Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 26, 1900
THE SOWER.
By Augusta W. Heald
IN this parable of the sower, and our Lord's interpretation, we see how many influences are at work to destroy the good seed, or to hinder its growth. Some hear the Word of God and do not understand it. Then comes the wicked one, and catches away the good seed which was sown in the heart.
Some hear the good Word of life and receive it with joy. But after a time of trouble, persecution or temptation arises, and they become discouraged, and give it up. Others hear the Word; but the cares and riches and pleasures of the world come in and engross the mind. There seems to be no time for reading, meditation, and prayer; they are severed from the true Vine, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But Christ says there are some who with an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. These will, in their turn, become sowers of the good seed, and "to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward." Prov. 11 : 18. AUGUSTA W. HEALD.
OUTLOOK, OUTLOOK, OUTLOOK.
By H. A. St. John
"THE word 'outlook' has three meanings: '(1) One who looks out; (2) the place from which one looks out; (3) the view obtained by one looking out.'—Webster.
Now it is obvious to every one, made obvious by individual experience, that the description of a landscape, a storm, a battle, an object or a movement of any kind, depends very much for its accuracy upon the one who looks out and the place from which he looks.
A terrible storm is raging on the mighty deep. The thunders roll, the lightnings flash, the floods descend, the winds blow, lashing the mountainous waves into a terrific fury. In your secure, sheltered, and comfortable mansion on the high and rocky beach, the place from which you look out,—your outlook,—you view the broad expanse of angry waters in the embrace of the mighty storm king, with composure and admiration; and when filled and wearied with the outlook, you retire to your couch, and sweetly repose, while still the storm is raging.
Not so, however, with the passengers and crew on that noble ship in the storm, tossing, rolling, creaking, floundering, and perhaps sinking. They have a much less extended view of the warring elements than you have; but what they feel, and see from their point of observation—from their outlook—does not tend to composure or admiration, but, on the other hand, is exciting and terrifying in the extreme.
A description of that storm from these two different outlooks would, no doubt, differ in many essential and important features. One would be a broad and comprehensive view of a mighty storm on the mighty deep, while the other would be a circumscribed and intensely exciting recital of terror, distress, and soul-anguish.
It is, therefore, a matter of primary importance, if we propose to present a truthful outlook, a diagnosis and prognosis of any situation, condition, or movement among the children of men, that, first of all, we secure the very best point of observation attainable. And if there is one place of observation, one outlook, so superlatively good that it could not be better, from which place everything appears in its true relation and true light, then from that outlook may causes, conditions, and consequences be traced with accuracy and reliability.
Now, it might seem presumptuous to affirm that there is one such outlook attainable to man, and one only. Nor is any other needed; for this one is accessible to all, and commands a clear view of all things earthly, whether past, present, or future. And all are lovingly invited by Him who knows all things from the beginning to come at once into this wonderful observatory, and thence look out upon the world of darkness and light, of sunshine and shadow, of sadness and gladness, of green and gray, of blossom and blight, of poverty and wealth, of sickness and death, of peace and war, of life and strife. And, more, you may be able to see, in this wonderful blending, the grand consummation to which all things are tending.
By hearing the sayings of Jesus Christ, and doing them, take your position on the Rock of Ages, which is so impregnable and eternal that the gates of hell never have prevailed and never will prevail against it. It is the only immutable, invulnerable, and unchangeable thing in this world, and from this vantage-ground you may survey the past, present, and future, with the most perfect clearness, composure, and admiration. With your heart warmed by Christ's love, and your mind illuminated by His Spirit, with the telescope of His sacred Word at your service, you may sweep the horizon of earth from the beginning through all the ages, and read aright the causes and conclusions of all things. This marvelous telescope of sacred history, geography, biography, poetry, morality, chronology, theology, and prophecy, is to be found mounted nowhere else but on Mount Zion; and it is accessible to all who come into Zion (the fold of Christ), and cultivate an intimate acquaintance with the watchman on its walls. This experience will make you a reliable and trustworthy observer in a superlatively good and grand outlook, and will give to your view the quality of eternal truth.
As your vision, aided by the Spirit and Word of God, sweeps over the nations of the earth, you will see strife, violence, war, murder, and every evil work prospering and increasing on every hand. You will see portentous signs and alarming perils thickening continually. You will see in all these things the unmistakable omens of the approach of the great and final battle of Armageddon, in which all nations will have an intense interest. You will see, during the progress of that universal struggle, the coming of the King of kings, the Prince of Peace, attended by the armies of heaven. He appears to gather the subjects of His kingdom, and to deliver them from all the consequences of sin. He comes to smite the warring nations, and destroy their national existence forever, preparatory to the establishment of His own everlasting kingdom of peace and glory.
As your vision, thus divinely aided, sweeps over the churches, the multiplied religious organizations on the earth, you will see among these denominations, as among the nations of earth, confusion and warring elements. While there will be heard on every hand, "Confederacy," "Confederacy," no real union of the great bodies of professing Christians will be effected. There will be distinct confederations without number, but for worldly and selfish purposes only. You will see true messengers of the cross going everywhere among earth's nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples, bearing saving rays of light from heaven. You will see precious souls among all nations fol3lowing up the rays of light, and entering the stronghold of the daughter of Zion. It is the last gathering before the day of wrath comes upon the angry nations.
As your vision, thus divinely aided, sweeps over the world of educators and educational institutions, you will see the same general confusion. Many are being educated to their eternal ruin—downward to death. In the education of many others there is a mixture of the true and the false, which must inevitably result in eternal loss to many souls. And then there will be seen the true education of the whole man, body, soul, and spirit, in harmony with the laws of God. This education belongs not alone to the young, but to all ages and all conditions in life. When finished, it will restore completely the entire image of the Creator in man. All who put themselves into the school of Christ, and thus grow up into Him in all things, will be sanctified wholly, through the truth, and preserved blameless, body, soul, and spirit, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And then this vile body will be changed, and fashioned like unto His glorious body.
Thus the truly-wise and highly-favored observer, from his divinely-appointed outlook, will see in every direction that all things earthly are tending with fearful rapidity to the one and selfsame glorious consummation,—the complete overthrow and utter extinction of sin and all the consequences thereof, the eternal triumph of truth and righteousness, and the ushering in of the long-looked-for and prayed-for day when that kingdom should come, and the will of God would be done on earth as it is now done in heaven.
Then you will see, after the long night of darkness, the earth recast, recreated, rebeautified, and restored to more than its pristine glory. You will see it inhabited, from one end of heaven to the other, by the saints of the Most High, a supremely holy and happy people, the loving subjects of the Lord Jesus, the King in His beauty. "And the government shall be upon His shoulder; and . . . of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever."
Then when the immortalized and glorified saints—in that incorruptible and undefiled city, the perfection of beauty, that city that fadeth not away—shall look out upon a new heavens and a new earth, the outlook above, beneath, and all around will be one of perpetual peace, perfect harmony, sweetest melody, richest glory, and unsurpassed beauty. And this is to be all and always their own, because they are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, whom the Father has made heir of all things, in that redeemed and restored first dominion.
"O, sweetly through the gloomy years
That roll their dimming vail between,
The promised goodly land appears,
Arrayed in never-fading green;
And from that peaceful, happy clime
Transporting bursts of song arise,
And, rolling through the mists of time,
Tell us of joy that never dies!"
H. A. ST. JOHN.
I'M FOR THE LORD.
I'm for the Lord; for He called me true.
I hear Him; I'm His to the end.
'Neath the leaden clouds or the royal blue,
He's my Help, my Lover, my Friend.
I'm for the Lord, and His pennon bright
In battle since Calvary's day,
Through the smoke and strife I see the light,
And sing to the merciful ray.
I'm for the Lord; there's a place for me
'Neath His shield, keeping step so brave,
A post of duty where He can see,
Tho the sin storms revel and rave.
I'm for the Lord, My Saviour
By T. R. Williamson
CHORUS—
I'm for the Lord, my Saviour;
I'll serve Him night and day;
And when He shall come with His royal guards,
I'll go with Him, victor, all the way.
Oakland, Cal. T. R. WILLIAMSON.
A FEW QUESTIONS FOR SUNDAY-KEEPERS.
By A. Carter
At the creation God instituted the Sabbath, by blessing and sanctifying the seventh day. Four thousand years later the seventh day of the week was recognized by the Jews as the Sabbath of the Lord, and they still recognize it after all these centuries.
The fourth commandment reads, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." That statement was quite true in the time of Christ; but if the first day is the Sabbath now, why was not the law amended immediately after the resurrection to meet the change of day? Let every honest Sunday-keeper squarely face these questions, and answer them as before the Lord, whom we must all see before long: Does Jehovah's unamended law now contain a lie? Could the above quotation from the fourth commandment be true at the date of the crucifixion and untrue after the resurrection of Christ? Do I really believe that my infallible Creator ever framed a law which in process of time would require amending?
The eternal destiny of human souls hangs in the balance. To be convicted of sin and yet continue therein to the end means eternal death. O, let each of us make a full surrender to Him who died for us, and so gain life everlasting!
A. CARTER.
St. Helena, Cal.
“No More Curse.”
By Wm. Penniman
We read, “Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth.” Isa. 24:6. The context shows that the curse came on account of sin. This is what the Lord told Adam after he had sinned: “Cursed is the ground for thy sake. . . . Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee.” Gen. 3:17, 18.
But in the earth made new “there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him.” Rev. 22:3. All things will blossom as the rose, and the righteous will “shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matt. 13:43.
There will be no curse, no destructive insects nor blight upon the products of the field. Hence there will be no struggle for a livelihood.
No war between labor and capital. No more the curse of the money power, with its accompaniment of industrial and national covetousness.
No more tyrannical and inquisitive rulers, who find glory and happiness in the misery or persecution of their unfortunate subjects.
No more the curse of war, with its rivers and4lakes of blood, and its terrific guns and war implements. No more Armageddon battles and Gog and Magog armies. Rev. 16:14, 16; 20:8, 9.
No more the curse of intemperance, sending to premature graves hundreds of thousands. No more the curse of the dark dens of moral pollution.
No famines, pestilences, cyclones, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions, or “stormy winds,” causing wrecks on the ocean and destruction on the land; “for there was no more sea.” Rev. 21:1.
No more “sorrow” on account of birth (Gen. 3:16), and “no more death” (Rev. 21:4).
No more murders or robberies. No policemen will be needed in the New Jerusalem or in the “highways” to protect the travelers; for a “highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it.” Isa. 35:8, 9; 65:25.
There will be no need of prayer; the saints have bidden sweet hour of prayer farewell. Praise will take the place of prayer; for “it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isa. 65:24. Again: “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs [of praise] and everlasting joy upon their heads; . . . and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35:10.
In regard to the new heavens and new earth, the reader is requested to study carefully Isa. 65, beginning with verse 17; and also Rev. 21, and 22:1-6. I will quote a few of these texts: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Isa. 65:17. Corresponding with this is the statement, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Rev. 21:1.
Notice particularly the beauty and significance of these words: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Verse 3.
Read the following as to the earth restored, when the curse is all taken away:—
The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God’s favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years, Satan has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God’s original purpose in the creation is accomplished. “The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Dan. 7:18. “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” Ps. 113:3. “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.” Zech. 14:9.
Says the Scripture, “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” “All His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” Ps. 119:89; 111:7, 8. The sacred statutes which Satan has hated and sought to destroy, will be honored throughout a sinless universe. And “as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isa. 61:11.—Great Controversy.
Reader, are you a Christian? Would you like to walk the streets of the gold-paved city (Rev. 21:18, 21), “whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10)? Would you like to sing the song of redeeming love? Isa. 35:10; Rev. 5:9; 14:3; 15:3. Would you like to talk and walk with Enoch, who walked with God? Gen. 5:24. Would you like to see all the holy patriarchs, and prophets, and apostles, and, above all, the blessed Saviour, whose precious blood is the price of our redemption, and whose praises will be the theme of our song?
If you would enjoy all these things, then see that you enter in at the strait gate. Luke 13:24. Live so that it can be said unto you, “Well done.” Matt. 25:21. The prospect is glorious, and when once there, we shall be there forever. But what is done must be done quickly; for the end of all things is very near.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.
Woodburn, Ill. WM. PENNIMAN.
“LORD, OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MAY SEE.”
By John J. Westrup
MANY need their eyes opened to-day in order to discern the rapidity with which everything is drawing to a close. The earth waxes old like a garment. The last act of the drama is just being finished. But few understand the times we live in, and can read the signs of Christ’s coming. His first coming, as to manner, place, and time, was plainly foretold by the Spirit of God through the prophets. Daniel foretold the exact year when Messiah the Prince should suffer, and so plainly that to-day we exclaim, “How could it be possible that so few among the Jews could see it?” But, altho there were many scribes and Pharisees who boasted of their knowledge, only a small number understood the Scriptures and His mission, and so were watching for His coming, and ready to receive Him.
History repeats itself. This age is full of learning. The land is full of Bible commentaries, and sermon-books, and preachers, and theologians; still very few know that many signs of Christ’s second coming have been fulfilled, or are so evidently being fulfilled now. Many in “that day” will exclaim, “Why did we not see it, when it was so plain before our eyes?” Yes, why not see it?—Because none can see except those who keep their eyes off from the world and on God and His Word. “None of the wicked shall understand.”
In 2 Kings 6 we are shown how the angels are round about them that fear the Lord. In Rev. 7:1-3 we read that the angels are keeping back the evil forces and agencies until other angels “have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” These invisible servants are still urging some onward, trying to get them out of Sodom and over on the Lord’s side, that, victorious over every besetment, they may be filled with the mighty Spirit of God. This is a sifting-time. Some are passing the time of victory; others are turning back, as did Lot’s wife. When all the sincere are over the line of victory, the devil will have full sway over his own for a short time. “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” Dan. 12:1. Then it will be death and destruction and violence among them “that dwell on the earth.” Satan and his associates delight in such work. He would have killed Job had he been allowed to. Now he will have full power over those who have deliberately chosen to serve him.
It is evident to those who read the signs of the times that this sealing of “the servants of our God in their foreheads” is nearly accomplished. Some are gaining the victory over every besetment; others are more firmly bound by the chains of sin. The winds of destruction are let loose more and more. Satan is marshaling his destructive forces in preparation for the last great catastrophe. Locusts, lice, caterpillars, worms, potato-bugs, etc., are a great devouring army, which destroys yearly more than half of the products of the earth. And they are increasing rapidly, and appearing in new forms every year. The pea-louse made its first appearance last year, and destroyed three million dollars worth of peas in Maryland. The farmers have to fight these pests every year. They are to constitute one of the terrors of the last days, and man, with all his inventions and devices, is as powerless to prevent it as he is to turn aside the tornado or the earthquake.
On the earth and among the nations, clouds are gathering. Earthquakes, cyclones, and tidal waves are becoming more numerous every year. The nations are bending all their energies to be prepared for the conflict which is now seen to be inevitable. Think how ingenious men are in inventing destructive implements. Do not these things demonstrate that the power of demons, instead of the will of the Prince of Peace, is filling the minds of men to-day?
An unmitigated selfishness is taking possession of men. What are these capitalistic trusts and labor unions but rapacious tribes, engaged in warring upon each other and upon productive industry? The capitalists are heaping up all the treasures; the poor sink deeper into poverty and despair. Many are huddled together in tenement houses, which seem like burrowing-places of wild animals. A recent report tells of sixty-six old tenement houses in New York City in which 5,640 persons lived. Places like these are sinks of filth and iniquity, and breed the lowest vices and crimes. How can men be led into the delusion that the world is getting better, when thousands of professing Christians continue to offer up their Pharisasical prayers, without even a thought of seeking to relieve the miseries and combat the wickedness of these moral cesspools that exist in all cities?
The curse of strong drink is killing its millions. “The habit of drinking light wines among the women of the upper class, and of beer among those of the lower classes, is growing rapidly. They all meet on the common level of whisky, however. Who can contemplate the future without a shudder, if this and other vices which undermine and destroy the life-bearing force of the world are not only permitted to exist, but every opportunity and means of developing them receive the sanction of society?”
The sin of Sodom and its allies is still more devastating. They sweep like a wild-fire across the whole earth. One-third of the births in Paris are illegitimate; ten thousand new-born infants have been fished out at the outlet of the city sewers in a single year. Henry Varley says that three-fifths of the young people of England live in onanism and allied sins. The condition is not better here. The great majority are living in adultery, altho under the cover of matrimony. This sin is taking all the sap and life and moral fiber out of men and women to-day. This is the reason so few have the moral courage to count and pay the cost, and the perseverance necessary to gain an abundant entrance into the kingdom of heaven.5The lusts of the eye and the pride of life are swiftly bringing in the harvest of their sowing,—disease and death. These diseases are becoming more prevalent; they are rising up all around us. How long will it be before the conditions of mankind in general will be such that all infectious diseases will go with the rapidity of la grippe? It is known that the race is deteriorating; and the more rapidly it deteriorates, the more rapidly is the soil prepared for contagion and infection. Consumption is fast gaining ground; and one death in every seven is laid at its door. It is much more prevalent than a few years ago, as are also the diseases caused by luxurious living; for luxury itself is increasing. Cancer victims are multiplying rapidly. The yellow plague counts its victims from the Himalayas to Madagascar, from Bombay to Hongkong and Yokohama. Yellow-fever germs are still alive. “Insanity has increased three hundred per cent. over and above the increase of population during the last fifty years.” And there are other diseases only waiting for the soil of the human system to reach the proper stage of deterioration, when their deadly germs will swarm over the earth, and strike the race with fearful virulence.
Brethren, the time is at hand. Let us appreciate the light we have, and live up to it, or we shall receive no more. Let our motto be, not, “Get ready,” but, “Be ready.” We are on enchanted ground. But let us look forward and upward, and always “remember Lot’s wife.” Christ is the ark of safety for God’s people. Ps. 91:5-10.
JOHN J. WESTRUP.
PREJUDICE.
By Jesse B. Smock
THIS is written to all whom it may concern. It is often true that the most prejudiced people believe that they are not prejudiced. As prejudice leads to error, I would like to suggest a few thoughts as a preventative.
Says the apostle Paul: "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Cor. 10:12.
All are not so wedded to tradition that they are unwilling to appeal to the Word of God. It can be said of such, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
"It is easier for us to learn new truths than it is for us to unlearn our old errors."—Spurgeon.
"It is one thing to wish to have the truth on our side, but it is quite a different thing to wish to be on the side of truth."—Archbishop Whately.
If I swallow a dose of poison, conscientiously believing it to be wholesome, because my confidential doctor in mistake gave it to me, it is no less poison after being swallowed than before; and my life is endangered as much as tho we both knew it to be poison.
Therefore, as all finite minds are liable to be mistaken, how much the more ought we to cleave with loyal fidelity to the Word of our infinite Creator, who makes no mistakes!
Now, as there is no "thus saith the Lord" for the sanctification of the first day of the week as a day of rest or holiness, it can not be of divine planting; and the Lord Jesus hath said, "Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." Matt. 15:13.
But the unchangeable Creator has told us with unmistakable plainness which day He did bless and sanctify. "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it." Gen. 2:3. God also gives us the reason why we should keep it holy. Ex. 20:8-11.
Now which day will we keep? and why? for all turns on the hinge of the will. If I am so prejudiced that I will not read the truth in God's own Book, then I am unwilling to know the truth; and if I am unwilling to know the truth, I am unwilling to do the truth. And then, if so, I am unreasonable, forsake my own mercies, reject the plain Word, cling to tradition, preferring to float on the tide of popularity, build hay, wood, and stubble, and will suffer loss in the day of final accounts.
Now permit me to ask one plain question of the intelligent reader that professes to believe in the unchangeable nature of God and His Word: Do you believe that our kind Creator, who never made a mistake, has taken the sanctified blessing from the seventh day of the week, making a secular day of it, and has transferred the sanctified blessing and grafted it onto the first day of the week, and never told us when nor why He has done this? Nay, verily, you can not believe it. Therefore all the transfer must be of human origin; and the Lord Jesus hath said, "But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt. 15:9.
JESSE B. SMOCK.
THE ETERNAL SABBATH.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
An Important Question Answered.
(By E. J. Waggoner, in Present Truth.)
"Since the Sabbath is the memorial of the creation of the earth, does not the fourth commandment constitute an exception to the statement that the law is the character of God, and therefore co-existent with Him? Could there have been any Sabbath before the creation of this earth? and if not, can the fourth commandment be considered strictly as of moral obligation, since moral principles can have no beginning except in God?"
THIS is a question which touches the very heart of Sabbath-keeping, and I am glad of the privilege of talking it over with the readers of Present Truth, since the failure to understand it has led many to make shipwreck of faith, and a right knowledge of it brings one into the closest fellowship with God.
In the first place we must remember that it does not necessarily follow that our first introduction to anything is the beginning of its existence. The fact that we did not know a thing before, does not prove that there was no such thing before. God Himself is the Beginning, the Source of all things, the universal storehouse of good. A thing that is first made known to the world in this age may have been hidden in Him for eternal ages. He is the sum of all truth and morality, and He reveals Himself to His creatures just as they have need of Him. So even if we consider the Sabbath as first made known in the universe at the creation of this world, that fact would not by any means detract from the morality of the fourth commandment. It all comes from God; therefore "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." God is Spirit; therefore "we know that the law is spiritual." Rom. 7:12, 14.
This is as far as we really need to consider the subject, since what goes on in other worlds, or what took place before the creation of this world, does not specially concern us; but there is a principle involved in the question, which we may discuss without being irreverent or curious.
Everything that is, except God, had a beginning. He created all things by Jesus Christ. In Christ we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: "for in Him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through Him, and unto Him; and He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." Col. 1:14-17, R.V.
Moreover, all things have not been brought into existence at the same time. When the Lord "laid the foundations of the earth," "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:4-7.
Now the Sabbath was given to man as a reminder of Himself as Creator. It was given in Eden, in order that man in his unfallen state need never fall through forgetting his Maker; and since there is equal reason for all other created beings to remember God as their Creator, that they may give unto Him the glory due to Him, it is evident that the Sabbath is as old as the first created being.
Sabbath means rest. The word is but the untranslated Hebrew word for rest. It is God's rest, and, given to His creatures, teaches them to rest in Him. No angel in heaven created himself, or can maintain his existence or his purity by his own power. All things are of God, and all things continue to exist only in Christ. Rest in God is the universal law of existence. Wherever there is perfect rest in God, there is perfect righteousness and strength; and just to the extent that any creature undertakes to manage himself and his own affairs, does he fall below the standard of perfection. Sabbath-keeping, rest in God, is therefore the seal of perfection, not only in this world, but also in every part of God's universe.
It is because the false principle of justification by works is so firmly seated even in the majority of those who decry it, that the Sabbath is so little understood. Men seem to think that they are raising an insuperable objection to the Sabbath when they exclaim, "O, but we are not justified by works!" Exactly, and just for that reason must we keep the Sabbath, that is, rest in God, if we would be righteous. Not to keep the Sabbath, not to rest in God, is to seek to establish our own righteousness.
We see, therefore, that from the very nature of the case the Sabbath of the Lord is as eternal as He Himself. He rested in His own fulness and perfection in the days of eternity, before anything was made, and as soon as the first thing was created, that thing rested in His everlasting power. Instead of this earth being the only place where the Sabbath is kept, it is the only place where it is broken.
It need not take long to answer the question that may arise concerning the varying length of days in the various planets. The seventh day is the seventh day, whether on the earth or on Jupiter, and the inhabitants of the latter planet can not have any more difficulty in observing the seventh day than those of this planet. And just as travelers to various parts of this earth may and should observe the Sabbath wherever they are, so in the ages to come, the explorers of God's universe will gladly join with the inhabitants of any planet where they may be, in keeping the Sabbath as it comes to them. And on this earth, which will then be the place of God's throne, the center of His universal dominion, "it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship" before the Lord.
The Crown for Winning Souls
By Bishop Simpson
IN that great day how insignificant will appear the offices of honor, the wealth and comforts of earthly life, compared with the crown which will be given to those who have won souls for Christ!—Bishop Simpson.
Death and Christian Fidelity
By Tryon Edwards
DEATH has nothing terrible that life has not made so. Christian fidelity to the duties of this world is the best preparation for the next. —Tryon Edwards.
THE CLOSING YEAR.
By Editor
THE close of the year and the close of the volume are upon us.
For all the blessings of the year we praise God; and His blessings come to the trusting soul in everything.
To all those who have labored with us to extend the everlasting Gospel, we send hearty greeting. We were about to say that we thank them for their hearty co-operation. But why should we say this when what they have done we are persuaded is not for us but for our ever-blessed, common Lord. We are “workers together with God,” and so be it that we have His approval, well. He gives us thanks, and we praise Him for the privilege of having even the smallest part in His work.
The year has been a fruitful one—fruitful of evil. Satan has wrought with a swift and skilful hand in accident and incident, in vice and crime, in murder (retail and wholesale), in pillage and arson, in earthquake and cyclone, in famine and fever, in plague and pestilence; and the fearful harvest is still on. Above the songs of peace which periodically ascend during December’s ides, rises the mad shout of red-handed war, the leering laugh of the drunkard, and the weeping and wailing of widows, orphans, and childless, and worse than any of these. Mammon and greed and war and alcohol have the nations by the throat, and are crushing out their very life.
But “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.” Thus far and no farther shall the great sea of wickedness surge. And we may say with the psalmist, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee; the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” He must in His love—for blind unbelief will learn in no other way—let wickedness develop. He must in His love let the seed bear its fruit. He desires man to learn by simple faith what is righteous, what is sinful, and so escape the fruitage of sin’s seeding. But man will not, and so God in His love permits His creatures to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. And this century and this year have been abundant in the exhibition.
Yet God has been working. There are noble examples of self-sacrifice, zeal, earnestness, devotion, which stand out as did the three Hebrew youth among the throng of Babylon’s fearsome worshipers. There are souls who do not, will not, bow. There are business men who dare be honest. There are preachers who will proclaim the message God speaks to them. There are statesmen who can not be bought for gold. There are humble ones in whom is manifest the excellency of God. There are noble workers who do not yet see all the light in every phase of reform.
And, therefore, we are of good courage. Our God reigns. Jesus Christ is priest-king. His message is yet of power to save to the uttermost, to every one who will receive it. And why in the even more fruitful year that lies before, should not every true, loyal soldier of Christ gird on his armor anew, and go forth in his great Captain’s lead, with splendid hope and courage, to glorious, eternal victory? Let it be a year of glorious work for the Master.