Questions and Answers by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 9, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 32.

Questions and Answers

By Editor

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 (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best.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.

958. (Subscriber.) “Form of the Fourth.”—Nebuchadnezzar did not know that the fourth Being in the fiery furnace was Christ. To the king he was more than human; “the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” R.V. He only felt that the Deliverer was divine.

959. (A. J. M.) Phil. 1:23. Paul meant in the text referred to that he did not know which to choose, life or death (see verses 21, 22), but he did desire a third thing, and that was to be with Christ, at Christ’s coming. See 2 Tim. 4:8; Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12; and many scriptures. One could not be in a strait concerning the choosing of one of two things, and yet greatly desire one of them. Obviously he desired a third thing, Christ’s coming, and immortality without dying. 2 Cor. 5:4.

960. (L. S. C.) Beginning of the Sabbath. The first part of the day is evening; “the evening and the morning were the first day,” “second day,” and so on. See Genesis 1. The evening begins with the going down of the sun. Matt. 8:16; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:40; Neh. 13:19-21. These texts refer to the Sabbath. The “to-morrow” of Ex. 16:23, means simply the next day. This is Fifth-day, 5:25 P.M. To-morrow would be Sixth-day, whether the day began at sunset, at midnight, or at sunrise. “In the end of the Sabbath” was the closing moments of the afternoon of the Seventh-day. The Diaglott renders, “Now after the Sabbath, as it was dawning toward the first day of the week.” “Day” is evidently used here in the sense of the light part. See Mark 16:1, 2. Surely God knew best when to begin His day; and “great peace have they that love Thy law, and they have no stumbling-block.” How much better to begin the Lord’s day when all are awake, and ready to receive the blessing it brings!

961. (E. F. M.) Secret Orders. We do not understand why a Christian should ever desire to join any secret order. All the fulness of good is found in the Gospel of Christ. He said, “I spake openly to the world, and in secret have I said nothing.” It will never allay prejudice to compromise principle.

962. (A. P.) Trapping. “Is it a sin to trap fur-bearing animals for their fur?”—Yes, and No. It depends wholly on the motive and purpose. We should know for ourselves whether it is sin for us, and should not judge our fellow.