The Signs of the Times, vol. 15
March 25, 1889
“Front Page” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
Postmaster-General Wanamaker will still continue to conduct his large Sunday-school in Philadelphia. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.32
The Idaho Legislature proposes to disfranchise all who have been members of the Mormon Church within three years. “Probably,” says the Christian at Work, “Idaho has an imperfect knowledge of the instrument known as the Federal Constitution.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.33
The Advocate thinks that the fact is not without significance that “in California, the land of ‘pure, light, home-made wine,’ there is one liquor saloon to every ninety-nine inhabitants, there being only two States having more saloons in proportion to population than this State.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.34
The pastor of the Memorial Presbyterian Church, Detroit, writes to the Evangelist urging that the week of prayer be made identical with Passion week and Lent, as the observance of the season bids fair otherwise soon to be extinct. He declares that he will so observe it next year in this church. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.35
Canadian Protestants are justly indignant at the action of the Quebec legislature in voting to pay the Society of Jesus $400,000 in lieu of the estates which George III. confiscated shortly after the conquest of Canada. It is hoped that the Dominion Government will veto the whole business, as it has the power to do. If the award is ever paid, the burden will fall principally upon the Protestants, who pay large percentage of the taxes in the two cities, Montreal and Quebec. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.36
Mrs. Ballington Booth has been meeting with marked success in interesting to the wealthy and fashionable people of New York in the work of the Salvation Army. Mrs. Booth is a young woman possessing education and refinement, and a very pleasing address. The principal work of the Army is among the poor, the outcasts, and the vicious, and Mrs. Booth has given herself to the work with a zeal which certainly proves her earnestness, and at a cost in self-denial which attests her sincerity. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.37
Boston has raised its liquor license from $1,000 to $1,500 for hotels. The second-class inn keepers will hereafter pay $1,200 instead of $400, the former price, while the privilege of selling beer, cider, and light wines, will cost $500 instead of $200. The liquor dealers profess to think that they cannot stand the rise, and probably some of them cannot; but those who can will find their business just so much better. Experience in Nebraska and other high-license States, and in numerous cities, has shown that while high license does temporarily reduce the number of saloons, it does not reduce the amount of liquor sold, but has the effect simply of giving a few dealers the monopoly of the business. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.38
An Eastern paper says that “Rev. A. Lloyd writes from Japan that Unitarianism is so wonderfully like Confucianism that it seems likely to prove specially attractive to the Japanese. Without change of heart or opinion they will be able to call themselves Christians, and that is just what they most desire.” The two systems compared by Mr. Lloyd must be closely akin to the National Christianity which certain self-styled reformers want to have adopted in this country; it requires neither a change of heart nor opinion, but simply to assent to certain so-called Christian laws. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.39
The nations of South America are inviting immigration. They do not, however, welcome all alike. Farmers with families are especially favored. Owing to the friendly attitude of the Government, and to the abolition of slavery, Brazil received last year 120,000 immigrants against an average of 27,304 the previous ten years. Likewise the Argentine Republic received last year 175,000 immigrants, nearly all from Southern Europe. Only about ten per cent of these were, however, farmers, and the Government is seriously considering the advisability of restricting immigration. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.40
The London Times says that monster Russian guns were sent recently to Sebastopol for the purpose of being placed in the new iron-clad Sinope. The guns are 12-inch pieces, weighing 50 tons, and throwing projectiles of nearly half a ton. The powder charge is 270 pounds, and the initial velocity 3,000 meters, while the distance of the canons range is said to be 20 versts, or over 13 mi. Two men suffice for each gun, as they are worked by hydraulic machinery. All such facts are especially interesting in view of the present exceedingly threatening aspect of the European war cloud. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.41
In the Independent of March 7, Dr. Vincent has an article on Jerusalem, in which he says that a cliff north of the Damascus gate, now known as the cliff of Jeremiah’s grotto, on which is “Beth-has-Sekilah (the House of Stoning), so-called in the Talmud,” is the probable place of the crucifixion, and not that covered by that wonderfully convenient edifice, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. He says:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.42
“The Jews to this day [point to it] as the place of execution used by their ancestors before the destruction of Jerusalem. The most modern theory recognizes this skull-like mount as the true Calvary. And it would be a pleasant thing, after the sacrilegious memories which have taken place for centuries in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, to ascertain that the true locality of the crucifixion had never thus been desecrated.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.43
“Little Acts of Kindness” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
It is the simple acts which make our whole lives-the little acts of kindness which there is always time and opportunity in the every-day walks of life to perform-a kind word, an approving smile, the little courtesies, the simple acknowledgment of gratitude, the little charities which brighten life’s pathway. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.44
“The Divinity of Christ” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
The Methodists have recently issued another book on the Sabbath question, written by the Rev. Dr. M. C. Briggs, now of Santa Clara, Cal. The book is in many respects different from any that have preceded it, notably in that it attempts simply to prove “a commanding probability” what the venerable day of the sun-“the wild solar holiday of all pagan times”-was the original Sabbath of Jehovah. We have promised the author a review of his book in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and with this we begin the fulfillment of that promise. Before we pay any attention to the Sabbath argument, however, we wish to present a line of thought suggested by a sentence in the preface. Speaking of those who observe the seventh day as the Sabbath, whom he commends for their liberality in denominational outlays, their diligence in propagating the doctrines held by them, and their fidelity to their convictions, the Doctor says:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.45
“One only regrets that their influence is not brought to bear in support of the true Sabbath. Their genius of interpretation-especially that of the Saturday-Sabbath Adventists-illustrates itself in specific results which must counter-work each other, such as formal feet washing (now well-nigh abandoned, I believe), the denial of Christ’s divinity, the utter and contemptuous rejection of a supersensuous nature, a soul or spirit in man, and the annihilation of the wicked.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.46
As to the denial that man possesses a soul or spirit, we can say that we know of no Adventists, Sabbatarian or otherwise, who do this. If the Doctor thinks so, he has been misinformed. Certainly he never read any such denial. That subject is not under discussion at the present time, so we will simply say that Seventh-day Adventists believe the Bible as a whole, and every part of the whole, and when they read Paul’s prayer that the “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23), they accept it as evidence that man has both soul and spirit. What they reject is the unwarranted additions made to the Bible by Protestant and Papal doctors of divinity, by which they try to make it uphold the pagan dogmas that the soul or spirit is immortal. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.47
But when the Doctor states that Seventh-day Adventists deny the divinity of Christ, we know that he writes recklessly. We are fully persuaded in our own mind that he knows better; but be that as it may, the statement has been made so often by men who professed to know whereof they were speaking, that many have come to believe it; and for their sakes, as well as for the benefit of those who may now have given the subject any thought, we propose to set forth the truth. We have no theory to bolster up, and so, instead of stating propositions, we shall simply quote the word of God, and accept what it says. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.48
The first text that we quote is that one so familiar to everyone who knows anything of the Bible, John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” That this refers to Christ is evident from verse 4: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men;” and from verse 14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” Indeed, we never heard of anyone who doubted that the evangelist has reference to Christ in this passage. From it we learn that Christ is God. That text alone, if we had no other, is sufficient to establish the divinity of Christ, for the word “divinity” means, “the nature or essence of God.” We believe in the divinity of Christ, because the Bible says that Christ is God. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.49
In the book of Isaiah, which is full of prophecies of the Messiah, we find the following words spoken in anticipation of Christ:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.50
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.51
It would be impossible to find titles which would more completely show the exalted nature of Christ than these: “The mighty God, The everlasting Father.” But we read again from the beloved disciple:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.52
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” John 1:18. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.53
This text shows the closeness of the relationship between Christ and the Father. He is “the only begotten Son,” and he is “in the bosom of the Father.” No matter where Christ may be in person, he is “in the bosom of the Father;” that is a statement that is universally true, showing the unity of the Father and the Son. “He hath declared him.” That is, no man has seen God, but they know his character and attributes, because they have seen him set forth in Christ. This truth is well indicated by the words of Christ to Philip:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.54
“Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” John 14:8, 9. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.55
So perfectly did Christ represent the Father, that for one to say that he had not seen the Father was equivalent to saying that he had not seen Christ. For this we have the words of Christ himself; therefore those who refuse to accept him as divine, do so simply because they cannot believe his word. Those who do not believe that Christ, as he was here on earth, was divine, do not give him credit for being even an honest man. The very name that was given to Jesus-Emmanuel-signifies, “God with us.” See Matthew 1:23. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.56
The writer to the Hebrews, speaking of Christ’s superiority to the angels, says that it is because “he hath by inheritance a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:3. What name is it that he has by inheritance? It is, “The mighty God.” As the only begotten Son of God, he has that name by right. It is most natural that the Son should inherit the name of the Father. That he has this name, is shown still further by the words of the Father himself, who addresses the Son by it. Speaking of God the Father, the apostle says: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8. W. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.57
(To be continued.)
“‘Progress’” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
Ambrose, a prominent writer for the N. Y. Evangelist, in a recent number of that journal, has an article on “The Stages of Progress in the Conquest of the World.” He notes three great. Since in Christian work,—the first advent and primitive missionary work, the Reformation period, and later on comes a period of spreading the gospel to all nations. He then asks:— SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.58
“Is this third period of progress the last? May there not be needed another to do a work corresponding to that inaugurated by Luther and Calvin,-a work of purification and reform? Are there not at work already the tendencies to corruption? and is it sure that these and others will not increase as time goes on, even while the gospel is making its way over the earth? It was so in the Middle Ages, and what has happened once may happen again.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.59
The words indicate a sense of need, and a blind groping for light which God has so fully revealed. “Tendencies!” Corruption itself is already at work. It will “wax worse and worse.” “Perilous times” are come. Error, dissension, confusion, and corruption exist in the church. Another “reformation” is needed; and it is foretold in the “sure word of prophecy.” See Joel 2:1; Isaiah 58; Revelation 14:6-14. And that work of purification reform “is going forward to earth’s remotest bounds.” Its result will be to develop a people who have cast off error and tradition, who have accepted the word of truth as their guide (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12), and to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.60
“Living by Faith. Romans 1:17” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
“The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.61
This statement is the summing up of what the apostle has to say about the gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but only “to every one that believeth;” in it the righteousness of God is revealed. The righteousness of God is the perfect law of God, which is but the transcript of his own righteous will. All unrighteousness is sin, or the transgression of the law. The gospel is God’s remedy for sin; its work, therefore, must be to bring men into harmony with the law,-to cause the workings of the righteous law to be manifested in their lives. But this is wholly a work of faith,-the righteousness of God is revealed from “faith to faith,”-faith in the beginning, and faith to the end,-as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.62
This is true in all ages since the fall of man, and will be true until the saints of God have his name in their foreheads, and see him as he is. It was from the prophet Habakkuk (2:4) that the apostle quoted the statement. If the prophets had not revealed it, the first Christians could not have known of it; for they had only the Old Testament. To say that in the most ancient times men had but an imperfect idea of faith in Christ, is to say that there were no just men in those times. But Paul goes right back to the very beginning and cites an instance of saving faith. He says: “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” Hebrews 11:4. He says of Noah, also, that it was by faith that he built the ark to the saving of his house; “by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 11:7. We say that their faith was in Christ, because it was faith unto salvation, and besides the name of Jesus “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.63
There are too many who try to live the Christian life on the strength of the faith which they exercised when they realized their need of pardon for the sins of their past life. They know that God alone can pardon sins, and that he does this through Christ; but they imagine that having once been started they must run the race in their own strength. We know that many have this idea, first, because we have heard some say so, and second, because there are such multitudes of professed Christians who show the working of no greater power than their own. If they ever have anything to say in social meeting, besides the ever-recurring formula, “I want to be a Christian, so that I may be saved,” they tell only of a past experience, of the joy they had when they first believed. Of the joy of living for God, and of walking with him by faith, they know nothing, and he who tells of it speaks a strange language to them. But the apostle carries this matter of faith clear through to the glorious kingdom, in the following most forcible illustration:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.64
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:5, 6. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.65
Note the argument to prove that Enoch was translated by faith: Enoch was translated because he walked with God, and had the testimony that he pleased God; but without faith it is impossible to please God. That is enough to prove the point. Without faith not an act can be performed that will meet the approval of God. Without faith the best deeds that a man can do will come infinitely short of the perfect righteousness of God, which is the only standard. Wherever real faith is found it is a good thing; but the best of faith in God to take away the load of the sins of the past will profit a person nothing unless it is carried right through in ever-increasing measure until the close of his probation. SITI March 25, 1889, page 167.66
We have heard many people tell how hard they found it to do right; their Christian life was most unsatisfactory to them, being marked only by failure, and they were tempted to give up in discouragement. No wonder they get discouraged; continual failure is enough to discourage anybody. The bravest soldier in the world would become faint-hearted if he had been defeated in every battle. Sometimes these persons will mournfully tell that they have about lost confidence in themselves. Poor souls, if they would only lose confidence in themselves entirely, and would put their whole trust in the one who is mighty to save, they would have a different story to tell. They would then “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Says the apostle, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. The man who doesn’t rejoice in God, even though tempted and afflicted, is not fighting the good fight of faith. He is fighting the poor fight of self-confidence and defeat. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.1
All the promises of final happiness are to the overcomer. “To him that overcometh,” says Jesus, “will I give 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. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things,” says the Lord. Revelation 21:7. An overcomer is one who gains victories. The inheriting is not the overcoming; that is only the reward for overcoming. The overcoming is now; the victories to be gained are victories over the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life,-victories over self and selfish indulgences. The man who fights and sees the foe give way, may rejoice; nobody can keep him from rejoicing, for joy comes spontaneously as the result of seeing the enemy give way. Some folks look with dread upon the thought of having to wage a continual warfare with self and worldly lusts. That is because they do not as yet know anything about the joy of victory; they have experienced only defeat. But it isn’t so doleful a thing to battle constantly, when there is continual victory. The old veteran of a hundred battles, who has been victorious in every fight, longs to be at the scene of conflict. Alexander’s soldiers, who under his command never knew defeat, were always impatient to be led into the fray. Each victory increased their strength, which was born only of courage, and correspondingly diminished that of the vanquished foe. Now how may we gain continual victories in our spiritual warfare? Listen to the beloved disciples:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.2
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.3
Read again the words of the apostle Paul:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.4
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.5
Here is the secret of strength. It is Christ, the Son of God, the one to whom all power in Heaven and earth is given, who does the work. If he lives in the heart to do the work, is it boasting to say that continual victories may be gained? Yes it is boasting; but it is boasting in the Lord, and that is allowable. Says the psalmist, “My soul shall make her boast in the Lord;” and Paul says: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.6
The soldiers of Alexander were reckoned invincible. Why? Was it because they were naturally stronger and more courageous than all their enemies? No; but because they were led by Alexander. Their strength was in his leadership. Under another leader they would often have been defeated. When the Union army was fleeing, panic-stricken, before the enemy at Winchester, the presence of Sheridan turned their defeat into victory. Without him the men were a quaking mob; with him at their head they were an invincible army. If you had listened to the remarks after the battle, of the soldiers who served under those and similar leaders, you would have heard the praises of their general mingled with all their rejoicing. They were strong because he was; they were inspired by the same spirit that he had. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.7
Well, our captain is the Lord of hosts. He has met the chiefest foe of all and has vanquished him single-handed. Those who follow him invariably go forth conquering and to conquer. Oh, that those who profess to be his followers would put their trust in him, and then, by the repeated victories that they would gain, they would show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.8
John says that he that is born of God overcomes the world, through faith. Faith lays hold of the arm of God, and his mighty power does the work. How the power of God can work in a man, accomplishing that which he could not possibly do for himself, no one can tell. It would be as easy to tell how God can give life to the dead. Says Jesus: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. How the Spirit works in a man to subdue his passions, and to make him victorious over pride, envy, and selfishness, is known only to the Spirit; it is sufficient for us to know that it is done, and will be done in everyone who wants that work wrought in him, above all things else, and who trusts God for the performance of it. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.9
We cannot tell how Peter was enabled to walk on the water, when the waves were rolling about him; but we know that at the command of the Lord he did it. So long as he kept his eye fixed on the Master, divine power enabled him to walk as easily as though it were solid rock underneath; but when he looked at the waves, possibly with a feeling of pride in what he was doing, as though he himself was doing it, fear very naturally took possession of him, and he began to sink. Faith enabled him to walk on the waves; fear made him sink beneath them. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.10
Says the apostle: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days.” Hebrews 11:30. Why was that written? For our learning, “that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4. Why, is there any prospect that we shall ever be called upon to fight armed hosts, and to take fortified cities? No; “for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12); but the victories which have been gained by faith in God over visible foes in the flesh, are placed on record to show us what faith will accomplish in our conflict with the rulers of the darkness of this world. The grace of God, in answer to faith, is as powerful in these battles as in those; for says the apostle:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.11
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.12
It was not physical foes alone that faith enabled the ancient worthies to conquer. We read of them that they not only “subdued kingdoms,” but “wrought righteousness, obtained promises,” and, most wonderful and most encouraging of all, “out of weakness were made strong.” Hebrews 11:33, 34. Their very weakness became strength to them through faith, because the strength of Christ is made perfect in weakness. Who, then, shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? since it is God that justifieth, and we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Romans 8:35, 37. W. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.13
“The Pope’s Temporal Power” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
Speaking recently to a correspondent of the New York Herald concerning the late demonstrations in Rome in favor of the temporal power of the Pope, Signor Crispi, the Italian Prime Minister, said:— SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.14
“As well talk of the obsolete Governments of the Middle Ages. The temporal power is now a thing of the past-a toy for dull hours of mimic and the would-be statesman. Italy has no dread of the matter ever being revived au serieux. The Pope, however, is in no danger, so far as the Government is concerned. He has ample guarantee, but on the other hand he stands in great danger if the populace should be over-excited. It is, therefore, as much to the interests of the Vatican as it is to that of the Government of his Majesty, the king of Italy, that the demonstrations of the last two months should be firmly repressed and prevented. These demonstrations are fomented by foreign elements. Italian workmen do not belong to these societies.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.15
It will not do too hastily conclude from this that the restoration of the Pope’s temporal power is out of the question. Very likely the sentiment of Italy is against it; but public sentiment in the rest of the world, and especially in Europe, is rapidly taking form in favor of the claims of the Papacy; and should demand be made by the combined powers of the Old World, to say nothing of the sympathy which the Pope will receive from the United States and Canada, Italy would yield. Let us not for one moment deceive ourselves with the idea that the Pope is without political power and influence. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.16
“The Sabbath-School. Free-Will Offerings” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
Old Testament History.
(Lesson 11. April 6, 1889.)
1. While Moses was in the mouth, what did God tell him to say at the to the children of Israel? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.17
“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering; of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.” Exodus 25:1, 2. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.18
2. Of what was their offering to consist? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.19
“And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.” Verses 3-7. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.20
3. What were these offerings for? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.21
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Verse 8. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.22
4. Who only work to bring an offering? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.23
“Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord; whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass.” “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.” Exodus 35:5, 21. See Exodus 25:2. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.24
5. What sort of things did they bring? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.25
“And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord. And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers’ skins, brought them. Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord’s offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.” Exodus 35:22-24. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.26
6. How did they come to have so many valuable things? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.27
“And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment; and the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.” Exodus 12:35, 36. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.28
7. What did the women do? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.29
“And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.” Exodus 35:25, 26. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.30
8. What kind of service was all this? SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.31
“The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.” Verse 29. SITI March 25, 1889, page 183.32
9. How are we exhorted to give? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.1
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.2
10. What kind of a giver does God love?-Ib. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.3
11. Cite another instance where the people offered willingly to the cause of God? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.4
And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.” 1 Chronicles 29:6-8. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.5
12. How was it that the people were enabled to give so willingly? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.6
“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” Verse 9. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.7
13. Is there danger of coming to poverty through generous giving to the cause of God? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.8
“The desire of the righteous is only good; but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24, 25. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.9
14. What is God able to do? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.10
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.11
15. How is this? Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.12
16. Then when people make offerings to God, whose property do they give? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.13
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers; our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.” 1 Chronicles 29:14-16. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.14
17. What was the result when the people gave with a willing heart? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.15
“And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; and they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make.” Exodus 36:4, 5. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.16
18. But proclamation had to be made? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.17
And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” Verses 6, 7. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.18
19. How many have known of such an instance in the history of the cause? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.19
20. Is there in this record any lesson for us? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.20
NOTE
After the covenant with Israel had been made and ratified, the Lord called Moses up into the mount, where he remained forty days and nights in the presence of Divinity. Exodus 24:8, 12, 18. It was during this time that God gave him the instructions concerning the sanctuary, which are recorded in chapters 25 to 31. The beginning of this instruction pertained to the sanctuary to be built, showing how particular God was in that which pertained to his worship; and he concluded his holy interview by giving the law, written on two tables of stone, yes, graven there by the finger of God. Exodus 31:18; 32:15, 16. The object of all worship, all services, all remedies, is to bring men into harmony with the holy law of God. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.21
When Moses was absent, Aaron and Hur acted as his deputies, even as they were his chief assistants at the time of the battle with Amalek, recorded in Exodus 17:8-15. It was very fitting that these men should thus act. Aaron was of the tribe of Levi, in which was vested the priesthood. This tribe belonged to God. Numbers 3:1-13. Hur was probably the chief prince of the tribe of Judah. Exodus 31:1. An imminent and good man evidently, as the Lord chose from his descendants a skillful man to build the most sacred vessels. Judah was the tribe from which was to come the royal line and our Saviour. Genesis 49:10. Thus the supporters of Moses were the chief priest and the chief prince. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.22
Of the offerings brought, there is some difference of opinion among scholars in regard to the meaning of some of the original terms. The brass of the Bible was doubtless copper, which was abundant in Palestine, or an alloy of copper and tin, forming bronze. As these materials were brought from Egypt, the brass here mentioned was doubtless bronze, which was common in Egypt. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.23
The blue, purple, and scarlet were materials which could be spun and woven into cloth (Exodus 35:25), the color being put for the material. This material was doubtless cotton or wool. See Hebrews 9:19. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.24
Rams’ skins dyed red are supposed by some to mean leather, colored and dressed like morocco. By others it is supposed to mean skins dress with the wool on, either of a red color, or dyed red. “Badgers’ skins” does not have reference to the skins of those animals. The Bible Commentary, edited by Canon Cook, says: “The [original] word bears a new resemblance to the Arabic tuchash, which appears to be a general name given to the seals, dugongs. And Dolphins found in the Red Sea (Tristram), and according to some authorities, to the sharks and dog fish (Fürst). The substance spoken of would thus appear to have been leather from the skins of marine animals, which was well adapted as a protection against the weather.... The skins of the dolphin and the dugong are cut into sandals by the Modern Arabs, and this may explain Ezekiel 16:10.” “Shittim wood” was a kind of acacia, very hard and strong, and also light.” “The LXX. call it ‘wood that will not rot.’”—Id. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.25
The gold and silver were largely in the shape of jewels (Exodus 35:22), which the Egyptians had given them on that memorable morning after the slaying of Egypt’s first-born. Israel, in asking for these valuable things, only demanded their just wages. Consequently when they gave them to God to build a sanctuary for him, they gave that which had cost them years of toil and sufferings. It was a willing sacrifice on their part. They felt as did David when he refused the gift of Araunah’s threshing-floor, “Neither will I offer burnt-offerings on the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24. It is willing-heartedness that God loves. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.26
In fact, no other offering but that given with the whole heart is acceptable to God. First, he demands that the individual yield himself. “Son, give Me thine heart,” is the request which God makes. Those who do this, realizing that the are not their own, but “are bought with a price,” will not give grudgingly. They will only regret that they could not give more. They will first give themselves (1 Corinthians 8:1-5), and in giving themselves, they give all. What a contrast this is to the popular ways of raising means in vogue at the present time. What efforts are many times put forth to induce professed Christians and worldlings to give. What artifices are used to make them believe that they are getting in some way the worth of their money here, in fun or in suppers, in prizes won and bazaars, or in some other way. All these ways are contrary to the spirit of divine benevolence. The people gave and gave willingly of their very best. So God gave his only begotten Son. That which is bestowed grudgingly upon the cause of God is not a gift. The Lord does not need it, and it is of no advantage to the one who thus bestows it. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.27
In his second epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul makes the grace of Christ the grand spring of all Christian giving. Giving that is prompted by anything else is not Christian giving. As an incentive for them to give liberally, the apostle said: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. The plan of salvation begins and ends with a gift. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14. And when the work of redemption shall have been completed, the saints will share a glorious immortality as the free gift of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. This consideration should incite to prompt our cheerful giving. Indeed, it will lead to such giving on the part of every soul who feels the worth of the Saviour’s love. Surely it is a slight thing to give the temporal riches which come from God in the first place, and belong to him, when he so freely gives to us eternal riches. “The riches of his grace” is an expression often used by the apostle Paul. But the grace of God is a gift, and consists wholly in giving; we are exhorted to be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10. The Spirit of willingness to give is a grace, and a manifestation of the grace of God. See 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. This is further proof by the experience of the people in the time of Hezekiah. See 2 Chronicles 30 and 31, comparing a special chapter 30:18-20 and 31:4-11. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.28
The great lesson which God would teach men, and which man needs to learn, is that all belongs to God. And from him all came, to him all belongs. He created them by his mighty power; they were redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus. He who recognizes this, and truly yields himself to God through Christ, has learned a great lesson. All service for God will then be willing service; all our offerings will be willing offerings. Selfishness will be swallowed up in love. He will be happy, not because he thinks of self, but because he has forgotten self in his love for God and for souls for whom Christ died. He will not ask, How little can I do and be accepted? but, How can I render back to God the least of all his mercies? SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.29
“Back Page” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
Henry George, who has been making land-tax speeches for some time under the auspices of the London preachers, on the 17th inst. occupied the pulpit of Rev. Stepford Brooks, which had never been filled by an itinerant layman. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.30
It is said that President Harrison will not be content with the eight new war vessels which will be let to contracts shortly after June 30, the expiration of the current fiscal year, but that he will advocate in his message to Congress the building of a strong, modern navy. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.31
It seems that reports from the new gold fields of Lower California have been greatly exaggerated in the interests of land speculators. There is some gold in the new diggings, but the best claims are in the hands of Mexicans, and Mexican officials, it is said, charge exorbitant fees for entering claims for Americans. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.32
According to the China Mail of February 9, various missionary societies of England are agitating among the ship owners and steamship companies of Great Britain for a better observance of Sunday, especially in foreign parts. A circular letter to this effect has been addressed to ship owners and directors of companies. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.33
Some seem to think that because there are different versions and readings in the manuscripts of the Bible, the Bible is not worthy of credence. This is what a scholar, Moses Stuart, said in regard to this matter:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.34
“Not one doctrine of religion is changed, not one precept is taken away, not one important fact is altered, by the whole of the various readings collectively taken.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.35
The Jewish Times and Observer mentions the fact that a Hebrew paper is now regularly published in the capital city of our Southern neighbor, and says: “Who would believe twenty years ago, that in the year 1889 a Jewish paper would be published in the city of Mexico?” “Considering that Mexico has always been a Jew-hating country, a Jewish organ is quite a curiosity in that part of the world.” The paper is called El Sabado Servato. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.36
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific was organized in San Francisco on the 7th ult. and has sent out a circular stating its object, and inviting proper persons to become members. Edward S. Hodden, of the Lick Observatory, is the president, and Chas. Burckhalter, of Chabot Observatory, Oakland, Secretary of the society. Article XII of its Constitution provides that the society may, by a vote of the majority of all its active and life members, become a branch of an American Astronomical Society, should one be formed. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.37
Referring to the Lenten season, the Christian at Work says: “Only the flippant and thoughtless will assume to ridicule a solemn season whose observance commends itself to the devout feelings of by far the larger number of their fellow-Christians. Surely it is well to turn aside for a while from the pomp and circumstance of the world, and in meditation and contemplation, and abstinence and self-denial, bring those things to the fore which the cares and attractions of the world have put for the time aside, if they have not been lost to sight.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.38
Certainly no one should ridicule anything but there are not a few who will continue to regard as a grave error the idea that people can live for the world 325 days of the year and then make it right by a little self-denial during the Lenten season. True Christianity demands devotion every day in the year, and it is only putting in few words that which is the plain teaching of the Scriptures to say that those who follow the pomp of the world excepting in Lent are not true followers of Him who said: “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men who wait for their Lord.” Those who will obey the divine injunction to “pray without ceasing” will need no Lenten season in which, “starving their sin,” as the Christian at Work puts it, they “will find spiritual refreshment,” and they who do not preserve a constant and living connection with the true Vine not depend upon securing it by means of abstinence and self-denial during Lent. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.39
Rev. Justin D. Fulton, the anti-Romanist lecturer, got sadly tangled up in the color line in Richmond, Va., recently. In an address to the First African Church of that city he said: “Let the black man have money, and he can buy railroads in Georgia and other States where a negro is not allowed equal privileges with a white man, and then the former can say to the latter, ‘Now if you don’t behave yourself I will put you off my train.’” In concluding he announced that he would preach at the First Baptist Church (white) the following Sunday evening, but the next day the deacons of the church met and after reading the Doctor’s remarks, unanimously decided that the church would not be open to him. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.40
If the report telegraphed from West Virginia is correct, and it has not been denied, an overzealous preacher in that State recently incited a mob to destroy eight houses occupied by a number of immoral persons, whose presence in the community was not thought to be desirable by the reverend gentleman. We know nothing about the merits of the case, nor the enormity of the offense committed by the occupants of the wrecked buildings, but nothing short of the highest crimes and a most lamentable failure on the part of the courts to administer justice would at all justify such proceedings. It is, therefore, exceedingly gratifying to know that twenty-five of the men engaged in this high-handed affair have been held to await the action of the grand jury. Correct morals can be neither manufactured nor conserved by any such White Cap methods, and the man who insights mobs to deeds of violence, even though he be a preacher, is a disgrace to Christianity, and an enemy to good government, and ought to be made to feel the hand of the law which He has outraged. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.41
It is even thus that the Congregationalist of March 7 raises its voice of lamentation over the closing hours of Congress:- SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.42
“The Sabbath desecration which marked the expiring hours of the Fiftieth Congress ought to sadden and shame the nation.... When will the people discover that only men who have a conscience, alike for themselves and for the nation, are fit to be intrusted with the public welfare? Let us be grateful that the incoming President declined to receive political visitors, and thus did what he could to observe the day.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.43
It has the true National Reform ring. They want men who have not only conscience for themselves, but conscience for the nation. And it is just this kind of a conscience which will enact and enforce laws commanding all men to abide by what this official conscience may dictate. In its Sunday sitting Congress violated no law, human or divine. We suppose that this fact was recognized by even the extremely conscientious legislators who formed the Blair Sunday Bill. We do it them the charity to believe that they did not violate conscience; and we suppose that they were not convicted of sin or crime. Because they knew that “where no law is, there is no transgression.” SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.44
“‘In Time of Peace Prepare for War’” The Signs of the Times, 15, 12.
E. J. Waggoner
Those who invariably enjoy good health are not usually apprehensive of disease, even though an experienced physician can see conclusive evidence that it is lurking in their system. They generally refuse to be warned. That country which for a long term of years has enjoyed uninterrupted peace, will hardly believe that war can come, when there is every indication of its near approach. Such an one is generally taken unawares, even as was the city of Laish anciently. Judges 18:7. It is equally true that when the people of the nation have enjoyed equality of rights, civil and religious, for many years, they take it for granted that thus it will ever remain, and rest securely even when danger is at their very door. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.45
This is emphatically true of the United States.Their independence was founded on the broad platform of “equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever State or persuasion, religious or political.” With but few exceptions through unconstitutional State laws, none have suffered for conscience’ sake. It has been the best civil government the world is ever seen. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.46
But a change has come. For years religious politicians have been plotting to effect what will virtually be a union of Church and State. The National Reform Party for the last quarter of a century has had this for its avowed object. Many thousands of others, while disavowing this, are really advocating those principles which will lead to religion by law. Some no doubt are actuated by good and patriotic motives. They cannot believe that they are repeating the history of Rome. They look at that power when fully developed in all its bloodthirstiness, and contrast that with their ideal Government, and say that surely these cannot be alike. Just so those thought who laid the foundation of the Papacy. Many then worked for the ideal Government through motives of patriotism or for the glory of God, but the result was the Papacy and the Dark Ages. The Real was not the Ideal. Wrong principles and premises will never lead to right conclusions. Upon these things the people need instruction; and we do not know of any work which has yet appeared which gives so much instruction in so small space in regard to the evils of Church and State as does a finely executed pamphlet now before us, entitled, “Civil Government and Religion,” by Alonzo T. Jones. The chapter headings will give the reader something of an idea of the work: “What Is Due to God and What to Cæsar?” “The Powers That Christianity Be;” “Christianity and the Roman Empire;” “The Religious Arrack upon the United States Constitution, and Those Who Are Making It;” “Religious Legislation;” “The Sunday-law Movement in the Fourth Century, and Its Parallel in the Nineteenth;” “The Workings of a Sunday Law;” and four Appendices. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.47
Right and wrong principles are followed to their legitimate results; the principle of true gospel liberty is developed; for what Governments are ordained is clearly shown; and these, together with the cogent arguments, backed by historical facts, constitute the work a small armory, which should be possessed by every liberty-loving citizen. The battle of religious liberty is to be fought in America. Now, in the time of peace, let every lover of equal rights and exact justice prepare for war by becoming conversant with right principles. They cannot do better in the beginning of these preparations than to purchase a copy of “Civil Government and Religion.” The work fitly closes with the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution and the Amendments thereto. The work contains 175 large pages, price 25 cents. Address The American Sentinel, Oakland, Cal., or Pacific Press, 43 Bond Street, New York. SITI March 25, 1889, page 186.48