California Tourists Should Have a Copy of the Grand Book
IN THE HEART OF THE SIERRAS.
It Pictures the World-renowned Yo Semite Valley, the Big Tree Groves of California, the Glaciers, Gold Mines, and Caverns of this Wonderful Region. It is a
COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE YO SEMITE VALLEY,
Giving routes of travel, number of miles by rail and stage; describes points of interest en route; gives map of the Valley, and contains 160 Illustrations, 28 of which are Beautiful Full-Page Artotypes, and which portray the wonderful Cataracts, Mountains, and Precipices with all the REALITY OF A PHOTOGRAPH. Bound in five styles. Copy in cloth, embossed jet and gold, gold edges, sent postpaid, where we have no agent, for $3.50.
CHEAPER EDITION.
We have just issued a special TOURISTS' EDITION of this book, containing all the matter of the other edition, printed on thinner paper, without artotypes, bound in flexible cloth covers. Copies sent postpaid anywhere for $1.50.
Address PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO.,
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MAN'S NATURE AND DESTINY.—Assorted tract package No. 5. Six subjects or chapters in one; price, 10 cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
National Vanity and Prejudice
THERE is scarce any folly or vice more epidemic among the sons of men than that ridiculous and hurtful vanity by which the people of each country are apt to prefer themselves to those of every other, and to make their own customs and manners and opinions the standard of right and wrong, of true and false. The Chinese mandarins were strongly surprised and almost incredulous when the Jesuits showed them how small a figure their empire made in the general map of the world.—Lord Bolingbroke.
Young Zeal and Old Discretion
HOLY GREENHAM often prayed that he might keep his young zeal with his old discretion.—Anon.
HOW SHALL WE SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES?
HOW SHALL we search the Scriptures in order to understand what they teach?—We should come to the investigation of God's word with a contrite heart, a teachable and prayerful spirit. We are not to think, as did the Jews, that our own ideas and opinions are infallible; nor with the papists, that certain individuals are the sole guardians of truth and knowledge, that men have no right to search the Scriptures for themselves, but must accept the explanations given by the fathers of the church. We should not study the Bible for the purpose of sustaining our preconceived opinions, but with the single object of learning what God has said.
Some have feared that if in even a single point they acknowledge themselves in error, other minds would be led to doubt the whole theory of truth. Therefore they have felt that investigation should not be permitted; that it would tend to dissension and disunion. But if such is to be the result of investigation, the sooner it comes the better. If there are those whose faith in God's word will not stand the test of investigation of the Scriptures, the sooner they are revealed the better, for then the way will be opened to show them their error. We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea once advocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished. There is but one who is infallible,—He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Those who allow prejudice to bar the mind against the reception of truth cannot receive the divine enlightenment. Yet, when a view of Scripture is presented, many do not ask, Is it true,—in harmony with God's word? but, By whom is it advocated? and unless it comes through the very channel that pleases them, they do not accept it. So thoroughly satisfied are they with their own ideas that they will not examine the Scripture evidence, with a desire to learn, but refuse to be interested, merely because of their prejudices.
The Lord often works where we least expect him; he surprises us by revealing his power through instruments of his own choice, while he passes by the men to whom we have looked as those through whom light should come. God desires us to receive the truth upon its own merits,—because it is truth.
The Bible must not be interpreted to suit the ideas of men, however long they may have held these ideas to be true. We are not to accept the opinion of commentators as the voice of God; they were erring mortals like ourselves. God has given reasoning powers to us as well as to them. We should make the Bible its own expositor.—Gospel Workers.
FIELD NOTES.
The winter term of the Mt. Vernon (Ohio) Academy will begin on the 20th inst.
DECEMBER 6 Brother and Sister E. B. Gaskill left New York for Cape Town, South Africa, to connect with the work at the college.
The Seventh-day Adventists of North London, England, meet in Duncombe Hall, Duncombe Road, Hornsey Rise, every Sabbath at 11 A. M.
WE learn through Brother E. M. Morrison that Brother F. L. Mead, general canvassing agent, has recovered from his long illness and again entered upon his duties.
A MINISTERIAL institute for General Conference District No. 2 will begin at Atlanta, Ga., January 4, 1894, and continue four weeks. Elder A. T. Jones will be one of the instructors.
A LETTER from Elder O. O. Farnsworth, of Belfast, Ireland, notes the baptism of five candidates on the 3d inst. Others were keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, who had not yet united with the church.
THE Nebraska Conference Committee has appointed three Bible institutes in different parts of the State, as follows: At Dunbar, December 22–31; at Grand Island, January 1–7; at Decatur, January 9–16.
BROTHER W. M. CROTHERS, who is well known in connection with the canvassing work in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Michigan, arrived in this city on the 12th inst., and sailed for New Zealand on the 15th.
BROTHER T. T. STEVENSON, secretary of the Texas Tract Society, gives notice that the office of the society has been moved from Oak Cliff to Cleburne, Johnson Co., Texas, and correspondents are specially requested to note the change.
BROTHER H. E. GIDDINGS reports the baptism of four candidates at Lucas, Mo. At Cove Creek he met a determined opposition, which went to the extent of importing a somewhat belligerent opponent of the truth. The opposing effort, however, seemed to make friends rather than enemies for Brother G.'s work.
ELDER D. T. BOURDEAU reports the baptism of five converts at Midway, Pa., on the 2d inst. Three united with the church at that place, and two with the French church at McDonald. Brother B. has been laboring in that region for several months, and these churches are mainly the result of his labors. His present address is 172 Kalamazoo Street, Battle Creek, Mich.
THE latest numbers of the Apples of Gold Library are: No. 6, “The Elect of God;” No. 7, “How Esther Read Her Bible.” These little leaflets are just the thing to slip into letters to friends or others, being trimmed to fit an ordinary No. 6 envelope without folding. Price, 50 cents per 100; $4.00 per 1,000. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., New York City, or Kansas City, Mo.
THUS IT OUGHT TO BE WITH CHRISTIANS.
A CAPTAIN at evening roll call said to his company: “Soldiers, I am ordered to detail ten men for a very dangerous service, but of the greatest importance to the army in the coming battle. I have not the heart to pick the men, for the chances are against their ever coming back. But if there are ten men in the company who will volunteer for this service, they may step two paces to the front.” As the captain ceased speaking, that whole line stepped two paces forward, and stood there, with every man in his place, and ranks even as before. The captain's eyes were dim, and his voice faltered as he said, “Soldiers, I thank you; I am proud to be captain of such a company.”
"SINGS-AS-HE-WALKS."
At the late meeting of the Lake Mohonk Indian Conference a brother told of a certain little Indian child who used to go toddling about on the grassy prairies of the Dakotas, and as he went he sang. In the morning and all day long his childish voice would be heard caroling forth the weird melodies which seem so dismal to us, but which mean so much to the children of the plains. His mother watched and heard him with delight, and with the poetic instinct which sleeps in every mother's heart, no matter how wild she may be, called the boy "Sings-as-he-walks." That boy is now a minister of the gospel. He travels abroad on the Dakota prairies preaching and singing the gospel to his own people. Did not the mother wisely name him? And would it not be a blessed thing if we could apply the name to more Christians? What a splendid description of a cheerful, hopeful, trustful ambassador of Christ—"Sings-as-he-walks"!—New York Observer.
PERIODICALS WANTED.
By Editor
LOTTIE MULLIN solicits late copies of SIGNS OF THE TIMES, American Sentinel, Youth's Instructor, and Our Little Friend, for missionary work. Address, postpaid, Cottage Grove, San Jose, Cal.
CLEAN copies of the SIGNS and Review are solicited for missionary work in Scotland, where nothing as yet has been done to spread a knowledge of present truth. Send postpaid (one cent for every two ounces) to Mrs. J. S. Sackville, 63 Bank Street, Glasgow, Scotland.
LATE copies of the SIGNS and Youth's Instructor will be thankfully received and used in missionary work if sent postpaid to A. S. Bideler, Eccles, Santa Cruz County, Cal.
CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers.
Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study, Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 P.M., and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free.
Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome.
East Portland, Oregon.—Church, No. 507 East Ankeny St. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free.
IF YOU ARE GOING EAST
TAKE THE FAVORITE WINTER LINE!
Arrange for your trip via the "Santa Fe Route" and you will be assured of a pleasant and comfortable journey.
It is the most popular Overland Route, and cannot be excelled in the way of facilities and service.
It is the only Line running Pullman Palace and Tourist Sleeping cars through to Chicago, every day, without change, on the same train.
Personally conducted Overland Excursions leave every Tuesday, baggage checked through to destination.
Steamship tickets sold to and from all European cities.
For full information in regard to rates, berths, etc., write to or call on the undersigned. J. J. Warner, Agent, 972 Broadway, Oakland, Cal., or W. A. Bissell, G. P. A., 650 Market Street, Chronicle Building, San Francisco, Cal.
BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING MAN. By Alonzo T. Jones. Bible Students' Library, No. 76. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 16 pp.; 2 cents.
ALIKE IN SUNSHINE AND STORM.
By G. A. Guerrier
WHEN the woes and temptations surrounding this life
Together conspire to bring me to harm,
I smile in my joy as I arm for the strife,
For God is alike in the sunshine and storm.
The armor of God is a shield for his child,
And weighs not his faith by the matter of form;
Then fear not the tempest, though lowering and wild,
For God is alike in the sunshine and storm.
Hath he hidden a season his face from our view?
Do we feel in our hearts a dread pang of alarm?
Then pray on and sing on, e'er faithful and true,
For God is alike in the sunshine and storm.
In his wisdom divine let us put all our trust;
By attendance on duty we keep the heart warm;
We will know as we rise from earth's turmoil and dust,
In the light of our God, we are done with the storm.
—G. A. Guerrier.
International S. S. Lessons.
By Editor
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."—Neh. 8:8
LESSON I.—SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 1894.
THE FIRST ADAM.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, which are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is found in every family, as is the common version.]
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them; and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat;
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat; and it was so.
And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
And the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made.
Introductory Note.—Our lessons for the first six months of the year are nearly all found in the book of Genesis, or the First Book of Moses. In these lessons, as they will be treated in the Signs of the Times, there will be made no attempt to reconcile the Scripture with so-called modern science. The word of God stands, and will stand forever. If science is in harmony with the word, that science may be considered true. If science is contrary to that word, it is "science falsely so called." "To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." The first part of the chapter in which our lesson begins, verses 1-26, gives an account of the first five days of the creation week, together with a part of the work of the sixth day. That these were literal twenty-four-hour days is the obvious sense of the entire narrative. This is also shown by the record concerning the sun, that it was to rule the day. The fourth commandment of Ex. 20: 8-11, where no figure of speech is permissible, states just the same thing. God spoke them into existence. "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Ps. 33: 6, 9.
If God wished to create the earth, with all of its fossils as they now appear, in one day, he could have done so; or the changes which geology notes might have taken place previous to the six days of creative energy, as recorded in Genesis 1, or all of these geological changes may have taken place, and doubtless did, at the time of the deluge, when the fountains of the great deep were broken up. But men deny the account of the deluge, and therefore are led to deny the account of creation. Denying the creation record, they are led to deny the power of the gospel in the regeneration or recreation of man, and so "evolution" comes in. One word more: The writings of Moses are unqualifiedly indorsed by our Lord Jesus Christ. He said to the Jews: "Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" John 5: 46, 47. Prof. Marcus Dods well said that "if the word 'day' in this chapter does not mean twenty-four hours, the interpretation of Scripture is hopeless." Traditions of the creation exist in almost every tribe and nation.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
After God had created the earth, with its animal life, what did he then say? Verse 26. Note 1.
In whose image was man to be made? Note 2.
Over how much was man to have dominion? Note 3.
State how this purpose of creating man was carried out. Verses 27, 28.
What did God give him for food? Verse 29. Note 4.
What was given to the animal kingdom for food?
What did God pronounce his work when it was finished? Verse 31.
Upon what day was all of this done? Verse 31 and chap. 2: 1.
What did the Lord do on the seventh day? Note 5.
After his rest, what did the Lord do upon the seventh day? Verse 3, first clause. Note 6.
Why did he bless and sanctify the seventh day?
NOTES.
1. Let us make man.—The word "God," from the Hebrew Elohim, is in the plural. We are told in 1 Cor. 8: 6 and Heb. 1: 2 that both Father and Son were engaged in the work of creation. It was the Father who said to the Son, "Let us make man," and in the creation the Father wrought through the Son.
2. In His own image.—We know that it is said that God is a Spirit, and hence "image" does not have reference to outward form; but the same expression in Gen. 5: 3, "In his own likeness, after his image," would mean outward form. Why would it not in Gen. 1: 26, 28? It is said of Christ in Heb. 1: 3 that he was the "brightness of his [the Father's] glory, and the express image of his person." This certainly has reference to outward form. While God is a Spirit, or spiritual Being, he is also a personal Being. This by no means precludes his omnipresence, because he is everywhere present by his Spirit; but while he is everywhere present by his Spirit, he has also a local habitation. "In our image, after our likeness," evidently referred not only to man's godlike form, but to his moral nature as well. So when God recreates, he first makes the moral nature after his own image (Col. 3: 10; Eph. 4: 24) and at his second coming he changes the bodily form (Phil. 3: 21). Evidently we know but little of man's nobility of form and being by what we see now. Sin and death have left their traces upon him as upon no other part of the creation. One word further. The fact that man was created in God's image no more shows, as some contend, that man was created immortal than it shows that man was created omnipotent or omnipresent. An argument that proves too much proves nothing.
3. And have dominion.—Man was given dominion over all the earth; but in yielding himself to Satan he yielded all, and the dominion fell into the hands of the usurper, who is now the god of this world. But that dominion, the earth, will be restored through the second Adam, and through him glorified, and inhabited by glorified beings. See Isa. 45: 18; Luke 19: 10; Micah 4: 8; Dan. 7: 27; Matt. 25: 34.
4. To you it shall be for meat.—It is worthy of note that the food first given to man was wholly vegetable. God did not design that the life of any creature should be taken to sustain the life of any other, and it is also a fact, based upon observation and experience, that a vegetable diet tends to develop in man the finer instincts of his being and render him more susceptible to divine influences. The word "meat" is used throughout the Scriptures for food of any kind. Here of course it is applied to herbs and fruits.
5. On the seventh day God ended his work.—That is, God ceased from his work. It does not mean that he did any part of his work on that day. It simply means that he ceased from work on that day.
6. God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it.—It took three acts to institute the Sabbath of the Lord. First, God rested; second, he placed his blessing upon it; third, he sanctified it, or set it apart to a sacred or holy use for man, for the Sabbath was made for man, not for man to use as he pleased, but to use as God dictates. The only way by which anything can be made holy is by God's presence; and the only way in which the seventh day could be sanctified or made holy was by the presence of God in the day. And he only is holy who has Christ within. And he only keeps the Sabbath day holy who, having Christ within, finds Christ in the Sabbath. Such an one receives double.
The Island World
By Charles Marion Tyler
OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
BY CHARLES MARION TYLER.
Comprehensive sketches of all the principal Islands and groups of Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Written in interesting descriptive style, with illustrations and handsome colored plates.
With the universal interest now manifested in the destiny of this vast island world, no library is complete without such a work, and this is the only one that comes anywhere near being complete.
300 pages. Cloth binding. Price, $1.25.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO.,
Oakland, Cal.
SACRED CHRONOLOGY
BY S. BLISS.
Being an Analysis of Sacred Chronology, with the Elements of Chronology and the Numbers of the Hebrew Text Vindicated.
REVISED, WITH NOTES.
Together with
The Peopling of the Earth
OR
Historical Notes on the Tenth Chapter of Genesis.
BY ALONZO T. JONES.
300 Pages. Cloth. Price, $1.00.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
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EARLY WRITINGS
Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.
EARLY WRITINGS.
NEW EDITION. Comprises Experience and Views and Spiritual Gifts, volume 1. By Mrs. E. G. White.
1. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
2. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3. It seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus ;
4. That thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.
5. There was in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah : and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8. Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
9. According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
10. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense.
11. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12. And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.
13. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias : because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bare thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14. And thou shalt have joy and gladness ; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink ; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
16. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn unto the Lord their God.
17. And he shall go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to walk in the wisdom of the just ; to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him.
18. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this ? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God ; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings.
20. And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21. And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled while he tarried in the temple.
22. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them : and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple ; and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.
23. And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.
The first four verses of this chapter are introductory. They tell why the book was written, to whom it was addressed, and the qualifications of the author to write such a treatise.
Verses 5-7 introduce and describe Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth.
In verses 8-10 we are told what Zacharias was doing when the angel appeared to him ; and in verses 11-17 we find a promise that a son should be born to Zacharias, and a description of the work that he should do.
Verses 18-23 relate the doubt of Zacharias, and the punishment for it, and his return to his house. The entire lesson after the introduction might be summarized thus : The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, the priest, in the temple, and tells him that he shall have a son, who will be the forerunner of the Messiah. The lesson heading is really a sufficient synopsis of the lesson.
What was the occasion of the writing of the Gospel of Luke?
What were Luke's qualifications for the work?
To whom was the book addressed?
What object did Luke have in writing it?
Who was Zacharias?
What was his wife's name?
What is said of his character?
What portion of the priest's office had fallen on Zacharias?
What were the people doing at the time of incense?
Who appeared to Zacharias as he stood by the altar?
How did Zacharias feel at the sight?
What did the angel say to him?
What did he say would be caused by John's birth?
What did he say would be John's character?
What would be his work?
How did Zacharias receive this announcement?
Who was the angel that appeared to Zacharias?
What special privilege does he enjoy?
How was Zacharias rebuked for his unbelief?
How did the people feel when he tarried so long in the temple?
What did they perceive when he came out?
What did Zacharias do as soon as his term of service expired?
NOTES.
1. The fact that Luke states that he had "perfect understanding of all things from the very first," does not at all detract from the inspiration of the narrative. All of the New Testament writers, as well as most of the historical writers of the Old Testament, knew of the things of which they wrote ; and yet the historical portion of the Bible, as well as the prophetic, is part of the "all Scripture" which is "given by inspiration of God." 2 Tim. 3 : 16. Humanity is erring, and perfect truthfulness in a narrative can be assured only by the Spirit of God. Let it be remembered, also, that but a very small portion of the words and acts of Christ are recorded (see John 21 : 25), and it will be seen that only the Holy Spirit could guide in selecting those portions that were necessary for us to know. Lastly, we cannot distinguish any difference between the writing of prophecy and the recording of certain events of history out of an abundance of matter. The power that tells exactly what will fit the needs of the people under all circumstances in all time to come, varies in no particular from that which can tell what is going to take place in all coming time.
2. ZACHARIAS was "of the course of Abia," or Abijah. See 1 Chron. 24 : 1-19 for the record of the division of the sons of Aaron into twenty-four orders. The course or order of Abijah was the eighth of the twenty-four. The heads of these orders were known as the "chief priests." The order of the service of the priests was determined by lot ; and as there were many thousand priests, it was not probable that any priest could serve more than once in his lifetime, and some would never be chosen. Therefore the angel appeared to Zacharias on the occasion of a most important event in his life.
3. "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." The fact that these two were righteous before God, and blameless in their lives, proves that such a thing is possible. Besides we are all exhorted to "do all things without murmurings and disputings ; that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation." Phil. 2 : 14, 15. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12 : 14. This shows that such a course of life is necessary. There will be a company redeemed from among men who will be "without fault before the throne of God." Rev. 14 : 5. Jude ascribes praise "unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24. This shows that God, who is able to make us perfect, designs to keep us in that condition before the time comes to bring us into his presence. See also 1 Peter 5 : 10 ; Heb. 13 : 20, 21. This perfection is attained only in Christ (Col. 2 : 10), but it is the portion of "every man" in Christ (Col. 1 : 28).
4. In the case of Zacharias a marked instance is given of how God regards those who doubt his word because they cannot understand it. When God speaks, man shows the highest wisdom in believing, and not in doubting, although what is said may not seem consistent from our point of view. Man, with his puny reasoning powers, has no business to talk about the unreasonableness or inconsistency of what God says, who is infinite in wisdom. Faith is, after all, not only the most reasonable thing in the world, but the only reasonable thing. It is the foundation of all knowledge, both of human and divine things. "Through faith we understand," etc. Heb. 11 : 3. It is by faith that we understand about creation. They who, rejecting the Scripture narrative, build up systems of philosophy, attempting to account for the existence of the earth, are never settled. Their systems are only theories, which are constantly subject to change. Only the one who in faith accepts God's word, has solid ground to rest upon.
5. "I AM Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God." Gabriel seems to occupy the highest position among the angels. It was he who was later sent to announce the birth of Christ. Luke 1 : 26, 27. He also was sent to make important revelations to the prophet Daniel. Dan. 8 : 16 ; 9 : 21. There can be no doubt but that he is also the one who was subsequently sent to Daniel to make additional communications. See Dan. 10, 11. In Dan. 10 : 21 the honor which is given him in heaven is thus stated : "And there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince." Michael is Christ. See Jude 9 ; 1 Thess. 4 : 16 ; John 5 : 25-29. From this it would seem that Gabriel is Christ's angel, who communicated the wonderful revelations to John on Patmos. See Rev. 1 : 1 ; 22 : 16.
Danish and Swedish Early Writings
By Editor
DANISH AND SWEDISH EARLY WRITINGS.—Plain at $1.00, red edge at 1.25. For sale by the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Please call the attention of the S. D. A. brethren and sisters of those nationalities to this book printed in their language.
THOSE TENT MEETINGS.—We have a few more copies of "Those Tent Meetings," a rhyming recital, by M. B. Duffie. Price, 25 cents, postpaid. Address this office.
A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF LUKE.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
THE first and principal object of these lessons on the book of Luke is to lead to a familiarity with the gospel narrative; to bring the simple story within the reach of the students' minds, so that they can "think through the book." To be able to know where any given miracle or instruction of Christ is recorded, and to turn to it without hesitation, and to be able to state from memory the main details of it, is no mean attainment; and this should certainly be gained by the study of these lessons. This done, the student has always with him a never-failing store of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
No effort is made in this study to produce what is known as a "harmony of the Gospels," i. e., to fit the record, chronologically, with those in the other Gospels. Such a thing cannot be done with any satisfaction until the student is familiar with the contents and the order of each one of the Gospels; then he can construct a "harmony" for himself. In these lessons, however, when an event recorded by Luke is also recorded with other particulars by another evangelist, the attention of the student is called to that other record, so that a fuller knowledge of the matter under consideration may be gained.
It may not be amiss to state that this study does not profess to be an exposition of the book of Luke; it is not an attempt to explain all that is in the book. Indeed, it is not an attempt to explain any of the book, but only to set some of it forth in bold relief. It is simply what is stated in the title, a study, and a foundation for future study. It is an attempt to assist the members of Sabbath schools, and others, also, to obtain such a familiarity with the contents of this portion of the Scriptures that they may study it for themselves, and that having studied it they may retain the results of their study.
