Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 2, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 34.

“Enquire, and make search, and ask diligently.”

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

No. 623. Tithes and Increase.

If I buy a ranch for $400, live on it and improve it for seven years, and at the end of that time sell it, owing to circumstances, but able to get only $200, is there any increase in it, or tithe for the Lord? P. B.

In general, no; but in particular, it depends. If the $400 originally invested was not tithed, the proceeds, the $200, should be tithed. If the $400 was from money duly tithed, and money had not increased in value more than double during the seven years, there would be no tithe to be paid from the $200. But if the $200 would now buy as much as $500 would then, $100 ought to be tithed. The question can not be clearly answered without knowing all the facts. Take it to the Lord.

No. 624. Green and Dry Tree. Luke 23:31.

WILL you kindly explain Luke 23:31, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” M. F. B.

The green tree is a symbol of our Lord, the ever-flourishing, fruitful Tree, of which the righteous are the branches. The dry tree represents the wicked. Compare Eze. 20:47 with 21:3, 4. If the green tree, Christ, who was suffering on their behalf, should be thus treated, what would be the just judgment upon those who thus filled up their cup of iniquity?

No. 625. Division of the Ten Commandments.

IS THERE any authority to show us which is the true division of the Ten Commandments? Also is not Ex. 20:2 included in the Decalog? G. N. B.

The proper division of the Ten Commandments is indicated by the nature of the commandments. The first four pertain to our duty to God. Catholics hold that the first two commandments cover but one principle, and so unite them, while they divide the tenth. But the first two cover two different principles, the first striking against the worship of many gods, the second against image worship, or the making of an image of Deity. The tenth touches but one principle, that of coveting. The proper place of division is that made by Protestants generally, and by God himself, in the very nature of his law. If Roman Catholics had held to the principle enjoined in the second commandment, they would not have stooped to the adoration of images.

Ex. 20:2 belongs to the Decalog; of this we do not see how there can be any doubt.

No. 626. Keeping the Sabbath.

I HAVE a good job of work, but can not keep it unless I work up to 12 o’clock Friday nights, and commence 12 o’clock Saturday nights. I would like to keep the job. I find all other sects claim it is not wrong to work until 12 o’clock Saturday nights and commence 12 o’clock Sunday nights. F. M.

The “sects” of which you speak begin their Sabbath, Sunday, according to Roman, civil time, at 12 o’clock midnight. The Lord’s Sabbath begins at sunset and closes at sunset. See article on “Beginning of the Day,” page 2 of this paper. The Lord declares that the Sabbath is “My holy day.” He rested in that day, blessed, and sanctified it. Isa. 58:13; Gen. 2:2, 3; Ex. 20:8–11. How much of the day is therefore holy?—Evidently all. Shall we discriminate where God does not? It is better to die than to sin. Sin ends in eternal death. The grave can not hold him who is in Christ. Acts 2:24.