Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 26, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 17.

Question Corner

By Editor

1648.—L. M. D.

Referring to question No. 1615, the answer does not say, Christ "was not buried on Friday," but it says, "Nowhere does it say He was buried on Friday." It seems to us that the evidence is quite clear that He was buried on the sixth day, the day before the weekly Sabbath. Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54. But the Bible does not mention "Friday," and many believe that the Sabbath referred to was a yearly Sabbath. But the expression, "that Sabbath was a high day," seems clearly to show that the weekly Sabbath and the Passover Sabbath fell on the same day that year.

1649.—Why Slow in Obeying God?

Why is it that so many zealous Christians and Bible students of other denominations to whom the Sabbath truth has been brought, are so very slow in accepting the light; and stepping out from tradition? Are these to be lost?

It has always been thus. (1) Men do not naturally like to change. (2) They are prone to believe that their fathers were right and saw all that needed to be seen. (3) Many trust to their learned and great men, who are often too proud to accept the simple truth of God. They trust in "the multitude of their mighty men." (4) Many know so little of the Bible they are uncertain as to duty. (5) Many do not wish to be unpopular, and therefore follow the multitude in the wrong way. "Have any of the rulers believed?" is still asked. All these and still other excuses have always been, and are still, presented as reasons for not obeying God and following Christ Jesus. Still labor and pray for them all. Titus 3:3-5. As to their future salvation and action, their responsibility for light and knowledge, we leave that with God.

1650.—What Is a "Generation"?

What does the Bible term "generation" mean? When did this present generation begin? How long is it supposed to last? H. W. T.

The common meaning of the term is a class of people living upon the earth at the same time. To illustrate: the people which the Lord took out of Egypt was a generation, beginning some time before they went, and lasting till they entered the promised land; two of the generation entered it, Caleb and Joshua. Of that people the Lord says, "Forty years long was I grieved with this generation." Ps. 95:7. The present generation religiously and prophetically, we believe, began in 1844. It will close when Christ comes. We shall treat this more fully in the future.

1651.—For the Healing of the Nations. Rev. 22:2.

What is the meaning of Rev. 22:2, "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations"? My understanding is that there will be no sickness there.

Read Rev. 22:1, 2 punctuated thus:

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the midst of the street of it [that is, the city]. And on either side of the river was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Some scholars render, "Were for the service of the nations," whatever that may be. Another thought. "The disease of sin has dwarfed the race. May it not be true that the use of the leaves of the tree of life will be a means in the fullest development of the weakened pygmies who will be saved out of later generations. Glorious and full pristine loveliness and vigor will be restored.

1652.—Children and the Sabbath.

Will you please tell me do you think it wrong for children to play on the Sabbath when there is no church to go to, and they get tired of being read to? When I do not let them play they seem to hate to have the Sabbath come. H. G.

This is a difficult question to answer. It depends on the children, their surroundings, their ages, their parents, and other things. Up to a certain age we should permit innocent, quiet play; but that should be play for the Sabbath alone. It might be some Bible game, by which knowledge should be stored. It might be in building blocks, by which churches and temples could be built. But do not use these games or materials on other days. Keep the best for the Sabbath. Walk out with the children. Show them the country if near the country; if not the beautiful flowers and trees found in most cities. It is a problem for each parent to solve, and it is worth taking time to solve it aright.