The Signs of the Times, vol. 14

April 13, 1888

“Fulfilling the Law” The Signs of the Times, 14, 15.

E. J. Waggoner

A friend has sent us a copy of the Church News, a religious newspaper published in Duluth, Minn., by what denomination does not appear. The paper which we received contains several notices of Seventh-day Adventists and their work, and among them is a short article entitled, “Food for Seventh-day Followers,” which we quote below entire:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.1

“In Matthew 9th chapter, from the 17th to 20th verses, we read the explicit declaration of Christ:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.2

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.3

“They had been accusing Jesus of breaking the law. He did not deny it, but claimed to fulfill it, and showed that those who had rightly kept the letter of the law broke the law themselves, pointing to their long prayers, their tithes, neglecting the weightier matters of God’s word. The Saviour then kept the law in fact, and they were such slaves to the letter of the word, that they could not see it. It is the spirit of a command that must be observed. ‘The letter killeth but the spirit maketh alive,’ says the Bible.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.4

In another part of his paper the editor compliments Seventh-day Adventists upon their loyalty to the Bible, but the above exhibition of his own ignorance of it prevents us from being puffed up by the compliment. Anyone who has a Bible can readily prove the truth of our statement that the ninth chapter of Matthew contains not a single reference to the law or the Sabbath. The text quoted is found in Matthew 5:17-20, and is one of the strongest testimonies to the perpetuity of the law, and to the absolute necessity that it should be kept by everyone who wishes to enter Heaven, that our Saviour ever gave. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.5

The article says: “They had been accusing Jesus of breaking the law. He did not deny it, but claimed to fulfill it,” etc. The idea evidently designed to be conveyed is that Jesus did break the law, and that breaking the law is perfectly consistent with fulfilling it. But the idea is overthrown by the editor’s own admission further on, that the Saviour “kept the law in fact.” This is the truth, the other is not. A promise cannot be fulfilled by breaking it, neither can a law. The following texts show most clearly what is meant by fulfilling the law:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.6

James 2:8-11: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well; but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill.Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.7

In this text fulfilling the law is put in direct antithesis to transgressing the law. Those who fulfill the law, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” do well; but those who do not love their neighbors, as themselves, are transgressors. They do not fulfill the law. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.8

Romans 2:25-27: “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?” SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.9

Here the antithesis between fulfilling the law and transgressing the law is made even more emphatic than in the other case. The apostle is showing, as is evident from verses 28 and 29, taken in connection with those quoted, that the keeping of the law is the only true circumcision. Outward circumcision profits nothing, if the man breaks the law; while the outwardly uncircumcised man who keeps the law, is counted as circumcised. But verse 27 contains the special point, because the terms “fulfill the law” and “transgress the law” are there used, as being directly opposite in meaning. The one who keeps the law fulfills the law. Christ says that he fulfilled the law. If he had not fulfilled the law it could not be said of him that he “did no sin.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.10

This settles the whole question. It is indeed good food for seventh-day people, as it is good food for whoever will take it and live by it. We are told that we must live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Christ here showed that not one particle of the letter of the law could be changed, and that he came to keep it thus perfectly, “leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.11

The latter part of the article above quoted seeks to convey the idea that the Jews kept the letter of the law, and that Christ reproved them for this; and the threadbare idea is put forth that the spirit of the law must be kept, but that the letter ought to be disregarded. But the writer’s statement that Christ “kept the law in fact” again knocks over his own attempted argument. To keep the law in fact, is to keep in deed, that is, in act, or, in other words, to keep the very letter of the law. The letter of the law is the very thing which it commands. This Christ kept. Without keeping the letter of the law none can keep its spirit. For instance, it is evident that no one can obey the letter of the commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” while he is guilty of slandering his neighbor. If a soldier is ordered to report for duty at the military headquarters in San Francisco, he cannot obey the letter of that command by going to Chicago; and no matter how strenuously he might assert that his intention was all right, and that his was the higher obedience of the spirit, instead of the slavish adherence to the letter, any court martial would speedily convict him of insubordination. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.12

Now for what did Christ condemn the Jews? For pretending to keep the law while they did not. See Matthew 23:27, 28, where he says: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” They pretended to keep the law, and many of them did comply with its letter, but they did not really keep it. A person may outwardly comply with the requirement of the law, and not keep its spirit, but a person cannot keep the spirit of the law, and not conform to the letter. This we have already shown, and indeed, it ought not to need any argument. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.13

In view of the lax morality and the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said to his hearers, and to all men: “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” Following is the definition of “exceed;” “To pass or go beyond; to proceed beyond the given or supposed limit or measure of; as, one man exceeds another in bulk, stature, or weight; one offender exceeds another in villainy.”-Webster. The man who exceeds another in weight weighs just as much as that other, and more. The man who exceeds another in villainy, is just as wicked as that other, and more. So the man who exceeds the scribes and Pharisees in righteousness, must be just as righteous as they were, and more. He must do all the good deeds that they did, and many more, and to a greater degree. If they kept the law in letter only, he must keep it in letter and in spirit too. The man who does not do this, says Christ, cannot enter Heaven. This, and this alone, is fulfilling the law. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.14

But how can we fulfill the law? Paul answers in these words: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in or by us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:3, 4. Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Outside of Christ there is bondage, and only bondage-the bondage of sin-no matter how zealously the individual may endeavor to fulfill the righteousness of the law. We are weak, and of ourselves can do nothing. But the spotless Lamb of God, our sacrifice, can cleanse from sin. In him we may be strong enough to overcome. Through faith in his blood we may be cleansed not only from the guilt of sin-the remission of the sins that are past-but also from the love of sin-thus fulfilling the law, for “the just shall live by faith.” Christ alone can give true freedom, the freedom which comes alone through conformity to the law of God. Psalm 119:45. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.15

In this way alone can our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. They rejected Christ, and consequently could not attain unto the righteousness of God, namely, perfect conformity to his law. But suppose we professedly accept Christ as our righteousness, and then reject and refuse to obey the law which alone is righteousness, and which, shining forth in every act of his life, showed him to be “the way and the truth;” how much better off shall we be than they? Not one particle; like them we should in reality be rejecters both of Christ and the law. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.16

This brief statement of Scripture truth concerning the law will serve also to disprove the slandering assertion that we would lead men into bondage to the law. We would have them come to Christ for pardon for the sins which now hold them in bondage, and then to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, “walking,” through faith in him, “in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless.” We would have them lifted out from under the law, and have their feet set in “the way of peace,” that they may be the undefiled “who walk in the law of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1. We would have them “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” W. SITI April 13, 1888, page 230.17

“The Hope of the Promise” The Signs of the Times, 14, 15.

E. J. Waggoner

Not only did Abraham have no inheritance in the land, but Isaac and Jacob were in a like condition. The apostle says:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.1

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10. SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.2

Then, after telling how, through faith, Abraham had a numerous posterity, the apostle continues:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.3

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:13-16. SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.4

They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims in the earth, which had been promised to them for an inheritance; they died without having received the promised inheritance, or any part of it; yet their faith was as strong when they died as when the promise was first made. Therefore we know beyond all question, that none of the patriarchs expected that the inheritance would be given to them in their life-time. They plainly declared, says Paul, that they looked for a country, and we have already learned that that country was the whole earth; and since they were not disappointed because the country was not given to them in their life-time, it is evident that they understood the promise to embrace the resurrection from the dead. This was plainly declared to be the case by Paul when he testified of his faith before Agrippa. Said he:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.5

“And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” Acts 26:6-8. SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.6

All who have read the book of Acts know that Paul was persecuted by the Jews because he preached Christ. This was the cause of all the Jewish persecution of Christians. After Peter and John had healed the lame man, at the gate of the temple, and had declared to the Jews that it was done through the power of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, and who had risen from the dead, “the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” Acts 4:1, 2. This was the burden of all the apostle’s. Paul said that in Corinth he knew nothing else but “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2), and we may be sure that he did not preach a different gospel to the Corinthians from what he did to other people. Indeed, at the time when Paul stood before Agrippa, and uttered the words quoted in the preceding paragraph, he said that he had continued unto that day, “saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come; that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22, 23. SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.7

Now put these facts with Paul’s statement that he stood and was judged for the hope of the promise made of God to the fathers, and it is as plain as language can make it that the promise to the fathers that through Christ they should have a resurrection from the dead, and should by that means enter upon their inheritance. Paul looked forward to the fulfillment of the promise with as ardent hope and as steadfast faith as did Abraham, and it was this that he had in mind when he said that, “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:12, 13. W. SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.8

“Jacob and the Angel” The Signs of the Times, 14, 15.

E. J. Waggoner

LESSON 17.—SABBATH, APRIL 28

1. How long was Jacob with his uncle Laban? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.1

“This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.” Genesis 31:38. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.2

2. Was his service an easy one? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.3

“That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.” Verses 39-41. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.4

3. How did God prosper him? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.5

“And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstreaked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstreaked. Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.” “Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.6

4. When Jacob fled from Laban, how did the Lord interpose to protect him from Laban’s wrath? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.7

“It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.” Verse 29. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.8

5. As Jacob went on his way, who met him? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.9

“And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.” Genesis 32:1. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.10

6. What did Jacob say, and what did he call the place? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.11

“And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host; and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.” Verse 2. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.12

7. For what purpose are angels sent to earth? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.13

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.14

8. What message did Jacob send to Esau? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.15

“And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now; and I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.” Genesis 32:3-5. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.16

9. What news did the messengers bring back? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.17

“And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.” Verse 6. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.18

10. How was Jacob affected by this news? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.19

“Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands. Verse 7. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.20

11. What good reason had Jacob for fearing Esau? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.21

12. What prayer for deliverance did he make? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.22

“And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee; I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.” Verses 9-12. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.23

13. What precautions did he take for safety? Verses 7, 8, 13-21. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.24

14. When Jacob was left alone who encountered him? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.25

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” Verse 24. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.26

15. How long did he wrestle with the stranger?-Ib. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.27

16. Who was it that was wrestling with him? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.28

“Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial.” Hosea 12:4, 5. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.29

17. What act opened Jacob’s eyes as to the real nature of his antagonist? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.30

“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.” Genesis 32:25. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.31

18. What did the Lord then say? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.32

“And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh.” Verse 26, first part. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.33

19. What may we conclude from this?-That as soon as Jacob found out who it was that he was wrestling with, he ceased wrestling, and threw his arms about the Lord. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.34

20. What reply did Jacob make to the Lord’s request? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.35

“I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Verse 26, last part. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.36

21. How urgent was Jacob’s plea? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.37

“Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him; he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us.” Hosea 12:4. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.38

22. Why was Jacob so urgent at this time? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.39

23. What evidence did he finally receive that his prayer was successful? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.40

“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.” Genesis 32:27, 28. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.41

24. What was involved in this blessing?-The pardon of all the sins of his past life. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.42

25. Into what condition do sinners usually come before obtaining pardon? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.43

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24, 25. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.44

26. What further evidence did he have that he had prevailed with God and with man? Genesis 33:1-16. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.45

27. What exhortation is given us from this case? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.46

“Therefore turn thou to thy God; keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.” Hosea 12:6. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.47

28. Of what time in the history of the people of God was this experience of Jacob a figure? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.48

“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.49

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it; it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.50

29. What will be granted to all those who finally prevail? SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.51

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Revelation 3:21. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.52

NOTE

The reason why Jacob was so urgent when he found out with whom he had been wrestling, was that he felt that he had come to a crisis in his life; he had no earthly friends who could help him, his own brother was his sworn enemy; and he knew that if God did not interpose to help him he was lost. He knew also that this calamity had come upon him because of his own wicked course. And since sin separates from God, he knew that if Esau met him before he made his peace with God, he would be eternally lost. For this reason he had sought that retired place to pray. We can imagine the agony of mind which he suffered while he was wrestling with one whom he doubtless supposed was a robber; he had retired to seek the Lord in this emergency, and precious time was rapidly passing while he was being kept from his purpose by this stranger. And it requires no stretch of imagination to believe that as soon as he found that his antagonist was the Lord, whom he had come to seek, he ceased wrestling, and threw his arms about the Lord, while he declared, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” This holding onto the Lord was indicative of his importunity and the strength of his faith, and is an example for all who seek special blessings from the Lord. SITI April 13, 1888, page 235.53

“Back Page” The Signs of the Times, 14, 15.

E. J. Waggoner

The General Conference Committee recently in session, has arranged the following program for early camp-meeting. Probably few, if any, changes will copy made from the dates here given; and the places of meeting will be announced as soon as the officers of the various Conferences decide upon them, and notify us:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.1

Kansas	May 22-29
Iowa	May 29 to June 5
Upper Columbia	“30 to 5”
Minnesota	June 5-12
Pennsylvania	“6-12”
North Pacific	“6-13”
Wisconsin	“12-19”
Dakota	“19-26”
Kanada	June 28 to July 3

We have seen several so-called “spirit pictures,” and have wondered whether they really resembled anybody who ever lived. The Golden Gate explains the matter by saying that “their recognition must come mainly from the interior consciousness.” And yet Spiritualists have a great deal to say about people believing things with no reason therefor. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.2

If any of those who are coming to the annual meeting in Oakland, have extra copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or other papers, which are unsoiled, and which they are not able to use to good advantage, they will confer a favor on the Oakland missionary society if they will bring them when they come. This society is short of material for distributor work, and can use all the unsoiled papers it can get. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.3

A note of explanation is due our readers concerning the article entitled “The Promises to Israel,” which appeared three weeks ago, and was marked “to be continued.” The subject is being continued, and will be for several weeks yet, but under different heads. We did not wish to run the entire subject under one head, so we concluded to give different heads to the different branches of the subject, and run them as separate articles, although they form one connected argument. We make this explanation so that those who have been looking for something upon that subject may look for the articles as they appear each week. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.4

A “plaintive plea” for papers and tracts on the Sunday question comes up from Reno, Nev., correspondent of one of our California religious papers. They are wanted to meet the literature which is being scattered abroad by Seventh-day Adventists. The writer is wrought up to such a pitch over the matter that he offers to pay for one copy of the Advocate ($1.25) for this purpose, if a person can be found to act as a distributor. He says: “There are whole communities in the surrounding country which have been converted to Adventistism, first, by sending the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, month after month, into the families.” This is good news. We can thank God and take courage, for that is just our object in publishing the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.5

In a sermon entitled “The Chosen People,” delivered March 11, in San Francisco, before the Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, a Rabbi Joseph Kranskopf said: “I am not troubled with harassing doubts whether the distinguished title, ‘The Chosen People,’ justly belong to our fathers or not. I know they have claimed that distinction, and I see every reason why they should have done so. Whether we of to-day may justly claim so proud a distinction, it is this question which troubles me sore. The distinction our father’s claimed, they toiled and suffered for, they justly merited. But the merits of the father are not necessarily the merits of the son.” He urged less race exclusiveness, and dependence upon forms and names, and more real religion. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.6

Life is existence. Eternal life is eternal existence, that is, it is existence without any end. The beloved disciple says: “This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:11. We have eternal life then, only by promise. Since this life is in Christ, we must conclude that we must have Christ, in order to keep eternal life. And that is just the case, for the apostle continues: “He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” That is, only those who are in Christ can have eternal existence. Says Christ, to those who are his followers, “Because I live, ye shall live also.” Those who abide in Christ, must receive whatever he has and “death hath no more dominion over him.” But he who has not Christ, cannot have eternal existence. His existence will be cut off. “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life.” Such ones shall be as though they had not been. Who then loves Christ can refuse to accept a doctrine that gives to him all the glory for redeeming our life from destruction? SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.7

The Prohibitionists of California held their State Convention last week, and one of the planks of the platform which they adopted is the following:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.8

“We declare that Sunday is an institution so intimately woven into our laws, our customs, our civilization, and the very structure of our government, so intricately and innocently connected with our social, business, and moral life that we cannot dispense with it without sacrificing the very best interests of this country, and the highest welfare of the whole people. And so believing, we demand the enactment and enforcement of an intelligent and rational Sunday law.” SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.9

There was considerable discussion over this plank, some wanting it omitted, and others wanting the word “Sabbath” substituted for “Sunday.” It passed, however, as it stands, by a large majority. We think, as one of the delegates suggested, that they will have to spend half their time explaining to people that they do not contemplate religious legislation. And the worst of it is that all their “explaining” will not do away with the fact that the plan contemplates religious legislation and nothing else. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.10

The Pacific Printer says that the Woodland Democrat is being boycotted by the liquor dealers of the place, on account of a communication in opposition to the saloon, which appeared in its columns. The Democrat is highly favored. If it can get the disfavor of the liquor traffic, it must be worthy of the patronage of respectable people, which we believe are still in the majority in that section. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.11

“Read Carefully” The Signs of the Times, 14, 15.

E. J. Waggoner

There are three articles under the heading of “General” in this week’s paper into which we wish to call special attention. We enumerate them, as follows:- SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.12

1. “Before and After the Prayer-meeting,” beginning on the second page. There is some excellent advice in this article, but we wish to make one amendment. Certain ones, as the stingy, the mean, and the one who is impure in his language, are advised to keep still in the prayer-meeting. We agree that exhortations from such are not edifying, but our advice would be for them to confess their faults and to bear such a part in the meeting as will show the brethren and sisters that they wish to overcome these faults, and thus secure their help. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.13

2. “Bible Interpretation,” beginning on the third page. This is a good article in itself, but it derives additional interest from the fact that it was the leading editorial in a recent issue of the Christian Leader a Campbellites (Disciple) paper published at Cincinnati, Ohio. It is well known that that denomination as a body rejects the Old Testament, and many leading men among them reject everything that Christ said before his crucifixion, including the Lord’s prayer. We are glad to see one man, at least, who clings to the “old paths.” May he induce many to walk therein. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.14

3. “A Horrible Doctrine,” on the fifth page. This is the way the Michigan Christian Advocate justly characterizes the doctrine that the law of God is abolished. The article has the ring of one of Wesley’s sermons on the law. We are especially glad to republish this article, because many Methodists are swinging loose from the old moorings, and are floating down the stream of antinomianism, which will surely land them in infidelity of the worst kind. The Advocate itself has given not a little aid and comfort to the enemies of the law of God, and we could wish that its conversion to all whole law might be complete. At any rate every word of this article is sound doctrine, and we commend it to everybody. It will be a good article to save against the time when the Advocate may forget that it has once acknowledged the whole law to be binding to every man. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.15

“Ministerial and Church Institute” The Signs of the Times, 14, 15.

E. J. Waggoner

In connection with the general meeting of the stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, to be held in this city April 23, as already noticed, it is purposed to hold meetings of importance and general interest. The meetings will open Friday evening, April 20. Preaching and devotional services will be held during the Sabbath and first-day, in connection with which the new church will be appropriately dedicated. The business meetings of the Association will be held on Monday and Tuesday. And during this time the California Tract and Missionary Society will hold its quarterly meeting. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.16

Wednesday, the meeting will resolve itself into an institute for council on the best methods of work in the various branches of labor represented in our cause. Especial attention will be given to instruction an improvement in ministerial labor, missionary work, Sabbath school work, and in fulfilling the duties of church and Tract and Missionary officers. This line of instruction will continue until Wednesday, evening, May 2. It is expected that Sister E. G. White will be present to aid in the meeting by the experience and light which God has given her for his people. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.17

Entertainment for the first four days of camp-meeting will be furnished free to all who come. During the institute, the cost will be twenty cents per meal, furnished at the restaurant provided for the purpose. Rooms for free. Special circulars have been sent out, giving fuller particulars, and it is earnestly hoped that there will be a large general attendance of our people, and especially of those interested in the various lines of instruction to be presented. It is particularly requested that those who are coming will inform Brother C. H. Jones, Pacific Press, of that fact a few days before the meeting begins. SITI April 13, 1888, page 240.18