The Present Truth, vol. 14

November 17, 1898

“A New and Living Way” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Matt. xxvii. 51. While the first tabernacle was yet standing it was a sign, given by the Holy Ghost, that the way into the Holy Place, of which the earthly tabernacle was but a type, was not yet made manifest. The rending of the veil at the death of Christ was a sign that He had opened for us a new and living way, “that is to say, His flesh.” Heb. x. 30. “I am the way.” “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John xiv. 6. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 721.1

When Christ came into the world, He said, “Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me.” “Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God.” It was not the continual sacrifice for sin that God desired to see established. He preferred that sin should be destroyed, and His will be done on earth as in heaven. So Christ came to take away the first that He might establish the second. God had said, “I hate, I despise your feast days ... Though ye offer Me burnt offerings and your meat offerings I will not accept them ... But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Amos v. 31-34. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 721.2

“A body hast Thou prepared Me.” “In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren.” “He took on Him the seed of Abraham.” “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” “Himself took our sicknesses, and bare our infirmities.” The body which was prepared for Christ was “the body of the sins of the flesh.” “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body to the tree.” Therefore in that body every soul of man is represented, for He is the Lamb of God that beareth the sin of the world. In the experiences of that body we are most closely concerned, for it is our own body. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 721.3

“In the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” “In Thy Book all My members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Ps. cxxxix. 16. “We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.” Unless our names are blotted out, they are “written in the book of life of the Lamb slain.” But those whose names are written in the book of His life, being His members, will like Him delight to do the will of God, and have His law within their hearts. By that same will “we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Said He, “for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified.” John xvii. 19. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 721.4

This is the covenant that God makes with us in Christ, that as His law was in the heart of His Son, so it shall be in ours. “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” As Christ was sanctified by the truth, so are we to be, not merely as a standard set for our attainment, but as the law of our being, for we are made “partakers of the Divine nature.” Our sins and iniquities will be remembered no more by God, and this is assurance that they will cease to exist. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 721.5

Christ has joined the human family to Himself in bonds so strong and enduring, that nothing shall separate us from His love. “As He is, so are we in this world.” Although Christ is entered into the Holy Place, to appear in the presence of God, He is there as Man for us, and so in Him we too are in the Divine presence. He sits at the right hand of the Father, but God who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, in doing so “quickened us together with Christ, and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. ii. 5, 6. Therefore since Christ is in the holy place we can with all boldness enter there, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 721.6

Nor is this to be accomplished by the exercise of the imagination. The Gospel deals in facts, not fancies. The flesh which Christ has sanctified by one offering is our flesh, the sinful flesh. It is now made holy, even with the inconceivable holiness that makes the heavenly sanctuary so sacred. “The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” The holiness of Christ, which consecrates His dwelling-place, is shared with us, and so, being one in spirit with the beings there and in harmony with the surroundings, we may dwell in the house of the Lord without fear all the days of our life, to enquire in His temple, and to ask, in the name which gives us right of entrance, for whatsoever we desire. Only, remembering in whose body we come, as by a new and living way, it is fitting and significant that we draw near “having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.1

“‘Power with God’” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Gen. xxxii. 24-28. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.2

“As a prince hast thou power with God.” The way people for the most part use this test, one would think that it read, “As a prince hast thou power against God.” It is read as though Jacob had all night been consciously wrestling with the Lord, and had at last worn him out, so that the Lord had been obliged to yield, and bless him. And so people regard prayer as a sort of wrestling contest with the Lord, imagining that if they can hold out long enough they will weary the Lord into granting what they ask. There are very few, however, who have this idea, who persevere very long in prayer, because they do not find prayer a pleasant occupation. Such a view of the test does the greatest dishonour to God, who is not the hard, unjust, unfeeling judge, but the tender, loving Father, who anticipates all His children's wants. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.3

Think of the situation for a minute. Put yourself in Jacob's place. Would you have the boldness to enter into a wrestling contest with the Lord, knowing it to be He? Do you know of anybody who you think would dare lay hands on the Lord, or one of His messengers from heaven, and try to throw him on the ground? We cannot think of a person so presumptuous and so irreverent that he could venture to lay violent hands on the Lord, knowing Him to be the Lord. If the wicked men who put Christ to death had known who He really was, “they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor. ii. 8. They might have known, but they did not. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.4

The very fact that Jacob wrestled with the angel, who was none other than the Lord, shows that he did not know Him to be the Lord. He thought that it was an enemy that had seized upon him. The touch of the Lord as the day began to break showed Jacob at once the futility of the struggle, and made it impossible for him to continue it. With his thigh out of joint, there was nothing for him to do but to cling to his late antagonist for support. Then the Lord said, “Let Me go.” Anybody can see that this was said merely to test Jacob, because He who could with a touch dislocate a man's thigh could easily disengage Himself from his grasp. But Jacob is now no longer wrestling with an enemy; he is embracing a Friend, and he is determined to cling. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.5

“By his strength he had power with God.” Hosea xii. 3. When was it that Jacob received his blessing?—It was when he was leaning on the Lord for support, unable to stand alone. What then was his strength?—Manifestly it was his weakness. When he found that he was without strength, then he prevailed. His power with God was his absolute helplessness. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.6

Remember now that the text says that Jacob had power with God, and not against Him. Jacob had no power at all, but he was made sharer of God's power, and that was his strength. His faith made him a prince of God. The son of a king is a prince. Those who believe on the name of the Lord become sons of God. John i. 12. As a son of the King of kings, and therefore a prince of God, one must necessarily have power with God; not power against Him, but power derived from Him. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.7

This power God gives to every one who truly believes. Absolute trust is the only condition, and that absolute trust must arise from the knowledge of God's loving power, and consciousness of our own helplessness. God “raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and the needy from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory.” When we believe, He adopts us into His own family, so that all His people are of royal birth. He lifts us up from the death of sin, and sets us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that is, on His throne, so that in Christ we are given power with God; we are made sharers of the Divine power. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.8

When one has received this power,-and it is the portion of every one who is wholly the Lord’s,-it follows as a natural consequence that he will have power with men. It is with this power that God clothes His servants, in order that they may make known the Gospel. What is the Gospel?—It is the power of God. It is evident then that no one can show forth the Gospel, unless he has that power of God. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.9

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and is set down with His Father in His throne. As Son of God, the heathen are His heritage, and the uttermost parts of the earth His possession. He has not yet taken possession, but it is not lack of power that prevents His doing so; He is manifesting His power in drawing men to Himself. The power by which at the last He will destroy the reprobate, and renew the earth, is the power by which He now works to save men. Indeed, the manifestation of that power at the last, in the destruction of the wicked, will be for the salvation, of His own faithful people. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.10

The fact that Jesus even now has power over the heathen is shown by the statement that lie is seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places, “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” But God has bestowed this wonderful love on us who believe, that we should be called the sons of God. This being called the sons of God is not a fancy title, but, as stated in the Revised Version, “such we are.” “Now are we the sons of God.” It is in Christ that we become sons, and in Him we are raised up to sit with Him in the heavenly places, and that means that God has placed us “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion.” In all this there is nothing for us to boast about, for we are nothing. The power is the Lord’s, which He is pleased to manifest through us, when we fully yield to Him, and depend on Him. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 722.11

Then comes the promise of Christ, “he that overcometh and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they he broken to shivers; even as I have received of My Father.” Rev. ii. 26, 27. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.1

Here Christ says that His disciples shall share the same power and authority that the Father gives to Him,-the authority mentioned in the second psalm. “Yes,” some one will say, “but this is all future.” Very true, and even so it is future in the case of Christ. Not yet does He rule the nations with a rod of iron, and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel; but the power to do so is His, nevertheless. His power is exerted to save them, until they absolutely and finally refuse to be saved, when it will remove them. When He begins to execute judgment, His saints will share the honour with Him (Ps. cxlix. 5-9), and in the meantime He imparts to them His own power, that they may carry forward His work of reconciliation. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.2

“If by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.” Rom. v. 17. “Shall reign in life.” When? Why, when life comes, of course. And when does life come?—When we are risen with Christ from the dead, to “walk in newness of life.” Rom. vi. 4. When men yield themselves to God “as those that are alive from the dead,” sin shall not have dominion over them. Rom. vi. 13, 4. Instead of being ruled, they will rule. From slaves, they will be transformed into kings, with power over the flesh. “He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city,” for the power by which he rules himself is the power by which the whole earth is to be made new, and the first dominion restored. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.3

Whatever you may choose to give away be always sure to keep your temper. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.4

“Notes on the International Sunday-School Lessons. A Temperance Lesson. Proverbs iv. 10-12” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

NOVEMBER 27

A great deal of effort is put forth in connection with Temperance work, which is not accomplishing good results because it has strayed into side issues and is wasting its strength in unproductive lines. Temperance reform is a very simple matter, so long as it deals with the real difficulty, but when false methods and irrelevant problems are introduced, it becomes complicated. That which is responsible for the evils of intemperance is the perverted appetite of men. If that be conquered in a man, he is saved from intemperance. If it conquers him, he is lost, even though every public-house be closed by local option, prohibition or compensation. To fight intemperance by attacking externals is like trying to kill a tree by plucking off its leaves, or cure an attack of small-pox by covering up the symptoms. In both cases to attack the thing at its source is not only the simplest but the easiest way. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.5

A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Only one thing will overcome intemperance, and that is, temperance. But this is a fruit of the Spirit of God. Gal. v. 23. Therefore any temperance movement which does not rely upon the Holy Spirit is fore-doomed to failure. But, it may be said, so few will receive the Spirit. Where that is the case, it will be impossible to save the man. The most perfect legal enactments will profit him nothing. It may be urged that it would be impracticable for the temperance work to depend upon the Spirit, because so many active leaders of the movement do not care to be publicly connected with the Holy Spirit. Let them go; their money and influence, are worse than useless if they hinder a reliance upon the one source of success. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.6

THE FREE SPIRIT

But how can poor drunkards get the Holy Spirit! It is a general belief that this is only accessible to Christians of an advanced type: something that they have earned by a consecrated life and faithful service. God's gifts are not given to those who deserve, but to those who need. The Spirit was given freely to the wicked world before the flood, but the people stubbornly resisted its striving. Still it is given to all to convince of sin and of righteousness. John xvi. 8. It is poured out upon all flesh. Acts ii. 17. Just as much as the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, the Spirit lusteth against the flesh. Gal. v. 17. There are times in almost every man's life when he submits for a while to be led of the Spirit. This is why the drunkard is sorry afterwards for his intemperance, and, when he contiunes to be led of the Spirit, finds in it power sufficient to overcome the lust of his flesh. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.7

THE VICTORY OF FAITH

It is the conviction that their case is hopeless that prevents men from rising out of the degradation of self-indulgence. The man who feels the appetite asserting itself in him and clamouring for gratification, realises that the resistance which he purposed making against the temptation is gradually melting away, and feels that it is impossible to struggle against his own nature. But if, in that hour, he can know that there is a power with him which is stronger than the appetite, and that, ceasing to struggle, he has but to call for help upon One who is mighty, the knowledge will beget in him the confidence that brings victory. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Jesus Christ has come in every man's flesh, and for this reason, nothing is impossible to the man who knows it. “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God,” and “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” 1 John iv. 3, 4. The knowledge that Christ, with all power, dwells in him, will give a man victory over drunkenness and every other sin. No man can be a successful temperance worker who cannot bear testimony to this fact, for there is no other way of salvation given among men. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.8

THE TRUTH A SHIELD

The same principle applies in temperance work for the young. In the portion of the inspired Word on which the day's lesson is founded, is set forth the one bulwark which will provide a final and lasting security against the seductions of evil. Pledges are seldom kept when pressure is brought to bear. Home associations lose much of their force with passing years, but in the early chapters of the book of Proverbs is set before us the one means of instilling truth into the heart so that it will abide there, and form a permanent barrier against temptation. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 723.9

A LIVING WORD

God's Word does not merely instruct us to be wise and get understanding. It is wisdom and understanding in itself, so that if a simple person receives the Word he is thereby made wise and prudent. The object of the Word is “to give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” Prov. i. 4. But there comes a time when the young grow up and meet new temptations. How will they shape their course then? If they have really become wise, they will meet the temptation aright. If they are but fools, they will follow where the temptation leads. It is not a question of what or how much they have read, but of what their characters have become; and here is seen the value of the Word in the training of the young, for it imparts in itself the virtues it sets forth. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.1

HOW TO BECOME WISE

The Word itself grows and multiplies. When the seed of truth, though small as a grain of mustard-seed, is taken in, it begins to grow. It is not merely a dry statement but exerts an influence on the recipient, so that he begins to incline his ear unto wisdom, and applies his heart to understanding. This will lead him to cry after knowledge, and to lift up his voice for understanding; even to seek it as silver, and search for it as for hid treasures. Nor will the mind thus be drawn out in vain. A valuable experience follows. “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom.” Such a man will not be a mere book-worm, crammed with facts but lacking in nobility of character. Wonderful as are his attainments in the field of knowledge, they are not out of proportion to the honest integrity and simple beauty of his daily life. It is sound wisdom that the Lord gives, and “He preserveth the way of His saints.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.2

A GOOD EDUCATION

Such a man is well educated. He understands righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path He is secured against backsliding, because the temptations of Satan do not compare in attractiveness with the way of the Lord. Wisdom has an abiding place in his heart, and knowledge has become pleasant to his soul, so that it is more precious than rubies, better than silver and fine gold. Prov. ii. Wisdom's ways are pleasantness and all her paths are peace. “Happy is every one that retaineth her.” He does not get lonely, or have to sigh for amusement, for the Word is a pleasant and constant companion. “When thou goest it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee.” Prov. vi. 32. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.3

A GOODLY HERITAGE

Parents who train their children to have such an appreciation of the Word of God as is set forth in the first chapters of Proverbs, and none can until they have it themselves, are doing infinitely more to secure the welfare of their children than they could accomplish by leaving them large fortunes. In this way they can build them up against intemperance, and all other evils. Nor need there be any uneasiness as to the final outcome of such a training. The path of the just is not a way of comparative uncertainty, sometimes light and sometimes dark. It “shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” The pathway of safety is indicated to all in emphatic words, which ring out from the sacred page their tones of warring and promise, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.4

“The Everlasting Gospel: God's Saving Power in the Things That Are Made” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

MAN’S DOMINION

Gen. i. 26-28: “And God said, Let us make man in our imago, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.5

Luke iii. 38: “Adam, which was the son of God.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.6

Heb. i. 10: “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.7

Heb. ii. 6-8: “One in a certain place testified, saying, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.8

Heb. ii. 8, 9: “But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.9

Matt. viii. 23-27: “And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but He was asleep. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us; we perish. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of, man is this, that even the winds and the waves obey Him?” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.10

Matt. ix. 2, 6-8: “And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed; and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy: Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” “That ye may know that the Son of man htah power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto man.” Matt. xxviii. 18-20: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations.... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 724.11

Eph. i. 18-23: “That ye may know ... what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.1

Eph. ii. 4-6: “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.2

Matt. x. 1: “And He called unto Him His twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all mariner of disease, and all manner of sickness.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.3

Rom. i. 3, 4: “Jesus Christ our Lord” “was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.4

Ps. ii. 8, 9: “The Lord hath said unto Me, Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession; Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.5

1 John iii. 1, 2: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.6

Rev. ii. 26, 27: “He that overcometh, and keepeth My words unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; find he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of My Father.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.7

Josh. x. 12, 13: “Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and be said in the sight of Israel, 8un, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.8

1 Kings xvii. 1: “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.9

James v. 17: “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.10

Acts i. 8: “Ye shall receive power when the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.11

Isa. xiv. 14: “Thus saith the Lord, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans men of stature shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine; they shall come after thee; in chains shall they come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.12

God is “the great King.” Man was made in His image, and was His son, so that he was created a prince. He was given dominion over the works of God's hands, but this dominion was not an arbitrary thing. Man was not merely appointed king, but he was made a king. The authority was in him. “There is no power but of God.” Rom. xiii. 1. Man in himself has no more power than the dust of which he is made; but since the everlasting power and Divinity of God are seen in all the things that He has made, it was but natural that in the highest of God's creatures this power should be manifested in the highest degree. The royal authority that was given to man in the beginning was the fulness of God's presence in him. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.13

God set man over the works of His hands. The works of Cod's hands are described in the first chapter of Genesis, and are mentioned in Heb. i. 10. They include all that God made in the beginning. It was no small dominion that was given to man. The heavens and the earth that were made “in the beginning” were put in subjection under his feet. The fish of the sea, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air were to obey his will, and to come and go at his command; and the very earth itself was to be subject to him. This is plainly set forth in the tests quoted. It seems almost incredible that such power was given to man, yet we are bound to believe it, because God's Word tells us so. Why should we not be glad to believe it? for “whatsoever God doeth, it shall he for ever.” Eccl. iii. 14. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.14

Nevertheless we do not now see all things put under man. On the contrary, we see man for the most part weighed down under the burdens of this earth. Why is this?—It is not of God's appointment. Man sinned, and lost the glory with which he was crowned. His authority consisted solely in the righteousness which God's presence gave him; and when he rejected the Lord and lost the righteousness, he necessarily lost the dominion. The sceptre of Christ's kingdom is a sceptre of righteousness. Heb. i. 8. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.15

But Jesus tasted death for every man, and because of this He is crowned with glory and honour. This crown He has as man, for it was as the Son of man that He tasted death for every man. Therefore as man He now has the dominion which God in the beginning gave to man. All power in heaven and in earth is in His hands. Remember that this power is in His hands as man,-the representative man,-for as God He had it all before He ever came to earth. God had never given up His right as Lord over all, and it was not necessary that Christ should come to earth to establish this claim; what He came for was to become man, and as man to win back what man had lost. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Cor. xv. 21. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.16

Christ was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. He was the Son of God before He was raised from the dead, just as much as afterwards (see Matt. iii. 17), but it was the resurrection from the dead that demonstrated the fact. It was by the Spirit of holiness that He was raised. He was raised because as the Son of God He was holy. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.17

This same Spirit of holiness-the Spirit of adoption-God has given us, so that we are sons of God, even as Jesus Christ is. It doth not yet appear what we shall be; the world does not recognise us as sons of God, just as it did not recognise Christ as the Son of God; but the resurrection will prove the fact. The resurrection will not make us sons, but will make the fact evident to all. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.18

Jesus Christ, having been raised from the dead, was raised above all principality and power, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. The world to come is the new earth, and it was the new earth over which God in the beginning gave man dominion. Christ, therefore, as the Son of wan, having by the Spirit of holiness that dwelt in Him been shown to be also the Son of God, has the very same dominion that man in the beginning had as the son of God. And this He has for every man, since by the grace of God He “tasted death for every man.” Therefore in Him we are raised to the dominion which man lost through sin. It is true that we do not now see all things in subjection under man, that is under all mankind, yet it is a fact that this dominion is given to those who are in Christ. If they do not exercise it, it is because they do not realise “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He hath set the world upon them.” 1 Sam. ii. 8. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 725.19

Evidences of the reality of this power as a present possession have when occasion demanded been seen not only in the Man Christ Jesus, but also in those who were His followers. To all it is said, “Ye shall receive power when the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” The Lord wishes us to understand that Jesus of Nazareth was not a unique specimen, but that He was God's idea of what every man ought to be. It is only as one comes “to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,” that he is “a perfect man.” Eph. iv. 13. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” John xiv. 12. There was no power manifested in Jesus that has not also been manifested in some of His faithful followers. God is not partial with His children. “Unto every one of ns is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Eph. iv. 7. We may none of us ever perform what are termed miracles, but we need the power nevertheless, for nothing less than the fulness of the power which God gave to man in the beginning, and which is now in “the Man Christ Jesus,” can enable us to conquer sin. and Satan. “Power and authority over all devils” is needed by every person who overcomes, for we have the entire host to contend with. Eph. vi. 12. Thank God, this power is given to us! PTUK November 17, 1898, page 726.1

“I'm the child of a King,
The child of a King;
With Jesus, my Saviour,
I'm the child of a King.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 726.2

“A Great Step” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

Speaking on “Citizen Sunday” at St. James's Hall, one preacher said that “the creation of the London County Council was a great step forward in making London a city of God.” It is unfortunate that the pulpit should lend itself to the work of misrepresenting the city, “whose Builder and Maker is God.” What sort of idea will men get of it if they believe that London made “a great step” toward being like it when the London County Council was organised. As advocates of civic reform such preachers may do as well as anyone else, but as heralds of the Kingdom of God, they need to learn that God's ways are as much higher than human schemes as the heavens are higher than the earth. Isa. lv. 7-9. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 726.3

“Inspiration of the Bible” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

Some years ago a weekly newspaper was established in Germany to defend orthodox doctrines, and especially the doctrine of the verbal inspiration of the Bible. At the end of last month this paper came to an end from sheer lack of writers. “In spite of all our efforts to find contributors, we have been unable to secure any,” says the editor in his farewell. There is no occasion for discouragement in this. The Bible is sufficient for its own defence, and it is never more firmly established than when it is left to speak for itself. When men take the Word under their protection, it is more likely to increase infidelity than to inspire respect for the Scriptures. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 727.1

“The Home. Cesarea” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

A journalist, writing of the Kaiser's tour in Palestine describes the site of C?sarea. He says, PTUK November 17, 1898, page 728.1

“It was visited by Peter and Paul and Philip, and it had a continued existence of some thirteen hundred years. Now there is not of the old town as much left as would shelter a pair of owls. A few fragments of walls are all that remain, scarcely a morsel of sculpture on the site of the sandstone and granite city, which measured over half a mile each way. By giving days to the investigation there may be found traces of a great theatre and other notable buildings, especially fortifications. But in an hour or so one can see nothing except the most frightful desolation, relieved by the existence of about a score of houses, built out of the material supplied by the quarry of the ruins.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 728.2

Like all other great cities of antiquity the history of C?sarea serves to demonstrate the transient character of human works, beside the Word that endureth for ever. C?sar Augustus, in whose honour it was built by Herod, soon returned to the dust from whence he came, but Paul, who lay there in chains for more than two years, at the caprice of one of its most worthless governors, will rise from the grave to live eternally. “The world passeth away and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 728.3

But apart from the future life, C?sarea owes its place in the memory of man, not to its ancient splendour, for that has vanished from sight, and almost from history; not to its connection with powerful kings, but to the fact that it is mentioned by the men whom it judged worthy of bonds and imprisonment. Yet, while we take pleasure in this evidence of the far more exceeding and eternal influence of the Gospel, our glorying will be vain unless we show that we have really learned the lesson it teaches. The Jews in Christ's day built the sepulchres of the prophets, and thought that they had thereby sufficiently dissociated themselves from the deeds of their fathers; yet they themselves slew One who was more than a prophet. In this they showed that the lessons of history profited them nothing. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 728.4

It is quite common for people now to moralise on the inevitable decay of earthly greatness, yet how few who recognise this are really turning from the lust of the flesh and the pride of life to build on the Word which endureth for ever. The test which came to our fathers comes to us. It is easy but insufficient to see and blame their mistakes. How many, if their choice lay, like Paul’s, between earthly honour and the contempt of men, would choose truth and right, whatever they involved? The offence of the cross is not yet ceased, but whoever bears it finds it the power of God and an everlasting joy, while those who refusing the reproach of Christ, choose the pleasures of sin for a season find in them the sorrow of the world which worketh death. C?sarea from its sandy waste bears witness that the end of earth's splendour and greatness is only desolation. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 728.5

“For The Children. Children of God” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

Through all our lessons on the creation, we have seen how His eternal power and Divinity are seen in the things that God has made. The light, the air, the sky, the grass and trees, the sun, moon and stars, the birds, beasts and fishes, all are telling us of God. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.1

“All things that on earth I see
Seem to have a voice for me;
Ceaselessly, by night and day,
‘Learn the truth we teach,’ they say.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.2

The voice that they all have is the voice of God speaking, for they are His living Word in all these different forms. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.3

But in God's crowning work He meant to make Himself the most clearly to be seen, “so God made man in His own image.” Adam was the son of God, a perfect likeness of God his Father. He was a king, for he ruled over the whole earth and everything in it; but he did not have a crown of gold to put on, and robes of state to wear, like the kings and queens of the earth wear now. His royal robe was a garment of light, and his crown was a crown of glory, for God “crowned him with glory and honour.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.4

He did not have to put on any glory, but it shone right out from him, because he was the son of God and his character was like the character of God. Think how this beautiful light shining about Adam and Eve would light up everything that they came near, and how they would “shine as lights in the world. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.5

But when they listened to the voice of Satan and fell into sin, they lost their holy character, and the light all faded away. Their beautiful crowns, their royal robes of light, were gone. But we have been learning lately how God is going to “restore all things,” to bring back to man everything he has lost through sin. It was for this that Jesus, the Son of God, became man, to make men again the sons of God, kings of the earth, and lightbearers. For we read that “as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.6

When the Son of God, the Light of the world, is received into our hearts, and dwells there, we become the children of God and shine as lights in this dark world. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” His light will now shine forth in our actions, which will show us to be the children of our Heavenly Father. And if we become like Him now in character, by and by He will change our bodies, and make them just like His own glorious body. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.7

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him.” “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”—the beautiful new earth about which we have been learning,-and “shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 730.8

“A Fatal Education” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

The Times has been calling attention to the vary serious state of things found to exist among the boys who were entered at a great public school. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 733.1

“Of the first hundred boys examined thirty-nine were below the average height and fifty-three below the average weight. Sixty-eight were below the average in chest measurement, sixty-three were the subject of ‘deformities,’ such as lateral curvature of the spine, pigeon breast, knock-knee, and flat-foot. Twenty had defective sight, nine defective hearing, one an abnormal growth, one was colour-blind two had heart disease, two were ruptured, fourteen had varicocele, and twenty-two suffered from albuminuria. These boys were assured by the doctor to be typically healthy lads from thirteen to fifteen, and their parents were, as a rule, not aware of the existence of any physical defects.” PTUK November 17, 1898, page 733.2

This extraordinary percentage of infirmities is attributed to the keen competition for entrance to such schools, and the consequent increased demands made on the boys. It is well to be educated, but that kind of education which prematurely develops the mental powers at the expense of the rest of the body is not worth having. Too many pass from a brilliant career at school or college to an early grave, which buries with the ruined frame the education for which it was sacrificed. True education is that which teaches bow to live, and the education which destroys life cannot be a good one, even for those who survive the process. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 733.3

In these days of scholarships there is a growing tendency to push the children forward in the struggle for such prizes. Many cannot hope to obtain them unless they take the time which should be allotted to out-door recreation, and, instead of guarding the children against the misuse of their strength, parents too often encourage the unnatural emulation. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 733.4

The brain, like every other organ of the body, can only do its best when supplied with an abundance of pure, healthy blood, and for this a sufficiency of exercise is essential. It is true that by special effort one child may disregard its bodily health and surpass another in the acquirement of knowledge, but that other, by due regard to the laws of health, may build up a body and brain which will be doing good work long after the infant prodigy has lapsed into comparative uselessness, if not the utter oblivion of death. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 733.5

“Jottings” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

-An under vest, worn by Charles I., at his execution has been sold by auction for 200 guineas. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.1

-A gas explosion at the Capitol in Washington did great damage, destroying a large number of important records. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.2

-Since 1887 the British system of telegraphs has grown in length from one mile and a third to 1,111,366 miles of wire. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.3

-The Government of India have decided to join in the scheme of Imperial penny postage from the beginning of its operation in January 1, 1899. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.4

-Notwithstanding the recent heavy rains, the East-end still has to be content with a four-hours’ supply of water. The Water Company is trying to secure a large reserve before it increases the supply. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.5

-Black stamps of the value of a halfpenny, are being issued by Spain, one of which must be attached to every place of inland mail matter in addition to the usual postage. In Madrid, the number of letters posted has fallen off fully one-third since the extra fee has been demanded. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.6

-The extension of the Soudan railway to Khartoum, 180 miles, has been definitely decided upon, and the orders for the necessary bridges are being placed with British firms. The principal one will be over 1,200 feet in length. There will be, in addition, between fifty and sixty smaller bridges. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.7

-The American Line steamers, which were engaged in the American-Spanish war, have now we commenced running between New York and Southampton. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.8

-Authenticated reports from Paris state that a plot has been discovered for the assassination of several persons who have been prominent in working for a revision of the Dreyfus trial. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.9

-By the overflowing of the Yellow River in China 2,000 square miles are flooded, hundreds of villages destroyed, cattle and grain are swept away, tens of thousands have been rendered homeless, and famine is imminent. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.10

-In connection with the naval preparations, not only our ships in course of construction being hurried forward, but even old coast-defence gunboats are being overhauled. One paper remarks that it looks as though the whole bar naval power is to be put on a war-footing. Immense quantities of stores are being purchased. The cost of the preparations must already run into several millions. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.11

-An Italian journalists has been arrested by the Turkish authorities at Java and thrown into prison on account of some correspondence in which he said that the Sultan while allowing his soldiers to go unpaid was expending millions of francs in Syria. Probably the Turkish authorities feel that it is bad enough to have to suffer for their ostentatious hospitality. It is intolerable that other people should pass remarks upon it. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.12

-During the last seven years investors in Limited Companies have lost less than ?28,000,000 in England. These figures only relate to companies that have been while the by order of the courts, and do not include numerous existing companies that pay no dividends. The Hooley disclosures throw light on the methods by which this wholesale transference of cash from the public to the company promoter is affected. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.13

-All the European Governments have agreed to meet in an Anti-Anarchist Conference at the end of this month. Italy will propose that Anarchists be regarded as criminals and not as politicians, that they should be subject to extradition, and that the Press should be stopped from lending any encouragement to the movement. If these proposals become law they might be used by unscrupulous governments for far other ends than the exhortation of real Anarchism. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.14

-It is now announced by official communication in Paris that Fashoda will be abandoned. Although this decision has been considered certain per several days passed, the work of preparation in English dockyards is being pushed forward with unabated energy. Those who have scouted the idea that a civilised Powers would now go to war except upon the greatest possible necessity, should be convinced by the Fashoda crisis that a serious conflict may be precipitated over a comparatively small question. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.15

-In a speech made last week the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that every person in the United Kingdom, man, woman and child, drank on an average thirty-one gallons of beer in the course of a year. “He was glad of this increase for the sake of the revenue.” At the rate of threepence a quart, this means a yearly expenditure of thirty-one shillings on beer by every member of the population, and as it is certain that vast numbers of infants and others do not drink any, it is clear that the drinking portion of the community must spend a lot of money on beer. The Government gets a revenue of ?12,000,000 from the business, but it cost the country great deal more than this to care for the orphans, poppers, imbeciles and criminals, who owe their condition to intemperance. It is short-sighted finance that congratulates itself on such a growth. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 734.16

“Back Page” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

A recently published report on the general subject of lunacy in France, methods of treatment, etc., show that alcohol is responsible, for the greatest proportion of lunacy in the country. This report will not attract much attention, but whenever there is a case in which there is a suspicion that religion has had something to do with the unsoundness of mind, there is a loud outcry. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.1

Let it be understood that real religion never yet made a lunatic of anybody. When Jesus was on earth one great feature of His work was the healing of lunatics; and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always working to save men from any tendency in that direction. God gives to those who believe in Him the Spirit that produces “a sound mind.” 2 Tim. i. 7. It is impossible for a true believer in Christ ever to become a lunatic without first renouncing his faith. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.2

A literally striking comment on the way in which terms are misapplied, is furnished in the report of the way in which an injunction against strikers, granted by a United States judge, at the request of the American Steel Wire Company, is characterised by the “labour” leaders. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.3

The injunction declares that all men have the right to labour and to take the places of strikers. It prohibits strikers from entering the company's promises and inducing the present employés by threats or persuasion to cease work. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.4

Strikers must not congregate for the purpose of intimidation, or picket or patrol the neighbourhood singly or collectively, or visit the homes of employés for the purpose of threatening their wives or families. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.5

Strikers must not ask others to cease work, or ask anyone to ask them to do so. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.6

It is stated that “labour leaders” throughout the country denounce this injunction as “a blow to the freedom of labour.” As a matter of fact, it is just the opposite. What they call “Freedom of labour” is freedom to prohibit labour, and by their objection to the injunction these so-called leaders of labour show themselves to be merely leaders of idleness. This is but an evidence of the prevalence of the spirit to call evil good, and good evil; to put darkness for light, and light for darkness. This is a result of that spirit of lawlessness which sets aside the authority of God's law, and makes a working day of the Sabbath, and puts in its place a day which God calls a working day. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.7

A well known dignitary of the Church of England presided last week at a public meeting held by the Salvation Army. In the course of his address he said:— PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.8

When he looked around and saw all the magnificent work done by many true Christians who did not belong to his own particular church he thanked God and took courage that He had servants in many denominations. From the religious opinions of these persons on many minor matters he might widely differ, but that did not prevent him acknowledging their social work. He regarded it not as a condescension, but as a distinguished honour to take the remotest part in helping such Christian work. The Church of England was doing a great and noble work, but there was ample need and room for all other workers, and he should always hold out the right hand of fellowship to those who were sincerely taking part in the mighty work of improving the condition of things in the world. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.9

This is good, and one would judge from it that the speaker's regard for Christ was such that he counted all men brethren in Him. Yet a little earlier in the address, speaking of those who would probably subject him to vituperation for his appearance on that platform, he gave utterance to this un-Christlike sentiment,- PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.10

he should regard all such censure as lying immeasurably below his utmost capacity for disdain. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.11

As a leader of men, setting a good example to narrower minds, it would have been better and nobler to adopt Christ's attitude. When He was reviled He reviled not again. It does not take so much Christianity to co-operate with friends of differing faith as it does to love our enemies, and those who speak all manner of evil against us falsely. Yet to show this love will do more “to improve the condition of things in the world” than to announce our immeasurable disdain for those who dislike our methods. The real interests of the cause of Christ suffer far too much from the “capacity” of His people for this kind of thing. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.12

“Peace Talk and War Preparations” The Present Truth 14, 46.

E. J. Waggoner

In his speech at the Lord Mayor's banquet, Lord Salisbury took occasion to mention the Czar's peace proposal, and the mention of that naturally led to some remarks on the active war preparations at home. What he said is so marked a sign of the times that it is well worth considering. Speaking of the disarmament proposition, with which he expressed the utmost sympathy, he said:— PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.13

In some respects the era of this great proposition-which I think will be an epoch in the history of man-has been marked by unhappy omens. It is the first year in which the mighty force of the American Republic has been introduced among the nations, whose domination is extending, and whose instruments to a certain extent are war. I am not implying the slightest blame, far from it; I am not refusing sympathy to the citizens of the American Republic in the difficulties through which they have passed, but no one can deny that their appearance among the factors of Asiatic, as all events, and possibly European diplomacy is a grave and serious event which may not conduce to the interests of peace, though I think that in any event, it is likely to conduce to the interests of Great Britain. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.14

What has been imposed upon us is that the subject-matter of war is terribly prevalent. On all sides you see nations who are decayed, or whose government is so bad that they can retain neither the power of self-defence nor the affection of their subjects. You also see, when that phenomenon takes place, there are always neighbours who are impelled by some motive or other-it may be by the highest philanthropy, it may be by a natural desire for Empire-to contest with each other as to who shall be the heir of the nation that is falling away from its old position. And that is the cause of war. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.15

Still more serious is the consideration which recent events have forced upon us that these wars come upon us absolutely unannounced and with terrible rapidity. The storm cloud rises in the horizon with a rapidity that baffles all calculation. It may be that within two months from the first warning you have received you may find that you are engaged in or in prospect of a war in which your very existence may be at stake. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.16

Then followed a statement of the fact that other great maritime and colonial powers had fallen because they possessed a land frontier by which their enemies could reach the heart of the country. Said he: “We have no such land frontier. But, if we ever allow our defences at sea to fall to such a point of insufficiency that it is as easy or nearly as easy to cross the sea as it is to cross a land frontier, our great Empire, stretching to the ends of the earth, supported by maritime forces in every part of it, will go clattering to the ground when the blow at the metropolis in England is struck.” So the conclusion was:— PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.17

If you will think out these ideas you will see why we cannot admit that in the present state and temper of the world we can intermit our naval and military precautions. They must be kept constantly on foot. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.18

And so, whether the talk and sentiment be for war or peace, the preparations for war will go steadily onward until “the battle of the great day of God,” when the instruments of war, and those who make and use them, will be consumed. PTUK November 17, 1898, page 736.19