Signs of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 7. (2/24/1914)

Signs of the Times

Feb 24, 1914

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 24, 1914

THE MESSAGE OF THE ELEMENTS

By J. O. Corliss

Storms, Earthquakes, and the Like Are Increasing in Frequency and Destructiveness — Is There a Meaning in It? — The Cheering Rays of Hope and Comfort

By J. O. CORLISS

DESTRUCTION upon destruction is cried," are the startling words of one who, in prophetic vision, was permitted to scan the future of earth's history. The expression employed was the outburst of a sadly pained heart, the tumult of which refused to be quieted. Its sound was as a voice in the prophet's soul, which must, perforce, find utterance through the lips of the inspired seer. So terribly real and complete seemed the breaking up of things earthly, and so continuous were the applied agencies in effecting the end portrayed, that the single word "destruction" could not adequately describe the prophetic view, which could only be told by saying that one calamity after another would attend earth's record until the whole work of destruction would be complete. Jer. 4: 19, 20.

PREDICTION RESERVED FOR TO-DAY

The fact that earth's history continues until now is evidence that the eventual fulfilment of this prediction has been reserved to our day. Besides, during the Saviour's earthly sojourn, He spoke of startling changes nature would unfold just prior to His second advent to earth. Among these were to be violent volcanic disturbances, unusual agitation of ocean's waves, resulting in unavoidable wreckage and general ruin. Luke 21: 11, 25, 26. The seer of Patmos declares that the last of these earthquakes will exceed in vehemence anything of the kind before known (Rev. 16: 18), thus indicating just what the world is now experiencing — that the violence of these will steadily increase till the end.

A CONDITION AND A PREDICTION

It is also certain that ocean surges have never been known so uniformly destructive as now, defying as they do both the art and the skill of man in the attempt to guard against their encroachments. The continued reference to this phase in the daily news columns, makes unnecessary an enlargement upon this point in detail. There is, however, another section of this subject to which

prophecy lends attention, but which may perhaps have been overlooked by some. It is that of destruction by sudden inundations, which remove time-honored landmarks, and make homeless the landholders. Referring to these, the prophet says: "The Lord God of hosts is He that toucheth the land. . . . It shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt. It is He . . . that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth." Amos 9: 5, 6.

A NEW EXPERIENCE — THREE CLOUDBURSTS

The writer had read of devastating floods in Europe and the far East, especially China, also in various parts of the United States, and had noted the increasing frequency of their occurrence, as well as the aggravated intensity of their action. But until very recently he had not actually been a witness of their destructive tendencies. However, this experience was not always to be denied him. Leaving Los Angeles the evening of January 24, he was overtaken at Santa Barbara by no less than three cloudbursts, which quickly inundated the lower part of the city, putting business houses in that vicinity out of commission, and making it next to impossible to move about in that quarter of the town. Bridges of every description were washed away, prohibiting both railroad and other modes of travel. No strong wind was noticeable, yet the ocean surf, as though not to be outdone in carrying destruction before it, began pounding violently upon the strong protecting wall lining the beach, breaking it down, and tearing up the beautiful palm-lined boulevard that hitherto had gracefully dignified the shore-line.

The first appearance of anything unusual to which attention was specially called, was that of a huge, inky cloud just above the mountain range back of the town, which resembled those of tornado-menace in the East. In almost shorter time than is taken to tell the story, a perfect deluge was falling from the heavily saturated cloud, which threw down telephone wires, and brought on a general chaotic condition.

MOUNTAIN CREEKS BECOME RIVERS

With other cloud ruptures quickly following, the mountain creeks were suddenly converted into torrential rivers, which tore away their retaining borders, where grew beautiful sycamore and oak trees, and carried everything before them, thus changing the very face of parts of the back country. It was indeed pitiful, after the subsidence of the flood, to witness the desolation of homes. There were dwellings which, in collision with each other, had almost entirely collapsed. One plumbing shop had been thrown crossways in the middle of the street, while some private houses were left partly projected over yawning caverns that the devouring waters had ruthlessly scooped out.

A CHEERING MESSAGE OF CONFIDENCE

One short article can not possibly describe the situation. It must be viewed at first hand to get an adequate idea of it. In fact, to dwell at length upon this particular incident may not be best, since similar ones are becoming quite frequent nowadays. This one is referred to here merely to call attention to the significance of these general happenings in every part of the world.

Indeed, one must, if true to duty's call, make note of such occurrences, in order to direct attention to the fulfilment of prophetic warnings of the day of the Lord at hand. They are not and should not be dwelt upon simply to inspire terror, but to bring a cheering message of confidence in God's word, and create a desire in all hearts to be ready for the great consummation which is to give eternal joy to all who become participants in it. "Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt. 24: 44.

VIEWS OF THE SANTA BARBARA FLOOD

Upper, left, two houses in collision.

Upper, right, boulevard along the beach.

Lower, left, a cross street with bridge washed away.

Lower, right, river two feet deep in front of railway station.

Greatest of Possessions

By H. W. Cottrell

It Brings Rest, Peace, and Contentment—The New Creation

By H. W. COTTRELL

THE greatest of all possessions is Christianity. The divine reason of this is, that Christianity is a real condition, born of God's love; and like God, its Author, it never slumbers nor sleeps, neither does it age with time.

Men and women, boys and girls, and little children slumber and sleep, and many of them grow old. Our garments grow old. Surely the earth itself groans under the age of the curse resting upon it, and it has grown old.

The covenant that our ancestors made with God, that they would obey Him—that is, be good—when they did not have Christ abiding within them individually, waxed old, and at the cross of Christ it vanished away. All similar contracts that men make in this our day, are ineffective at the time of making, and because there is no Christ in them, are ready to vanish.

Through Himself, Christ would make both men and "all things new." When our divine Lord was here upon earth, He held a conversation with a great and wise man—speaking after the manner of men; but that man did not really know who Christ was. He thought Him to be a mere man like himself, but one who had been with God.

The great Master, observing that Nicodemus did not discern His Deity, said to him, "Ye must be born again," "born from above," "born of the Spirit," "born of God." This new birth gives to the individual assurance of spiritual organization, spiritual life, spiritual sight, and spiritual strength to endure to the end, that he may reap eternal salvation. "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND NEW CREATION

In this lesson, Christ gave assurance that there must come into the individual life a personal experience, not of fancy, but of fact. Otherwise one might, like Nicodemus, see physically, but be blind spiritually; be strong physically, but paralyzed spiritually. Surely, in the absence of personal experience, none can see or enter the kingdom of God.

This is another reason why Christianity is the greatest thing in the world. Without it there is surely no hope for those who labor. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor," said He, "and I will give you rest." This is not make-believe rest. If the door of one's heart, or life, is opened for Christ's admission, and He abides within, He will subdue the carnal tendencies to cherished evil. Fruit will be borne in the new life, and such a one becomes a new creation. The physical man is

spiritually organized. He has a new life, a new mind, a new heart, and new desires. In a thought, the will of God—whatever it is—is his will.

RESTS NOT ON FEELING, EMOTION, OR SENTIMENT

His Christianity will not rest upon feeling, emotion, or sentiment, but upon a daily acquaintance with the divine Christ who has so bountifully bestowed the treasure. His anchorage is that Rock within the veil, even Jesus. The storms of misunderstanding, or misrepresentation, or discourtesy, may, perchance, be his to endure on his earthly voyage, and this may cause anguish of spirit and sorrow of heart without; but at the same time, there is contentment, peace, and rest within the soul where the Redeemer—the Author of Christianity—abides.

This experience is Heaven-ordained to every one who will comply with the conditions; namely, surrender all, and accept Him. It is Heaven-honored, time-honored, and to become eternity-honored. The experience, in fact, is found at Jesus' feet, and comes, let me suggest, by personal experience.

Wisdom from Above

By James

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.—James.

Clothed with Power for a Mighty Work

By Mrs. E. G. White

Long Had He Sought to See Jesus—Found Him at Last—Healed by His Creative Power—Disciples Arrested and Brought before Court—The Divine Presence with Them—Authorities Compelled to Grant Their Release from Prison

By MRS. E. G. WHITE

THE disciples of Christ had a deep sense of their own inefficiency, and with humiliation and prayer they joined their weakness to His strength, their ignorance to His wisdom, their unworthiness to His righteousness, their poverty to His exhaustless wealth. Thus strengthened and equipped, they hesitated not to press forward in the service of the Master.

RELIEVED AFTER FORTY YEARS OF INFIRMITY

A short time after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and immediately after a season of earnest prayer, Peter and John, going up to the temple to worship, saw at the gate Beautiful a cripple, forty years of age, whose life, from his birth, had been one of pain and infirmity. This unfortunate man had long desired to see Jesus, that he might be healed; but he was almost helpless, and was far removed from the scene of the great Physician's labors. His pleadings at last induced some friends to bear him to the gate of the temple; but upon arriving there, he found that the One upon whom his hopes were centered, had been put to a cruel death.

BEGS FOR A PITTANCE—RECEIVES HEALTH

His disappointment excited the sympathy of those who knew for how long he had eagerly hoped to be healed by Jesus, and daily they brought him to the temple, in order that passers-by might be induced by pity to give him a trifle to relieve his wants. As Peter and John passed, he asked an alms from them. The disciples regarded him compassionately, and Peter said, "Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none." As Peter thus declared his poverty, the countenance of the cripple fell; but it grew bright with hope as the apostle continued, "But such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

"And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. . . . And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering."

SOURCE OF THE MIRACLE

When the disciples saw the amazement of the people, Peter asked, "Why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" He assured them that the cure had been wrought in the name and through the merits of Jesus of Nazareth, whom God had raised from the dead. "His name through faith in His name," the apostle declared, "hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted," he cried, "that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

PHARISAICAL EXPEDIENCY—PETER AND JOHN ARRESTED

Converts to the new faith were rapidly increasing, and both Pharisees and Sadducees agreed that if these new teachers were suffered to go unchecked, their own influence would be in greater danger than when Jesus was upon the earth. Accordingly, the captain of the temple, with the help of a number of Sadducees, arrested Peter and John, and put them in prison, as it was too late that day for them to be examined.

The enemies of the disciples could not but be convinced that Christ had risen from the dead. The evidence was too clear to be doubted. Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, refusing to repent of the terrible deed they had committed in putting Jesus to death. Feeling secure in their own righteousness, the Jewish teachers refused to admit that the men charging them with crucifying Christ were speaking by the direction of the Holy Spirit.

TRIUMPHANT VICTORY ON GROUND OF FORMER DEFEAT

On the day following the healing of the cripple, Annas and Caiaphas, with the other dignitaries of the temple, met together for the trial, and the prisoners were brought before them. In that very room and before some of those very men, Peter had shamefully denied his Lord. This came distinctly to his mind as he appeared for his own trial. He now had an opportunity of redeeming his cowardice. Since his fall he had been converted. He was no longer proud and boastful, but modest and self-distrustful. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and by the help of this power he was resolved to remove the stain of his apostasy by honoring the name he had once disowned.

Hitherto the priests had avoided mentioning the crucifixion or the resurrection of Jesus. But now, in fulfilment of their purpose, they were forced to inquire of the accused how the cure of the impotent man had been accomplished. "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" they asked.

With holy boldness and in the power of the Spirit Peter fearlessly declared: "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people

of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

THEY TAUGHT WITH CONVINCING POWER

This courageous defense appalled the Jewish leaders. They had supposed that the disciples would be overcome with fear and confusion when brought before the Sanhedrin. But instead, these witnesses spoke as Christ had spoken, with a convincing power that silenced their adversaries.

As the priests listened to the apostles' fearless words, "they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

Of the disciples after the transfiguration of Christ, it is written that at the close of that wonderful scene, "they saw no man, save Jesus only." "Jesus only"—in these words is contained the secret of the life and power that marked the history of the early church.

THE DIVINE PRESENCE WITH THEM

After the Saviour's ascension, the sense of the divine presence, full of love and light, was still with them. It was a personal presence. Jesus, the Saviour, who had walked and talked and prayed with them, who had spoken hope and comfort to their hearts, had, while the message of peace was upon His lips, been taken from them into heaven. As the chariot of angels received Him, His words had come to them, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end." Their union with Him was stronger now than when He was with them in person. The light and love and power of an indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding, marveled.

Christ placed His seal on the words that Peter spoke in His defense. Close beside the disciple, as a convincing witness, stood the man who had been so miraculously healed. The appearance of this man, a few hours before a helpless cripple, but now restored to soundness of health, added a weight of testimony to Peter's words. Priests and rulers were silent. They were unable to refute Peter's statement, but they were none the less determined to put a stop to the teaching of the disciples.

In order to conceal their perplexity, the priests and rulers ordered the apostles to be taken away, that they might counsel among themselves. They all agreed that it would be useless to deny that the man had been healed. Gladly would they have covered up the miracle by falsehoods; but this was impossible, for it had been wrought in the full light of day, before a multitude of people, and had already come to the knowledge of thousands. They felt that the work of the disciples must be stopped, or Jesus would gain many followers. Their own disgrace would follow; for they would be held guilty of the murder of the Son of God.

DARED ONLY TO THREATEN THEM

But notwithstanding their desire to destroy the disciples, the priests dared not do more than threaten them with the severest punishment if they continued to speak or to work in the name of Jesus. Calling them again before the Sanhedrin, they commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

Gladly would the priests have punished these men for their unswerving fidelity to their sacred calling, but they feared the people; "for all men glorified God for that which was done." So, with repeated threats and injunctions, the apostles were set at liberty.

The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly when, in answer to the command not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, they declared, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye," is the same that the adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of the Reformation.

FIRMLY TO MAINTAIN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God's witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this Word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God's word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A "Thus saith the Lord" is not to be set aside for a "Thus saith the church" or a "Thus saith the state." The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.

We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are to go forward in Christ's name, advocating the truths committed to us. If we are forbidden by men to do this work, then we may say, as did the apostles: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

DID YOU EVER THINK?

By L. D. Santee

By L. D. SANTEE

DID you ever think what this world would be If Christ hadn't come to save it? His hands and feet were nailed to the tree, And His precious life—He gave it. But countless hearts would break with grief At the hopeless life they were given, If God had not sent the world relief, If Jesus had stayed in heaven.

Did you ever think what this world would be With never a life hereafter? Despair in the faces of all we'd see, And sobbing instead of laughter. In vain is beauty and flower's bloom, To remove the heart's dejection, Since all would drift to a yawning tomb, With never a resurrection.

*"For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him."

Did you ever think what this world would be, How weary of all endeavor, If the dead unnumbered in land and sea, Would just sleep on forever? Only a pall over hill and plain, And the brightest hours are dreary, Where the heart is sad, and hopes are vain, And life is sad and weary.

Did you ever think what this world would be If Christ had stayed in heaven, No home in bliss, no soul set free, No life, or sins forgiven? But He came with a heart of tenderest love, And now from on high He sees us, And mercy comes from the throne above. Thank God for the gift of Jesus.

The Approach of the Millennium

By E. W. Catlin

Does Christ Come Before or After? — Will It Be a Time of World Peace? — The New Jerusalem at the End of the Period

By E. W. CATLIN

SUPPER being ended, the disciples are grouped around Jesus. As He continues His instruction, He informs these men that He is about to leave them. All their fond hopes are now blighted, and their countenances reveal the dark cloud of wo that has suddenly settled down over them. He seeks to dispel their gloom with a description of the Father's house, and the mansions He intends to prepare for them, then the promise to return to take them to be with Him where He is. He requests that they exercise the same confidential trust in Him as in the Father. For "this same Jesus" shall come again.

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4: 16, 17.

THEY LIVED AND REIGNED A THOUSAND YEARS

The prophet John saw in heaven, through vision, "the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev. 20: 4. Jesus returns to take them to heaven, to be with Him for a thousand years.

When He shall appear with the angelic host to gather the glorified saints to Himself, in harmony with His promise, the wicked of earth will gaze upon the glory and brightness of Him whose very presence consumes darkness and creates everlasting day; and though kings, and great men, rich men, and chief captains, mighty and free men, they will hide themselves "in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains," and say, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Rev. 6: 14-17. While making this agonized request, they are stricken down in death, for the brightness of His coming consumes their unprofitable lives. 2 Thess. 2: 8.

UNTIL THE YEARS WERE FINISHED

The prophet again speaks, saying: "The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection." Rev. 20: 5. These scriptures reveal the righteous living with Jesus in heaven, and the wicked in the sleep of death, during the millennium.

THE WHOLE LAND SHALL BE DESOLATE

The intelligences of heaven gaze upon the earth during these fast-occurring events, and behold the fulfilment of prophecy; for the "seer" has said: "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and perverteth the face thereof, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. . . . The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word." Isa. 24: 1, 3, margin. "I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was

no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by His fierce anger. For thus hath the Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end." Jer. 4: 24-27.

This chain of varied circumstances encircles the path of the enemy, and binds the devil, holding him captive in this devastated earth, "till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." Rev. 20: 1-3.

At the expiration of the thousand years, when the millennium is ended, the Lord comes, and all the saints with Him. Zech. 14: 5. "And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley." Verse 4. The holy city, New Jerusalem, descends from God out of heaven, and is established in that valley. Rev. 21: 2. "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited." "And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one." Zech. 14: 11, 9.

SATAN MARSHALS HIS FORCES

During that eventful period, Satan will marshal his forces—the wicked who have been raised in the second resurrection—and will encompass the camp of the saints and the beloved city (Rev. 20: 7-9), and thus seek to take by force the reward and the home of the saints. To the very last, Satan is absorbed in wicked, evil designing against God and His children, but the end of such vile work is at hand, for fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. "And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem." Zech. 14: 12. "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." Mal. 4: 1.

With pride we may speak of the coronation of kings, and with rapture gaze upon the glittering tinsel; but all this—the product of human conception—will pale to insignificance before the coronation of the real King, who has conquered every foe in the universe of God, and given everlasting life and immortality to His humble followers.

Continue reading: Sunday Laws and Sabbath Observance