The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 76

December 12, 1899

“Editorial” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, p. 804.

BY indisputable facts and records, we have shown to some extent the character of “the usual exemption” with respect to Sunday laws, “for those who keep the Sabbath day,” which by resolution and otherwise is favored by the N.W.C.T.U. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.1

Now it must be remembered that this resolution favoring that “usual exemption” was adopted by the union at the late national convention at Seattle as a substitute for a resolution that was already before the convention; and “as involving all necessary points, and omitting the objectionable ones,” in the original resolution. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.2

Understanding the real character and effect of “the usual exemption,” which they favor, and that this “covers all necessary points,” and avoids all “objectionable ones,” in the original resolution, it is of especial interest to study the original resolution that was before the convention, to know what are the objectionable points in it. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.3

And here is that original resolution:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.4

Resolved, That as a National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union we protest against any such interpretation or use of any lines of our work as shall give aid or comfort to those who, through ignorance, prejudice, or malice, would enact or enforce such laws as can be made to serve the purpose of persecution, or to in any manner interfere with the most perfect liberty of conscience concerning days, or the manner of their observance. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.5

Now we ask every soul to look carefully through that resolution, word by word and clause by clause. Please consider it in all its bearings from beginning to end. And when you have thoroughly weighed and considered it, then reflect, and weigh also the fact, that the N.W.C.T.U. in convention assembled found in that resolution objectionable points to such an extent that it was actually set aside for a substitute involving such points as are characteristic of “the usual exemption for those who keep the Sabbath day.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.6

According to the situation as it stands, the N.W.C.T.U. has taken the position that it is an objectionable thing for anybody to ask the N.W.C.T.U. to protest against any such interpretation or use of any lines of W.C.T.U. work as shall give air or comfort to those who, through ignorance, prejudice, or malice, would enact or enforce such laws as can be made to serve the purposes of persecution. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.7

Accordingly, therefore, to the W.C.T.U. it is not an objectionable thing for anybody, through ignorance, prejudice, or malice, so to use any lines of W.C.T.U. work as to enact or enforce such laws as can be made to serve the purpose of persecution. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.8

It is an objectionable thing for anybody to ask the N.W.C.T.U. to protest against any such interpretation or use of any lines of W.C.T.U. work as shall in any manner interfere with the most perfect liberty of conscience concerning days, or the manner of their observance. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.9

Accordingly, therefore, it is not an objectionable thing for anybody to use any lines of W.C.T.U. work so as to interfere with perfect liberty of conscience concerning days and the manner of their observance. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.10

It is an objectionable thing for anybody to ask the N.W.C.T.U. to protest against the use of their material and machinery, even by the prejudiced and malicious, in persecuting. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.11

It is not, to the national union, an objectionable thing for anybody, even in prejudice and malice, to use the material and machinery of the N.W.C.T.U. to persecute concerning days and the manner of their observance. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.12

So the N.W.C.T.U. has taken its position, has written itself down, and has published itself to the world. Assuredly, therefore, it was proper and most timely that a member should give notice, as was given, “that at the next annual convention I, or some one in my place, will offer the following amendment to the constitution:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.13

“ARTICLE VI.—PLANS OF WORK

“Nothing shall ever be incorporated into any plan of N.W.C.T.U. work, by department or otherwise, which must of necessity become the occasion of sectarian controversy, or which can in any sense be made to interfere with perfect liberty of conscience.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.14

Now let it be understood that we do not say that the N.W.C.T.U. consciously, intentionally, and of forethought, put themselves thus on record as not objecting to persecution or interference with liberty of conscience concerning days and the manner of their observance. We are perfectly satisfied, and free to say, that the women of the convention did what they did without any consideration at all of the real thing that they were doing. It is evident that they allowed their fears for Sunday and Sunday laws to become so aroused that they utterly lost sight of all merits of the resolution before them; that all calmness of consideration was forgotten; and that in this “state of mind” they rushed the resolution out of the way by whatever means possible. And in the doing of this, they committed themselves to the position that it is objectionable for anybody to ask them to protest against the use of their material and machinery to persecute and to interfere with liberty of conscience concerning days and the manner of their observance. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.15

It is a good thing that the national union has a whole year before it, in which to consider and to look soberly at what they really did, and then have an opportunity in the next annual convention to correct the mistake into which they allowed themselves to be hurried. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.16

And having considered the subject for a whole year, then, at the next annual convention, will they really correct their mistake? or will they confirm their declaration to the effect that it is an objectionable thing for them to be asked to protest against any such interpretation or use of any lines of W.C.T.U. work as can be made to serve the purposes of persecution, or to interfere with the most perfect liberty of conscience concerning days and the manner of their observance? These are proper and interesting questions. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.17

“Editorial Note” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, p. 804.

ANOTHER notable sign of apostasy from republican principles in this nation is given in the Washington correspondence of the New York Tribune, Nov. 27, 1899. It is first stated that it is not expected that the agreement between the United States and the other powers concerning China will be arranged in “a general and formal treaty.” And the reason for this is given thus:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.1

It would be extremely difficult to frame any such convention so as to secure the approval of the United States Senate without a protracted struggle, which might disclose disagreeable weaknesses in the government’s policies, and besides, the effort would be sure to arouse opposition from the considerable element in the United States that is unalterably opposed to any sort of foreign entanglements. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.2

And that is simply to say that in this matter the national affairs are to be conducted without the people. A certain course—the strictly proper governmental course—is studiously avoided, because it would be “difficult to secure the approval” of the representatives of the people, and because it would arouse opposition among the people themselves, and “might disclose disagreeable weaknesses in the government’s policies.” That is to say, because the administration doubts that the approval of the people would be given, the thing shall be done anyhow, and therefore without its coming within reach of the people at all. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.3

This is nothing else than in principle, and for the occasion even in practise, the abandonment of government of the people by the people. The people are informed that since the administration fears that the people will not approve its policies, the administration will execute its policies anyhow; that the administration can not truth the people, and therefore the people shall not be consulted. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.4

This is precisely the course of the republic of Rome over again. First it was a government of the people by the people. Then it was government by a few, who could not trust the people. Then, as in a little while it came about that these few could not trust one another, it became a government by one; and that one the most powerful. And how rapidly this later great republic is running that course of the ancient republic! ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.5

“The ‘Return of the Jews’” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, pp. 804, 805.

“THUS saith the Lord, Go and get a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; and go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee, and say, Hear ye the word of the Lord, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.... And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof. And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them. Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee. And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter’s vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.1

Please read over and consider carefully that passage of Scripture. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.2

First, notice the point of time at which it certainly applies: then its force and bearing upon this subject will be more fully discerned. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.3

The point of time at which it applies is not the siege and destruction of the city and the captivity of the people by Nebuchadnezzar:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.4

(a) Because in that siege there was no such straitness as is here described; although “all the bread in the city was spent,” and there was great distress; yet they were not so sorely driven by want as to eat human flesh, much less the flesh of their own children. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.5

(b) Because the same prophet Jeremiah told that same people that the destruction of the city and the scattering of the people by Nebuchadnezzar would be for only seventy years (Jeremiah 25:8-11), and then they should be gathered again from every nation, and the city would be rebuilt, saying, “Thus saith the Lord; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast, the voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 33:10, 11; also verses 5-9. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.6

These facts make it certain that the prophecy of Jeremiah 18, given by the symbol of the potter’s earthen bottle and the breaking of the bottle, had no reference to the destruction of the city and the captivity of the people by Nebuchadnezzar. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.7

A study of the facts and the Scriptures, however, makes it certain that the point of time at which Jeremiah 18 does apply is the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the people by the Romans, under Titus. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 804.8

(a) Because at that time the siege and straitness was so desperate that the frantic people did actually eat their own children. Read the terrible story, in literal fulfillment of Jeremiah 18:9, in Josephus, “Wars of the Jews,” book 5, chap. 10; and book 6, chap. 3. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.1

(b) This was also foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 28:53-57. And Moses said that this siege would be by “a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand,” which absolutely fixes it to the Romans; for the Jews never had any difficulty in understanding the Babylonians, while the Latin of the Romans was altogether a strange tongue. For the number of captives and the destruction and scattering of the people at this time, read Josephus, “Wars of the Jews,” book 6, chap. 9; and Milman’s “History of the Jews,” last paragraphs of book 16. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.2

It being certain then that the time at which Jeremiah 18 applies is the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the people by the Romans, what now saith this scripture as to the return of the Jews? ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.3

What was done with that bottle?—“Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the man that go with thee.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.4

What kind of bottle was it?—“A potter’s earthen bottle.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.5

What of such a bottle when it has been broken?—It “can not be made whole again.” If it were a glass bottle or a brazen bottle, and it were broken, it could be made whole again, even if only by melting and molding again. But when clay has once been burned, nothing can ever be made of it afterward even if it be reduced again to dust. An earthen bottle, therefore, once broken, literally “can not be made whole again.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.6

And when he had broken that bottle, which could not be made whole again, then he said to the witnesses, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter’s vessel, that can not be made whole again.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.7

Then as an earthen vessel, when broken, “can not be made whole again,” even so the people and nation of the Jews since their having been broken by the Romans, “can not be made whole again.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.8

And whatever any other may say, even “Thus saith the Lord of hosts.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.9

“Editorial Notes” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, p. 805.

THE Chinese Minister at Washington expresses some surprise that the nations—the United States with the rest—should go ahead so confidently in their defining “spheres of influence,” and taking charge generally of things, in China, without saying anything to China on the subject. He very aptly describes the affair thus:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.1

It is as if a party of your neighbors met, and agreed how they would occupy your house. One would take the front door, another would select the side doors, others would appropriate certain rooms—and all this without consulting you, the owner of the house! ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.2

Such a course by individuals would seem strange indeed, and it would amount to the same thing among nations. Of course, all things are possible, and it is difficult to say how far a plan once entered upon may proceed. While the individual may be quite secure in his residence, it is, of course, always within the bounds of possibility that a band of robbers may arrange to enter the house, and carry away the belongings. For that reason it is the part of wisdom for the individual to be on the outlook against such moves. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.3

“Editorial Bit” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, p. 805.

IN referring to the fact of history repeating itself, the Interior remarks that it is not doing so merely in a stationary round, because “hours now count for days or years,” as composed with the times of the original history that is now repeating itself. This is true. And because events do now pass so swiftly that there is not time to grasp all their bearings in detail, the Lord, in his word, has directed us to the study of the original history, when time passed so slowly that all the details can be marked. He has thus called us to the study of the original history, that we may understand all the principles involved; and so may be able to know the right way and escape the wrong when the history is being repeated in events that pass so swiftly and in such number that there is time for only a glimpse of each one. He who will faithfully study the original history in the light of the word of God, will be able to discern the true course, even by only a glimpse as the history repeats itself in this time when “hours count for days or years.” This is the whole philosophy of the story and the history of the beast and his image. How many have faithfully and thoroughly studied the original history, and so are now able to see wherein history is repeating itself, and to know what to do? ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.1

“Studies in Galatians. Galatians 3:10” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, p. 805.

“FOR as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.1

The reason that all who are of the works of the law are under the curse is that “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.2

Since “by the law is the knowledge of sin,” who ever by the law is of the works of the law, his works are only of works of sin; and of course he is under the curse, because he is only under sin, and sin brings only the curse. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.3

All that the law of itself ever says, or ever can say, to any man is that he is a sinner. As it is written, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Romans 3:19. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.4

Then how could it be expected that that which in all things whatsoever declares a man guilty, could of itself by any possibility declare him innocent? But when he is guilty, he is under the curse. And as in whatsoever works he does the law still declares him guilty, even though it be in endeavor to do the works of the law he is still under the curse. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.5

“Therefore” it is that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.6

In order for any man who is of the works of the law, any man by the works of the law, to be anywhere but under the curse, there would have to be by the law the knowledge of righteousness. But if by the law were the knowledge of righteousness, then, though all the world has gone overwhelmingly into sin and is laden with iniquity, none could ever know it; and the law, bringing to such persons the knowledge of righteousness, would ruin the universe, because in so doing it would be only declaring sin to be righteousness. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.7

But sin is not righteousness; and no variance from true righteousness can ever be sanctioned in any degree whatever. Therefore as this world has wholly gone so far out of the way that “there is none righteous, no, not one,” “all have sinned,” it is all-essential that they should know that they are in sin, and lost, so that they may be saved. “Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound [to make sin appear, “that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful”]. But where sin a-bounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:19-21. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.8

But it may be asked, Does not the law in giving the knowledge of sin, and in condemning sin, give by contrast the knowledge of righteousness?—The answer still is, No. In this way of contrast the law does indeed convey, or impress, the idea that there is such a thing as righteousness; but as for righteousness itself, what it really is, and the knowledge of it in the life, which is the only true knowledge—none of this is, and none of it can be, conveyed by the law. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.9

The reason of this is that the only true righteousness that there is, is the righteousness of God. Anything that does not meet in full measure the standard of God’s righteousness is not righteousness at all; but is sin. Now it is the truth that the utmost measure of righteousness that any man can see or find in the law of God, comes far short of the true measure of God’s righteousness. But just so far as it does come short of God’s righteousness, it is sin. It is, in fact, simply the man’s own measure of righteousness according to the measure of his own powers of comprehension. And though lived up to by himself in complete measure, it is only his own righteousness instead of the righteousness of God; because it is according to his own measure instead of the measure of God; it is simply self-righteousness instead of God’s righteousness, and so is sin. Consequently by the law is only the knowledge of sin. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.10

Yet it is also true that the very righteousness of God is in the law; because the law is but the expression of the will of God, it is only the transcript of his character. And since this is so, it follows in the nature of the case that nobody can see in the law the righteousness of God, nobody can find in the law the righteousness of God, but God himself. And this only emphasizes the mighty truth that all that anybody, whether God or man, can ever see or find in the law is HIS OWN righteousness. On the part of man, this is sin; because it comes short of the righteousness of God. But on the part of God, it is righteousness; because it is the very righteousness of God in all perfection. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.11

And this makes clear and emphasizes the mighty and eternal truth that the righteousness of God that is in the law can never come to anybody by the law: but must come as the gift of God, from God alone, “without the law.” Therefore it is written, “If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:21. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, ...even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:22, 23. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.12

By the law is the knowledge of sin; by the gospel is the knowledge of righteousness, “for therein is the righteousness of God revealed.” Romans 1:17. As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, because by the law is the knowledge of sin; as many as are of the faith of the gospel are delivered from the curse, because “therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 805.13

“History Repeating Itself” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 76, 50, p. 806.

ONE of the leading Washington correspondents, writing Dec. 3, 1899, presents the following view of the position of the United States in the eyes of the nations:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.1

One of the oldest employees of the State Department, one who has occupied an important and confidential post through many administrations, was speaking to me to-day of the remarkable change that had come in these two years in the status of the United States. “It seems but a year or two ago,” he said, “that Washington was looked upon in diplomatic circles throughout the world as a sort of place of banishment. No first-class diplomatists were sent to this capital. We were regarded as of such small importance that the legations here were used as a sort of makeshifts, and the diplomats nearly always tried their best to avoid assignment to this city. Now the best men in every diplomatic service are selected for Washington. Probably there is not a capital in Europe that contains a higher average quality of skill and ability among the foreign embassies and legations than we have accredited to us here. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.2

“Another and most gratifying evidence of our improved status in the eyes of the world,” continued this old official, “is found in the manner in which all the nations are trying to get on good terms with us. We men here in the State Department are amazed at the contrast which the present shows with the past in this respect. We see it and feel it every day. We can all remember when the diplomats scarcely took the trouble to veil behind their traditional politeness a certain contempt for America and for our government. At times they were inclined to be just a trifle arrogant with us. Now it is all the other way. There is not a government in the world that fails to show us, in its every-day contact with us through the visits of its diplomatic representatives, that it wishes to cultivate the most friendly and cordial relations with the new world-power. If Secretary Hay dared do it, he could tell you of many instances of this, some of them of a rather amazing character. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.3

“I will venture one illustration: Not long ago Italy wanted to gobble up a slice of territory in China. The Italians had caught the fever from the larger European nations. One of the first things the diplomatic representatives of Italy at this capital did was to come to the State Department, seeking aid and comfort. They had not much more than got out the door when the Chinese minister came in, asking the help of the United States government in resisting the threatened encroachment of the Italians. Of course, there was nothing for us to do but tell both of them that the affair was out of our line. Only a day or two after, the Chinese minister was here, asking the United States to take charge of his country’s interests in Colombia during the present troubles there. So it goes. Scarcely a day passes that some such request, or other evidence of the world’s friendliness to us, and confidence in us, is not brought to our attention.” ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.4

Now along with that read the following from the history of the republic of Rome at the point where, by her “war for humanity” and for “the spread of liberty,” she had entered fully upon a world career:— ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.5

From all sides kings and ambassadors flocked to Rome to congratulate her; and they showed that fawning is never more abject than when kings are in the antechamber.... The whole civilized world thenceforth recognized the Roman Senate the supreme tribunal, whose commissioners decided in the last resort between kings and nations.—Mommsen. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.6

But the gratitude which the Greeks showed Flamininus and the Romans [when the armies of the Roman Republic had set them “free” from kingships] did not terminate merely in causing them to be praised: it also infinitely conduced to the augmentation of their power, by inducing all nations to confide in them, and rely on the faith of their engagements. For they not only received such generals as the Romans sent them, but requested earnestly that they might be sent: they called them in, and put themselves into their hands with joy. and not only nations and cities, but princes and kings, who had complaints to offer against the injustice of neighboring powers, and recourse to them, and put themselves in a manner under their safeguard.—Rollin. See “Great Empires of Prophecy,” pages 226-228, 243-249. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.7

The history of that ancient great republic is being steadily repeated before the eyes of all in this modern great republic. Do you see it? The two republics, or Rome and the United States, is a subject of greatest importance, and is a most interesting study just now. ARSH December 12, 1899, page 806.8