Notes on Publishing, Books, and Prophecy
Thursday, July 7, there was completed at Mountain View the organization of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, a membership corporation. Particulars will be given in our next. The writer of “First-Day Observance,” on page 6, of last issue, is the author of a most interesting and instructive book, entitled, “Practical Lessons from the Experiences of Israel.” The Talmudic writings, the Jewish feasts and fasts, temple and offerings, customs, traditions, and laws, are all illuminated by Mr. Gilbert’s book. The Bible will be much plainer to the ordinary reader after reading “Practical Lessons,” and profound students will find it helpful and suggestive. It contains 400 pages, illustrated. Its price is from $1.00 to $2.00, according to binding. The cheapest is substantial cloth. Ian Maclaren (Dr. John Watson) is quoted as saying that “there are only two provinces of absolutely sure knowledge; one is pure mathematics, and the other is the experience of the soul.” But what about the “more sure word of prophecy”? 2 Peter 1:19; Isa. 8:20. What about the Word of God, through which we are to be sanctified, because it is the truth? John 17:17. What about the law of God, which inspiration says is the truth? Ps. 119:142. What else can give us a “sure knowledge” of sin? Rom. 3:20; 7:7. How long would it take a sinner to find out the righteousness of God through “pure mathematics” or the “experience of his soul.” The power of God unto salvation is made known only through the Gospel of Christ. Rom. 1:15–17. Man shall live by every word of God (Matt. 4:4), and not by the experience of his soul, or by mathematics. In Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” and “all riches of the full assurance of understanding” (Col. 2:1–3), and we get this wisdom in His Word (ch. 3:16).