The Present Truth, vol. 14

June 23, 1898

“‘Consider the Lilies’” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

“Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon and all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so cloth the grass, which is to-day in the field, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Luke xii. 27, 28. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.1

Jesus has sent us to school to the lilies, and has appointed them our teachers in the way of life. We have not by any means exhausted the lessons that they have to give us; indeed, few of us have made more than a beginning, for although the instruction that they give is so simple that a child can understand it, yet no philosopher of the schools can compare with them in depth of wisdom. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.2

What are we to consider about the lilies?—“How they grow.” It is not how they look, but how they grow. One would naturally suppose that, since Jesus was talking of clothing, and how we are to be provided with what is necessary, He would have directed us to the looks of the lilies, to see how tastefully they are dressed; but such a supposition is evidence of our need of instruction. We are so ignorant of the first principles of the wisdom which the lilies teach. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.3

“The Lord seeth not as a man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” It is not that the Lord despises outward beauty; far from it. “Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary;” and He has promised to “beautify the meek with salvation.” He delights in beauty; but He knows that as corruption comes from within, and not from without (Mark vii. 18-23), so beauty, to be real, must come from within. He severely rebuked the scribes and Pharisees, because they made clean the outside of the cup and the platter, while within they were full of impurities, and said, “Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matt. xxiii. 25, 26. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.4

Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like a lily. How is that? Is a lily then so much more wondrously beautiful than other things? Jesus did not say so. Some lilies are more gorgeous, but others are very plain, and scarcely noticeable. It is quite likely that when Solomon was arrayed in his royal apparel on State occasions, his clothing would outshine a whole bed of ordinary lilies. Yet in all his glory he was not clothed like the most modest lily that grows. Why?—because no matter how gorgeous and beautiful his clothing was, it was all put on; it was no part of himself; but the beauty of the lily's dress is the lily itself. All that it looks to be, it is. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.5

Thus it is that the lilies, who our teachers by Divine appointment, teach us that the only clothing that is of any real value is that which cannot be put on and off, but that which grows; that which is formed from within. Even such clothing did the Apostle Peter write about, saying to the women, “Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel, but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter iii. 3, 4. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.6

How strange that people should proudly boast of that which is no part of themselves! Not only is our clothing no part of ourselves, but the very fact that we are obliged to wear manufactured clothing at all, is proof of our fallen and degraded state. God is clothed with light as a garment, for He Himself is light. His clothing is the beauty of His own character. His clothing, like that of the lily, is what He is. Even so it was with man in the beginning, for man was made in the image of God. It was not until they lost their first estate through sin, that our first parents had any need of clothing that must be put on from the outside. So that upon which most people bestow so much care and worry, and in which they take so much pride, is the mark of their shame. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 385.7

Until the kingdom is again restored as in the beginning, all mankind, the children of God as well as the wicked, will be obliged to wear manufactured clothing; but let them not worry about it, nor be proud of what is no part of them. What should they do?—“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” Then clothing and everything else that is necessary will be added. “Seek the kingdom of God.” Where shall we seek for it? The Saviour has given us the answer: “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation; neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo, there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke xvii. 20, 21. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.1

This agrees with the exhortation to put on apparel that is “the hidden man of the heart.” Where the King is, there is the kingdom; and the King is the Word of God, that “was made flesh.” This Word is in us, in our mouth, and in our heart, that we may do it. If we yield ourselves to it, we shall be filled with righteousness. We shall grow up “trees of righteousness,” and our clothing will be “the robe of righteousness,” the product of the growth from within. He who is able to supply us with this beautiful clothing, of which no one can boast, because it comes only with humility, can very easily provide the other necessary clothing. Temporal things are very easily managed by Him who handles eternities. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.2

The lesson therefore which we learn from the lilies is that of absolute dependence and trust. “Consider the lilies how they grow.” How do they grow?—They simply grow. They grow by the power of God in them, which they do not try to resist. You will remember that the name “Israel” was given to Jacob when he ceased all his struggling against the Lord, and cast himself wholly upon the Almighty. His strength was demonstrated to be nothing, and so he let the Lord support him. Now the Lord says, “I will be as the dew unto Israel; ye shall blossom as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.” Hosea xiv. 5. That is, “they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Their beauty will be “the beauty of holiness.” Their clothing will be not simply that which can be put on and off, but, like that of the lily, it will be the product of the growth of grace within, it will be themselves, and will endure to all eternity. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.3

“Notes on the International Sunday-School Lessons. The Kingdom Divided. 1 Kings xii. 16-25” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

JULY 3

In this lesson we have the climax of the trouble for which the later years of reign had been preparing the way. For King Solomon loved many strange women ... and he had seven hundred wives ... for it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.... . Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, inasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David My servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.” 1 Kings vi. 1-13. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.4

It had been only a hundred and twenty years since Saul was anointed king, and yet the evil results of having a king, which the Lord pointed out to the people at the time, were already being severely felt. He had said, “Ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you.” And so it was. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.5

REAL AND FALSE KINGLY POWER

When God created man in His image and said, “Let them have dominion,” it was not an arbitrary power over the earth which was conferred upon him. He was to have dominion by virtue of that inherent power of the righteousness of the character which was given to him in making him in the image of God. And it was God's plan that the earth should be ruled by the power of His own righteousness as revealed ill and through man. After man had fallen into sin, this purpose of God was not changed, although it became necessary to give His own Son to become the man, the second Adam, through whom all this should be accomplished. Just in proportion, therefore, as men lived near to God, following in His ways and permitting Him to reveal His righteousness in them, so would they have dominion, so would they have stability of character, and thence would follow stability of government. Just in proportion as they departed from God and refused to be obedient to His commandments, and thus permitted sin to have dominion over them, so would they lose their dominion, so would weakness of character assert itself, and thence would follow instability of government. This was the history of the people of God under all their rulers. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.6

APOSTASY AND DISTRESS

In his later years Solomon “kept not that which the Lord commanded,” but his heart was turned away “after other gods.” “Wealth, luxury, and self-indulgence worked out, as in numberless other royal cases, their bitter fruits. The material gifts of God's bounty were perverted to selfish ends. A policy of mere worldly expediency, instead of righteousness, led to alliances with heathen courts. These, in turn, involved increased expenditure, which was met by augmented taxation.” Thus was the way prepared for discontent and revolt. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.7

A PETITION DISREGARDED

After the death of Solomon and the accession of Rehoboam, the people came to the new king and said: “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.” The king “consulted with the old men” and they gave wise counsel, saying, “If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for over.” Then the king” consulted with the young men that were grown up with him and they recommended this reply: “My little finger shall he thicker than my father's loins.” The new king followed the counsel of the young men and threatened the people with heavier burdens than his father had imposed upon then. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 386.8

THE TRUE AND THE FALSE PRINCIPLE OF GOVERNMENT

The two replies well represent the difference between the principles of the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. “If thou wilt be a servant unto this people,” said the old men, and this was the principle upon which God in Jesus Christ deals with the rebellious world. “Behold My Servant whom I uphold.” “I am among you as he that serveth.” “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him he your servant.” Thus does He who is King of kings and Lord of lords relate Himself to those whom He would win as His loyal subjects. In marked contrast with this is that arbitrary spirit which would seek to crush under an iron heel every one who should raise a voice against oppression. The one would win by self-sacrifice; the other would drive by an increase of arbitrary power. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.1

But instead of being terrified into submission by the threats uttered, the people were driven into open revolt: “What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David.” When the tax gatherer came among them,” all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died.” “So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.” Thus by disunion and division was the way being prepared for the downfall of the nation and their captivity. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.2

THE SITUATION TO-DAY

He who considers the situation among the nations of the earth to-day cannot fail to see the working of the same influences which brought disaster to Solomon's kingdom. There are nations where the people are growing under the burden of debt and taxation, and yet their protests, not always wisely made (as in the recent riots in Italy), are met with a display of military power, and no hope is held out that the condition of affairs will be improved. The ruling powers have in many cases so far repudiated the principles of truth and righteousness that there is no sure foundation upon which to build any hope of future reform. The time is near when “all these things shall be dissolved,” and the only hope of individuals will be that each one has built for himself upon the sure foundation, and “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.3

“The Venomous Beast” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

Every incident recorded in the Scripture is designed to impart some Gospel instruction to us; and all personal experiences should be read with this fact in mind. The only purpose in studying the Bible is that we may learn the Gospel. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.4

What might possibly seem like a minor event in the life of the Apostle Paul, when considered from this point of view, is full of suggestion for us. When on his way to Rome as a prisoner, he was shipwrecked and cast upon the island of Melita. And as Paul was putting some wood upon the fire which had been kindled for them by the people of the island, “there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.” Seeing “the venomous beast” hanging upon his hand, the people at once concluded that he was an escaped criminal whom “vengeance suffereth not to live.” And so they expected to see him fall down dead, or at least to show some sign of distress, but “he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.5

This was in direct fulfilment of the Lord's promise to believers, “They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them,” and it contains also a practical lesson for us. Of course it illustrates God's power to keep those who put their trust in Him, but the way in which this power is exercised, and the part which we have to act in connection with it, are not always so clearly understood as they should be. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.6

To the seventy, whom He had sent out with the Gospel message, Jesus said: “Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” All that which tends to injury of any kind has its origin in sin. “That old serpent, called the, devil and Satan,” is responsible for the death-dealing power of all serpents; and the power which successfully resists his attacks is sufficient to render harmless the attacks of all other serpents through which he may attempt to work his work of death. And so the gift of power “over all the power of the enemy” would place one where the bite of the most venomous serpent could do him no injury. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.7

But what is this power and how is it imparted? God does not in an arbitrary way impart this gift to some and withhold it from others. “For there is no respect of persons with God.” There is only one power in the universe and that is God's power. Even the power of that old Serpent is simply a perversion of the power of God. But God's power is the inherent power of His own goodness, His righteousness, and in the revealing of His character is the revealing of His power. It is therefore clear that the giving of His power as simply the giving of His own righteousness in Jesus Christ “the power of God;” and the receiving of this power is simply the receiving of Jesus Christ. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.8

This truth of the Gospel is well illustrated in one of the experiences of the children of Israel in their journey to the promised land. The Lord had said to them: “Behold, I send an angel [‘the Angel of His Presence,’ Jesus Christ ‘who went with them’] before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” So long as the people believed God and accepted the gift of His Son, as His personal Presence with them, they were led by a way that they knew not, they were abundantly supplied with food and drink and clothing, and they were protected from every threatening evil. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.9

All this came to them through faith when unbelief and murmuring took the place of faith and thanksgiving, then were experienced the results of the power of the enemy. And so on one occasion “the people spake against God, and against Moses,” “and the Lord sent [let loose] fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” These same serpents were in the wilderness all the time, but as long as the people accepted by faith God's gift of His own Presence to keep them in the way, it was possible for Him to protect His people from them. But since they were held in check by the Lord's powerful presence with a believing people, any rejection of Him was a rejection of the very power that preserved them, and so the serpents were able to destroy them. God gave them power over the serpents all the time, but it was the rejection of that power which exposed them to death. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 387.10

These same principles are brought out in the experience of the Apostle Paul. It was his faith which saved the lives of all the ship's company. God gave them to him, and he accepted the gift through his faith in the Word of God; “I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Thus was it possible to avert the destruction which the enemy was attempting to bring upon them. And the experience with the viper was simply the same thing in another form. And the same faith which saved his life and the lives of the others from “the prince of the power of the air,” who worked through the storm, now saved him from the same power working through the viper. And so “he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.1

But the faith which made such results as these possible did not come in a day, and that was not the first time that the apostle had shaken off the viper and felt no harm. The fundamental principle in all his experience as a Christian was this: “It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith.” This it was which gave him the power over all the attacks of that old serpent, in whatsoever form they were made. And so having by his faith shaken off that old Serpent whenever he had fastened himself upon him, he was prepared for that experience, on the island of Melita that day. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.2

The lesson for us is plain enough. So long as we are in this world of sin we are exposed to the attacks of the enemy, yet the Lord's presence will keep us in the way, and even if “that old serpent, called the devil and Satan “should fasten himself upon us, we shall be able to shake off the venomous beast and feel no harm, provided that our faith keeps the channel of power open to us. “These signs shall follow them that believe.” And as the lack of faith in the earth and the refusal to accept Jesus Christ are opening the way more and more for “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” those who would be preserved from the perils of these last days must be putting into constant use the faith which works by love. The power of an indwelling Saviour will hold in check “all the power of the enemy.” “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.3

“The Everlasting Gospel. God's Saving Power in the Things that Are Made” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

Luke ii. 10-13: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.4

Let the following facts that are stated in this text be carefully noted and remembered. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.5

1. The “good tidings of great joy,” that is, the good and joyful news, which is what the word “Gospel” means, consists in the announcement of a Saviour. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.6

2. This Gospel or good news of salvation is to “all people.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.7

3. This Saviour of the world, over whom “a multitude of the heavenly host” were rejoicing, was but a helpless babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger because its parents were not able to command a better resting place. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.8

4. From this last fact we may learn that “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are; that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Cor. i. 27-31. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.9

Nothing in this world is weaker than a new-born baby, and no one was more despised than Jesus was by the world, nor was any baby ever born whose birth attracted less attention by the world; yet He was “the power of God and the wisdom of God,” the One whom God makes our wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. So as no flesh has any cause to glory before God, no flesh has any ground for discouragement. No flesh can be weaker than was the Saviour of mankind. Even when grown to manhood He said: “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John v. 30. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.10

Rev. xiv. 6, 7: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.11

In this text let us note:— PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.12

1. This everlasting Gospel is to all people, just as the angel said to the shepherds. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 388.13

2. Since there is but one Gospel (Gal. i. 7, 8), we know that this everlasting Gospel, which is to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” is the good news of a Saviour, “which is Christ the Lord,” who shall “save His people from their sins.” Matt. i. 31. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.1

3. This Gospel calls for the glory-all glory-to be given to God, to whom alone it belongs. See Matt. vi. 13. As already learned, we are to give Him the glory, because there is nothing that man has wherein to glory. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.2

4. We are to give God the glory, instead of man, because “it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves.” Ps. c. 3. He is worthy of all glory, because He is the Creator of heaven, and earth, and all things that are in them. Our acknowledgment of His glory as Creator puts us into the right relation to Him-we as His subjects, and He as our Saviour. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.3

Rom. i. 16: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation unto every one that believeth.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.4

As we read this, let us remember that the Gospel of Christ is the good news that Jesus is a Saviour from sin. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.5

The power by which He saves, is the power of God working in Him. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.6

He came as a helpless babe absolutely unknown to the world. He had no beauty, that anyone should desire Him, and was “despised and rejected of men.” Isa. liii. 2, 3. By taking our flesh, He voluntarily assumed a place where He was unable to help Himself. Yet we need not be ashamed of this Christ, weak and despised as He was, because He was “the power of God,”—the perfection of God's power shown in weakness. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.7

Rom. i. 19, 20: “That which may be known of God is manifested in them (that is, in ungodly men); for God manifested it unto them. For the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and Divinity; that they may be without excuse.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.8

This text should be studied with great care, until the following facts contained in it are indelibly impressed on the mind:— PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.9

1. Ever since the creation of the world, the invisible things of God,-all that may he known of God-are clearly to be seen. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.10

2. The things which may be known of God are His everlasting power and Divinity. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.11

3. These things are manifested in “the things that are made,” that is, in creation. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.12

4. Since we have seen the Gospel-the everlasting Gospel-to be the power of God unto salvation, and God's everlasting power is revealed in the things that are made, it follows that the everlasting Gospel is preached by every created thing. That is, by everything that God has made, He shows us His Divine and everlasting power to save us from our sins. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.13

5. That is why no one has any excuse for ungodliness. “His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” 2 Peter i. 3. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.14

Taking all these texts into consideration, we can understand why the preaching of the everlasting Gospel from heaven calls upon us to “worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” In them is seen the power of God unto salvation. Whoever recognises that fact must worship God, because “power belongeth unto God.” Ps. Ixii. 11. No man has any power, nor anything in which to glory. “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all.” “In Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” 1 Chron. xxix. 11, 12. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.15

Lastly, let us ever remember that, since all things that are made reveal the power of God;-since the power that is manifested not simply to create but to uphold everything in the universe is the power that is working to save men;-and we see the Gospel in all creation, the story of creation was written for no other purpose than to teach us the Gospel, to show us God's power to save us from sin. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.16

“‘Behold You God’” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

By comparing Isa. xl. 3-5 with John i. 23 and Luke iii. 4-6, we readily see that in the first-mentioned chapter we have the prophecy of the mission of John the Baptist. Concerning this there is no possibility of any misunderstanding; but where many err is in supposing that the work prophesied of by the prophet Isaiah was finished when the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth died. That this was not the case, is as plain as that John himself came in fulfilment of it. The prophecy itself shows this. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.17

If we read as far as the 9th verse of Isaiah, we shall see that the message of John the Baptist included this exhortation and announcement: “Behold your God! Behold the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.18

Thus we see that the special mission which John the Baptist began, reaches to the coming of the Lord to give reward to all His people. The prophecy did not foretell the coming of John, but only of a voice, and that voice must continue to sound until the necessity for it ceases by the coming of the Lord. Men may be put to death, but the voice cannot be stifled. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.19

That voice was to proclaim the nothingness of human flesh, and the greatness of God, thus teaching absolute faith and trust in Him, and preparing people for His coining; for only those who become acquainted with the Lord are prepared for His coming, and all the preparation that is needed for that event is personal acquaintance with Him. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.20

That this message, “Behold your God!” is to be given before the coming of the Lord, and is not a cry announcing His appearance in the sky, is evident enough when we remember that His coming will be like the lightning that shines from one end of heaven to the other (Matt. xxix. 27), so that “every eye shall see Him” (Rev. i. 7), and there will then be no need for anybody to say, “Behold Him!” No; the message is preparatory to that event; it introduces people to the Lord, so that those who heed it may be able to say when the Lord comes, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isa. xxv. 9. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.21

We know now why the message given, “Behold your God!” People have not liked to retain God in their knowledge (Rom. i. 28), and have consequently become corrupt, and are in danger of the eternal destruction which at the Lord's coming will be the lot of “them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. i. 8, 9. The question now is, How shall we make the acquaintance of the Lord? Where are we to behold Him? PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.22

The answer is, In “the things that are made.” Ever since, the creation of the world, all that may be known of God is clearly to be seen in the things that He has made. People have so long been serving the works of their own hands, that they have become like their idols, “eyes have they, but they see not.” They need to have their eyes opened, and turned to the works of God's hand, where He stands revealed. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 389.23

God's “everlasting power and Divinity” are revealed through the things that He has made. So every created thing proclaims the Gospel,-the good news of a Saviour from sin,-because the Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Thus it is that every created thing announces a Saviour, because it reveals God's power, and Christ is “the power of God.” So the message proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds of Bethlehem, is repeated and re-echoed by every created thing. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 390.1

The heaven, and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters, repeat the message of salvation. Day and night the voice keeps saying, “Behold!” And shall men, the crown of creation, be silent? Nay; in addition to the silent voice of the life, the being,-which they possess in common with the rest of creation, they have articulate speech, so that with “a loud voice” they can cry, “Behold your God, in heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters; and worship and give glory to Him!” It is to this end that these lessons, the first of which we have this week, have been written. May each one who studies them have his eyes opened to see the Lord in all His power and glory; and as the exceeding loveliness of the sight fills you with “joy unspeakable and full of glory,” you will need no second bidding, “Lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 390.2

“‘Passing the Love of Women’” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

We would naturally expect that a man after after God's own heart would reveal in his life something of the love of the love and tenderness which dwells in the Father's heart, and there was that in David which inspired strong affection in those who knew him. Even Saul I “loved him greatly.” Michal, Saul's daughter, bestowed her affections on him, and of Jonathan, Saul's eldest son, it is written that he loved David as his own soul. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.1

The first time that David and Jonathan are mentioned together was after the return of the former from the slaying of Goliath. From that time Saul would no more allow David to return to his home at Jonathan's Bethlehem, but set him over the men of war. “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant ... and Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.2

There was much in common between the two friends. The same spirit of fearless trust in God which had made David bold to take up the challenge of Goliath was likewise strong in Jonathan. Accompanied only by his armour-bearer he had once attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and the Lord had delivered them into his hand. Saul with six hundred men had not ventured to attack the enemy, but Jonathan said, “It may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.” “So the Lord saved Israel that day.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.3

Jonathan's disposition was a noble one. Even when he learned that the throne which should come to him, as Saul's eldest son, was promised to David, it did not lessen his love. The faith, by which he was victorious over the Philistines, proved him a true child of Abraham, and like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he desired a better country, that is, an heavenly. His father sought the honour that cometh from men only; and could not endure to hear the praises of David sounded louder than his own, or the thought that his kingdom was to be given to another better than he; but Jonathan, in generous, self-forgetful love, could strip off his own princely arms and raiment, and put them upon his friend. One who looks for an everlasting dominion, and who knows that God holds for him “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” will not feel hurt and rebellious if others receive a larger portion of earthly honour than falls to himself. It may be that much of the good seen in David's after life was due to the influence of Jonathan's example. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.4

The time soon came when Saul tried to take David's life, and spoke to his son about it, expecting his co-operation in the attempt but instead Jonathan warned David of the danger and succeeded for awhile in turning Saul from his evil purpose. Jonathan pleaded with his father not to sin against David, “because he hath not sinned against thee. For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.5

Although quieted for awhile Saul's jealous, unreasoning anger was again raised against David, and this time he concealed his intentions from Jonathan. But David learned of his peril and, meeting Jonathan, told him what Saul was doing. Jonathan would not believe that his father could be so treacherous, and it was not until Saul, in his anger at David's escape, cast his javelin at his son, that Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. He met with his friend for the last time, so far as we have any record, “and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.6

“And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever.” So they parted, Jonathan returning to the city, David going forth to seek a refuge from the hatred of the king. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.7

The next mention of Jonathan tells of his death on the battle-field at Gilboa, together with two of his brothers and his father. We may think it sad that Jonathan's life should not have been set in happier times, and that the closing years should have been embittered by his father's enmity against his dearest friend, but we may hope with confidence that he had learned like David the lesson of trust in God. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.8

Commit thy way unto the Lord.
Trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.
Ps. xxxvii. 5. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.9

Even if the evil seemed to triumph in the life he knew the time was coming when PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.10

The meek shall inherit the land,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of
peace. Verse 11. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.11

When David learned of the death of Jonathan he mourned greatly, saying, PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.12

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in
their lives,
And in their death they were not divided;
They were swifter than eagles,
They were stronger than lions.
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan:
Very pleasant hast thou been unto me
Thy love to me was wonderful,
Passing the love of women. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 392.13

Great, however, as was the love of Jonathan for David, it was but a feeble representation of that which Christ bestows on us. So closely has He knit His soul with ours that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 393.1

He puts upon us His own raiment, “for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” He equips us with His own weapons and armour, bidding us “put on the whole armour of God,” and take “the sword of the Spirit.” He is the Son of a King and heir to the throne of the universe, but He left everything and “became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich,” and He calls whosoever will to sit down with Him on His throne. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 393.2

Truly, His love to us is wonderful, passing the love of women. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they way forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you.” Indeed to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, is to be filled with all the fulness of God. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 393.3

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly
crown
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no
room
For Thy holy nativity. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 393.4

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of
thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 393.5

Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
Thy cross is my only plea;
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, come!
There, is room in my heart for Thee. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 393.6

“For the Children. ‘Well Dressed’” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

The Saviour prayed for His disciples, “Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold Thy glory.” And the promise of God to His people is that they shall dwell in His courts, and He will give them places to walk among those that stand by His throne of glory. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.1

Those who go to the courts of earthly kings and queens, are very particular about their appearance. When they are “presented at court” they must wear a certain style of dress, every part of which is carefully looked over before they are allowed to pass into the presence of the sovereign. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.2

But what have we in which to appear at the court of the King of kings? How can we stand without fear or shame among the shining angels who surround His throne, and be “presented faultless before the presence of His glory”? PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.3

In the courts of earthly kings many things are very different from what they appear to be. Those who are the most richly and beautifully clothed in the eyes of those who see only the outward appearance, may really be full of wickedness and deceit. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.4

But in the courts of the Lord, in the light of His countenance, every one appears exactly what he really is. No one there can look beautiful outwardly, who is not “all glorious within.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.5

The Lord tells us how we all look to Him, when He says that “all our righteousnesses are as filth rags.” Not rags only,-that would be bad enough,-but filthy rags. But we are not to worry and mourn over this, saying, “Wherewithal shall we be, clothed?” because our “Heavenly Father knoweth that we have need of these things.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.6

Our Father will see that His children do not disgrace Him by going about in “filthy rags.” He says, “I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” He will not be satisfied with anything but “the best robe” for His children. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.7

But in order to change our raiment He must take away the old sinful nature, which is what clothes us in “filthy rags.” And so He says, “I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee.” This He can only do by washing us in His own blood. Then think how much it has cost Him to clothe us with change of raiment! PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.8

He puts in the place of our iniquity His own purity and beauty of character. He covers us with the “robe of righteousness” by putting His own righteous life into us. This shines forth and clothes us like Himself with glory and beauty. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.9

A poor old Frenchwoman went one evening to a mission hall in Paris, and listened with great interest to an address on “the robe of righteousness.” As she left the hall she said to one of the mission workers,- PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.10

“I believe that this is my last visit here. I am rapidly getting weaker.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.11

“I will come to see you,” answered the gentleman, “but should God soon call you, have you any fear of appearing before Him?” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.12

“Oh no,” replied the old Frenchwoman with a bright smile, “I am too well dressed for that-too well dressed to dread the Judgment.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.13

The poor old woman was not trusting in her own righteousness, but in the beautiful garment of salvation which is the free gift of God to all who will receive it. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.14

“What are these that are arrayed in white robes?” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.15

“These are they which ... have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.16

“Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
'Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 395.17

“Greatness” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

There was a time when all the beings whom God had created were filled with the Spirit of God,-the sweet spirit of love, for “God is love.” “Love seeketh not her own,” and so every one, instead of looking out for himself without paying any attention to the good of others, was all the time seeking the happiness of some one else, just as God Himself does. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.1

But the spirit of jealousy and pride, the desire to seek great things for himself, came into the heart of Satan, and he said, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” He wanted to hold a higher position than anyone else, and to rule over all the angels of God, and he thought to get for himself this high place. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.2

This spirit of pride and envy Satan has put into the heart of man. Cain, the first child born into this world, allowed the spirit of Satan to rule in his heart, and when he grew to be a man, he became so jealous of Abel his brother that he rose up against him and killed him. When little boys and girls try to appear better than others, to have more than others, or to get for themselves that which belongs to anyone else, it is because they are ruled by the spirit of Satan. This leads to quarrelling and fighting among them. It is just the opposite of the sweet spirit of Jesus, the spirit of love which “seeketh not her own.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.3

If every one would let Jesus cast out Satan from his heart, and rule in him by His Spirit of love, His kingdom would come, and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Then wars would cease unto the ends of the earth, and all be peace, harmony and love, as in the beginning. But now Satan rules in the kingdoms of this world, and we must therefore expect to find them just the opposite of the kingdom of Christ. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.4

Jesus said, “If My kingdom were of this world then would My servants fight,” because this is the way of the kingdoms of this world. When His disciples were quarrelling as to which of them should be the greatest, Jesus showed them that what they were seeking for themselves was not true greatness. He said that in the world, where Satan's spirit rules, those who win for themselves power over others, and “exercise lordship and authority upon them,” are called “great.” To the subjects of His kingdom He says: “But so shall it not be among you, but whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister, and whosoever will be the chiefest shall be servant of all.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.5

These verses, written a long while ago by Rev. E. Jones, show that the “great” men of this world are not those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ:— PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.6

Son. How big was Alexander, pa,
That people call him great?
Was he, like old Goliath, tall?
His spear a hundred weight?
Was he so large that he could stand
Like some tall steeple high;
And while his feet were on the ground,
His hands could touch the sky? PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.7

Father. No, my child; about as large
As I or Uncle James.
'Twas not his stature made him great,
But greatness of his name. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.8

Son. His name so great? I know ‘tis long,
But easy quite to spell;
And more than halt a year ago
I know it very well. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.9

Father. I mean, my child, his actions were
So great, he got a name
That everybody speaks with praise,
That tells about his fame. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.10

Son. Well, what great actions did he do?
I want to know it all. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.11

Father. Why, he it was that conquered Tyre,
And levelled down her wall,
And thousands of her people slew:
And then to Persia went,
And fire and sword on every side
Through many a region sent.
A hundred conquered cities shone
With midnight burnings red;
And strewed o'er many a battle-ground,
Ten thousand soldiers bled. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.12

Son. Did killing people make him great?
Then why was Abdel Young,
Who killed his neighbour, training day,
Put into jail and hung?
I never heard them call him great. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.13

Father. Why, no, ‘twas not in war;
And him that kills a single man,
His neighbours all abhor. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.14

Son. Well, then, if I should kill a man,
I'd kill a hundred more;
I should be GREAT, and not get hung,
Like Abdel Young, before. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.15

Father. Not so, my child, ‘twill never do;
The Gospel bids be kind. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.16

Son. Then they that kill and they that praise,
The Gospel do not mind. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.17

Father. You know, my child, the Bible says
That you must always do
To other people, as you wish
To have them do to you. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.18

Son. But, pa, did Alexander wish
That some strong man would come
And burn his house, and kill him too,
And do as he had done?
Does everybody call him GREAT,
For killing people so?
Well, now, what right he had to kill,
I should be glad to know.
If one should burn the buildings here,
And kill the folks within,
Would anybody call him great,
For such a wicked thing? PTUK June 23, 1898, page 396.19

“The Wisdom of Solomon” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

Solomon wrote, “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not unto him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” Bishop Thomas W. Dudley, of whom the following story is told, had evidently learned some lessons at the same school that Solomon did:— PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.1

When it was first known in the city in which he was settled that he was to go to Kentucky, some of his friends were disposed to be critical. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.2

“You are not going to Kentucky, are you?” asked one. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.3

“Yes, indeed.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.4

“Do you know what kind of a State that is? I saw in the paper that one man killed another in a Kentucky town for treading on a dog.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.5

The bishop said nothing, and the man continued, impatiently, “What are you going to do in a place like that?” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.6

“I'm not going to tread on the dog!” was the calm reply. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.7

The quarrelsome man is the one who is always in difficulty. A man of peace can live peaceably even among ill-disposed people. No man ever has any use for weapons, except the man who always carries them. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 397.8

“Jottings” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

-The French Cabinet has resigned, after having been in office for two years. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.1

-The best watchmakers’ oil comes from the shock of the shark. About half a pint is found in each shark. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.2

-Intense misery exists in Havana, and no doubt throughout Cuba in the capital a barrel of flour fetches ?6 sterling. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.3

-Dr. Koch declares that the spread of malaria in the tropics is due to the propagation of blood parasites by mosquitos. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.4

-It is calculated that 1,000,000 acres of forest land are used up every year in Europe to supply the railways with sleepers. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.5

-During 1897, in addition to the ordinary revenue, about ?940,000 was raised for hospitals, dispensaries, and convalescent homes, while further ?25,000 a year was added to the revenue from annual subscribers. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.6

-And imperial edict has been issued ordering the establishment at Peking of a university on the European model. The high officials are commanded to consult together immediately with a view to carrying out the scheme. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.7

-North Wales University College, in order to illustrate experimentally the teaching of agriculture, is about to acquire a farm at Liedwigan of 358 acres at a cost of ?4,000. The Drapers’ Company have promised ?1,000 towards the scheme. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.8

-In the Philippines, the Roman Catholic priests are the real authorities. The registration of births, marriages and deaths is in the hands of the priest, who will not marry anyone for less than ?6, just what many of them earn in half a year. Baptism costs ?5 or more. For burials of the tax rises from ?2 for an infant to ?10 or ?12 for an adult. Till the tax be paid the body remains unburied. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.9

-By a vote of 209 to 91 the Washington House of Representatives has declared for the annexation of Hawaii. This means that the United States has embarked on a new policy, which will add one more vast, disturbing element to the unrest of the nations. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.10

-Three thousand boats, calculated to carry 15,000 people and 10,000 tons of supplies, are starting on the passage up the Yukon river to Klondyke, the lakes being now clear of ice. As these craft are managed great part by inexperienced hands, it is feared serious mishaps may result. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.11

-Russian diplomacy is making headway in China. The Times announces some most important railway concessions which have just been granted to Russia, one of them being for the construction of a line through territory in the Yang-tse Valley, which England considers within her sphere of influence. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.12

-In Germany, it is said, paper floors are well liked because, having no joints, they are more easily kept clean, they are poor conductors of heat and of sound, and they cost less than hard wood floors. They are put down in the form of a paste, which is smoothed with rollers, and after it has hardened, painted of any desired colour or pattern. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.13

-Mr. Joseph Leiter's colossal corner in wheat has collapsed. It is difficult to tell from the varying reports the amount of his losses, but it seems clear that his enormous profits have been more than swallowed up, and he is poorer than when he began to speculate. His loss is a gain of many. The price of wheat is falling rapidly and is now about 40s. per quarter. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.14

-The Italian Government is taking vigorous measures to suppress all attempts at sedition. A number of Socialist and Clerical associations have been dissolved, and some twenty-five journalists and typographers are to be tried before a military tribunal. A new bill is being introduced, which will compel newspapers to give heavy pecuniary security, and invest the Government with the right to suspend or suppress them. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.15

-The scheme for federation of the Australian Colonies has fallen through for the present, owing to the refusal of some of the colonies to join in. Somehow human nature does not seem to take kindly to federation, much as they desire it. If there is anything more difficult than getting nations to sink their differences and form an alliance, it is the task of preserving the alliance when it is made. No one nation trusts another, and even the colonies regard each other with suspicion. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.16

-The profession of a bull-fighter has its risks, but the remuneration he receives makes it worth his while to undergo them. Here are some statistics relating to the earnings of the three most celebrated toreadors in Spain. During last year Mazzantini took part in 66 bull-fighting exhibitions, killing 168 bulls, for which he received ?16,000. Reverte, with 71 exhibitions and 160 bulls to his credits, got ?11,500; while Guerita's earnings for the season amounted to ?19,000 for killing 147 in 76 exhibitions. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 398.17

“Back Page” The Present Truth 14, 25.

E. J. Waggoner

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.1

Hunger is not a bad thing. The man who has never been hungry does not know the satisfaction there is in eating.Only those who know what real hunger is, can appreciate the real value of food, and can enjoy it. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.2

The sad case of the poverty-stricken is not that they get hungry, but that they have no food with which to satisfy their hunger. It is deplorable when one has nothing to eat, but it is a good thing to feel downright hunger when there is abundance of good food at hand to supply the need. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.3

The blessedness of hungering after righteousness lies in the fact that “the gift by grace” even “abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness” is provided for all through Jesus Christ. To every hungry and thirsty soul the Lord calls, “Come ye to the waters!” “Eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.4

Some one asks, “How can I hunger and thirst after righteousness?” Ah, it is a simple matter, as simple as longing for daily bread. Christ is “the desire of all nations.” He alone can satisfy “the desire of every living thing.” Have you ever known what it was to be dissatisfied? “What a question! Ask me rather if I ever know what it was to be perfectly satisfied.” Just so; you have never known absolute satisfaction; there has always been a longing for something, you knew not exactly what, but something different from what you had. Well, that was the hunger of the soul for Christ, who is righteousness. You didn't know it, but the full, conscious possession of Jesus Christ would satisfy that unrest and longing, just as cool water will satisfy the thirst of the body. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.5

Still more Christ is “the Bread which cometh down from heaven.” He is “the living Bread.” This is not a figure of speech, but the statement of an actual fact. To demonstrate it, God fed the Israelites in the desert forty years with manna. He rained down bread from heaven, and it was “spiritual meat,” which, if they had eaten by faith, would have given them life everlasting. But it was daily bread, to satisfy their ordinary hunger. So it is that the demand of our bodies for food can be satisfied only by Christ. He is “the life.” If we but recognise Him in the gifts of God, then in satisfying our daily hunger with the food which He provides for us, we shall be filled with righteousness. “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” “There is no want to them that fear Him.” PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.6

The Christian World reports that a band of men at Hatfield have formed themselves into a “Sunday League,” and have been using vigorous measures for the protection of the day. Their object is to discourage Sunday cycling by maltreating those who ride in that vicinity on that day. On the Sunday before last they stoned two cyclists, and when the latter dismounted, they beat them with sticks, and set dogs on them. The authorities, however, do not approve of this method of missionary work, and two of the ruffians have been arrested and sentenced to a month's imprisonment. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.7

A Convent of French nuns has just been opened by Cardinal Vaughan, at Chelsea, where prayer is to be maintained unceasingly, both by day and day night, for the conversion of England. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.8

At a recent meeting of the Christian Police Association, one officer told how a comrade of his had, in the early hours of the morning, spoken of the Saviour of sinners to a poor fallen woman in the street. “Three other policemen have already spoken to me about Jesus Christ this morning,” was her suggestive reply. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.9

The rush of young men in America to volunteer to fight against Spain, has incidentally brought into prominence the evils of cigarette smoking. Ninety per cent. of those who were rejected as physically unfit for service were cigarette smokers. A leading religious journal thinks that the State, “which has the right to require good health of its citizens, whom it may need in war,” ought to legislate against the evil habit. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.10

It is said that there are 94,100 priests in Spain, of whom 31,000 have been trained in seminaries. The monks number 68,000, and the nuns 32,000. The monks have great political influence, which, as a matter of course, they exercise to the grave detriment of the country. This detriment is not by any means wholly due to the fact that the monks are Roman Catholics. It is impossible for any minister of religion, no matter of what denomination, to engage in politics without injurious results to the country, and to his own religion as well, if it was good for anything when he began. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.11

“The University of Princeton has conferred upon Admiral Dewey the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.” Why Doctor of Laws? The connection does not seem very clear. But the fact should serve to show the emptiness of all titles and degrees conferred by man. It indicates also how the war demon dominates all classes of society. The surest way to become famous in this world is to accomplish some deed of destruction. Let all Christians beware of being dazzled by the world's empty honours. Christ Himself has declared that to receive glory from man is incompatible with belief in Him. John v. 44. PTUK June 23, 1898, page 400.12