Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 4. (1/25/1912)

Review and Herald

Jan 25, 1912

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 25, 1912

The Missionaries

By Bishop Robert McIntyre

Out from the doomed Jerusalem, in days of long ago, By two and two they sallied forth to lands of sun or snow; And each slow century since then has seen this loyal clan Break out to bear the blessed news to all the sons of man.

Beside the slim, tall temples, where the tawny rivers run, They ate the corn from out their scrips where Karnak’s hieroglyphs Through Memphis’ lintel’d gates they passed, and sang a holy psalm, Where carven gods looked down on them in immemorial calm.

Their bare feet pressed the beaten shore beneath dark Nubia’s cliffs; They ate the corn from out their scrips where Karnak’s hieroglyphs Tell how the world’s gray mother, dead, beside old Nilus lies; And held the lifted cross before Assyria’s glazing eyes.

Down to imperial Rome they drew, o’er the Campagna’s turf; Nor halted where the rocky shore flung back the roaring surf, But spread the sails, and, unafraid, across the seething main Steered where the wild Atlantic lashed the pillared front of Spain.

In single file, on lonely paths, they walked through forests dim, And stirred the Saxon silence with their solemn matin hymn; The bloom of Irish primroses fell on their wandering feet, And heather on the Scottish hills made all their garments sweet.

Beside the stormy Northern capes they taught the vikings bold, And in the English meadows green the wondrous tale they told; Amid the cairns, among the oaks, they reared the holy crypt, And dared to tell of dying love, where druid altars dripped.

And still o’er all the earth they fare, where’er a soul has need; My heart leaps up and calls to them: O brothers mine! Godspeed What time within the jungle deep ye watch the daylight die, Or on some lonely Indian steep see dawn flush all the sky.

Far is the cry from here to there, yet harken when we say: Ye are the brethren of the Book; in Khartum or Cathay, ’Tis ye who make the record good; ’tis ye, O royal souls, Who justify the chronicles, writ in the ancient scrolls.

O missionaries of the blood! Ambassadors of God! Our souls flame in us when we see where ye have fearless trod At break of day; your dauntless faith our slackened valor shames, And every eve our joyful prayers are jeweled with your names.

— Bishop Robert McIntyre, in the Christian Advocate.

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A FEW FEATURES

Three-color Photo Cover—Picture of Jefferson’s Home. Interior View of Jefferson’s Home. Rome’s Plan to Exclude Anti-Catholic Publications from the U. S. Mails. The President Again Attends St. Patrick’s Cathedral Thanksgiving Day. (Illustrations) Visit to an Inquisition Prison in Holland. (Illustrations) A Governor’s Plan to Increase Church Attendance by Law. Spain and Religious Liberty. America a Beacon-Light to the Nations. Should the State Teach Religion? Cardinal Gibbons on Church and State Union. Russian Passports and Religious Liberty. The Church in Politics. Religious Laws Now Before Congress. Religion and State in Turkey. Spain Tired of National Reformism. Roosevelt on Liberty. The Liquor Traffic and the Home. An Important Temperance Convention. Striking Cartoon: “Is It Constitutional?”

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A FEW FEATURES

Frontispiece, “California's Giant Trees.”

The Spirit in Which to Go Into God's Out-of-Doors, by Geo. W. James (illustrated).

Uncle Sam's Own Boys, by F. W. Fitzpatrick.

Junior Civic Leagues, by Mrs. Agnes McGiffert Bailey.

Tuberculosis Among Working People, by Hon. John F. Gunshanan.

Food Inspection in Milwaukee, by Carl D. Thompson, city clerk.

The Home's Responsibility for Immorality, by Mrs. Robert Park.

How to Become a Good Cook, by G. E. Cornforth.

Among the Aymara Indians, by F. H. Stahl.

Among the Children in Korea, by Mrs. Dr. Riley Russell.

Editorial.—Somebody's Wrong—Bovine Tuberculosis, Report of the Royal Commission.

As We See It.—The Minneapolis Vice Report—Harmlessness of Light Drink—Walking Versus Football.

Abstracts.—Consecration of the Affections—The Moral Problem—Treatment of Ivy Poisoning.

Current Comment.—Personal Liberty and School Inspection—Public Health and Public Hysteria—Coffee and Its Effects—Pure Alcoholic Drinks—Patent Medicine Publicity, etc.

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Under the Leaves

By WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

The brown and seared leaves strewn around Upon the barren, somber ground But mantle many a beauteous thing Enwrapped in bundles, till the spring Awakes them with its warmth and cheer For the glad morn another year.

So hidden in some sordid hearts, God's Spirit a vague hope imparts For higher, holier life than this, Which warmed by love and heaven-kissed May bloom to righteousness and praise From out their dead and cheerless days.

'Tis ours to bring them life and light Through heaven's Word, our beacon-light; To water well with faith and prayer The seed that God hath planted there, Till blossoming, their lives shall bless Still other hearts with happiness.'

Portland, Oregon.

MRS. E. G. WHITE

By Ellen G. White

City Work—No. 2

MRS. E. G. WHITE

I HAVE been instructed that in the work of proclaiming the third angel’s message, limitations are being placed to its advancement, and this is dishonoring to God. The message of the third angel is a world-wide message; it is to go to foreign lands; it is to be preached in the home country. In our large cities, in the small towns, in the villages, in the byways and the highways, earnest efforts are to be made to give to men and women the light. All around us are people who have not been warned of the nearness of the end, places in which no effort has been made to bring to men the light of present truth. Great is the need that all who have a knowledge of this truth shall be encouraged to grasp every opportunity to labor for the enlightenment of others.

In visions of the night I was shown the difficulties that must be met in the work of warning the people in the cities; but in spite of difficulties and discouragement, efforts should be made to preach the truth to all classes. There will be some who advise that our efforts begin with the abandoned classes; but this is not the wisest course. It is true that some souls would be reached by this plan; but if our workers should begin their labors in the cities with this class, they would surely be cut off from the broad work that should be done. Rather let us devise means whereby we may reach the very best class of people; then our work for the abandoned classes will follow. Physicians can do a good work in devising plans for the working out of this problem.

Wise teachers—men and women who are apt in teaching the truths of the Word—are needed in our cities. Let these present the truth in all its sacred dignity, and with sanctified simplicity. And this is a work in which many can fit themselves to have a part. Let all our people, young and old and the middle-aged, ministers and lay members, cherish the impressions made by the Holy Spirit upon their hearts, and they will be quick to grasp opportunities for obtaining an experience in the work of making known to others the truths of the Word.

A mere head knowledge will not suffice to win men and women to Christ. Head and heart must be enlisted if believers would do effectual work for God. The souls of those who listen are to be touched with the converting power of God; therefore it is essential that the hearts of those who teach shall be touched with divine power as they present the lessons of the Word.

As I consider the conditions in the cities that are so manifestly under the power of Satan, I ask myself the question, What will be the end of these things? The wickedness in many cities is increasing. Crime and iniquity are at work on every hand. New species of idolatry are continually being introduced into society. In every nation the minds of men are turning to the invention of some new thing. Rashness of deed and confusion of mind are everywhere increasing. Surely the cities of the earth are becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah.

As a people we need to hasten the work in the cities, which has been hindered for lack of workers and means and a spirit of consecration. At this time, the people of God need to turn their hearts fully to him; for the end of all things is at hand. They need to humble their minds, and to be attentive to the will of the Lord, working with earnest desire to do that which God has shown must be done to warn the cities of their impending doom.

Of great importance to the church is the history of Elijah. Elijah was not called from a high station in life or from a city of renown to take his place in the work of God. He was born among the mountains of Gilead, on the other side of the Jordan, and came from among a nation that was overspread with the idolatry and the abominations of the Amorites.

Elijah entered upon his work with the word of faith and power upon his lips. Here surely was the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Ever since the death of Solomon the evil of idolatry had been coming in among the Israelites, and now the tide of corruption threatened to overthrow the land like a flood. It seemed that no barrier could prevail against its ruinous influence or prevent the torrent of idolatry and general corruption from sweeping everything before it.

The labors of the prophet were not easy. His whole life was devoted to the work of reform. His was a voice crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of evil. He presented his message as a converting power to all who would receive it. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm of Gilead for the sin-sick souls of all who would be healed.

The Lord desires his people to arise and do their appointed work. The responsibility of warning the world rests not upon the ministry alone. The lay members of the church are to share in the work of soul-saving. By means of missionary visits and by a wise distribution of our literature, many who have never been warned, may be reached. Let

companies be organized to search for souls. Let the church-members visit their neighbors and open to them the Scriptures. Some may be set to work in the hedges, and thus, by wise planning, the truth may be preached in all districts. With perseverance in this work, increasing aptitude for it will come, and many will see fruit of their labors in the salvation of souls. These converted ones will, in turn, teach others. Thus the seed will be sown in many places, and the truth be proclaimed to all.

The Lord now calls upon those who have a knowledge of the truth for this time, to arouse from their lethargy, and become true missionaries in his service.

Time is short, and the Lord’s work must be done without further delay.

Not by Bread Alone

By F. A. ZAPPE

F. A. ZAPPE

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4.

This is the reply that the world's Redeemer gave to the tempter's proposition when he was in the wilderness being tempted of the devil. If there is any text in the Bible that the enemy of souls would prefer more than any other to have mankind lose sight of and forever forget, it is probably this text. For well does Satan know that if man would constantly heed the instruction contained in this scripture, the mind would be so completely nourished with wholesome food and so strongly fortified with the truths of the Word of God that he would find no opportunity to supply the soul with his poisonous husks.

It is the natural characteristic of humanity to live on bread alone, which can only nourish the physical powers and temporal life, leaving the mind unprovided for. Satan takes advantage of this opportunity, and fills the mind, at his pleasure, with his evil suggestions. The great deceiver knows by his long experience in soul-destroying work that if he can feed the mind, he can destroy the soul.

The psalmist says: “How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life.”

Our Father has provided his household, the church, with an abundant supply of nourishing food for the purpose of giving his children a living experience in the things of God, and it is the grace-given privilege of every son and daughter to partake freely of this spiritual food, the words of eternal life.

Why do we continue to have such a weak experience and willingly deprive ourselves of the Christian's power by allowing Satan to fill us with the poison-food of death, while we have the opportunity to partake freely of the bread of life and drink of the fountain of life, implicitly trusting under the shadow of his wings and being abundantly satisfied with the fatness of our Father's household?

Philbrook, Minn.

Is Romanism Antichrist?

By G. B. THOMPSON

G. B. THOMPSON

TOUCHING the question, Is Romanism Antichrist? H. Grattan Guinness says:—

“Even the Romanists themselves shame you in their clear-sighted comprehension of the issues of this question. Cardinal Manning says: ‘The Catholic Church is either the masterpiece of Satan or the kingdom of the Son of God.’

“Dr. Newman says: ‘A sacerdotal order is historically the essence of the Church of Rome; if not divinely appointed, it is doctrinally the essence of Antichrist.’

“In both these statements the issue is clear, and it is the same. Rome herself admits, openly admits, that if she is not the very kingdom of Christ, she is that of Antichrist. Rome declares she is one or the other. She herself propounds and urges this solemn alternative.

“You shrink from it, do you? I accept it. Conscience constrains me; history compels me. The past, the awful past, rises before me. I see the great apostasy; I see the desolation of Christendom; I see the smoking ruins; I see the reign of monsters; I see those vice-gods, that Gregory VII, that Innocent III, that Boniface VIII, that Alexander VI, that Gregory XIII, that Pius IX; I see their long successions; I hear their insufferable blasphemies; I see their long, abominable lives; I see them worshiped by blinded generations, bestowing hollow benedictions, bartering lying indulgences, creating a paganized Christianity; I see their liveried slaves, their shaven priests, their celibate confessors; I see the infamous confessional, the ruined women, the murdered innocents; I hear the lying absolutions, the dying groans; I hear the cries of the victims; I hear the anathemas, the curses, the thunders of the interdicts; I see the racks, the dungeons, the stakes; I see that inhuman Inquisition, those fires of Smithfield, those butcheries of St. Bartholomew, that Spanish Armada, those unspeakable dragonades, that endless train of wars, that dreadful multitude of massacres. I see it all: and in the name of the ruin it has wrought in the church and in the world, in the name of the truth it has denied, the temple it has defiled, the God it has blasphemed, the souls it has destroyed; in the name of the millions it has deluded; with holy confessors, with noble reformers, with innumerable martyrs, with the saints of ages, I denounce it as the masterpiece of Satan, as the body and soul and essence of Antichrist.”—“Romanism and the Reformation,” pages 158, 159.

It is against this institution that the warning of the third angel of Revelation 14 is directed. When all the world is wondering after the beast, and worshiping this terrible system clothed in the livery of heaven, the message of the third angel is to be heard saying, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” To utter this warning successfully we must study the beast and understand its history and be able to point out its workings at the present time. If we are unable to do this, how can we preach the message?

And further: Those who successfully make war upon this great Gibraltar of error must be clothed with the power of God, through the Holy Spirit. How vain will be human effort and power. Nothing short of apostolic power will do. Now, as in apostolic days, the church must have a heavenly anointing. As we view the tremendous work which confronts us, a sense of our own weakness overwhelms us, and we sense our great need of power to enable us to cope with the forces entrenched in centuries of superstition, and aided by the kingdom of darkness. A power from above must take hold of God’s people. For this we must earnestly seek.

Twelve Facts About Enoch

By H. A. ST. JOHN

H. A. ST. JOHN

1. ENOCH was the seventh from the first Adam. We are in the time of the existence of the Laodicean church, the seventh from the second Adam.

2. “Enoch represents God’s loyal people in the last days, who will be separate from the world.”—“Spirit of Prophecy,” Vol. I. Let us ask ourselves whether we are so loyal to God and so free from worldliness that we can rightly be classed among those whom Enoch represents.

3. “Enoch, during the earlier years of his life, up to the age of sixty-five, loved and feared God, and kept his commandments.”—Id. Has this been true of the earlier years of our experience?

4. “Enoch came to a time when he reached a higher experience. He was drawn into a closer relationship with God.”—Id. He walked with God. Have we reached that higher experience? Are we being continually drawn into closer relationship with God?

5. “To Enoch prayer was the breath of the soul.”—Id. Is this true of us?

6. “Enoch lived in the very atmosphere of heaven.”—Id. In what kind of atmosphere do we live?

7. “Enoch was a preacher of righteousness.”—Id. Are we preaching righteousness by our every-day life of conformity to God’s righteous law?

8. “It was the Spirit of Christ that spake through Enoch. The servants of God are to have a similar message in the last days.”—Id.

9. “In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God.”—Id. Do we neglect such communion because of the cares of this life?

10. Enoch’s “face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. The ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance.”—Id. Do those with whom we associate take note from our conduct that we have been with Christ, and have learned of him?

11. “Enoch had looked upon the Holy City. He had seen the King in his glory is the midst of Zion.”—Id.

12. “To such communion God is calling us. The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be redeemed from the earth at the time of Christ’s second advent. Like Enoch, God’s people will seek for purity of heart, and conformity to his will, until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ. Enoch represents God’s loyal people in the last days.”—Id. What magnitude there is to such a calling! Are we constantly yearning to be filled with all the fulness of God? Like Enoch, are we walking with God? If so, we shall soon greet Enoch in glory; and that means to be with Christ.

Sanitarium, Cal.

The New Year

By J. W. CHRISTIAN

J. W. CHRISTIAN

A NEW year is before us. With its beginning all, doubtless, have entered into a covenant with the Lord and with their own souls to rise to a high plane of personal experience and integrity in the service of the Lord. Surely nothing could be more commendable in the new year's vows. In our individual lives we need it, the cause of God demands it, the millions of human souls lying in heathen darkness appeal to us in loudest tones for such a consecration, that they may hear the gospel sound ere life's sun shall set, that they may be saved from a Christless grave.

There needs to come into our individual lives, our homes, our churches, our institutions, a new spirit of light and power in our ministry for the souls about us. For this we should pray most earnestly, watching unto prayer. There is great danger that the standard which has made us a “peculiar people” will be lowered, and the world encroach to leaven the lump of our Christianity—to compromise with the world in the inexcusable methods and modes of dress, pleasures, and conversation. Our schools and sanitariums—institutions of training for our youth for missionary endeavor—should be after the order of the schools of the prophets. A power should be with us in these training-centers that even the Sauls who may come to us shall be made to “prophesy.” All our prayers and outward demonstrations will not avail to bring this about if we do not bring all our natural desires for worldliness in all its forms into subjection, and our lives into harmony with the revealed will of Him who prayed, not that we should be taken out of the world, but be kept “from the evil” that is in the world. Worldliness, though christened by adopting it into our churches or institutions, is worldliness still, and God frowns upon it, and his displeasure rests upon those who permit it. When worldlings see consistency in the lives of God's professed people, they will be drawn to the truth, through the beauty and harmony of the life and the profession.

Could our vision be cleared of the mists formed by the effort to blend the things of the world and true Christianity, could we have a true glimpse of the conditions of our fellow men, not only in foreign lands, but in the home land, we should be startled into a life of earnest devotion and complete consecration in behalf of precious souls for whom Jesus died. Could we see the look of helplessness and utter despair written on the faces of the thousands sinking into the grave without Christ or hope of eternal life, would not our hard hearts melt in tenderness and sympathy, and our otherwise dry eyes moisten with the tear of holy emotion, and our hands quickly be reached out in loving service through self-denial and earnest efforts for their salvation?

We may not all be able to go to the scene of battle, but we can all have a part. In time of war they who till the soil or turn the wheels in our factories that others may be fed, clothed, and sheltered, are just as truly enlisted in the cause as are those carrying the gun in the battles. Each depends upon the other for success. Some of us will never personally carry the sword of the Spirit—the word of God—to the millions of China, India, or Africa, but we can all help till the soil or work the wheels that will make it possible for others to go.

“The Lord desires his people to be thoughtful and caretaking. He desires them to practise economy in everything. If the workers in the mission fields could have the means that is used in expensive furnishings and in personal adornment, the triumphs of the cross of Christ would be greatly extended.

“Not all can make large offerings, not all can do great works, magnificent deeds; but all can practise self-denial, all can reveal the unselfishness of the Saviour. Some can bring large gifts to the Lord's treasury; others can bring only mites; but every gift brought in sincerity is accepted by the Lord.

“We plead for the money that is spent on needless things. My brethren and sisters, waste not your money in purchasing unnecessary things. You may think these little sums do not amount to much, but many littles will make a great whole. Cut off every extravagant expenditure. Indulge in nothing that is simply for display. Your money means the salvation of souls.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 54, 55.

Shall we not, then, through self-denial and earnest devotion make the year 1912 count in our own personal experience and in behalf of God's great movement,—the third angel's message,—that his blessing and approbation may be ours?

Confession and Forgiveness

A Bible Reading

1. What definite instruction has the Lord given concerning the confession of sin? “Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty; then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense their trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.” Num. 5:6, 7.

2. How futile will the effort be to hide sin from God? “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” Num. 32:23. “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.” Ps. 90:8. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Heb. 4:13.

3. What promise is made to those who confess their sins? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

4. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins? “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

5. How definite does God desire us to be in confessing our sins? “And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing.” Lev. 5:5.

Note.— “True confession is always of a specific character and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty.”—“Steps to Christ,” page 43.

6. How fully did Israel confess to Samuel when they wished him to intercede before God in their behalf? “And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.” 1 Sam. 12:19.

7. When David confessed his sin, what blessing did he receive? “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” Ps. 32:5.

8. Upon what did he rest his hope for mercy and forgiveness? “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender

mercies blot out my transgressions.” Ps. 51:1.

9. What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness? “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Ps. 86:5.

10. What is the measure of the greatness of his mercy? “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” Ps. 103:11.

11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents and turns to him? “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa. 55:7.

12. How did God repeatedly manifest his mercy toward the children of Israel? “But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.” Ps. 78:38.

13. What reason is given for God’s readiness to forgive sin? “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18.

14. Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men? “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

15. What prayer did Moses offer in behalf of Israel? “Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” Num. 14:19.

16. What reply did the Lord immediately make? “And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word.” Verse 20.

17. When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do? “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20.

18. How did the father further show his joy at the return of his son? “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Verses 22-24.

19. What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents and turns to God? “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Verse 10.

20. What did King Hezekiah say that God had done with his sins? “Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.” Isa. 38:17.

21. What illustrations are used to show God’s purpose to remove sin far from us? “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Ps. 103:12.

22. How did the people respond to the preaching of John the Baptist? “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matt. 3:5, 6.

23. How did some of the believers at Ephesus testify to the sincerity of the confession of their sins? “And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” Acts 19:18, 19.

24. Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted? “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:30, 31.

25. What is the unpardonable sin? “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Matt. 12:31, 32.

Note.— As the Holy Spirit is the agent who convicts of sin and brings the offer of pardon through the Word, the denial of the Spirit’s work is the refusal of pardon. In other words, the only unpardonable sin is the sin which refuses to be pardoned.

26. Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask and expect forgiveness from God? “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matt. 6:12.

27. What spirit must be manifested by those who receive forgiveness from God? “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt. 6:15.

28. What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us? “And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32.

29. How does the Lord regard one whose sins have been forgiven? “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” Ps. 32:1, 2.—From the forthcoming new edition of “Bible Readings.”

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