversions take place constantly and converts are supplied with tracts, Gospels and Testaments. Many of them go out in this State and back to Mexico to carry the tidings of free and full salvation. So far in this work we have only touched the fringe of the great need. Multi- tudes of Mexicans are in the labor camps in the vicinity around us and there ;s great need for service in their behalf. We have plans for larger service along practical lines. Who will help?
Evangelistic Department
/ • / T IS generally admitted by those in a position to know that the most needy, i l l and in some respects, the most difficult field in the home land if not in the world is the Pacific Coast States. Our evangelistic efforts have been in this section during the past year, extending from California to Washington. About four months was spent in three of the larger cities, San Francisco, Portland and Spokane. The visible results as compared with past years are possibly less, for it becomes more and more difficult to reach men every year, but from the standpoint of quality we have never witnessed a more thorough work in our experience than we have seen done in some of these places. In each instance the strong and far- reaching work was preceeded by a great volume of prayer. One pastor in writing to us concerning work, inclosed his church calendar, in which we saw the statement that seventy-eight people in his church had pledged themselves to pray for a revival. This fact led us to accept the call, for we felt sure something worth while would take place, and we were not disappointed. Revivals never happen, they are always the result of conditions met. Any church willing to pay the price may have a revival.
It is our custom to hold two services each week day excepting Saturday, and always three or four on Sundays. We have given during the past year three hundred and eighty addresses and Bible lectures, averaging more than one for each day of the year, besides committee meetings and personal work. We aim to make the work constructive. Our afternoon classes for. the edifying of the church have run as high as one hundred and twenty-live in attendance, and always grow in interest and numbers, giving evidence that the people want the Word. At the close of each series we attempt to organize a permanent class for Bible study with the most competent teacher available. By this it may be seen that the work of the Bible Institute is not confined to Los Angeles and its suburbs, but extends all along the Coast, where hundreds are organized into classes for systematic Bible study. We have witnessed the conversion of hundreds of souls, among all classes. In some instances whole families were saved, husband and wife and children coming to Christ and establishing the family altar in the home. In two services men and women were so convicted that they came forward in surrender while the message was being given. One old gentleman seventy-two years of age having manifested an interest by raising his hand for prayer, when approached personally came trembling to the front in open confession and came out into a very bright, joyous experience. He went home and made out his check for twenty dollars and sent it in for the "free-will offering," which we took as evidence of the genuineness of the work. We have seen as many as ninety-four confess Christ in a single meeting. A beautiful woman who had risen for prayer one night failed to respond with others to the invitation to come forward. We stepped down and extended a personal invitation when she broke down and between her sobs said, "My little ten-year- old boy came home today and asked me to go forward with him and become a Christian. He is not here tonight and I do not want to go without him." The next night mother and son were there and both came to Christ. "A little child shall lead them." Another interesting case was that of a business man, a plumber, who became bur- dened for his employees and brought them to the afternoon and evening services, saying, "Boys, I want you to go with me and your time will go on just the same. As a result, one by one these men was gloriously saved, also the wife of one who was married. That plumbing shop is now opened every morning at seven o clock with one half-hour of Bible study and prayer. We do not anticipate any strikes in that shop. We would recommend this plan to other employers as a feasible way to solve labor problems. We have made a special effort to get those Christians, who have come from other states and failed to identify themselves with the church, to come out in open confession and line up with the church, and many have responded in every community. The month of July was given to teaching at Mount Hermon, California. About two months have been devoted to special work among the young people's societies, from which many are responding to the call for consecrated laborers and preparing to carry the Gospel to every section of the State. J. R . PRATT.
2 0 e to D » Er o' n to p fi O o 03 g"" a 0 co •0 m ai 0 50 c 3 fi S ^ ?o ? 3f tr- ip
Shop Meetings
H E men employed in the machine shops, also the conductors and motormen at the Railway barns of the city, who have little or no time to attend religious services at the churches, or who are too tired when the day's work is finished, are reached through this department of the Bible Institute work, holding daily meetings for the men at their places of work. At the noon hour at the Factories and the roll call for change of shift at the car shops, the men gather around the portable organ and a brief service is held. This department of work is in charge of R. C. Lewis, whose practical business experience has qualified him for this work. J. C. Berry, the Musical Director of the Institute, is the Soloist, and leads the singing of the gospel songs in which the men join heartily. The work has been productive of much good in the making of many happy homes. From time to time the wives of these men attend the meetings and help with their voices in the singing. One wife, whose husband and home was blest through the shop meetings, presented the class with a beautiful Bible to be used in the service. Another feature showing the appreciation of the shopmen for these noon day meetings was in the men purchasing a large parlor organ for their "church service," as they call it. In these services the time is limited to from 15 to 30 minutes and but brief opportunity during the meetings for personal work. This must be done at other times and under other circumstances. During the year there were: 304 meetings held; 941 7 attendance; 33 average attendance; j 238 men dealt with personally; 86 requests for prayer; 3 reclaimed; ® * * J • 136 confessed Christ as their S^vWur the first time; 10 surrendered their lives; 3939 Gospels, Leaflets and Booklets given out and mailed; also letters written. It is most gratifying to see the power of the old Gospel as it transforms the lives of men and leads them out into aggressive service for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. AN I NC I DENT. At the close of one of our meetings at the car barn, it was noticed that two young men, motorman and conductor, were visibly affected by the Gospel mes- sage, and when approached by the leader of the meeting, they were both found under deep conviction of sin. After dealing with them and showing them the way of life through Jesus Christ our Lord, they readily accepted the salvation so freely offered through the blood of Christ. Off came their caps, and bowing their heads over the card tables where they had both been seated, they yielded their lives to the Saviour and followed the leader in a dedication prayer. With tears in their eyes they praised the I ord for the joy of salvation, and the leader said, "Now, boys, write home to mother. That will do more to make her heart glad than anything you
could possibly do." One said, "I would have to write a long distance," and the other responded, "So would I ." George said his mother was in England and Robert said his mother was in Scotland. One had left home three months ago, and the other four. They both agreed to write, and the letter came in answer, praising the Lord that their boys had accepted Christ. Their words were, "Is it not strange that the Lord had to send us clear from England and Scotland, and across this continent to find the Saviour." One recently said, "See how the Lord has blessed me,—he has recently given me a lovely Christian wife." They have been true in service to their Master, and the Lord has indeed been blessing them.
MR. WM. SLOAN AND MR. GWYNN LEWIS Oil Field Evangelistic Department
A L I F O R N I A 'S leading industry is found in the abundance of its oil pro- ducing wells. Throughout the State the stately derricks are a sign of industry and a signal for service to those who desire to reach the neglected classes. To the men in these fields we have been permitted to minister through our evangelists and although the work has been arduous, calling for much of self-sacrifice and deprivation, the fruitage has been rich. The first year opened the way for a larger service during this year. The prejudice of some who suspected the sincerity of man on such a mission, was dissipated by the second trip and they have been accorded a generous reception. Men have confessed Christ and have commenced to testify. Testaments, Gospels and tracts have been widely distributed and many of the men have subscribed for the King's Business with a view of continuing Bible study.
Sunday Schools have been organized in some places. Church services started and many pastors in the far away and hard districts have been encouraged and helped. The workers are equipped with a commodiius wagon filled with the paraphernalia for house-keeping, but the trials, vexations and disappointments are many. We want to commend them as worthy of special intercession. Mojave Union Church U N D A Y , March 1 3th, 1910, was a red letter day in the by no means prosaic little wind-swept desert town. For the first time in her history she had a church building of her very own. During the year there has been enough money raised to pay off all indebtedness and an organization ef- fected to hold the property. Services have been held every Sunday. Sunday school at 10 a. m., with an average attendance of over thirty, arid an evening service at 7:30, which is generally well attended. Whether the preaching of the Gospel has been responsible or not (we be- lieve it has been as much as any other cause) Mojave stands tcday is law- abiding and safe a town as any of its class in the state. On May 9th the little church had a close shave of being destroyed by fire, but thanks to the efforts of every one—no matter of what creed or occupation, -—the little building still stands intact, a witness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Mojaive. Since the beginning of October only a portion of the "Sky Pilots" time— week-ends^has been available for straight aqueduct work, but during that time services have been held on many of the camps and the hospital at Mojave has been visited regularly with fruit, etc., furnished by the Intermediates of the First Congregational and Immanuel Presbyterian churches of Los Angeles, and of Santa Ana and Long Beach. In looking back over a year's work we can say "Amen" most emphatically to Rom. 1:16 and Heb. 7:25. We have seen it work! Th o s. H a n n a y, Jr.
SCENE AT MOJAVE UNION CHURCH.
OUR FINANCIAL PLAN No IMPORTUNITY for Funds But an 0PP0R= TUNITY for Investment. I F IN DOUBT, ASK US. NO TROUBLE TO AN SWER QUEST IONS. W E ARE H E RE TO HE LP YOU. If we do not have the book you want and we can conscientiously do so, we will order for you. W E CARRY ONLY T H E BEST BOOKS, ALSO A STOCK OF CHOI CE TRACTS. WE OF F ER UNUSUALLY AT T RAC T I VE O P P OR TUN I T I ES T O FA I THFUL S T EWARDS OF T HE LORD 'S FUNDS FOR I NVESTMENT. ALL OF OUR WORK IS P RAYER FUL LY AND ECONOMIC- ALLY CONDUCTED AND IS BR I NG I NG DEF I- N I TE S P I R I TUAL RESULTS.
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Soul Winning
W By A. T. Pierson
THIRD LESSON T HIRD, we must study the individual character and condition. We must know what we are doing. The more we know of the parties whom we desire to reach the more likely is our method of reaching them to be successful. Hence the study both of the character and the; circumstances of those! we seek to win is a part of soul winning. There should ordinarily be nothing abrupt, strained or unprepared in our approach. The most successful soul winners in history are those men and women who have long sought definite guidance and preparation before approaching souls. Fix the mind upon a man or woman who needs Christ, continue instant and constant in prayer for that particular soul, asking that the Lord would prepare the ground for the sowing of the seed and prepare the sower for the sowing; that - God would at oncé guide us in the approach and teach us His method and manner , of , such approach, and at the same time work mightily on thé soul we desire to save. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, which is the great book on soul winning in the inspired word, there are many lessons on this subject. Very conspicuous among them is the story of the Eunuch and Philip in the 8th chapter; of Ananias and Saul of Tarsus in the 9th, and of Cornelius and Peter in the 10th. Here are three accounts of workers for God being brought in contact with the soul that was to be saved. And the most notable feature in each case is this,—there is the prepara- tion of the Spirit both on the part of him who is bearing the message and of him to whom the message was borne. The'same Spirit was working with the Eunuch that was working with Philip. The same Spirit that was working with Saul of Tarsus was working with Ananias, and likewise the same Spirit that was worikng with Cornelius was working with Peter. If we are going to win souls we must keep in communion with the Spirit. We must ask Him to go before us and prepare the way and to follow after us to make our work effective. We shall find in many cases that He who sends us on His errand has gone before us in marvelous ways, so that from the first we find hearts prepared for our good tidings. These are simply some hints to those who wish to win souls, and we commend them to every one who seeks to save souls fcr the Lord Jesus.
B rief Thoughts
For Busy Teachers
International Sunday School Lessons by J. H. Sammis Comment "Pith and Pivot" by T. C. Horton
Lesson for June 4, 1911
P EN I TENCE, PARDON, PROSPERITY FOR ISRAEL. Lesson X.—Hos. 14:1-9. I. T HE MINOR PROPHET S. (1) The 12 last books of the O. T. are called " T he Minor, or Lesser, Prophets," or, : like the Apostles, sometimes, by the Jews, just " T he Twelve." Their order may be memorized thus: "Ho. Jo. Am. Ob. Jo. Mi. Na. Hab. Ze. Hag. Ze. Malachi." They are minor not in importance but in size. All but the last three were pre-exile prophets. Hosea, Amos, Jonah, were of Is- rael, the Northern Kingdom; the rest of Judah. (2) Hosea was contemporary with Isaiah, Micah, and Amos, prophets; of Uz- ziah.. Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of J u d a h; and Jeroboam II, Zacharia, Shal- lum, Menahem, Pekaiah, Pekah, and Hoshea (the last) of the kings of Israel. He prophe- sied about 60 years (792-723?) (3) Hosea is rugged, terse, and abounding in graphic figures. . Feast, fowl, fish, roaring lions; a leopard, a bear robbed of her whelps; an eagle, dove; flocks, herds, moth, thorns, poison herts, ovens, bakers, leaven, unturned cakes, dried roots, empty vines, furrowed fields, chaff, smoke, clouds, dew, everything is put to graphic use; especially the figure of a faithless, lewd wife, the type of un- grateful, covenant-breaking Israel, and worldly church and Christian. Some oft re- peated texts occur: " E p h r a im Is a cake unturned," "also is like a silly dove," "I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love," "When Israel was a child I loved him and called My Son out of Egypt," "sow in righteousness, reap In mercy; break up your fallow ground," " sown the wind and reap 1 the whirlwind." Some great predic- tions are here: "I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down in s a f e t y "; "I will go and return to my place (Christ's return to the Father), till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My Face" (Israel's repentance at the 2nd coming of Christ). "After two days He will revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight," this is Israel's national resurrection in the coming age, the present being the 2nd day, and the pre-Christian f"»e the first. It is also the resurrection of Christ (of Whose experiences Israel was, is, and shall be the type), Luke 24:46. Hosea is much quoted in the New Testament. "1 will ransom them from the power of
the grave; I will redeem them from death; O death I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction" (13:14; - Cor. 15:54* II. T HE CALL TO RE P ENTANCE. (1) All the prophets, however full of rt" buke and judgment, end with repentanc- pardon, restoration and glory for Israel Always remember t h at the primary applica tion of this hope and blessing is to God'; ancient, elect, covenant, never-to-be-for saken people. But they have a true an» real application to all who will believe an; come, (a) "O Israel, return" (14:1). Bàcï, sliding Israel, and backsliding Christians, and all (men) who feil away from God in Adam, are still beloved of Him, who would draw us "with the bands of love" (11:4; 2 Cor. 5:14; Matt. 1.1:28; Jno. 3:16), no m a t- ter how grievously we may have sinned. Read Hosea's chapters on their sin, and Paul's first three of Romans. "Though your sins be as scarlet" (Isa. 1:18). (b) " T a ke with you words." He does not de- ma nd anything else, no bloody sacrifice, no grievous penances, no costly gifts. Just words, but words from the heart, "words are things," t h at sort of words, and thé weightiest things, too. "With the mouth confession is made unto salvation, and with the heart man believeth unto righteousness" (Rom. 10:10). " S a y : Take away all iniquity," t h at is confession of sin and a longing de- sire to have the sin on us (guilt, condemna- tion) removed, and the sin in us (corrup- tion) eradicated. "Receive us graciously" (lit. "give us good"); it is a plea for grace, for sji.ners know and feel that they can aslj for nothing less and need nothing more; ' By grace are ye saved" (Eph. 2:8). It is to say, " F a t h e r, I have sinned, and am no mo.e wo r t h y" (Luke 15:18, 19). (c) "As- shur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses"; etc. This to confess t h at thp. things of this world have failed; t h at we are wéary of our false trusts, and our own works, and returned to the only Rock, and the True God. In "whom the fatherless (the godless) find mercy." There are no orphans like them who are "without Christ having no hope, and without God in the world (Eph. 2:12). III. THE PROMISE OF PARDON. (1) "I will heal," etc. There Is no sickr ness like sin. It is leprosy. It is to bê sick from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, wounds, bruises, and putrifying sores (Isa. 1:16); it is to be desperately sick (Jer. ,17:9, R. V.); it is heart sickness; there is but One Physician Who can cure it, t h at is Jehovah, and but one healing
| femedy, t h at is the Blood of Christ. But H e says, " T a ke with you words'' and "I Will heal you" for the asking. Severe as Ivas My freproof; though I have torn, I will peal; thdugh I have smitten, I will bind you up (6:1); neither the Assyrian, nor l a r eb could heal, or cure your wound (5:13). | can and will. ' • C o m e, Ve disconsolate, where'er ye lan- guish, • Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel; H e re bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish, • E a r th has no sorrow t h at Heaven cannot heal." | (2) "I will love them freely." For He fcved us before we loved H im (1 John 4:9). jgMamma, I love 'oo because 'oo loved me ffirst." "If God so loved the world t h at He • a v e anything I shall not be afraid of Him f ny more." J u st as light cannot help shin- ; 3ng love cannot help loving, a n d' God is ijfcve (1 John 4:8, 16). (3) "Mine anger is [ll'jrned away from him." " T he kindness Jind love God our Saviour toward man has Appeared" (Tit. 3:4), but men will not be- Weve it. "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their iniqui- ] «ies unto them";Sfthink of the loving kind - ['«ess involved in t h at fact! "As though God llilid beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's steid, be ye reconciled to God" (2 f o r . 5:19, 20). God loves you; His anger is turned away; look up, behold, He is look- i ng down Upon you with tender love, wa i t- i n g to bless you. Smile back at Him. " T a ke with you words." Tell Him you are sorry, Itnd that your trust hereafter shall- be in »Tim. I All doubt as to the verity of the Scrip- t u re is dispelled by practical tests of its s t a t e m e n t s. The Bible will be found to fit "n-nto every human experience. In our les- « o ri todiy, Israel is viewed a s. a backslidden •prodigal and the Lord is seen as a gracious « " a t h e r , longing for the home-coining of His • w a y w a rd son.' The Old and New Testa- jBrnents have remarkable companion pictures. •Bod is the same in every dispensation. The Ifievil has painted a fearful picture of God. fee portrays H i m as a hard, harsh and cruel • f a s t e r , ready with a whip to inflict awful •punishment upon the sinner. This is a • e v i l i sh lie. The very opposite is the truth. K\~e marvel t h at God should ever have loved l u c h vile sinners as we are, Rom. 5:8. How • o u l d He set His affection upon us and love lisr Jno. 3:16. There was never anv good In us, Rom. 3:12. Never anything to com-
IV. T HE PROMISE OF PROSPERITY. (1) "As the dew." The Lord will refresh and restore by His Word' which "drops as the rain, and distils as the dew" (Deut. 32:2), and by His Spirit (Act' 2:17). (2) "Grow as the Illy"; the Hebrew name in- dicates its dazzling whiteness and- purity; yet out of wh at muck it may have sprung! (3) "Root as Lebanon." The roots of Leb- anon grasp the immovable -rocks, while the tops stand defiant to . every wind t h at blows (Eph. 3:17-19; 4:14). (4) "Beauty as the olive," which is an evergreen; and (5) "Smell as Lebanon" famed for its pure and pungent scent, "a sweet-smelling savor" (Eph. 5:2)./ (6) "Under his shadow." I s- rael shall, be a , blessing (Isa. 2;l-4; Rev. 21:24), and this is true of all believers. (7) "Revive as corn." Either grow and flourish as the buried seed; or as fed by .bread; or as reviving others, or with bread. (8) "As the vine" (John 15:1-8). - (9) " F r om Me is thy f r u it found." We are barren till we re- turn' to 'God. Even then without. Him we can do nothing, but by abiding in H im we can bear much fruit. "All my springs are in Thee" (Psa. 87:7). V. WHO A P P R E H E ND ALL, THIS. . (.1) " T he wise . . . prudent". (Psa. I l l : 10; 1 Cor. 2:12; Jas. 1:5).. (2): " T he ways of the Lord are right,"' and they only are right who walk in thosie' ways. . ()3 " B ut . . . . stumble," "They stumble' at God Himself, at His All-Holy Being, Three and One, they stumble at His attributes, they, stumble a t His providence, they stumble at His acts; they stumble at His interference with them; they stumble at His require- ments,". mend us to a Holy God, yet He has taken us .to Himself, placed us in His family, Col. J 1:13; gfve unto us His own name, Jno. 1:12, honored us with His fellowship, 1 Jno.. 1:8, and enriched us with the promise of heirship, Rom. 8:17. Oh, the marvel of it! Instead of being grateful and loyal, we t r a m- ple His requests under our feet, leave His presence, go back into the wicked world and dishonor. His name. We drag our g a r- ments, in the mire and filth of the world, bringing reproach upon His name. Of e.n believers... con sort with Satan and practically renounce vallegiance to Him. In practically renounce allegiance to Him. He stretches out : His great a r ms of love and e l l s them back to His bosom of love. Oh, wh at an evil and bitter thing it is to for- sake Him, Jer. 2:19. Wh at a blessed thing to get back into fellowship with Him, 1 Jno. 1:9. May we be kept from backsliding, fey v ; e live to magnify the grace of t h at God who is rich in mercy, Eph. 2:4, and may we live to the praise of the glory of His grace whereunto He lias ma de us ac- cepted in the beloved, Eph. 1:6.
Pith and Pivot.f-T.C.H.
Lesson for June 11, 1911
said, (a) " S a n c t i fy yourselves." c h a r i ty m u st begin, at home. F i r st r e f o rm yourself; you c a n n ot revive others w i th no life in your own soul; (b) " C a r ry forth t he filthlness out of t he holy place." In spirit- ual decline t he world, „gets into t he " t e m- ple of God" w h e t h er viewed a s a church or a h e a rt (1 Cor. 3:16, 17). B a r r i e rs a re in- terposed b e t w e en us a nd the m e r cy s e a t ," ( " t he doors of t he porch and s h u t ," 29:7); t h e Wo rd is neglected, or discredited, ( " t he lamps a re put o u t ," 29:7); p r a y er and praise cease ("incense is not b u r n e d ," 29:7); t he blood of t he cross, a nd t he b e a r i ng of t he cross a re despised, ("nor burnt-offerings in t h e holy place," 29:7). A nd this is t he cause of all t h e trouble. (5) T he words were ef- fective. They " g a t h e r ed their b r e t h r e n" (29:15) and t he revival spread, t he work b e g a n: T h ey cleansed t he s a n c t u a r y—( a) " b r o u g ht out all t he uncleanness," (b) " o ut abroad to t he brook Kidron," which de- bouched into Gehenna. E i g ht days they w r o u g ht in t he s a n c t u a r y; eight m e re in t h e courts (20:16-19). Thorough work. R e- vivals a r e too often a t t e m p t ed w i t h o ut first cleansing t he L o r d 's house; or, at least, without c a r r y i ng out all t he uncleanness, dropping it into G e h e n na whence it cannot r e t u rn a s soon as " t he revival" is over. (6) Then in solemn and joyous service they restored t he worship. The series of offer- ings (Lev. 1:7) were duly observed and they m a de "reconciliation (atonement) with . . . blood upon t he a l t a r" (29:24). L et all " r e f o r m e r s" and revivalists set t h at down. T h e re can be no effective and last- ing work t h a t is n ot m a de on a nd by " t he blood upon t he a l t a r ," t he blood of t he L a m b of God shed on t he cross is t he sine q ua non of all regenerative power. (7) " Wh en t he b u r nt offering began t he song of t he Lord b e g a n" (29:27). The b u r n t - o f- f e r i ng m e a nt total consecration, full sur- render. It w as all consumed on t he altar. No surrender, no song! B ut then—cymbals! psalteries! h a r p s! (29:25). P i e ty like (8) T H E PASSOVER. among t he f e a s ts of t he Jews. Its season coincided with our E a s t e r. It celebrated (a) T he birth cf t he y e a r; (b) T he Birth of t he n a t i o n; (c) The Blood of t he L a m b, t he seal of t he Grace of God. (See E x. 12.) (2) Hezeklah's g r e at Passover m a r k ed a new E x o d us f r om subjection to o t h er gods; a r e - f o r m a t i on of t he nation;" a n ew m a n i- festation of t he Grace. A t r ue Israelite t he king- ignored the u n t h e o c r a t ic division of the tribes and s e nt his me s s e n g e rs (evan- gelists?) to invite "whosoever will" to come; and would h a ve t he Om, Israel,* t he One Family, f e a st on t he One L a mb, for all those m a n y were, ideally, t he "One Sacri- fice f o r e v e r" (Heb. 10:12). (3) T h e r u n n e rs passed f r om one end of t he land to the other. Some " l a u g h e d ," others " mo c k e d" at them, b ut they obeyed t he king's c omma nd to "go into all the(ir) world, and preach t he Gospel to every c r e a t u re (Matt. 28:19,' iO). They had a Gospel though men laugned; t h ey were t r ue to their mission though men (1) This w as chief
REFORM UNDER HE Z EK I AH. Lesson XI.—2 Chron. 29:31.
I
T HE ROYAL REFORMER. (1) Hezekiah: good son of bad f a t h e r; good f a t h er of bad son; (2) crowned at 25; reigned 29 years. (3) Israel under Its last king, Hoshea, w as n e ar its end. (4) Hez- ekiah's policy prolonged J u d ah 150 years. (5) J u d ah w as t r i b u t a ry to Assyria. (6) Impoverished, Its poor were oppressed; its " b e t t e r" classes addicted to vice, d r u n k e n- ness, injustice (Isa^ 1:5). (7) Priests w e re like t he people. (8) T he temple w as closed; its courts t he scene of p a g an altars, s y m- bols and orgies, (9) Such Hezeklah's her- itage. (10) His character, note (a) his early pious resolution (29:10) ; (b) p r o m pt devo- tion to it (29:3); (c) forceful leadership (29: 4-ll>; (d) spiritual insight (30:18, 19; Jno. 4:24); (e) persistency a nd consistency (31:20, 21). B ut he showed h u m an infirmity, u n- der s t r e s s: (a) Theocratic distrust in his f e a r f ul concession to Sennacherib; (b) his v a n i ty and folly in t he Babylonian incident (2'jKgs* 20:12-19),. Yet we should not for- get (a) hjs prayer- of f a i th t h at baffled d e a th (Isa. 38:9-21), (b) his p r a y er of faith t h a t vanquished the Assyrians (2 Kgs. 19:14- 19; 35). (11) T he cause of his slips: "God left him to t ry him, t h a t H e m i g ht k n ow all t h a t w as in his h e a r t" (2 Kgs. 32:31). T he best m u st fall w i t h o ut t he divine support. '•'Trust in t he Lord and lean not to thine own u n d e r s t a n d i n g ." II, T H E REFORMATION. (1) It began in one m a n 's consecration, " a c o v e n a nt w i th t he L o r d" (29:10). One need not be a king to be a r e f o r m e r; though t he t r ue r e f o r m er is a t r ue king. I t. w as a monk,.. one poor monk, who w as t hé "leading spirit in t he 16th century. It w a s a s h o ema k er in t he missionary move of t h e 19th. (2) P r ompt action followed, "In t he first y e ar o f . his reign." Strike while; t he heart, is, hoÇ! Zeal is a coal t h at soon cools, and" is m o s t . difficult to rekindle. If a y o u ng man' . does not m a ke good in his t w e n t i es he. is p r e t ty s u re to prove a fail- ure. . (3) It had a tongue. " He g a t h e r ed t h em . .togethér" (29:4-11). E v e ry r e f o rm m u st h a ye : : its preaching stage. A h e a rt on: fire Mjéts t he tongue on fire, t he b r a nd t h a t infla'meë'- t he h e a r t. Cultivate t he art, or .better, t he habit, , of public speech, of p e r- suasive " speech. No g r e at work of r e f o rm can be done single-handed; and t he con- version of others , t o the' good work is re- form, revival, so f ar accomplished. (4) He
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