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Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 24.

He Watches Over Israel

Review and Herald

May 13, 1915

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 13, 1915

He Watches Over Israel

He watches over Israel, and sweeps The fullness of His mercy into one Great ocean of eternal deeps ; No helm need I, no guide, When at my side Is the Master of a hundred suns.
He watches over Israel, nor sleeps, Lest I should stumble in the closing dark, Like some poor leper as he creeps By rugged rut or notch. Without His watch, My faltering feet would never reach the mark.
He watches over Israel, and keeps The greatness of His mercy to the close ; He slumbers not, nor sleeps. In all my little flight, By noon or night, I know that He will lead me to repose.
— Pall Mall Magazine.

For the Finishing of the Work

By E. R. PALMER

A Story of the Providences of God During the Past Eight Months

Something Has Happened

ALMOST daily during the past few months this phrase, “Something has happened,” has been impressed upon us, and has carried conviction and courage to the hearts of our people. We have entered upon a new era in the history of this movement. Mighty agencies, both from above and from beneath, are in conflict, and every day brings new and almost startling changes and developments.

The Daily Mail

As we go through the daily mail and read the letters from officers and people, with orders for large supplies of literature such as we never dreamed of receiving before, we often exclaim, “Something has happened!”

New Sets of Figures

The progress of our work is being estimated by new successes and by new sets of figures. Large orders, which at one time brought surprise and joy, are now handled as a matter of fact. We have talked for years of publications some day reaching 100,000 copies per issue. Now we are not surprised at a circulation of a million copies of any of our Extras. The 100,000 mark is left far behind every month. This great change has come about during the brief period of eight months.

An Important Personal Question

I have often asked myself this question, which I am trying to answer in the right way, and now pass on to our readers: Is it possible that the loud cry of the third angel’s message will come and go, and we let it pass as commonplace, without recognizing it? There is danger of our becoming so accustomed to the working of God’s mighty hand among us that we fail to recognize its import and its importance.

The War Extra

When the great European war broke out, the hearts of men were greatly stirred, and there sprang to the lips of the people, regardless of creed, the question, “What do these things mean?” Instinctively they turned to Seventh-day Adventists—who teach the prophecies—for an answer. The day that war was declared, when on my way home from the office a man of the world stopped me and said, “Mr. Palmer, what do these things mean?” The question, coming from an earnest inquirer, struck me as a vital one, requiring an intelligent, proper answer. I replied as best I could, giving him my conscientious conviction. He said, “I am inclined to believe you are right, and that the prophecies you have been preaching are coming true.”
This little circumstance led to our calling a committee of editors the next morning to consider what could be done to answer this question. The result was that the War Extra was published. The outcome has been most encouraging. During the twenty-one days following the announcement of this Extra one million copies were sold. This was the first time in our history that a million copies of any one periodical had been distributed.
The circulation of this little sheet has now reached 1,450,000 copies. Our people should remember that this War Extra, prepared by Brethren Wilcox and Spicer, editors of the REVIEW AND HERALD, is as timely as ever. Interest in this terrible, heartbreaking war has not decreased. The whole world is still asking the question, “What do these things mean?” We have a duty to discharge in answering this question. No community within reach of Seventh-day Adventists should be overlooked.

The Eastern Question Extra

When in the development of the war it seemed evident that Turkey would become involved, we began to make preparations to answer questions which would naturally arise as to the meaning of that event. We were therefore not taken by surprise on the morning when the daily papers contained the announcement, “TURKEY ENTERS THE WAR.”
Within one hour after this announcement appeared, our editors were preparing copy, the artist was selecting illustrations, the Publishing Department of the General Conference was preparing circular letters, and our periodical department was writing the announcements. During the next twenty days after the announcement of this Extra, our orders amounted to 45,000 copies per day.
The Washington Post-office Department placed a special mail car on our siding daily for these Extras, so that trains might not be delayed in taking on the heavy mail. Including 500,000 copies circulated by the Southern Publishing Association, we have now distributed 1,550,000 copies of the Eastern Question Extra. It is wonderful how this little sheet is going. Recently we received a single order for 10,000 copies.
With the Allies bombarding the defenses of Constantinople by land and sea, with the Turkish government preparing to transfer its capital to Asia Minor, and with the whole world on tiptoe in anticipation of what this may mean, could we place in the hands of the people anything more timely than this little sheet, in which Elder Spicer has presented the Eastern Question, Elder Wilcox has explained God’s message for today, and Brother C. M. Snow has given the meaning of this great world war in the light of approaching Armageddon?

“The World’s Crisis”

It is wonderful how God uses the smallest and weakest means for the beginning of his mighty work. By such means it becomes evident that the glory belongs to God, and not to man. About the first of December, 1914, a lady colporteur wrote a letter to the Review and Herald Office, asking that the subject matter of the two War Extras, with other subject matter, be made up into an illustrated twenty-five-cent book. She promised to take a thousand copies if we would do this. The suggestion placed in simple form what we had been contemplating, but the thought had not been crystallized into action. This letter was immediately placed before our editors, and arrangements were at once made for the preparation of the copy for the book “The World’s Crisis.”
In thirty days from the time this suggestion was made, the book was ready for distribution; and during the first three months since its publication was announced, we have sold in the United States 150,000 copies. This is from four to ten times as many copies as we have usually sold in a year of our best-selling books. Orders for this book one day amounted to 8,000 copies. Is it surprising therefore that we keep saying over and over again, “Something has happened”?

“Happenings” Are Sometimes God’s Providences

A little incident occurred in securing paper for this book, which indicates how God has managed some features of this work without our human calculation. After printing the first 25,000 edition, we ordered paper for a second edition of 40,000. By some unexplained accident or providence, the order was duplicated by the paper mill, and stock was shipped to us for 80,000 copies.
We immediately notified the mill that the paper was here subject to their order, for we had no use for it. They requested us to store the paper in our stock room, and pay for it whenever we were able to use it.
The sale of this book was so unexpectedly large that before the 40,000 edition was completed, it was necessary to go to press with a third edition of 40,000 copies. As it requires thirty days to get paper from the mills, we could not have supplied these books on time had not our previous order for paper been duplicated so as to give us the extra supply.
It has seemed evident from the time such a book was proposed by the lady colporteur that the hand of God has been over its publication and circulation; for not only has the Lord helped us in the publication of this book, but he has also gone out with our people, old and young, and has helped to sell it with great success.
With grateful hearts we recognize God’s leadership in the publication of his truth, and feel assured that we have entered upon that time spoken of by the prophet when he “saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.”
E. R. PALMER.

CHEAP LITERATURE

For the Finishing of the Work

Special Review Extras

  • The War Extra, or The Coming Conflict.
  • “What Do These Things Mean?”
  • The Eastern Question Extra, or God’s Message for Today. Approaching Armageddon.

The Present Truth Series

Extra No.
1 * The Bible the Word of God.
2 * The Origin of Sin and the Plan of Salvation.
3 * A Great Prophetic Dream; or The Kingdoms of This World and the Kingdom of God.
4 * The Second Coming of Christ.
5 * The Signs of Christ’s Coming.
6 The Millennium.
7 The Home of the Saved.
8 The Four Great Beasts of Daniel 7 and the Work of Antichrist.
9 A Great Prophetic Period — the 2300 Days.
10 The Sanctuary.
11 The Judgment and the Judgment-Hour Message.
12 The Law and the Gospel.
13 The Bible Sabbath.
14 The Change of the Sabbath.
15 Conversion, or the Way to Christ.
16 The United States in Prophecy.
17 Christian Liberty.
18 The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast.
19 The Threefold Message of Revelation 14.
20 Life Only in Christ.
21 Spiritualism.
22 Spiritual Gifts.
23 Health and Temperance.
24 Support of the Gospel Ministry.
25 Synopsis of Present Truth.
The prices of all the above Extras, postpaid, are as follows:—
15 copies ............... $ .10 25 " .................... .15 50 " .................... .30 100 " ................... .50 1000 " .................. 4.00
Order from your conference tract society
Note.—Those numbers preceded by a star (*) are already published. Others will be published in their order at the rate of one copy each month.

An Inspired War Song

By J. S. WASHBURN

J. S. WASHBURN
WHEN God, as a “man of war,” in the great crisis of the ages goes forth to fight the last battle for his truth and for his people, his children will sing a glorious song of supreme faith and trust and of holy boldness and confidence, in the midst of the wreck of nature and of the whole world and the total ruin of civilization, a song divinely inspired for the time of war and trouble. This song is the forty-sixth psalm, which was written for the very day in which we live and for the terrible final conflict.
It is evident that it was written for the time of war. “The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved.” Verse 6, R. V. “He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth.” Verse 9. And referring to the time when God himself destroys them which destroy the earth, this great war song says, “He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariots in the fire.” Verse 9.
It is evident also that it was written for the time of the coming of Christ; for in that day “the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed” (Isa. 54:10); “the mountains shall be thrown down” (Eze. 38:20); “the mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein” (Nahum 1:5, R. V.). “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Ps. 46:2, 3.
Among the Hebrews in time of greatest trouble and persecution the forty-sixth psalm was sung because of the comfort and strong consolation of its wonderful promises and assurances. It is stated by Christian Hebrews that the forty-sixth psalm was the song sung by Paul and Silas in the Philippian dungeon when the walls fell down. If this is true, it certainly was appropriate for the time and the occasion.
Luther in times of greatest darkness and peril, when it would seem that there was no help for the Reformation in heaven or on earth, often would say to Melanchthon, “Come, Philipp, let us sing the forty-sixth psalm.” And as they sang these words of assurance in God, “a very present help in trouble,” into their heavy, troubled hearts came flowing peace and hope and courage and power. This psalm was the basis of Luther’s great Reformation hymn,—
“A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing.”
But although a comfort and a strength in every time of need, this psalm is pre-eminently an Adventist psalm, a song for the 144,000, for all who live amid the perils of the last days. Amid the increasing and almost overwhelming temptations of today, when Satan has come down with great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time; in the midst of danger and ruin and death, when hearts tremble for loved ones; on the terrible fields of battle, when the hearts of the strong men fail for fear, and the knees of the mighty smite together,—we may not only pray with strong assurance, but we may also sing this inspired battle song. As Israel of old sang in the face of overwhelming dangers, and their song brought victory, so let us sing today the song of trust and power.
If ever there was a time when the souls of men should turn in devotional song, as well as in prayer, to our Refuge, the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, it is in these solemn hours of human history, when war and perplexity among the nations have caused the foundation pillars of human civilization to tremble upon their base. The temple of human civilization may fall, and the end may come, but “the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” So proclaims this wonderful inspired psalm.
And we shall actually sing this great battle hymn, in the very height of the great conflict, in the time of trouble. One of the most remarkable statements in that wonderful book, “The Great Controversy,” on pages 638, 639, is the following:—
“A marvelous change has come over those who have held fast their integrity in the very face of death. They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men transformed to demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now aglow with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant song: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.’ While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black and angry firmament on either side. The glory of the celestial city streams from the gates ajar.”
Let us sing this glorious psalm today, that we may be able to sing it when heaven and earth are removed, and God alone is strength and refuge.
Philadelphia, Pa.

“Inasmuch”

By D. H. KRESS

D. H. KRESS
PAYING tithe, giving to foreign missions, assisting in building up institutions for the education of our children, and sanitariums for the healing of the sick, all have their place in our service for Christ; but none of these can take the place of personal ministry. That which will finally confront every professor of Christianity will be, Have you fed the hungry? Have you clothed the naked? Have you visited the sick and ministered unto them? And it will be said: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
This is a work that is strangely neglected by the church at present, and yet there was never a time when the need for such work was greater. Some one will say, You hardly know whom to trust, there are so many who are unworthy of aid. This may be true, but because iniquity abounds, shall we allow our love to grow cold? Only those whose love endures to the end shall be saved.
Such ministry would bring a great blessing to individuals and to the church. Not merely is there spiritual help in it, but there is health. “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him. . . . Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” Isa. 58:7, 8.
I am doubtful whether we can expect our health to spring forth unless this work is taken up by us. Praying only will not bring healing. Is not this the great obstacle in the way of God's answering our prayers for the sick? When we are saved from sickness, we are saved to serve.
“If set to work, the despondent will soon forget their despondency; the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, page 82. If all these blessings await those who serve, is it not worth a trial? Again we read: “The heart of him who lives, not to please himself, but to be a blessing to those who have so few blessings, will thrill with satisfaction.”—Id., page 37. “Those who give their lives to Christlike ministry know the meaning of true happiness. Their interest and their prayers reach far beyond self. They themselves are growing as they try to help others.”—Id., page 42.
Despondency and unhappiness lie at the foundation of a great deal of sickness. A large proportion of our diseases may be traced to mental causes. But when despondency disappears and the heart thrills with happiness and satisfaction, the obstacles which retard health restoration are removed, and God can do miraculous things for us, which would otherwise be impossible.
We have poor persons in our own churches who could be greatly helped and encouraged by a little Christlike sympathy and brotherly love. We have sick among us who ought to have aid. God blesses some with means that they may be a blessing to those who are less fortunate. When the manna fell, they that gathered much had nothing over, and they that gathered little had no lack. All were provided for. So it was after Pentecost; for “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:35. The gospel must again be preached to the poor.

The Ambassadors From Babylon

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
IN the fertile valleys of the Tigris and the Euphrates there dwelt an ancient race, which, though at that time subject to Assyria, was destined to rule the world. Among its people were wise men who gave much attention to the study of astronomy; and when they noticed that the shadow on the sundial had been turned back ten degrees, they marveled greatly. Their king, Merodach-baladan, upon learning that this miracle had been wrought as a sign to the king of Judah that the God of heaven had granted him a new lease of life, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah to congratulate him on his recovery, and to learn, if possible, more of the God who was able to perform so great a wonder.
The visit of these messengers from the ruler of a far-away land gave Hezekiah an opportunity to extol the living God. How easy it would have been for him to tell them of God, the upholder of all created things, through whose favor his own life had been spared when all other hope had fled! What momentous transformations might have taken place had these seekers after truth from the plains of Chaldea been led to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the living God.
But pride and vanity took possession of Hezekiah’s heart, and in self-exaltation he laid open to covetous eyes the treasures with which God had enriched his people. The king “showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.” Isa. 39:2. Not to glorify God did he do this, but to exalt himself in the eyes of the foreign princes. He did not stop to consider that these men were representatives of a powerful nation that had not the fear nor the love of God in their hearts, and that it was imprudent to make them his confidants concerning the temporal riches of the nation.
The visit of the ambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and devotion. The record says, “Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.” 2 Chron. 32:31. Had Hezekiah improved the opportunity given him to bear witness to the power, the goodness, the compassion, of the God of Israel, the report of the ambassadors would have been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified himself above the Lord of hosts. He “rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up.”
Disastrous were the results which were to follow. To Isaiah it was revealed that the returning ambassadors were carrying with them a report of the riches they had seen, and that the king of Babylon and his counselors would plan to enrich their own country with the treasures of Jerusalem. Hezekiah had grievously sinned; “therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.” Verse 25.
“Then came Isaiah the prophet unto King Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not showed them.”
“Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
“Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken.” Isa. 39:3-8.
Filled with remorse, “Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.” 2 Chron. 32:26. But the evil seed had been sown, and in time was to spring up and yield a harvest of desolation and woe. During his remaining years the king of Judah was to have much prosperity because of his steadfast purpose to redeem the past and to bring honor to the name of the God whom he served; yet his faith was to be severely tried, and he was to learn that only by putting his trust fully in Jehovah could he hope to triumph over the powers of darkness that were plotting his ruin and the utter destruction of his people.
The story of Hezekiah’s failure to prove true to his trust at the time of the visit of the ambassadors, is fraught with an important lesson for all. We need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience, of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour’s love. When mind and heart are filled with the love of God, it will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will find expression in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure.
Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?
Every day of life is freighted with responsibilities which we must bear. Every day our words and acts are making impressions upon those with whom we associate. How great the need that we set a watch upon our lips and guard carefully our steps! One reckless movement, one imprudent step, and the surging waves of some strong temptation may sweep a soul into the downward path. We cannot gather up the thoughts we have planted in human minds. If they have been evil, we may have set in motion a train of circumstances, a tide of evil, which we are powerless to stay.
On the other hand, if by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence over others. Thus hundreds and thousands are helped by our unconscious influence. The true follower of Christ strengthens the good purposes of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an unbelieving, sin-loving world, he reveals the power of God’s grace and the perfection of his character.

The True Israel

By J. O. CORLISS

The Age-to-Come Doctrine — No. 10

The True Israel

J. O. CORLISS
Pastor Russell freely admits the uselessness of any attempt to harmonize his views of gospel equity with the general ideas held by the Christian world. But he is so sure of his own ground of faith as to aver that no other system of theology even attempts “to harmonize in itself with every statement of the Bible,” while his own scheme, according to his claim, perfectly agrees with every inspired text. See “Studies in the Scripture,” Vol. I, page 348.
This apparent self-satisfied bias is not so strange to those who understand his methods of Scripture interpretation. That his integrity may not suffer reproach, he takes pains to have it distinctly recorded that “whenever a literal interpretation would do violence to reason, and also place the passage in direct antagonism to plain statements of Scripture, such passage should be considered figurative.” See Volume II, page 144. This citation makes it clear that the author believes some Scriptures antagonize others, and that human reason must sit in judgment in any case as to which text must lose its literal meaning in order to harmonize with the other or others with which it appears in conflict.
But does it not seem strange that one who claims so much for his Scripture views, should find such clashing inspired sentiments as to require some of them to be humanly symbolized to constitute a harmonious whole? No Bible student will deny that the precious volume contains symbolic utterances. But for all these inspired prophecies which deal in figurative speech, uniform rules have been established in the Word of God itself by which to apply these expressions. No such definite system, however, is followed by Pastor Russell; for in the simplest and plainest language used by Christ and the apostles, he finds words to which he gives meanings that no rule of interpretation can establish, and which wrest them from the subject of the context—and this simply to make them fit some theory he is trying to establish.
On this point, however, space forbids that more than one example out of many be cited. Pastor Russell concludes that the Adventists are sadly misled when teaching that literal fire will accomplish the destruction of the world. The use made of that word by Peter, it is affirmed, was intended only as a symbol of the renovation of present-day customs in human society. See Volume II, page 162. Yet in Volume I, page 110, when speaking of the burning of Sodom, he there gives the word fire its literal interpretation. The common mind is hardly able to see why the word should be literal in one case and figurative in the other, except it be for some predetermined purpose.
On the other hand, Pastor Russell declines to see anything emblematic in New Testament references to the name of Israel. Dealing with Paul’s treatise on Israel’s blindness, in the eleventh chapter of Romans, he insists that the casting away of that people was but a temporary expedient, until the fulfillment of Gentile opportunities, when that unfortunate nation will again become the heaven-favored people. In other words, he teaches that their limitations are confined only to the time when the bride of Christ has been selected, that is, “when the Deliverer (Head and body) being complete, divine favor will return to fleshly Israel, and the glorious Deliverer will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
By this he would teach that the selection of the “bride of Christ” is the choosing of an elect company who will be received by Christ at his coming. These are to constitute the “body of Christ” who will then assist the Master in turning away ungodliness from Jacob in Israel’s second probation. In this way, he says, all Israel will be saved. See Volume I, page 300. But this is not all; for, carrying out this same thought in anticipation, he says, on page 298: “Ultimately every blessing promised to Israel, except those pertaining to the elected classes, will have not only its actual fulfillment in that people, but also its antitypical fulfillment in all the families of the earth.”
If the meaning is apparent on the face of this language, it would be difficult to learn what more the most ardent Universalist could ask to confirm his faith in the complete salvation of the entire race. Of course, in saying so much, it was necessary to explain away the literal rendering of Christ’s words in Luke 13: 24-28, which was quite fully noticed in last week’s paper, under the title of “The Nature of God’s Sealing Work.” But this was supposed to be one of the Scripture statements which do “violence to reason,” and was therefore necessarily made subject to the rule of symbolic interpretation. There is one other text, however, that must have been overlooked in this conclusion about all the families of the earth receiving salvation with Israel in a second probation. It will be remembered that the Saviour spoke of a certain class who would “go away into everlasting punishment,” while the righteous would be enjoying eternal life. Matt. 25: 46. This scripture is so plain that to believe the Bible at all, one is forced to receive this text as meaning just what it says.
But while denying the conclusion reached that fleshly Israel, and “all the families of the earth” with them, are sure of salvation, regardless of their life records, we cheerfully indorse the thought of the apostle that “all Israel shall be saved.” Rom. 11: 26. Yet in considering this statement it is well to study the line of reflection which led to that deduction. This entire chapter, it will be noticed, is given to a lament on account of Israel’s false course, and a direct warning to Gentiles, who have been awarded the privileges discarded by the Israelites in the gospel economy, saying that should the Gentiles pursue a similar course as their predecessors, they, too, will be cut off.
Referring definitely to this fall of Israel from God’s grace, and the adoption of Gentiles to supply the defect, the apostle says that his effort is designed to bring about the possible salvation of some of his lost people. See verses 14, 15. From this it appears that he had no hope of saving all of them. The salvation of even a portion of them would be like bringing the dead to life. They, as former branches of God’s own olive tree, had been broken off, and the Gentiles, being but branches of a previously wild, unfruitful olive, had been grafted onto the original tree in place of the several limbs, and were thus enjoying the fatness of the true olive root, as had before been the pleasure of those now cast off. Being thus made members of the Israelitish body, for purely spiritual considerations alone, they were therefore warned that, as the former members of fleshly Israel had lost their spiritual standing through unbelief, so they, too, would be “cut off” if unbelief were indulged by them.
True, on such ground, discarded Israel might, upon repentance and faith, rejoin the ancient family tree, but otherwise they would forever remain outcasts. So long, indeed, as fullness of time would be granted to the Gentiles, but no longer, blinded Israel would stand on an equal footing with the Gentiles to connect with God’s great family tree, and partake of its life-giving root. However, when the fullness of Gentile times is measured off, then all such hope will forever be gone, because the places made vacant by Israel’s backslidings will have been filled, and those in possession of the positions, whether Jews or Gentiles, will be counted as Israel. Hence, in view of this fact the apostle adds, “And so [after this manner] all Israel shall be saved.”
This would be entirely legitimate because, God being no respecter of persons (Acts 10: 34), he has no higher regard for fleshly Israel than for those of another nation. It was with this in mind that the Lord enlightened Peter to see that “in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” True, certain promises were made to Abraham and his seed, that through these all families of the earth might be blessed. Gen. 12: 3. To this end, Christ died that these promised blessings might come on the Gentiles through him as the Seed of Abraham. Gal. 3: 13-16. So Abraham was to be not only the father of Israel’s fleshly tribes, but also the “father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised.” Rom. 4: 11-13. Gal. 3: 29.
This view not only harmonizes all references to the Abrahamic promises, but obviates, as well, the alleged necessity for fleshly Israel to have a new probationary life at the coming of Christ. Let the Word of the living God be the reader’s meat and drink, rather than fanciful conclusions which are unwarranted by the teachings of Inspiration.

Proof of Life After Death

By F. M. W.

A NUMBER of papers have recently come out with the statement that man is no longer dependent upon divine revelation for proof of life after death; that science has helped to demonstrate this fact in the recent investigations of Sir Oliver Lodge, president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. The scientific proof which Sir Oliver offers is that he has communicated with those who have passed from this life, or with the spirits of the dead.
This claim directly contravenes the statements of Holy Writ. The Scriptures of Truth declare emphatically that when man dies, his thoughts cease (Ps. 146: 3, 4); that he has no knowledge of anything that is done under the sun; that he possesses neither love nor hatred nor envy, and that “the dead know not anything.” Eccl. 9: 5, 6; Job 14: 21.
The question arises as to which testimony should be believed, the testimony of the Sacred Record, or that of Sir Oliver Lodge and the scores of Spiritualist mediums who pretend to hold communication with the dead. That Sir Oliver Lodge communicated with invisible, unseen intelligences we do not for a moment doubt. But they were not the spirits of those who once lived on this earth. They were the spirits of devils impersonating the dead.
In this science the necromancers of old were much farther advanced than Sir Oliver Lodge. But against this spirit communion the Lord by his prophets faithfully warned his children. See Deut. 18: 6-12. If the practice of pretended communication with the dead was an abomination in the sight of the Lord in the days of ancient Israel, it is none the less an abomination in his sight today, and should be so regarded by all believers in the Scriptures of Truth. That the last days should be marked by a revival of this ancient form of devil worship and devil communion the Bible plainly indicates. See 1 Tim. 4: 1-3; Rev. 16: 12-14.
May the Lord save us from the deductions of scientific research and philosophical reasoning which lead us to reject the plain statements of the Scriptures of Truth. F. M. W.

The Spirit of Inquiry

By W. A. S.

WORKERS in South Africa say that a new spirit of inquiry for light upon the prophetic scriptures is surely spreading widely among the people.
“I recognize that you are the only people who can tell us these things.” So a business man in another town wrote to Elder H. J. Edmed the other day, offering cooperation in arranging for lectures on fulfilling prophecy.
At the workers’ meeting last week, Sister Edmed said in her testimony of gratitude to God for the manner in which he is leading the workers to interested souls: “Never in the twenty-six years of my connection with this message has the outlook appeared so encouraging; never have I seen such a spirit of earnest inquiry and such readiness to hear among the people; never have I seen such evidence that the Lord is working with power to advance the truth. It seems truly a touch of the latter rain, a sign that the Lord is going before us to prepare the way for a new experience in the work in South Africa.”
For this new experience, in deeper fullness, the little band of workers in the Cape Conference are unitedly praying, and in the churches the rank and file of the believers are cooperating.
After one of Elder Edmed’s meetings last week, a woman said to him: “I have seen events leading on to a crisis these three years past; and I have prayed God to send some one who would tell me the truth about these things that are coming upon the earth. God has heard my prayer,” she added, “and last Sabbath I kept the Sabbath of the Lord for the first time.”
As the workers think of the indifference and prejudice of years ago, and now see how hearts are being stirred up to inquire of Seventh-day Adventists for light, they are filled with rejoicing. The new time has come evidently in South Africa.
W. A. S. Cape Town.
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