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Review and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 41.

A NEGLECTED WORK
Earlier text: A NEGLECTED WORK

Swing for Physical and Spiritual Health

By David Paulson; W. S. Sadler

David Paulson & W. S. Sadler.

Fruit in Health and Disease.

Fruit, on account of its delicate and varied flavors, constitutes a dietetic luxury in health; and becomes, on account of its acids, which tend to inhibit the growth of germs, as well as the readily digestible form in which its food substances are presented, a most useful food in disease. Taking the different fruits as a general class, we may find in them the following substances: sugar, albumen, fat, starch, acids, water, bitter flavors, and indigestible substances.

Sugar.

The acidity of many of the fruits is almost completely disguised by the large amount of sugar which they contain. The sugar of fruit is practically divided between glucose, which is not as sweet as ordinary sugar, and levulose, which is several times sweeter than cane sugar. Honey owes a large per cent of its sweetness to this form of sugar. Peaches, apricots, and plums contain about two per cent of sugar; raspberries and blackberries, contain about four per cent; strawberries, blueberries, currants, and prunes, about six per cent; cherries, from nine to eleven per cent; grapes, fifteen per cent. In green fruits the starch has not yet been changed into sugar, and this largely accounts for their marked acidity.

Albumen.

If fruits contained a larger amount of proteids, they would constitute almost an ideal dietary, but they are very deficient in this important food substance. The majority of fruits contain no proteids at all; and in those which do, with only one or two exceptions, the quantity is less than one per cent. Raisins have two per cent; figs, four per cent; bananas, nearly two per cent. So these are the only fruits upon which it could be considered at all proper to attempt to live permanently. However, it is often advantageous to be able to feed patients several days upon a food that is entirely free from albumen; as, in cases where the stomach needs rest, or in some acute kidney troubles.

Fat.

Fat is another food substance in which the majority of fruits are very deficient. From the fact that nuts and fruits generally grow in such close proximity, and that nuts contain a large per cent of albumen, and are also especially rich in fats, it would seem as if nature had given us a suggestion that they would form an ideal combination, which is a fact well sustained by both careful scientific experiment and human experience. Figs contain a little more than one per cent of fat; strawberries, a small amount; while olives contain about twenty-five per cent. Unfortunately, the ordinary process by which olives are preserved renders them practically indigestible; however, a method has been adopted whereby ripe olives may be secured in a digestible form.

Starch.

Green fruits contain raw starch, just as potatoes or grains do; but, unlike the latter, as the fruit ripens, a digestive process takes place under the influence of the sunlight, changing the starch into sugar, which requires but little digestion to be ready for assimilation. One reason that children become ill as a result of eating green fruit is the quantity of raw starch it contains, which so embarrasses the digestive functions that the germs secure the upper hand, and poisons are formed, which create the severe intestinal disturbances so frequently noticed under such circumstances. The only ripe fruit that seems to contain a little starch is the banana. If unripe fruit is to be used as food, it should be thoroughly cooked, just as is necessary in the case of the potato.

Acids.

The three most common acids that are found in fruit are, first, citric acid, which gives the well-known acid taste to lemons, also found in the lime fruit and sour oranges; second, malic acid, which is more widely distributed, being found in apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, gooseberries, and currants; third, tartaric acid, which is found in its original form in grapes.

Water.

This is the most abundant substance found in fruit, and under ordinary circumstances is as pure as the best distilled water. In tropical countries, where the water is almost continually contaminated with various poisons, this property of fruit becomes of great hygienic value. There are portions of Africa where ninety per cent of the white people die within a few years after arriving, and it has been found that those who absolutely refrain from drinking the water in its contaminated form do not suffer from these frightful ravages of jungle fever. Soldiers in the most fever-laden tropical districts, who have been allowed to live upon a hygienic dietary, and eat the fruits that grow there in such profusion, have ordinarily maintained good health; while their comrades who ate the ordinary military fare, and did not use fruit, were stricken down with fever. Water is the great tissue cleanser, whether applied to the inside or outside of the body. Many who are faithful in keeping the body clean on the outside, do not drink sufficient fluid to properly cleanse the tissues on the inside, which, in some respects, is the more essential. From this point of view, fruit is valuable, containing, as it does, a large amount of water in an absolutely pure condition.

Bitter Flavors.

Green fruit often contains some bitter flavors and an astringent principle—tannic acid. Nature undoubtedly stores this in the fruit as a protection from animals that would otherwise undertake to eat it. This bitter substance is generally found in the rind.

Spiritual Lessons from Bitter Flavors.

It very often happens that many of our most precious experiences come to us with a bitter flavor just beneath the surface. This bitter flavor serves the purpose of protecting these things spiritual from the depredations of those who would in no wise be benefited by them.Providence has permitted these bitter flavors to appear, in a greater or less degree, in almost every experience that comes to the sincere, struggling Christian. The occasional bitter experience of a Christian's life should not be interpreted as meaning that the life is not worth living; on the other hand, it should be regarded as an evidence within itself of the inestimable sweetness of experiences which lie just beneath the area of those bitter and disappointing trials, more or less of which every Christian must pass through.

Indigestible Portion.

A food could scarcely be perfect unless it contained some indigestible substances to serve as a mechanical stimulus to the alimentary canal. The skins and seeds of fruit are practically indigestible. The skins of most fruits are both waterproof and germ-proof. This is to retain the flavors and juices on the inside, and to prevent the germs from penetrating from the outside. When the outside of fruit is injured, decay sets in very rapidly.

Nutritive Value of Fruits.

From the nutritive point of view, fruits need to be combined with other foods in order to maintain man's natural strength for any length of time; nevertheless, on account of their value in other directions, they should, as far as possible, constitute a regular part of the daily bill of fare. Modern society has established the custom of eating fruit in the morning, a little at noon, and none in the evening, eating, instead, what is supposed to be “light” things for supper, but which are in reality heavy for digestion, heavy for the nerves, heavy for health, and light only on the cook. When supper is eaten at all, fruit is a much more suitable article to constitute the main portion of such a meal, as, on account of its rapid digestion, it does not tend to disturb the night's rest.

Digestibility.

Some fruits are naturally tough and hard, and contain a large amount of woody matter, and so are necessarily more or less difficult of digestion. In fact, the variety of fruits that will keep for a long time, may be generally considered hard to digest. The tough and hard russet apple can always be bought late in the spring, while the mellow, tender apple generally disappears early in the winter. The luscious, delicate pears do not keep so long as the tough, stringy ones, which can be purchased in the markets months after the season is over. The same is true with peaches. Fortunately, nature has so arranged it that there is a variety of fruits coming on the market for a large part of each year, so that it is not necessary to try to live upon fruits that are tough and hard. Strawberries, when not combined with cream and sugar, and when thoroughly washed, so as not to have a large amount of garden germs clinging to them, are very easy of digestion. Nice, ripe peaches are one of the best fruits to give an invalid. The same may be said of ripe grapes and watermelons.

Raw Versus Cooked Fruit.

Those who care for the sick are often puzzled to know in which form it is best to serve fruit, raw or cooked. It is well to remember that fruit which contains no fiber is readily digested, even when it is raw. However, if it contains much fiber, or woody substance, a weak stomach would not be able to disintegrate it, and, in such cases, it would be better to have it cooked. Raw fruit, however, contains a live principle, which is necessarily destroyed in cooking. This can be clearly illustrated by placing, side by side, a raw apple and a baked one. In a few days a luxuriant mold will cover the baked apple, while the raw apple will not be likely to show even the first signs of decay; yet the same germs must have lodged on both. The raw apple contained a live principle, which enabled it to resist the growth of germs, while the baked apple had lost the power of resistance. It is for the same reason that a dead animal decomposes, while a live one does not.
The reason that so many persons nowadays are overwhelmed with germs, is because there are so many walking around who are nearly dead. The perfectly healthy man, like the perfectly healthy fruit, is proof against germs. In the cooked fruit, a live principle has been destroyed, and it does not possess the same disinfecting qualities that it did before. When we wish to use fruit to disinfect an invalid's stomach, so far as possible we should give him raw fruit. Canned fruit frequently contains so much sugar that it becomes an excellent means for encouraging fermentation in weak stomachs. It must not, however, be inferred from this that there are not the same food elements in cooked fruit that there are in the raw. But any food substance that will more readily decay or ferment outside of the body, will be subject to the same process inside the body in cases where there is little or no digestive activity.

Spiritual Lesson.

The power of raw fruit to resist the growth of germs that may lodge upon it, conveys a most beautiful and practical spiritual lesson. The living, growing, acting Christian, in contrast with the one who is backsliding, possesses a power that enables him to go to any place on the face of the earth where God may direct, and at the same time carry with him that power of moral resistance that will enable him effectually to withstand the many darts of the enemy, and prevent the growth in his experience of the various germs of vice and sin, found in the influences with which he, in common with his associates, is surrounded. The growing Christian, the live Christian, is able by the power of the divine life, with which he is so closely connected, to live above the line of moral disaster and spiritual disease.
Copyrighted, 1900, by David Paulson and W. S. Sadler.

HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

“The most effectual remedy for slimy and greasy drain pipes is copperas, dissolved, and left to work gradually through the pipes.”
“The mica windows of coal stoves can easily be cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in vinegar and water. This should be done when putting the stove up.”
“Once a week, refrigerators should be thoroughly cleaned, everything removed, shelves and racks washed in warm soda-water, wiped dry, and then sunned, if possible.”
“Knives with wooden handles should never be dipped in hot water, as it loosens the handles. The blades may be placed in the water in a mug, by which plan the handles will be kept dry.”
“To clean a porcelain kettle, fill it half full with hot water, and put in a tablespoonful of powdered borax; let it boil. If this does not remove all the stains, scour with a cloth rubbed with soap and borax.”
“Steel knives that are not in general use may be kept from rusting if they are dipped in a strong solution of soda (one part water to four parts soda). Then wipe dry, roll in flannel, and keep in a dry place.”
To keep stockings in good order, and to have them last twice as long, wash them right. Have clean lukewarm water and good white soap, and do not let them lie in the water. Rinse and hang up to dry before a fire as quickly as possible, and never iron them. Always wash black stockings separately from white or pale-colored ones.
“Filling for cracks in a range is made by taking common wood ashes, adding an eighth or more the quantity of salt, mixing the whole to a thick paste with cold water. Fill the crack, and, usually, the filling will remain until the stove is useless. Should it crumble out, ‘try, try again.’ Blacking can be applied to it as well as to the stove.”

REVERENCE FOR GOD'S HOUSE.

By THOMAS H. JEYS

THOMAS H. JEYS.
(Modale, Iowa.)
THE word declares, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” All our actions, then, are simply the outward manifestations of our inward lives. While it is possible to assume a mock reverence, which may deceive human observers, it is not possible for one whose heart is moved by the Holy Spirit, to act irreverently in God's house or presence.
“Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:30. Why the injunction to reverence the sanctuary, which was made of earthly material?—Because God's presence made it a holy place. As Moses turned aside to view the burning bush, God called to him, to come not nigh, but put his shoes from off his feet. The ground was holy. God's presence made it so. Our God says: “I dwell . . . with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” When two or three of such meet in an appointed place, God comes with them. That spot is hallowed by God's presence.
God's word abounds with instances of the disastrous results of presumptuous irreverence. Uzziah was smitten for his willingness to “rush in where angels feared to tread.” Nadab and Abihu were careless of God's requirements concerning his worship, and consequently lost their lives. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram murmured, and the earth opened and swallowed them.
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” In this age of growing indifference to everything sacred, and when, because “sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil,” how carefully should God's remnant people study his will to do it. Instead of following after and imitating the prevailing evils, how much better to be among those who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the earth!
It seems clear that it is the duty of God's people to cultivate in themselves and their children reverence for God's house, which is so desirable in itself, and the absence of which is such a marked sign of our times. Children are not the only offenders. Indeed, the natural exuberance of childhood can not be so condemned by God as the stolid indifference of some adults, to things sacred. Running through the aisles does not necessarily show a lack of reverence on the part of the young child; but it does stand forth as a marked accusation against the parent who willingly permits such a desecration of God's house.
Loud talking, laughing, and noises of every kind are out of place, and especially common talk during intermissions in the service. What idea of the sacredness of God's house can the child have, when his elders, to whom he looks for an example, discuss in boisterous and unsubdued tones the current gossip of the week? How can he feel that he is in God's very presence, when older and presumably wiser ones seem to have no realization of the fact? How can the little one be expected to walk softly before God, when father or mother, aunt or uncle, pays no attention to the command? How then shall we train our children in this important matter?
1. By letting God's grace so fill our own hearts that his presence shall be a living reality to us, and we shall instinctively conduct ourselves properly in God's house.
2. Having taught by example, we should also teach by precept. This is imperative. Children have a right to be thus taught, and he who holds back from his child the instruction God would have imparted, “fails to provide for his own . . . and is worse than an infidel.” 2 Tim. 5:8.
3. Having taught by precept and example, we should, if necessary, use those sterner measures which God and nature have placed in our hands. We read of Abraham, the friend of God, that he was known to be one who commanded his children and his household after him; and again, that Eli incurred God's displeasure because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. He did remonstrate with his sons. 1 Sam. 2: 23–25. But the Lord says he did not restrain them. The Scriptures tell us that we are not to withhold correction (Prov. 23:13, 14), even to the application of the rod; and that we may not spare for the child's crying. Prov. 19:18. Shall this be to gratify our own desire for supremacy?—Ah, no! It is to “deliver his soul from hell.” It need not be supposed that this means alone will suffice to instill reverence in the child; but with our own hearts touched and made tender by His presence, we should deal gently, firmly, and wisely with the little ones intrusted to our care.
4. We should leave all cheapness, all frivolity, all laughing, all loudness, outside the sacred walls of God's house.

The Essentials of an Upright Walk

By S. O. James

A TENDER conscience, an ear to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, a vehement desire to know the divine will, that we may do it, are all essential to an upright walk and to an enjoyment of duty. And these are found only in a perfect consecration of all to God. S. O. JAMES.

WORK FOR THE WINTER.

By Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin

MRS. GEO. A. IRWIN.
Another winter is just upon us, when more time can be given to reading, and when the great sower of iniquity, and his host of colleagues, will be especially alert. Shall we allow it to be said concerning us that “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light”?
We would like to have more of our sisters engage in a systematic house-to-house distribution of tracts. I feel sure all will know what I mean by this, as it is nothing new; and all who have ever tried this work know how it opens the way for talks concerning the truth, and Bible readings. I am sure there should be far more Bible readings given. The outline readings which Sister Haskell has prepared for this department the last few months were for the purpose of helping all to get started in this work. Sister Haskell will be glad to answer any questions, or to give any personal help that any sister requires. Tracts can be ordered from the tract societies, and arranged in packages as you think best; or send to us, and we will gladly furnish them to you at the rate of two packages for twenty-five cents. I mention especially one pamphlet, which comes with special force at this time, “The Marshaling of the Nations,” written by Elder Jones. This pamphlet should be either sold or loaned in every home, and it will be read with interest because of its plain exposition of the attitude of the nations to the inspired prophecy. No one is better adapted to the work of distributing our literature than our sisters who are not entirely confined at home by family cares; and if, in any way, we can assist such, we are ready and willing.
A brother in Battle Creek makes it a rule to take his horse and buggy and start out before five o'clock Sunday mornings, accompanied by several earnest sisters, to visit portions of the city where the truth is not known, and place our reading-matter at the doors, or in the mail boxes, before the people are up. Judging by myself, anything coming in this way would receive special attention at the earliest opportunity, and I feel much interested in this way of reaching the people.
The letters that are received are encouraging, showing an increase in diligent work; but we are not satisfied by any means, and hope that during the coming months we shall be able to send out large supplies of literature, which will be put in immediate circulation.

The Secret of Victory

The moment we willfully disobey God in any particular, we cut off the supply of grace, and soon we find ourselves shorn of strength, and fall an easy prey to the enemy. As we come into harmony with God, there are wrong habits to be corrected, and appetites to overcome. The Holy Spirit will bring them to our attention sooner or later; and if we yield a ready and willing obedience, we shall find victory easy and continuous; but if we draw back from the sacrifice, every carnal appetite will seem intensified, and we shall find that the longer we dally, the harder will be the struggle for deliverance. If, after putting a thing on the altar, promising God we will give it up, we again indulge in it, we shall most assuredly bring defeat into our lives. Sin in the camp brought defeat to the hosts of Israel. I hope that some dear soul may profit by my experience. On this very point I have had line upon line, and precept upon precept, and I trust I have learned my lesson perfectly. “Whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy” unto the Lord; “it shall not be redeemed.” An appetite renounced is never ours again.
The secret of victory lies in the will. When we heartily will to obey God, faith comes easy and natural. Let us settle it, then, that when we have been shown the evil of any habit, we will enter into a lifelong covenant with God that that habit shall be corrected. Not that we will do it, but that we will fully and freely consent that he, by his own blessed power, shall utterly root out and destroy every such hindrance to our spiritual development; and having done this, let us confidently trust him to do it.
Our Father will not force us to yield on any point. He waits for us to consent to have him purify and cleanse us. He lets us fall again and again, until, having learned how utterly impossible it is to serve two masters, we shall turn, heart-sick and weary, to him who is mighty to save.
I love the truth, and do all I can for it. I live on a farm two miles from town. I am giving an orphan boy a home, and am trying to be a mother to him. He has been with me over seven years. I also furnish a home for an aged sister while she wishes to stay. I take the REVIEW AND HERALD and Sentinel of Liberty, and after we have read them, I give them away. I have sold the special numbers of the Signs of the Times, and am scattering the tract entitled “An Open Letter.” I also do all I can in nursing the sick. I do not have the spare time that townsfolk have, but I do the most of my missionary work on Sunday. My husband is not in the truth; and when he goes to town on Sunday, I go with him, taking with me a roll of papers and tracts, to distribute. This almost always opens the way for conversation concerning the truth. Please pray for my husband, that he may give his heart to God.
We would like to come into communication with many more such women as this. Surely the same opportunities lie within the reach of all.

— Selected

I MIGHT have said a word of cheer Before I let him go. His weary visage haunts me yet; But how could I foreknow The slightest chance would be the last To me in mercy given? My utmost yearnings can not send That word from earth to heaven.
I might have held in closer clasp The hand he laid in mine; The pulsing warmth of my rich life Had been as generous wine, Swelling a stream that, even then, Was ebbing faint and slow. Mine might have been (God knows) the art To stay the fatal flow.
Ah, friend, whose eyes to-day may look Love into living eyes, Whose tone and touch, perchance, may thrill Sad hearts with sweet surprise, Be instant, like our Lord, in love, And lavish as his grace, With light and dew and manna-fall, For night comes on apace.

— Selected

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.

“Please remember my husband in your prayers.”
“Please pray for my infidel son and his unconverted father, that they may be consecrated to God and his work.”
“I am at present working with a very sick man—one who has run a gambling house for a living. He wishes me to read the Bible as often as he is able to have me come over. Will you please take this case to our Father, that his Spirit may rest upon this man, and that he may be converted?”
“My husband is not a Christian. My children keep the Sabbath with me; but I fear they are not all thoroughly converted. I ask the prayers of our sisters in behalf of my husband, and that I may have grace to live Christ in my family, and lift him up before my dear ones, so that they may be drawn to him.”
“My husband and I request the prayers of the readers of this department for the recovery of our landlord's wife, who is lying very ill with fever. We have given reading-matter to this family, and tried to interest them in the Third Angel's Message. They are young, and I request prayer that, if it is God's will, she may be spared to her husband, and be led to accept the truth for these times. I ask prayer for myself and family, that we may get the victory over every besetting sin, that God may set his seal upon us as a family. I also request prayer for my father, who is unconverted. I expect to go to see him this fall. Pray that I may be able to reveal the truth.”
A letter from a brother states the following sad news: “My wife has been confined in the State hospital for the insane since last January, and the physician in charge does not give much hope of recovery. At the time of the collapse of her mental powers she was laboring to the best of her ability in the work suggested by Sister Henry, and was enthusiastically planning to enlarge the field of her usefulness. She was a firm believer in every phase of the Third Angel's Message, and applied its principles to the most minute details of life. We have two children, the older not yet four years of age. I will thank the sisters very much if they will unite their prayers for her recovery, if it is the Master's will.”

NOTICE!

By Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin.

The Oakwood Industrial School, at Huntsville, Ala., is destitute of fruit, there being no way by which they can obtain it in quantities during the summer months. As all doubtless know, the work in the Southern field is in a needy condition; and while all may not be able to give money for this cause, we thought perhaps there would be a number of churches in localities where fruit is abundant, who could prepare a barrel of dried apples or peaches for this school, and see that it is shipped to them. Such help as this would be greatly appreciated.
As a general thing, the crops in the South have been a failure this year; and I know of places where a barrel of flour, or of corn meal, or of fruit, would not only be appreciated, but would really lessen the suffering from hunger which seems inevitable at present. I shall be glad to hear from any churches whose members will club together and make such contributions, and to give further particulars concerning the needs.
MRS. GEO. A. IRWIN.

EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.

By Mrs. G. A. Irwin

I RECEIVED the book, “Every Day Dishes,” and write to ask you to allow me to keep it two weeks longer, as I wish to study it further, and copy recipes. I am delighted with the result of vegetarian cooking. I am sure our table looks neater and more appetizing than when I used meat. I really believe I have saved my husband from an attack of sickness by this means. He doesn’t believe in a vegetarian diet, but as long as he seems to enjoy his food, and doesn’t demand me to cook meat, I am not going to do so. Last month our grocery bill was about fourteen dollars, besides milk and considerable garden produce, but I am sure it will be much less this month.
I can not tell you what an inspiration and help your letter was to me. I had been having a peculiarly trying week, and was almost discouraged; but your letter helped me to submit myself to God’s will instead of trying to get him to remove the difficulties that seemed to stand in the way. I am so glad he did not change my circumstances then.
This sister has learned the secret of victory. It is a great deal better to have strength given than to have the difficulties removed. The grace of God is sufficient for all our need; and the greater the trial, the more glorious will be the victory, and the more joyful the experience. MRS. G. A. IRWIN.

READING CIRCLE STUDY.

By S. N. Haskell

S. N. HASKELL.
The first chapter of Revelation is an introduction to the book. The first three verses are an introduction to the chapter. The first verse is a key to every prophetic book in the Bible, and shows how they were all given. Dan. 10 : 20. The first verse gives the title of the book, its author, its object, the manner by which it came, and the agent who brought it to John upon the Isle of Patmos. The book is a revelation of the Saviour to the servants of the Most High. If we do not have an interest in the study of the Revelation, it is high time for us to begin to find out whose servants we are (Rom. 6 : 16); for this book is a revelation to the servants of God. Deut. 29 : 29. There is not a doctrine in the Bible that is not found in the book of Revelation. It is a compendium of the entire Bible.
The Spirit of God states the faithfulness of John in giving this book to the people. Verse 2. God pronounces a special blessing, something more than ordinary, upon him who reads and those who hear and keep the sayings that are written in this book. Such blessings remain upon individuals. 1 Chron. 17 : 27. To all such comes a heavenly benediction of peace from God the Father, the seven Spirits which are before the throne, and from Jesus Christ, who has washed us from our sins in his own blood, and exalted us to the position of kings and priests in the spiritual kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Col. 1 : 13, 14. This position is above earthly potentates. No human name, title, or position gives any preference before God. The humblest of his children are exalted as high as those whom the world calls great.
God reveals himself through his word, to the heart of everyone who loves and obeys him. He is also revealed as the one who destroys the wicked, and delivers his people when he comes with the clouds of heaven. It is then that every eye will see him (Matt. 24 : 30); and a representative class of the wicked, who took part in his crucifixion, will behold him. Matt. 26 : 64; Dan. 12 : 2.
He is also revealed as the merciful High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The apostle John, banished to the lone Isle of Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of his Son, identifies himself as our brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. He states distinctly the day upon which he had his visions (Rev. 1 : 10; Isa. 58 : 13; Mark 2 : 27); and while in vision, his attention was arrested by Christ’s voice, “saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” This expression and its equivalent occurs four times in this chapter, and more times in the book of Revelation than in all the other portions of the Bible. “I AM” refers to Christ, and should ever be written in capital letters. Ex. 3 : 6, 14.
The seven churches in Asia, with their names and character, are used as an object lesson of the seven periods of the gospel, reaching to the second coming of Christ. Christ amid the seven golden candlesticks is an object lesson of his walking in the midst of his people, holding his ministers in his right hand.
The description of Christ in this chapter is quite similar to that in Daniel 10. The penetrating eyes of Christ watch the purifying effect of the trials upon the church, as they have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings. 1 Peter 4 : 12, 13. The roar of the sea represents the voice of the Almighty. Eze. 1 : 24.
The word of God is salvation to him who receives it, but destruction to him who rejects it. Matt. 21 : 4. The shining of the sun is but a figure of the light of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ, representing the righteousness of God that clothes the Son of God from his head to his feet. The righteousness of Christ covers his people from their birth to the grave (Isa. 49 : 5; 46 : 3, 4); and if found in the way of righteousness, hoary hairs are a crown of glory. Prov. 16 : 31.
Christ not only took the nature of man in his fallen condition, but passed through the grave, and henceforth and forevermore holds the keys of the grave and death. The book itself speaks of things which were, and are, and which will take place in time to come.
This first chapter is the keynote to the whole book. It is truly a “revelation of Jesus Christ,” the world’s Redeemer. In verses 5 and 6 we have a beautiful glimpse of his character. He is “the Faithful Witness,” in the heavenly courts, having power to come forth from the grave. He is “Prince of the kings of the earth,” and loves us with such perfect love that he can take us, all befouled by sin, and wash us in his own precious blood, and exalt us to positions of kings and priests in his kingdom. What a privilege for fallen humanity! Truly, our citizenship is in heaven. Phil. 3 : 20, 21. Those who are worthy to claim kingship with him, will demonstrate their relationship by being true witnesses for the truth, in deportment as well as in words.
In verses 13–16 we have a revelation of his personal appearance—One whose glory could not be looked upon by mortal man unless especially strengthened by the Lord. In verses 16 and 20 his tender love for his people is revealed, for he holds the ministry in his right hand.
The seventh verse reveals the majesty of his return to this earth, when “all kindreds of the earth” will behold him as the mighty conqueror.
Truly, this chapter is indeed a “revelation of Jesus Christ,” revealing his character, his personal appearance, his present care for his people, and his design finally to free them from all the powers of earth, hell, and death.

“COOL INDIFFERENCE.”

By L. Flora Plummer

MRS. L. FLORA PLUMMER.
In 1898 this sentence was published as a part of a message to the people of God: “Our great peril is in regarding the Lord’s plans with cool indifference.” In each of these closing years, the work of God in the earth increases in importance and solemnity. Each plan that is laid to advance it, takes on a deeper significance as the time of probation grows shorter. And now it is plainly stated that any one who looks with careless indifference upon the Lord’s plans is in great peril. It is evident, then, that the carrying out of his plans, whatever they may be, is of great benefit to the person helping to carry them out.
But in these days, when there are so many ideas and notions advocated, how may we know what the Lord’s plans are? None of us would willingly place ourselves in “great peril” by disregarding his plans. But we wish to be careful. We would rather wait and see how a plan “works” before we have much to do with it. And while we wait, our attitude could not be more truly described than by the two words “cool indifference.”
The people of God ought to be able to recognize the Lord’s plan without having to wait to see how it works. His plans will be in harmony with his word and with the testimonies of his Spirit. It need not be expected that every plan will be marked out in detail by the Spirit of God; for by his Spirit the Lord has said that we must devise plans for accomplishing certain results. Hence, plans that are urged by men and women may be the Lord’s own plans; and in regarding them indifferently, we may be placing ourselves in peril.
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