The Signs of the Times, vol. 15

February 4, 1889

“Front Page” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

Real faith is believing that God will do for us that which he has promised to do; not that which we would like to have him do. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.61

The Christian at Work bewails the fact that the week of prayer does not command a hearty co-operation of the churches that it did in ten or fifteen years ago, and says:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.62

“One of our contemporaries, noticing the fact of the decline, says: ‘It is only a question of time when the week of prayer will be numbered among the institutions of the past.’ Doubtless this is true, and let us say, sooner than see it dwindle away, it would be better to abolish it altogether. When the week of prayer ceases to represent a real want, it ceases to justify its existence.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.63

And yet the editor expresses the belief that “great good will come from the week of prayer just past.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.64

We wish that preachers would do what the subjoined note calls for. The great difficulty is, to give expositions which will harmonize with the many and unscriptural doctrines now held, and satisfy the inquiring listeners who might ask too many questions hard to be answered in an “orthodox way.” The word of God, rightly interpreted, will recommend itself. Here is the item:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.65

“The London Sunday School Chronicle remarks that public men have put in an earnest plea for a return to the expository style of preaching, and the plea is meeting with a response. The Chronicle well says: “Let us give the Word the chance of making its own impression. We may be quite sure that it will recommend itself. When people know what it is, they can afford to smile, even at learned German professors, who tell them what it is not.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.66

Among the blessings pronounced by our Saviour was this: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” To thirst means more than simply to desire; it means to have that intense longing of souls so aptly expressed by the psalmist in these words: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; for the living God, when shall I appear before God?” Psalm 42:1, 2. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.67

This is the language of the most intense longing. The panting dear upon the sun-scorched and barren plain, has but one impulse, namely, to reach water; the famish traveler in the desert wastes has but one thought, Oh, that I might find water; and so must He feels who seeks God. When in sore distress the patriarch Job exclaimed in the anguish of the soul: “Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.68

These Scriptures give some idea of what the man feels who has real longings of soul for God and for the things that pertain to salvation. And he who has these controlling desires, these all absorbing longings, will not be disappointed,-“he shall,” says the word of God, “be filled.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.69

Speaking of the pretensions of the Papacy, both moral and political, America pertinently says:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.70

It is somewhat late in the world’s history for the Pope to claim that he is the greatest moral power in that world. We read that “righteousness exalteth a nation.” Where, in the history of the past, is there an instance of submission to the supremacy of Rome exalting either a people or a nation? The intelligence of this century judges institutions and dogmas by their fruits. So long is Italy rested under the shadow of “the real sovereignty” of the Romish Church, civilization slumbered within her borders, while ignorance and depravity the paralyzed progress. There is not an exception from the experience of Italy in history to sustain the Pope’s pretensions, that it would be for the advancements of that or any other country that his temporal rights should be vindicated. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.71

According to statistics recently published in the Advance, there has been a marked falling off, of late years, in the number of college graduates who have entered the ministry. From 1837 to 1840 Oberlin sent out 56 graduates, 66 per cent. of whom entered the ministry; but of the 201 graduated from 1861 to 1870 only 31 per cent. entered the ministry. During about the same years the per cent. of graduates entering the ministry from Yale declined from 32 to 15; while the per cent. of those from Harvard decreased from 12 to 6. A number of other colleges make about the same showing. The Advance says: “We doubt not that some pastors find these fact solemnly suggestive.” “These figures, even with the most favorable interpretation and largest allowance, are eloquent as to the demand for more men in the ministry.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.72

When we preach the necessity of obedience to the commandments of God, there are many who charge us with being legalists, notwithstanding the fact that we preach “the faith of Jesus,” at the same time as of equal importance. Those who repudiate the Sabbath of the Lord, seem to have a terrible horror of anything like legalism. But here an anomaly presents itself. The same people who would not dare keep the Sabbath, lest they should be called legalists, are very zealous in their efforts to have laws enacted to enforce the observance of Sunday. Law, law, law, is their main theme. “We must have a law,” say they, “in order to check this Sunday desecration.” Is not this legalism? If not, what is it? It seems from their actions as though the only law to be shunned is the law of God. After all, this is but natural, for that is the law which brands the Sunday as a base counterfeit. No wonder Sunday devotees wish to throw the law of God into the shade; but when they actually have a law requiring Sunday observance, their fear of legalism will be gone. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.73

“Continue” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” Thus wrote the apostle Paul to his son Timothy. There are thousands of honest souls who would be well off if they would but heed that injunction. It would seem to be the most natural thing in the world to do, and yet there are few who do it. If a man has learned a thing, and is assured of it, it would seem as though he would cling to that under all circumstances; the more the clouds and mists gathered about him, the more that darkness covered his way, making it almost impossible to discern anything, the more closely should he cling to those things that he has been assured of. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.74

Usually, however, the contrary is just the case. A person is as well assured of some things as he can possibly be of his own existence, but suddenly he is confronted by something which he does not know how to “harmonize” with what he already has. The new thing may be only a spectre, but it has proved sufficient to frighten him from all that is substantial. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.75

There are a great many who can never become reconciled to the idea that they are not omniscient. They rest content for a while in the things that they are assured of, simply because those things bound their horizon. But when they become conscious that there are things that they do not know, and things that they with their finite minds cannot understand, they give up everything. They will know everything or nothing. Unfortunately, when they have thrown away those things that they know, and are the nearest to knowing nothing, they imagine that they are the nearest to knowing everything. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.76

Henry Ward Beecher tells of a lesson which was once given him in regard to continuing in the things which he knew. When he was a boy, he had a very original teacher in mathematics. One day Henry was demonstrating a problem, when his teacher suddenly interrupted him with an emphatic No! This disconcerted him and he began again at the beginning, but was very soon interrupted by another emphatic contradiction of his statement. Wholly discouraged, he sat down, and the problem was given to another boy, who demonstrated it in the same manner and was met by the same contradictions on the part of the teacher. This boy, however, paid no heed to the interruptions, and completed his demonstration and was commended. “Why,” said young Beecher, in an injured tone, “that’s just the way I did it.” “Yes,” replied the teacher, “but you didn’t stick to it.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.77

That is the way with many Christians. They go along very smoothly so long as there is no breath of opposition; but as soon as they meet with a sharp contradiction, they don’t know what to do. They act as though they thought that nothing can be true unless everybody believes it. It isn’t, however, because the things that they are assured of are attacked, that they give up the truth, but because something else is declared or insinuated to be the truth, and they cannot harmonize the two. Doubts and fanciful theories are presented to them, and they straightway leave the solid ground of truth, to chase the will-o’-the-wisp into the bogs of error. How much better off people would be if they would only heed the apostle’s injunction to continue in the things that they are assured of. Is not that the only common sense way of doing? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.78

It is only those who patiently continue in well-doing that God will reward with eternal life. Eternity in the kingdom of God will be continual progression in the truths which have been learned on earth. No man who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is worthy of the kingdom of Heaven; because if he cannot continue for a few years in things that he has been assured of, how can he continue in the same things throughout eternity? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.79

Happy is the man who continues instant in prayer, “watching thereunto with all perseverance,” and is thus “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Have you been assured of one thing? Then cling to it and continue in it, even though it be the only thing you know. Better be assured of one thing, than to be in doubt of every thing. Does somebody say, “Well, I don’t know about that”? Then do you reply, “Well, I do know about it.” Does somebody taunt you with your ignorance of many things? Tell them that your ignorance of many things shall not overthrow your knowledge of the one thing. Whatever is said and done, “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of.” Only by so doing can you hope to know any thing more. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.80

Above all things, continue in the knowledge of God. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8. Oh that all who profess faith in Christ might so know him whom they have believed that they would “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head, even Christ.” W. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.81

“A Remarkable Plan” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

The questions of “how to reach the masses,” and “how to get people to attend church,” are, it seems, still live topics in New York, and a correspondent of the Evening Post of that city has offered, presumably as a solution of the latter problem, the suggestion that the rich men in the “large and handsome churches pay for a number of the best seats in the church, and have the reserve, especially for the poor people.” “Only think,” says he, “of the immense delight and privilege to a poor person to sit in a front pew, to hear the delightful music, to join in the beautiful service, and to feel himself a member of that great congregation-the church as free, as home-like to him as to the rich man whose noble thoughtfulness and whose bounty made that seat a free one!” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.82

It is then suggested that the rich men would themselves sit in the “more obscure places,” and this the Post’s correspondent is sure would “so touch the hearts of the poor that they would rush to the churches to enjoy the boon.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.83

Commenting upon the suggestion, the New York Sun says the following very sensible things:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.84

“Very likely many of them would come, but they would be only from among those of the poor who are willing to put their poverty on exhibition for pay-the tramps, the bummers, the deadbeats, the beggars, and the imposters. If the rich Christians, besides reserving the front seats for them, should offer to each a dollar a Sunday, the fashionable churches might be filled as never before. Otherwise the plan would not work. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.85

“The trouble with the system of hiring pews at high prices in fashionable churches is that it involves a discrimination between the rich and the poor, which does such violence to the whole theory of Christianity that the simplest see its inconsistency. Yet the plan proposed by the Evening Post’s correspondent tends to emphasize the distinction. The poor are made dependent on the bounty of the rich, and their poverty becomes the more conspicuous in a place where all should be alike before God, and rich or poor only according to the measure of their spiritual worth. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.86

“It makes no difference whether the rich occupy the front seats and the poor the back seats, or the rich the back seats and the poor the front seats. The line of distinction between them is drawn all the same, except that in the latter case the degradation of the poor would be more striking. They would be in the front seats because they were poor, and the rich would be behind them because they were rich. The fashionable pews would then be those in the ‘obscure places,’ since to occupy a conspicuous seat would be for a man to advertise his poverty and his inferiority in the social scale. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.87

“Of course the self-respecting poor could never be induced to go to church on any such conditions. If they are to accept ‘bounty’ in God’s house, they want it to be God’s, and not man’s bounty. They do not want to be reminded, and to have everybody be reminded, when they go up to pray, that they are a class by themselves, and that even the privilege of religious worship is obtained by them only at the cost of those who have more money than they. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.88

“Yet the dense ignorance of human nature displayed by the author of this plan is common enough in the churches of which he speaks, and it explains why they are unable to reach the great body of the people.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.89

“A Misapplication” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

A Rev. Francis Rand, in the Christian Nation of January 9, says that Christianity “is the legitimate religion of the Republic.” “It is impossible for America, in the line of her patriotic history, to be kept apart from Christianity in the cause for liberty;” and then he quotes from W. E. Channing, as in harmony with what he says, as follows:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.90

“This at least we know, that equal rights and an impartial administration of justice has never been enjoyed where this religion has not been understood. It favors free institutions, first, because its spirit is the very spirit of liberty; that is, a spirit of respect for the interests and rights of others. Christianity recognizes the essential equality of mankind.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.91

Mr. Rand’s statement, that “Christianity is the legitimate religion of the Republic,” is essentially false. It is impossible for a republic to be religious. The Republic is not an entity; it is not a responsible individual. It has no soul to save. It cannot repent or believe. It is made up of the individuals of many nations and climes, of all beliefs and practices; and the infidel is just as much entitled to citizenship under the Constitution, other things being equal, as a Christian. The law of a nation may declare it to be Christian, but that does not alter its character. Facts are stubborn things. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.92

Further, Dr. Channing’s statement is not at all in harmony with Mr. Rand’s. The understanding of the principles of the Christian religion, and the embodying of those principles in statute law, are two widely different things. And just as soon as this nation professes Christianity through law, it has passed that point where those responsible for such actions can have “respect for the interests and rights of others;” and will not recognize “the essential equality of mankind.” The difference between the meaning of Mr. Rand’s words and those of Dr. Channing, which he quotes in his support, is the difference between tyranny and liberty. It is only one of the many misapplications of which National Reformers are noted. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.93

“True Bravery” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

“The old guard dies, but never surrenders,” the famous saying attributed to Napoleon’s trusted warriors, is considered by many almost sublime. It is the language of unswerving, uncompromising loyalty to a cause; and if that cause were true, the language would be sublime. It might be, however, the language of brashness and foolhardiness. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.94

But there is a cause which has furnished greater examples of devotion and uncompromising loyalty than any cause of earth ever knew; and that is the cause of God. We will take two illustrations, not from the heat of battle, and the inspiration of martial music, but from those who stood alone. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.95

The first is the reply of the three young Hebrews, when commanded by a king who had advanced them to posts of honor, to fall down and worship the golden image. They believed that God would deliver from the fiery furnace; “but,” said they, “if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Their faith, devotion, and loyalty were dominant in either life or death. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.96

The second illustration is no less marked. It is that of an apostle who had been forewarned by a prophet that bonds awaited him in Jerusalem. His own brethren, who were very dear, endeavored to persuade him from going. Their strong appeals touch his heart, but they do not change his resolution nor swerve him from duty. Said he, “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem to the name of the Lord Jesus.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.97

This is the loyalty of the true soldier of Christ in all his conflicts with the enemy, in all calls of duty. History abounds in numerous examples of such loyalty, beside which all mere human bravery pales into insignificance. This is the faith and loyalty demanded of the soldiers of Christ now. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.98

“The Obedience of Faith. Romans 1:5” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.99

This verse is of course dependent on that which has preceded, and the antecedent of the pronouns “whom,” and “his,” is the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord.” The apostle’s statement is, that by Jesus Christ he has received the grace to be an apostle, for obedience to the faith among all nations. The grace which he says he has received, is more than the ordinary grace which is invoked upon all the saints, in the apostolic benediction. It is special grace for special work. In Ephesians 1:7, 8, he expresses it thus:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.100

“Whereof [that is, the gospel] I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.101

Grace was given to Paul in large measure, simply because he was called to a great work. God gives to every man strength according to his day. So far as grace to overcome sin is concerned, Paul had no more of it than any man may have. Heaven has no special favorites; “God is no respecter of persons.” The patriarchs, prophets, and apostles were men of like passions with us, and had no more aid in overcoming any habit than we may have in overcoming the same. Enoch “walked with God;” but that is nothing more than God requires of every man. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.102

But the special point of the verse under consideration is the expression, “obedience to the faith.” Notice that the margin has it, “the obedience of faith;” and this is the exact rendering of the original. The same expression occurs in Romans 16:26, where Paul says that the mystery of God, namely, the gospel, “is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.103

A somewhat similar expression comes in Acts 6:7, where it is said that “a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” By some, these expressions are supposed to refer to a system of faith; but we cannot so generalize. Faith is a personal matter. Obedience to a system, would be simply a performance of the rites of that system; but that would amount to nothing without the exercise of personal faith. When Paul said, “I have kept the faith,” he meant that he had kept in his heart that faith which enabled him to fight the good fight, even the good fight of faith. With this view in mind, we shall see that it matter little whether we say “obedience to the faith,” or “the obedience of faith.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.104

The great characteristic of faith is, that it works. We do not mean that works are attached to it, but works come from it. “As the holy without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26. Faith “worketh by love,” says Paul. There may be that which is called faith, but if no works proceed from it, it is not faith. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.105

Obedience implies action; it is well-doing when it is rendered to God. But what we wish to emphasize is, that there is no well-doing except that which springs, not from the individual himself, but from his faith. A few texts of Scripture will serve to show this. Read first, Habakkuk 2:4. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.106

A just man is one who acts in harmony with the law of God. Therefore a just man is an obedient man. So we may understand the text as saying that an obedient man shall live (a life of obedience) by his faith. The obedience springs from his faith, and therefore there is no chance for him to be lifted up, since the act of obedience is not his personal action, but is the action of his faith, and credited to him as his own. The man whose soul is lifted up in him, is the man who thinks that he can of himself do all that is required, and who as a consequence does nothing. Thus, “pride goeth before destruction.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.107

In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul said that his great desire was to win Christ, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9. Faith itself brings righteousness, even the imputed righteousness of God through Christ, in the remission of sins. It is that righteousness which is “without the law, unto all and upon all them that believe.” Romans 3:21, 22. It is that righteousness which Abraham received, when he “believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3. This righteousness is “imputed without works” (Romans 4:6); it is bestowed as an act of God’s free grace. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.108

This imputed righteousness is simply “the remission of sins that are past,” and may be called passive righteousness. The man is counted as though he had always been obedient, although he has never been obedient. The justice of this will be considered at another time. But following this there must be active righteousness through the remainder of life; for it is only to those who patiently continue in well-doing (righteousness) that God will render eternal life. Now this active righteousness is just as much the work of faith as is the other. This is shown by Philippians 3:9, already quoted, in which Paul says that he wants to be found not having his own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is by faith of Jesus Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.109

The same is shown also by Paul’s prayer, that the Philippians might be “filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:11. This is the righteousness, or the obedience, of faith. From these texts we are justified in saying that a man does good works, not in order that he may be righteous, but because he is righteous. His works will never bring righteousness, for the righteousness of God is only by the faith of Jesus Christ; and when he has once experienced that blessedness, he works because he cannot help it, unless he renounces his faith and his past experience. He works because the love of Christ constrains him. From this stand-point we can harmonize the obedience to the faith, with the obedience of faith. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.110

This is not a mere theory; it is a practical truth. Because of a failure to comprehend it, thousands of professed Christians live most unsatisfactory lives. Like the ancient Jews, they follow after righteousness, yet they do not attain to it, because they work it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. Not realizing that no righteousness whatever can come except through faith, they seek to get themselves “into a place where the Lord can bless” them. But God’s blessing is manifested, through Christ, in turning men away from their iniquities. Acts 3:26. “By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.111

Paul was not commissioned to preach a gospel of self-righteousness, but the obedience of faith. Such righteousness does not commend itself to the mass of mankind, because it involves pain, and shame, and humiliation. It involves a rating of self at the true value, which is nothing; an acknowledgment that we are so altogether sinful that we cannot even think that which is right; that if any good shall appear in us, it will be just as much the work of the Lord as were the steps taken by the impotent man, who was healed through the instrumentality of Peter. If men could buy righteousness and eternal life, or could earn it by hard labor, or even by undergoing torture, few would be without it; but because they can get it only by complete dependence on another, to whom all the honor must be given, their pride will not let them accept it. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.112

Yet this obedience of faith, which is by Jesus Christ, is the only obedience which will gain for us an entrance through the gates into the eternal city of God. For in that day when a King, even the King of righteousness, shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth, in whose days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely, the name whereby he shall be called is, “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23:5, 6. W. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.113

“Catholic Education” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

The school law of Haverhill, Mass., declares that the English language must be the vehicle of instruction in all schools, public or private, and that instruction in United States History shall form a part of the regular course of study. But Father Boucher, a Roman Catholic priest, teaches an open violation of law, and has thus come in conflict with the school committee. He has about two hundred and fifty pupils under his charge, and two thirds of his instruction is in French, his assistants knowing nothing of American methods of teaching, in the place of United States History, a French history of Canada is taught. As Father Boucher declines to change his course, another conflict is before a portion of the people of the Old Bay State. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.114

Loyal Roman Catholics are not American citizens. They own a higher allegiance to their church than to any civil power. But there would be nothing wrong in this if the Catholic church was only a church, and confined her labors to a religious sphere; but the Church of Rome is an intriguing political organization, which claims power over all nations. And every devotee of Rome will work to the end of bringing this nation under her power. The subversion of education is one of Rome’s means of doing this. There are loyal citizens in the Church of Rome, but they are only half Catholics. A true Catholic cannot be a loyal citizen of any Sovereign State, for he owes his first and highest allegiance to the Pope of Rome. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.115

After all, those Americans who indorse the Blair Educational Amendment Bill, ought not to find fault with Rome’s theories and demands concerning education and its support. Rome’s position is the logical sequence of that bill, which demands that the principles of the Christian religion shall be taught in our schools; Catholics ask no more than this. Let our schools remain totally unsectarian and purely secular, and distinctly American. Leave religious education to the home and church, where it belongs. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.116

“A Religious Boycott” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

The Presbyterian ministers of Minneapolis have invoked the boycott against Sunday papers, as witnessed by the fact that upon a recent Sunday the following paper was read from all the pulpits of the denomination in that city:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.117

“The Presbyterian pastors, all of whose names are hereunto fixed, believing the use of the Sabbath newspaper to be a distinct violation of the divine law, do most urgently urge and intreat the people of their congregations to abstain from patronizing it as an advertising medium, and from either purchasing it or reading it.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.118

Sunday papers may be an evil; but it would be hard for those ministers to show that they are such, simply because they are published, vended, and read upon the first day of the week. The assertion that labor or business performed upon Sunday violates the fourth commandment, is false; and the commandment itself shows it to be false, for it specifies the seventh day, and everybody knows that Sunday is the first day. There is another commandment, namely, “Thou shalt not bear false witness,” that we would commend to the attention of the zealous Sunday advocates. To assert that the fourth commandment enjoins Sunday-keeping, is nothing short of bearing false witness against God, and against his law, and might be fittingly repuked by the words recorded in Ezekiel 13:7: “Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken?” SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.119

“Ever Learning—What?” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy of some who would be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” We have known some persons who greatly misapprehended this text, holding that it applies to those who are ever studying the truth, and ever hearing some new things in regard to it. Those who hold such a view, do but wrest the Scripture to their own destruction; for it is certain that nothing will more surely tend to one’s destruction than to cease to learn new things from the word of God. The Bible is an unfathomable deep; no one can ever exhaust its treasures. Of the Bible it may truly be said: “If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” If anybody thinks that he knows all there is to learn from even the simplest text, he is greatly deceived. The man who is the best acquainted with the Scriptures is the one who is best prepared to study them with profit. The truths contained in the Bible will be the subject of earnest and prayerful study throughout eternity, and then they will not be exhausted. Let no one, then, exclaim against continual study of that book, or against drawing hithertofore undiscovered truths therefrom. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.120

The class to whom Paul refers are those who are “never able to come to the knowledge of the truth,” because that which they are learning is not the truth. It cannot be said of one who is ever searching the Bible for new treasures, that he is not able to come to the knowledge of the truth. He has come to the knowledge of the truth, and is so delighted with it that he wants more. But those who, in spite of their learning, are not able to come to the knowledge of the truth, are “men of corrupt minds” voice of judgment concerning the faith.” They know nothing whatever of the truth. Like the Athenians of old, they may ever be hearing or telling some new thing, but that new thing only increases their darkness. All the time that they are being “vainly puffed up in their fleshly minds,” thinking that they are growing immensely wise, and that they are almost, if not quite, equal with God, they are getting farther and farther away from true wisdom.What a terrible deception! and what a terrible awakening there will be for such ones! Let us accept that truth which seems so simple to the mind of the natural man that it is considered foolishness, and then let us ever continue its study. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.121

“The Sabbath School. The Departure from Egypt” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

Old Testament History.
(Lesson 6, February 16, 1889.)

1. What was the last plague upon Egypt? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.122

2. What were the Israelites required to do in order to escape it? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.123

3. On what day of the month was the Passover? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.124

“And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.” Exodus 12:6. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.125

4. On what day of the month was the Passover? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.126

“And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.” Verse 29. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.127

5. When this great calamity came, what did Pharaoh do? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.128

“And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.” Verses 30-32. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.129

6. Of what word of the Lord was this a fulfillment? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.130

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.” Exodus 11:1. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.131

7. How did the people of Egypt feel? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.132

“And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all deadmen.” Exodus 12:33. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.133

8. What did the Israelites receive from the Egyptians? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.134

“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.” Verses 35, 36. See note. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.135

9. With what word of the Lord was this in harmony? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.136

“But every woman shall borrow of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.” Exodus 3:22. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.137

“And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.” Genesis 15:13, 14. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.138

10. Explain the seeming discrepancy between Genesis 15:13, and Exodus 12:40. See note. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.139

11. How large a company went out from Egypt? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.140

“And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.” Exodus 12:37. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.141

12. What did Moses take with him? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.142

“And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.” Exodus 13:19. See Genesis 50:24, 25. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.143

13. In exacting this promise, by what was Joseph actuated? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.144

“By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” Hebrews 11:22. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.145

14. What precautions did the Lord take against causing the Israelites to become discouraged? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.146

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt; but God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 13:17, 18. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.147

15. What protection in guidance did he give them? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.148

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night; he took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Verses 21, 22. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.149

16. What confidence may God’s people ever have? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.150

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.151

“They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever.” Psalm 125:1, 2. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.152

17. Then what should ever be their song? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.153

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.154

18. What sustain Moses all through the contest with Pharaoh, and the departure from Egypt? SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.155

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” Hebrews 11:27, 28. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.156

NOTES

“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.” Exodus 12:35. It may be notice, in passing, that the word rendered “jewels,” or properly signifies “vessels,” “instruments,” etc. But the object of this note is to disabuse the minds of any of the idea that the Israelites, according to the word of God, borrowed from the Egyptians that which they knew there was no possibility of repaying. They did not borrow these things, but demanded them, as the Hebrew word indicates. The Hebrew word here rendered “borrowed,” is the same that is rendered “require,” in Deuteronomy 10:12: “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways,” etc. Here, it will be readily seen, the idea is not of asking something which should be returned, but of asking that which is justly due. So it is in Exodus 12:35. The Revised Version has it, “They asked of the Egyptians.” The Israelites had been working for the Egyptians for many years, without compensation. They had added immensely to the wealth of Egypt (see Exodus 1:11); indeed, the Egyptians owed their very existence, under God, to the Hebrews, for if it had not been for the wise counsel and vigorous action of Joseph, they would have perished by famine. And now, when the Israelites were about to leave, they demanded of their former oppressors some little compensation; and the Lord had so moved upon the hearts of the Egyptians that they could not refuse. Just as his judgments had made them willing to let the Israelites go, so they had made them willing to pay something of what they justly owed. Dr. Clarke says that our common English version is almost the only transgressors in representing the Israelites as borrowing; that the Septuagint, the Vulgate, the Samaritan, the Coptic, and the Persian, are the same as the Hebrew, and that the European versions are generally correct. SITI February 4, 1889, page 58.157

Genesis 15:13 says: “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.” Exodus 12:40 says: “Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.” Mark that this latter text does not say that the children of Israel dwelt in Egypt four hundred and thirty years; but that the sojourning of the children of Israel, “dwelt in Egypt,” was so long. Their sojourning was not alone in Egypt, but in Canaan, as Paul says of Abraham: “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.” Hebrews 11:9. And in harmony with this is the reading of this American Pentateuch, and the Alexandrian copy of the Septuagint, which are believed to exhibit the most correct copy of the five books of Moses. They read thus:- SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.1

“Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, and of their fathers, which they sojourned in the land of Canaan, and in the land of Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.2

This four hundred and thirty years of sojourning dates from the promise to Abraham; for Paul speaks of the giving of the law, which was immediately after the deliverance from Egypt, as four hundred and thirty years, the affliction was only four hundred years. Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6. Therefore, since the four hundred and thirty years began with the promise; and this was when Isaac was about five years old, for he was not born until twenty-five years after the promise. Compare Genesis 12:1-4 and 21:5. So the affliction dates from the time when Ishmael mocked Isaac (Genesis 21:9, 10), for Paul refers to this as the persecution of him that was born after the Spirit, by him that was born after the flesh. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.3

“The Sabbath School. The Fierce Demoniac. Mark 5:1-20” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

Notes on the International Lesson.
February 10.-Mark 5:1-20.

The occurrence which forms the subject of this lesson is recorded also in Matthew 8:28-34, and live 8:26-36. Mark and Luke mention only one demoniac, however, while Matthew speaks of two. It seems probable that one must have been especially conspicuous, either by his great violence or by being the spokesman, or rather the medium through which the devils spoke to the Saviour. The text, however, presents no difficulty, since neither Mark nor Luke say that there was but one. Those who wish to find contradictions in the Scriptures must, therefore, seek elsewhere. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.4

It is impossible to read this narrative without being impressed with the reality of the truth taught everywhere in the Scriptures, of the existence, not only of a personal devil, but of an innumerable company of personal demons. To deny this is to deny the teaching of our Lord, for he universally recognized the existence and the personality of evil spirits. He uniformly spoke of them, and to them, as real beings; which shows that he knew them to be such; for, recognizing him as divine, we cannot for a moment suppose that he was either deceived himself, or that he deceived the people. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.5

Just how evil spirits can take possession of men and control their actions, we do not know; but that they have done so in all ages of the world, we gather from the Scriptures. In the Old Testament those under the control of evil spirits were called witches, or wizards. In the time of our Saviour they were said to be possessed of the devil, or, as in one case (Acts 16:16), “possessed with a spirit of divination;” margin, Python, which is simply another name for Satan. And in these days one class, at least, of such unfortunates are called mediums; and the system, instead of being called witchcraft, or necromancy, is known as Spiritualism. It is not to be understood, however, that all who are possessed with evil spirits are mediums; nor does it follow that the control must be continuous. Some are undoubtedly under the satanic influence continually, while others are controlled only when placed under certain conditions. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.6

That such control is possible may seem strange to those who have never given the subject any thought, and some may even doubt whether there be any such thing at all or not; but the Scriptures certainly teach the devil had such power eighteen hundred centuries ago, and why should he not have the same power now? That he has this power, and that he exercises it, is neither strange nor incredible, when we consider that the nature of fallen men and fallen angels is the same now that it was then; that “Satan as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour;” and that only too many are taken captive by him at his will. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.7

Just how evil spirits control men we do not know, but we know as much about it as we do about many other things which we believe. We do not know how one mind can influence the other, or how one person can mesmerize another, and yet we know that it is so. Probably it is in a similar manner that devils gain and hold control of those who give themselves up to be led by them. Of course there are many different degrees of spirit control, and different manifestations. Not all who are possessed are mediums. The one of whose case we read in our lesson, was not a medium, but a wild and violent maniac, endowed with supernatural strength, while, on the other hand, the damsel who had the spirit of divination (Acts 16:16) was probably as mild-mannered and tractable as any one, yet she was under the control of one or more evil spirits. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.8

The tomb referred to in this lesson were sepulchers, or caves, made in the hill-sides for the reception of the dead, some of them hewn out of solid rock. But though intended originally for burial places, many of them had become the dwelling-places of fierce robbers, and places of shelter for such men as the one whose story forms the basis of this lesson. It was from one of these caverns that this fierce and repulsive creature emerged, bruised, bleeding, and covered with filth. But repulsive and horrible as was his appearance, the Saviour had compassion upon him, as he also has upon the sinner, of whom this demoniac is a fit representative. All who live in sin are in a measure under the power Satan, and morally they are just as repulsive as was this fierce demoniac. The pitiable condition of such is thus described by the prophet: “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the soul of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.” Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus has compassion on them, and though, like the poor man in our lesson, they cry out to be let alone, if the Saviour can discern in them anything whatever that responds to his love, he rebukes the unclean spirit, and gives the poor sin-sick souls power to become sons of God. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.9

“Back Page” The Signs of the Times, 15, 5.

E. J. Waggoner

Some friend has sent us a copy of the Pacific Christian Advocate, which contains an article in opposition to the Sabbath of the Lord,-the seventh day. It is just like all such productions,-simply a repetition of stale objections to the Sabbath. Only one thing is worthy of notice, and that is this, the article begins on the sixth page of the paper, and is “continued on page three.” This is very fitting in an article against the Sabbath. The article, like the argument which it contains, advances backward. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.10

Quite a number of papers have been received at this office from all parts of the country, containing articles against the union of Church and State, which is the object of National Reformers, and also the logical outcome of the Blair bills. We are glad to see that the people are becoming aroused to these dangers. Keep the flame burning, brethren of the pen; agitation purifies. Would there were a thousand voices where there is now one raised in defense of “equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.11

In the county of Alameda, Calif., there were ninety-four divorce cases last year, and only eight hundred and seventy-five marriages, or about one divorce case to nine marriages. And Alameda County consoles itself in the fact that other localities are worse. Chicago, we believe, still leads. Not long since, it is said that thirty-five divorce cases were disposed of in the space of one hour. What must be the condition of societies and Governments which sanction such things? How long can such a nation exist? Marriage, in most cases, has become a thing of lust. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.12

The Pope has scored another victory, this time in Canada, at the opening of the Parliament, three weeks ago, the clergy had been invited to attend, being assigned first seats on the floor. Cardinal Taschereau resented this, and sent a note demanding a position on the throne, and claiming, as a prince of the Church of Rome, precedence over even the representative of the queen. The speaker of the Senate and Premier Mercier held a hurried consultation, and sent a humble apology to the cardinal. A throne was erected by the side of the queen’s throne, and directly under the royal arms, and this was occupied by the cardinal and his prelates. Let our readers make a note of this. It will shows the overweening and impudent a note of this. It well shows the overweening and impudent assumptions of the Papacy, and the contemptibly cringing spirit which the great powers manifest towards it. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.13

What the Ku-Klux once were to the South, the White Caps are now to the Central and Eastern States, with this difference, that while the former regulated politics, the latter have constituted themselves the conservators of morals in the neighborhoods where they exist. Any person who in the estimation of the White Caps is not a desirable member of society, is likely to receive written notice to leave the country, and if the notice is disregarded, the individual, male or female, is taken to the woods and whipped most brutally. Several deaths have resulted from their brutality, and whole communities have been terrorized. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.14

In one place the White Caps have declared themselves the messengers of God, to punish a violation of his law. In this respect they have shown themselves to be ardent and consistent National Reformers, and in that and in every other respect, they show themselves to be a most dangerous class. If it has come to this-that the laws of the several States cannot afford adequate protection to the community at large, and that such protection must be had at the hands of a lawless and irresponsible secret order, then truly are they fallen upon evil times. The society is a most dangerous one, and its high moral professions only make it more to be feared. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.15

The Occident, of January 23, says: “The Sabbath [Sunday] movement is making good headway. The obstacles are almost insuperable, but fourteen million signatures already secured give some ground for hope of a successful issue.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.16

Now we wonder if the Occident does not know better than to make the statement that “fourteen million signatures” had been secured. This number is claimed; but how is it made up? 1. By meetings of different societies indorsing it by a majority vote for the whole membership, when many of the members are opposed. 2. By counting Cardinal Gibbons’s signature for his whole people-seven million, two hundred thousand. Many Roman Catholics, some of whom are priests, have since signed counter petitions. Did not our contemporary know this? Then we are glad to give it information. But, neighbor, if you did not know it, it is just as easy to tell the truth, and not convey a false impression to your readers. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.17

An important decision bearing upon the question of the legality of “trusts,” was rendered recently by Judge Barrett, of the supreme court of New York. Some months since a suit was brought by the Attorney-General of the State against the North River Sugar Refining Company, to forfeit its charter, on the ground that by selling all its stock to the “trust,” and closing its works, it had virtually passed out of existence. Judge Barrett’s decision is to the effect that a corporation cannot give away its corporation prerogatives and still retain them. “Fortunately,” said he, “the law is able to protect itself against abuse of privileges which it grants.” The decision is certainly a most righteous one, and it is to be hoped that the precedent thus established will be followed by the courts of other States. “Trusts” are simply combinations for robbing the people, and just and fair dealing demand that they be abolished, whether they be sugar, oil, wheat, flour, or labor trust. They all thrive by preying upon the necessities of the people. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.18

The Sunday-law agitation, which is attracting so much attention just now, from the fact that it has taken definite form in the United States Senate, is also manifesting itself in several of the States. In Pennsylvania the friends of Sunday are determined to resist any Pennsylvania the friends of Sunday are determined to resist any effort which may be made to repeal or modify the iniquitous law of 1794. In Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, and other States, more stringent laws for the enforcement of first-day observance are loudly demanded, while in our own State a Sunday Bill is already before the Legislature, and thousands of people, ignorant of the real nature of such laws, are signing petitions praying for its passage. The battle has commenced, and it behooves the friends of the truth to be alive to every opportunity to turn this contest to the spread of the Third Angel’s Message, with its warning against the worship of the beast and his image. We cannot long prevent the passage of the unjust and repressive Sunday laws, but we can make the present agitation a means of spreading the truth. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.19

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21. To call one Lord, implies that we are his servant; for servant and Lord are opposite terms, the one presupposing the other. A lord is one who is served, a ruler, or governor, a provider. A servant is one who serves. His chief duty is to obey. There could be no lord without a servant; there could be no servant without a lord. Therefore, when we call Jesus Lord, we say that we are his servants. Our only duty is to do what he commands us. As Lord, he will provide the means and strength; as servants, we are to believe and obey. He commands us to repent and believe (Mark 1:18), and to keep God’s commandments, which are his Father’s will. Matthew 10:17; Psalm 40:8. Strength will ever be given to do this through faith. 1 John 5:4; Galatians 5:6; 1 John 5:3. Be not deceived; the true test of our relation to Christ, and of our faith in him, is doing, not professing; deeds, not words. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.20

It is often stated that Sunday laws are necessary for the physical well-being of the people; and by many the supposed fact is eloquently urged as a reason why all should have a stated day of rest, and also why all should be required to rest upon the same day, namely, Sunday. But the force of the argument seems to be weakened somewhat by the well-established fact that on an average Jews enjoy better health, and consequently live longer, than any other civilized people. Of course many of them have a stated weekly rest-day, but a very large proportion of them have practically no stated rest; and even those who do conscientiously observe the Sabbath, do it under conditions which the advocates of Sunday laws declare render the necessary mental and physical rest impossible. Now the question arises, if Jews can enjoy good health and long life with no Sabbath, or at best with only a noisy Sabbath, why, in order to enjoy good health, must Christians have a law to compel both themselves and everybody else to rest on Sunday? SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.21

The Christian Oracle, of Chicago, says that to hear the Pope demanding temporal power grates very harshly upon Protestant ears, and that “were it not for the fact that the progress of the age and the dissemination of the gospel light as it shines in the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, have made it utterly impossible for the restoration of the Papacy to its temporal power, it would cause much alarm.” SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.22

We are not so sure about the impossibility of a thing. Indications are not wanting which point to such a restoration has being very far from impossible, and the sure word of prophecy points in the same direction. Italy and Sweden are the only powers of note that have not within a year virtually recognized the pope as a king, and have honored him as such; and it does not require any stretch of imagination to foresee a state of affairs which would cause the great powers of Europe to conceive it to be to their interest to restore the “liberty” of the Pope, and humble the pride of Italy, by re-establishing the civil rule of the Roman Pontiff. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.23

The excellent lesson in that good an oft-repeated poem, “Seeing the Blood,” will be of additional interest to our Sabbath-schools, coming as it does in connection with the consideration of the Passover. May the precious blood of our paschal Lamb be applied to all our readers in that day. SITI February 4, 1889, page 75.24