p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 7. (2/17/1904)

LESSON IX.—THE EASTERN QUESTION.

(Study for Sabbath, February 27.)

QUESTIONS.

1. REPEAT Dan. 11:1. Who is the speaker? Whom does Gabriel say he stood to confirm and strengthen? When?

2. Verse 2. What did Gabriel say he would show Daniel? How many kings did he say would yet reign in Persia? How did he say the fourth one would compare with the others? What did he say this fourth king would accomplish through his riches? Note 1.

3. Verse 3. What is the character of the king here brought to view? How was this king to rule? What king of Grecia fulfilled these specifications? Note 2.

4. Verse 4. What was to happen to Alexander's kingdom? How was it to be divided? Was the kingdom to fall into the hands of Alexander's posterity? How was this fulfilled? Note 3.

5. Verse 5. Of these four divisions of Alexander's kingdom, which one was the kingdom of the south? What is said of the king of the south? What is said of one of Alexander's princes? Which one of Alexander's princes soon became so strong as to possess three out of the four original divisions of the empire? Note 4.

6. What two powers then became "the king of the south" and "the king of the north"? Note 5.

7. Outline verses 6-14. Note 6.

8. Verse 14. In those times, about B. C. 200, who were to stand up against Egypt, the king of the south? What new power is here introduced in this line of prophecy? Note 7.

9. Verse 16. Where was this rising power of Rome to stand, and what destruction was to be accomplished by his hand? Note 8.

10. Verse 19. The history of what Roman ruler fulfilled the events of this verse? Note 9.

11. Verse 20. Who succeeded Julius Caesar? How is he designated in this verse? What Roman emperor justly earned the title of "a raiser of taxes"? Luke 2:1. How is the death of Augustus referred to in the prophecy? Note 10.

12. Verse 21. Who succeeded Augustus Caesar as emperor of Rome? How were his character and reign foretold in this verse? Note 11.

13. Verse 22. What note does the prophecy in this verse make of the death of Tiberius Caesar? Who else was to be cut off during the period of the reign of Tiberius?

NOTES.

1. Cyrus died in the year B. C. 529, and was succeeded by his son, Cambyses, who reigned seven years. Cambyses was succeeded by Smerdis, an impostor, who reigned but eight months, being succeeded in B. C. 521 by Darius Hystaspes. Darius Hystaspes reigned thirty-six years, and was succeeded by Xerxes in the year 485 B. C. Xerxes, by his strength and through his riches, did stir up all against the realm of Grecia. He collected the most numerous army ever marshaled for war, estimated by careful historians to have numbered 2,641,610 fighting men, with an equal number of attendants, making a total of 5,283,220. This army was seven days and seven nights crossing the Dardanelles, on two immense bridges of boats built for the purpose. Xerxes was the last of the Persian monarchs who invaded Grecia; therefore, the prophecy takes no note of his eight successors, but passes, as we shall see, in the third verse, to the empire of Grecia.

2. Truly it may be said of Alexander the Great that he did according to his will. His entire reign was one of unparalleled conquest, and at the age of thirty-two years he is said to have conquered the whole of the then known world, and to have wept because there was not another world to conquer.

3. Within twenty years of Alexander's death it is said that there was not one of his posterity left, and his kingdom was divided toward the four winds, between his four leading generals. See the territorial boundaries of these four divisions, as outlined in note 5, lesson 4.

4. In B. C. 281 Lysimachus was slain in battle, and Seleucus annexed all of his dominion; and as Lysimachus had previously conquered the territory assigned to Cassander, this left Seleucus ruler of three of the four portions of the original division of Alexander's kingdom.

5. The successive rulers of that territory of the north, which fell under the dominion of Seleucus, are referred to in this prophecy as "the king of the north," while Egypt is called "the king of the south."

6. Verses 6-14 refer to the frequent wars and intriguing between Syria, the king of the north, and Egypt, the king of the south. History supplies the details for all these specifications of the prophecy.

7. "And in those times [about B. C. 203] there shall many [Antiochus Magnus, king of Syria; Philip, king of Macedon; and many of the provinces which had revolted from Egypt] stand up against the king of the south [Egypt]; also the robbers [breakers] of the people [Rome] shall exalt themselves [rear her head among the nations of earth] to establish the vision [destined to exert a mighty influence among the nations of earth in fulfilment of the prophecy till the end of time]; but they shall fail [be broken up into many kingdoms, and finally be "destroyed and given to the burning flame." Dan. 7:11]."

8. In B. C. 63, Pompey, the Roman general, demolished the walls of Jerusalem, transferred several cities from the jurisdiction of Judea to that of Coele-Syria, and imposed tribute upon the Jews. Thus was Jerusalem placed by conquest in the hands of that power which was to hold "the glorious land" in its iron grasp till it had utterly consumed it.

9. Verse 19.— "Then he [Julius Caesar] shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land [Rome]; but he shall stumble and fall [assassinated by Brutus and Cassius and other conspirators, B. C. 44], and not be found."

10. Verse 20.— "Then shall stand up [reign] in his [Julius Caesar's] estate a raiser of taxes [Augustus Caesar. See Luke 2:1] in the glory of the kingdom [the "Augustan Age," an expression commonly used to denote the golden age of Roman history]; but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." Eighteen years after the taxing brought to view, seeming but a "few days" to the distant view of the prophet, Augustus Caesar died peacefully in his own bed at Nola, whither he had gone to seek repose and health, A. D. 14, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.

11. Verse 21.— "And in his [Augustus Caesar's] estate shall stand up [reign] a vile person [Tiberius Caesar], to whom they [the people of Rome] shall not give the honor of the kingdom; but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries."

It was through the flatteries of his mother, Livia, that Tiberius reached the throne. But the citizens of Rome never gave to him the respect and "honor of the kingdom," due to an upright and faithful sovereign.

"Augustus rested in his last hopes on Tiberius. It is almost superfluous to enumerate the unworthy successors of Augustus. Their unparalleled vices, and the splendid theater upon which they were acted, have saved them from oblivion. The dark, unrelenting Tiberius, the furious Caligula, the feeble Claudius, the profligate and cruel Nero, the beastly Vitellius, and the timid, inhuman Domitian, are condemned to everlasting infamy. Rome groaned beneath an unremitting tyranny, which exterminated the ancient families of the republic, and was fatal to almost every virtue and every talent that arose in that unhappy period. Under the reign of these monsters the slavery of the Romans was accomplished with peculiar circumstances."—Gibbon.

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News from the Book Department

By Editor

The following will be of interest to our many readers who have had the privilege of carefully studying that wonderful book, "The Great Controversy:"

Bourda, British Guiana, January 13, 1904.

Dear Sir:—

I am very glad that I have the cause of writing you. I have borrowed a book from a friend and would like to have one of the same. The name of the book is "The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan." I would also like to have other gospel books. Please, sir, to send the price and the post fee for me. I remain, Yours,

Robb Street, Bourda, Lot 42 British Guiana, S. A. Leopold Sampson.

LESSON HELPS

In addition to the books which have already been mentioned in these columns, such as "Daniel and Revelation," "Story of Daniel," and the "Sure Word of Prophecy," the four following will be especially helpful in the study of the Sanctuary and the Eastern Question:

Christ Our Advocate

This is a pamphlet of 112 pages, in which the subject of the Sanctuary is presented briefly, but very clearly. A series of diagrams adds much to its interest. The price is 10c.

Looking Unto Jesus

This is one of the latest works by Eld. Uriah Smith, and takes up the subject of the Sanctuary much more exhaustively than does "Christ Our Advocate." Its price in paper cover is 25c; in cloth with plain edges, $1.00.

The Eastern Question

BY ALONZO T. JONES

Although this is only a sixteen-page tract, it will be found very helpful, indeed. Sabbath-school officers will do well to secure a quantity and furnish to their members. Price 70c per hundred.

Marshaling of the Nations

This pamphlet is also by Alonzo T. Jones, and is fully illustrated by an original series of maps. Price 10c.

63,234 PAGES DAILY

Such has been the average circulation of the tracts published in the Bible Students' Library and Apples of Gold Library for the year 1903. This is much the largest sale we have ever recorded.

The following are some of the more important titles, together with price:

The Sabbath Question

Is Sunday the Sabbath? A. G. L. 67, 35c per hundred. Which Day Do You Keep and Why? A. G. L. 75, 35c per hundred. Who Changed the Sabbath? B. S. L. 107, $1.00 per hundred. New Testament Sabbath, B. S. L. 137, 70c per hundred.

Coming of the Lord

What Do These Things Mean? B. S. L. 176, 70c per hundred. Way-Marks to the Holy City, B. S. L. 115, 70c per hundred. We Would See Jesus, B. S. L. 173, 70c per hundred. Heralds of His Coming, A. G. L. 51, $1.00 per hundred. The Great Three-fold Message, A. G. L. 47, 70c per hundred. The Winning of Margaret, A. G. L. 53, 70c per hundred.

Immortality Question

Is Man Immortal? B. S. L. 51, 35c per hundred. Immortality of the Soul, B. S. L. 70, $1.40 per hundred. "Tormented Forever and Ever," B. S. L. 111, 70c per hundred.

Temperance

The Name, A. G. L. 72, 70c per hundred. The Demon's Council, A. G. L. 80, 35c per hundred. Charged with Murder, A. G. L. 81, 20c per hundred. Food, Its Mental and Moral Value, A. G. L. 68, 35c per hundred. There is Help in God, A. G. L. 56, 35c per hundred.

Practical Christianity

The Way to Christ, B. S. L. 105, 70c per hundred. Prayer, A. G. L. 52, 70c per hundred.

Prophetic Charts

The stock of Prophetic Charts we have been advertising at $2.50 per set is exhausted. Hereafter we will have only the one Prophetic Chart, the price of which is $1.00, post-paid.

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CO-OPERATION CORNER.

By Editor

THE following is taken from a letter just received from Eld. J. M. Hyatt, Cape Coast Castle, Gold Coast, West Africa. A small club of SIGNS has been sent him for some time through the donations sent to the co-operation corner:—

SIGNS OF THE TIMES—

Dear Friends: I have been receiving the ten copies sent me. I do not know who sent them, hence I do not know whom to thank. However, we are very glad to receive them, and they are doing a world of good. Already we know of some who have given up the study of hypnotism as the result of studying the subject in the SIGNS. The people enjoy reading the paper very much. I hope to get several yearly subscriptions very soon.

Yours very truly,

J. M. HYATT.

If there are those among our readers who wish to send the SIGNS to other needy fields (Brother Hyatt's club is paid for now), we will be glad to have them send their donations to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

FROM A BLIND FRIEND.

By Editor

I HAVE been a constant reader of the SIGNS for six years, and always hail it as a welcome visitor, but I lost my sight a few months ago, and will never be able to read the dear old SIGNS any more. However, I have secured three new subscriptions since I have been blind.

Enclosed you will find money order for $4.00 for these three subscriptions, together with my own, for one year. I wish the SIGNS success, and know that, altho I am blind, one day I shall see God.

Very truly yours, FANNIE EMORY.

The publishers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES are indeed thankful for such a practical manifestation of esteem on the part of Mrs. Emory, and that many others are taking advantage of the offer of which she has availed herself, which is as follows:—

1. Two new yearly subscriptions ordered at one time, or one new name and one renewal, $2.50.

2. Three new yearly subscriptions ordered at one time, or two new names and one renewal, $3.25.

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How Readest Thou?

By Editor

"How Readest Thou?"—It is an old, old question. How do you read the Bible? Is it in a haphazard sort of way, a little here and a little there? a verse or so taken out of its connection, a portion of a chapter once a day? Of course such reading is better than none, and there are many short passages, verses, sentences, in the Scripture which are mines of light and wisdom and power and comfort; but this reading alone will furnish but a poor knowledge of the riches of the Bible. To help suggestively those who wish to get a more general knowledge of the wonderful Book, we will present a series of articles, one on each book of the Bible. The writer has read the Book through more than a score of times, beside much special study; has read it in Greek, German, French; and the New Testament also in Latin and Hollandish. Yet the articles will be written in simple English style, adapted to all readers. The author of these articles is Pastor F. D. Starr, of Forest, Idaho. They should be a special help to the young.

A Strange Idea of Christ's Work.

By Editor

A friend sends us a copy of the Pennsylvania Methodist containing an "open letter" "to Seventh-day Adventists," and requests us to reply to it. The open letter consists largely of a mass of unfounded assertions. For instance, in answer to the question, "Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath?" the "open letter" replies, "God's Word answers emphatically and definitely, Yes!" Now if the writer knows the Bible, he knows better than this; and the very fact that the Word does not answer "emphatically and definitely" is demonstrated by the half-dozen contradictory theories held by the advocates of Sunday observance. Here is another illustration of the writer's regard for God's law:—

They [S. D. Adventists] are compelled to work on Sunday contrary to, or in violation of, the law of the land, in order to fulfil the law of God. "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work." Ex. 20: 9. If they would obey God rather than man they must work on Sunday and take the consequences. The law spent all its force on Christ our Substitute. . . . When Christ died, we died; when He rose, we rose with Him. Col. 3: 1-3. We have been discharged from the law, having died to that we were holden that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Rom. 6: 6; 2: 29.

And thus this writer debases the law of God honored by Jesus Christ, our Example, who observed it, and died to bring us to its observance, below the law of man. And we can say with the apostle of old, "We ought to obey God rather than men." Christ freed us from the condemnation of the law and saved us to its obedience. If the law spent all its force upon Christ, how is it that there are any sinners now? Surely a dead law can not condemn men, and Paul must have been mistaken if this "open letter" is right. See Rom. 3: 20; 4: 15; 7: 7-9. The sinner at the best serves but a dead letter; the Christian serves in newness of spirit. But this writer makes forgiveness an indulgence to sin; and serving in newness of spirit, he makes disobedience to God! So did not Christ Jesus. He said, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart;" and His true disciple responds,

"This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous." The "open letter" would make Christ a "minister of sin;" but the Gospel makes Him a minister of righteousness. We have neither time nor space for more. See tract, "Under the Law or Under Grace," No. 163, Bible Students' Library, post-paid, by mail 2 cents.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

Poetry.

Able to Deliver, THORO HARRIS . . . . . 2

To Those Who Fail, BENJ. PHILLIPS . . . . . 3

Our Own . . . . . 10

When the Heart Sings . . . . . 11

Fot Forsaken, ARTHUR K. FOX . . . . . 12

General.

Memories of Bethlehem, C. M. SNOW . . . . . 1

The Diet Question from a Scriptural Standpoint, H. F. COURTER . . . . . 2

Drunk, or Sober, Which? H. A. ST. JOHN . . . . . 3

How Can We Read the Bible Understandingly? JOHN AP G. WILLIAMS . . . . . 3

Musings, ELIZA VEEDER DOW . . . . . 3

Self-Government in Rome, A. T. JONES . . . . . 4

Christ in the Old Testament . . . . . 5

How They Became Convinced (A Sabbath Symposium) . . . . . 5

Editorial.—Life! Life! Life! Life!—Prayer a Promise—The Drawing Power—Neglect of the Leading Industry—The Doom of the Wicked . . . . . 6, 7

Question Corner—Nos. 1472-1476 . . . . . 7

Outlook.—Luxury the Destroyer of Nations—What About the Theater?—A Traditional Policy Broken—The Acme of Labor Unionism—How Criminals are Dumped into the United States . . . . . 8, 9

The Home.—Home Religion, MRS. E. G. WHITE—A Smile for Home—Monty's Undoing . . . . . 12, 13

Missions.—Things as They Are in India—A Chinese Female Evangelist—The Power of the Word . . . . . 12, 13

International Sabbath-school Lesson, The Eastern Question . . . . . 14

International Sunday-school Lesson, Hearers and Doers of the Word . . . . . 14

Publishers . . . . . 15

Read the Article on “Life.”—Others will follow.

By Editor

Baltimore Calamity and Russo-Japanese War

By Editor

Baltimore is at this writing suffering the awful calamity which involves, it is estimated, the loss of nearly $200,000,000. No lives were lost. War is reported on between Russia and Japan. The year 1904 bids fair to reap a full harvest of old earth's woes.

The Builders

By Editor

We begin next week an allegory, by Roderick S. Owen, entitled, "The Builders," in which church and character formation is set forth in a new and striking form. We are sure that to those who read, the importance of the true foundation in character-building will seem more important, and the necessity of following the instructions of the Master Builder more apparent.

Seventh-day Adventist Year-book

By Editor

We have received a copy of the "Year-book of the Seventh-day Adventists," containing the official denominational directories for 1904, and much statistical information. The number of the adherents, baptized believers, is given as 73,522. The Year-book may be obtained for 25 cents from this office, or by addressing the Review and Herald, 222 North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.

The Way of Rome.

By Editor

May we ask a special perusal of two articles in this paper in conjunction? First, read in the "History of Government," the article by Alonso T. Jones, on "Self-Government in Rome," and then turn to our Outlook department and read "Luxury the Destroyer of Nations," an editorial quoted from the San Francisco Examiner. They will bear study and serious thought.

Be True to God

Be True to God.—Seek to know His will; plead for His Spirit; keep the conscience clean and tender by confession of sin and faithful doing of duty; be charitable toward others, and then go forward, regardless of what others may say and do. If others do not appreciate your efforts, never mind; go forward still; God knows, and His approval is more than all the world can bestow. Mabel Adams Ayer sings:—

"In working let us give with noblest grace The best we have, without a thought of gain, Else to our hearts there comes the saddest pain, That all we've done for others has no place In Life's reward; yet we should strive to face This thought, nor hope for prize, nor yet complain Because no recognition comes we fain Would have; and O, believe, if we embrace With tireless grasp all good that comes our way, Our souls expand like beauteous opening flower, And One who knows and loves, will some day give What never could be had from Fortune's dower,— That inner something which is more than praise, And transforms work to beauty while we live."

It is better to walk by faith alone with God in the dark than with the multitude by sight. His "well done," spoken so low that only the heart can hear, is more than the plaudits of the multitude.

WHO IS THE AUTHOR?

By Editor

THE Literary Digest copies the following excellent instruction from Dr. J. H. Kellogg, in Good Health for December, while, almost identically, the same language is used in the Sunday Examiner, of San Francisco, of the 7th inst., and attributed to Henry D. Bartlett, M. D., "Consulting Physician of the Hospital for Consumptives [where?]." We quote from each of these journals, in parallel columns:—

(From Dr. Kellogg, in Good Health.)

(From Dr. Bartlett, in the Examiner.)

Cold, fresh air has special value because it stimulates the organs and all the functions of the body; it quickens the heart to the greatest activity, and increases the number of red corpuscles in the blood. Cold air also contains more oxygen to the cubic inch than does warm air. The volume of air is reduced one-five-hundredth part for each degree in reduction in temperature. Consider the difference between a hot summer day with a temperature of 100° and a winter day at 30°. Even a moderately cold winter day marks a difference of 70°. So the air has been reduced one-seventh of its volume, and in six breaths of cold air one gets as much oxygen as he would in seven breaths of warm air.

Cold, fresh air stimulates the organs and all the functions of the body; it quickens the heart to the greatest activity, and increases the number of red corpuscles in the blood. Cold air also contains more oxygen to the cubic inch than does warm air. The volume of air is reduced one-five-hundredth part for each degree in reduction in temperature. Consider the difference between a hot summer day with a temperature of 90° and a winter day at 30°. Even a moderately cold winter day marks a difference of 60°. So the air has been reduced one-seventh of its volume, and in six breaths of cold air one gets as much oxygen as he would in seven breaths of warm air.

And so it runs on for four hundred words more, almost or quite identical. The article which the Digest quotes from Dr. Kellogg contains two paragraphs which the other does not. Now we would like to quote a part or the whole of the excellent instruction for the benefit of our readers; but we desire always to give proper credit. Who is the author?

Cyclopedia of Journalism.

Alfred Harmsworth, of the Daily Mail, William Hill, of the Westminster Gazette, and Maurice Ernst, of the Neues Wiener Tagblatt, London journalists, propose to produce a work which will be an authoritative history and handbook of journalism for the entire world. It will cover all phases of journalism from the remote past to the present day, and it is designed to make it all that its proposed name implies, "The International Encyclopedia of Journalism." Help and suggestion is solicited from all parts of the globe. Address, The Secretary, "Encyclopedia of Journalism," Granville House, Arundel St., Strand, London, W. C., England.

Advice to the Wealthy

Advice to the Wealthy.—George T. Angell, in Our Dumb Animals, gives this good advice to capitalists "to lessen the conflict between capital and labor." (1) Avoid all public displays of wealth which tend to make the poor more dissatisfied. (2) Do to the deserving poor whenever and wherever you meet them precisely what you would like to have them do to you if they were rich and you were poor. And this means do as Jesus said; follow the Golden Rule.

Zionism Impractical

Zionism Impractical.—In an instalment of a long "open letter" in the Chicago Israelite of January 30, to Hon. Simon Wolf, Rabbi Jacob Voorsanger concludes first that "it will take centuries to bring us [the Hebrews] to conditions that may fairly be assured to represent nationhood."

Alienated from the Life of God

If all men have God's life now, as the "New Thoughtists" and other modern teachers are telling us, how can it be said that they are "alienated from the life of God"? Eph. 4:18. Was Paul mistaken, or are these?

Scientific American Automobile Number

If you want to know about various kinds of automobiles, send for the “Automobile Number” of the Scientific American, of January 30. Price 10 cents. Munn & Co., New York City.