Signs of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 2. (1/11/1905)

Signs of the Times

Jan 11, 1905

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jan 11, 1905

SPEAK THOU THE TRUTH

By Dean Alford

Speak thou the truth. Let others fence And trim their words for pay; In pleasant sunshine of pretense, Let others bask their day.

Face thou the fact—the safer seem In shelter to abide; We were not made to sit and dream— The safe must first be tried.

Where God has set His thorns about, Cry not, “The way is plain;” His path within, for those without, Is paved with toil and pain.

One fragment of His Blessed Word Into thy spirit burned Is better than the whole, half heard, And by thine interest turned.

Show thou the light. If conscience gleam, Set not thy bushel down; The smallest speck may throw its beam O’er hamlet, tower, and town.

Be true to every inmost thought, And as thy thought, thy speech; What thou hast not by suffering bought, Presume not thou to teach.

Hold on, hold on—thou hast the Rock; Thy foes are on the sand; The first world-tempest’s ruthless shock Scatters their shifting strand.

With each wild gust the mist will clear, We now see darkly through; And justified at last appear The true, in him that’s true.

—Dean Alford.

Three Great Books

The Great Controversy

Between Christ and Satan

During the Christian Dispensation

This volume presents the most intensely interesting history that has ever been written of the great conflict between Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of Christian martyrs and reformers on the one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other.

Beginning back at the time of Jerusalem, which city had taken sides almost wholly with the forces of evil, and whose destruction Jesus Christ prophesied from the Mount of Olives, this book outlines the history of the whole dispensation from that time down to the time when Satan and his armies are destroyed, and the controversy is forever ended.

Leaving for a time the direct theme of the controversy, the author calls attention to the Bible—the Guidebook for those who would stand for the King of kings and Lord of lords. A portion of the 42 chapters, covering 700 pages, deals with important and interesting Bible subjects, especially applicable at this day and age of the world, such as the Second Coming of Christ and Signs Which Reveal His Coming Near, the Falling of the Stars, the Time of the Judgment, the Fall of the Ottoman Empire; Many Prophecies Explained, the Termination of Prophetic Periods, the Subject of God's Law, the Origin of Evil, Spiritualism, God's People Delivered, the Desolation of the Earth, the Controversy Ended, etc. Space alone forbids further description of this interesting work.

Prices range, according to binding, from $2.50 to $4.50.

Heralds of the Morning

The Meaning of Social and Political Problems and the Significance of the Great Phenomena in Nature

The appalling loss of life by murder and suicide, political and social troubles, dissatisfaction between employer and employee, strikes and fires, wars and rumors of wars—all these are of daily occurrence. What do they mean? And is there any significance to these things at this particular time?

To the close observer, all these are evidences that there is a nearing social vortex into which all unsettled factions, and the world at large, will be plunged. When and how this will be brought about is revealed in “Heralds of the Morning.”

Coupling these conditions with the statements contained in the “sure word of prophecy,” the author of “Heralds of the Morning” foresees circumstances which are prophesied to exist just previous to the close of this world's history—circumstances which are indeed heralds of the morning—the morning when Christ shall come, when all strife and commotion shall end, and peace and happiness reign forever.

That the reader may understand these events, and be prepared for the final outcome, is our reason for calling his attention to this valuable work.

“Heralds of the Morning” is profusely illustrated—pictures of the greatest mechanical and scientific developments of the century; illustrations of the latest munitions of war,—projectile vs. armor; full-page pictures of recent naval battles; illustrations of the awful wreck and ruin wrought by cyclones, fires, etc. To estimate the value of this book one needs but to see it. Contains 354 pages.

Cloth, marbled edges................$1.50

Daniel and The Revelation

This volume, as its title indicates, is a study of the most important prophetic books of the Bible—Daniel and The Revelation, being a verse by verse treatise of the entire books.

Scoffers may scoff, agnostics may ridicule, but when brought face to face with prophecies of the Bible fulfilled to the letter hundreds of years after they were prophesied, all these must bow the head in humble recognition of a great power infinitely beyond the conception of human imagination.

The reader will concede the fact that the contents of these two books are very rarely, if ever, referred to by the popular ministry of the day; and this in view of the fact that the very first verse of Revelation says, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass." And upon those who do read these things a blessing is pronounced.

Since the first edition, which had a circulation of 80,000, some movements which are matters of prophecy have been fulfilled. The second edition has been brought up to date, including all these.

A prophecy fulfilled (and there are many such in these books) is a powerful antidote against skepticism. Prophecy is still fulfilling. Scenes of the most startling nature, which all should understand, are just before us. The books of Daniel and The Revelation have prophesied with reference to many nations, from the time of Babylon down, and not excepting the United States of to-day. This work is adapted to all classes of readers.

"Daniel and The Revelation" arouses an interest in a line of reading to which many have heretofore never given attention. If you would obtain an interesting and instructive volume, this book will fully meet your desire.

The prices range from $2.50 to $4.50, according to binding.

IS IT LAW? OR IS IT GRACE AND TRUTH?

In John 1:17 we read: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” What a precious text it is! What light it throws upon God’s goodness and man’s perversity! Yet how the text is abused in order to excuse the depravity of man!

Who was Moses?—The servant of God.

What came through Moses?—The law of God.

Was it a good law?—Yes, “the law is holy,” and “just, and good,” and “spiritual.”

Why did God give it?—“Jehovah came from Sinai; . . . at His right hand was a fiery law for them. Yea, He loveth the people.”

Read the record of the giving of that law in Exodus 19 and 20, in Deuteronomy 4 and 5. God desired to come near to His people through Christ His Son, by whom the law was given. Given by Him, received as it was given, the whole law would have been a series of enabling acts, the Gospel in promise. It would have done for that people what it did for Moses—filled them with glory, which would have become manifest to all.

But the people refused to hear. They said to Moses, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear, but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” Of course they would not have died if they had gladly received God’s word; it would have proved a message of life. Yet God gave

them their request, and gave His law of life through Moses.

From Moses the people received it as law, cold, lifeless precept, which condemned them, and which they could keep at best only in form.

Even so God’s Gospel, received through Paul as the words of Paul, brings no life; it is simply a dry, dead form. If the Gospel is to do its work, the soul must go back of Paul to Christ and receive the words, not as the word of men, but as the word of God. 1 Thess. 2:13.

If Israel had listened to God’s voice through His Son, it would have been a message of grace and truth as Moses and Caleb and Joshua found it; but they would only receive it as the word of man, and therefore found only condemnatory law.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. What He is now He was then. What His law was then to Moses He wishes it to be to us now, grace and truth. But thousands now are seeing in all His Book the law of Moses, the prophecy of Isaiah, the theology of Paul, and are thus getting only the dry, dead husks of form. When received as from Christ Jesus, it matters not through prophet or apostle, it will bring light, and health, and power.

Reader, is the word to you from man or God? Is it cold, empty form of precept and theory, or is it all a-throb with the life and grace and peace and power of God?

Study the Bible as a Whole

Study the Bible, as a whole, in parts. Climb its great mountain peaks of Sinai, Calvary, Olivet, Zion, and drink in its broad expanse, its magnificent visions of grandeur, strength, and loveliness. Note that all that is said in detail falls properly, appropriately, beautifully, into the grand sweep and setting of its larger views; and, when properly understood, all parts of God's great plan and purpose.

Study Christ Jesus our Lord. “Consider Him,” not alone in His short life upon earth, but in the grand eternity of His career in all its various phases in the development of God's purpose of the ages. Only so can we see the glorious, continuous unity in God's purpose of the ages. Therefore, “Consider Him.”

“Consider Him” as one with the Eternal Father before the worlds were, as His “Fellow,” from “the days of eternity;” as the One through whom the Godhead spake worlds into existence. 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.” “To us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through Him.” “Consider Him” as the mighty Creator, as your Re-creator.

“Consider Him” as the mouthpiece of God. For this reason He is called the Word; for “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him; and without Him was not anything made that hath been made.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father [knowing all His secrets], He hath declared Him.” “No one knoweth who the Son is, save the Father; and who the Father is save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal Him.” And therefore through all the ages Christ has been the Revealer of the Father. The holy prophets of all the past spake as “the Spirit of Christ” which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory which should follow.” “Consider Him” as the Revealer of God in all the past, the Giver of the law in word and deed; and the One who now would reveal God to your soul as a kind Father, whose character is love.

“Consider Him” in His humiliation, voluntarily assumed, first, that He might save the lost and fallen; and, secondly, that He might stamp as an eternal lie Satan's accusation that God was a tyrant and His service hard. Therefore in the council of eternity, He who was “originally in the form of God” did not aspire to be like God, but “gave Himself,” “taking the form of a servant.” In purpose He died back there as truly as He died upon the cross. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The cross was but the climax of a constant giving from the beginning. Step by step He entered upon that pathway of humiliation till it ended in the lowest depths, a grave among the sons of disobedience. “Consider Him” who humbled Himself that we might be exalted.

“Consider Him” as an angel, a messenger, a servant of God among other angels, messengers, servants, Himself the chiefest Angel, because the greatest servant. Then known as Michael (“who is like God”), the Archangel, by service pre-eminent. Therefore was He the special angel of Jehovah, who spake with Abraham, who wrestled with Jacob, who led Israel through the Red Sea and the wilderness, who spake the law from heaven, who gave unto Moses the lively oracles, speaking as the voice of God from Deity-crowned Sinai. He came as the Angel of God's presence, of whom the Lord assures us: “My Name is in Him.” As the messenger of Jehovah He demonstrated the power of God over sin in the angelic sphere, fought the great spiritual battles with Satan, the adversary, brought Moses from the dead, and bare witness of God's salvation to the fallen angel host.

“Consider Him” as a man among men, circumscribed with the inherited traits, the infirmities, the environments of humanity; yielding all to God; by faith winning the victory over sin, revealing from day to day the wonderful love of God, going “about doing good,” healing the sick, comforting the sorrowing, giving His life day by day, and yielding the last of it from a broken heart upon the cross. Thus He said, every moment, See how much God loves you. Consider His death, His burial, His passing from highest heaven to lowest hell, that no vacancy might be left unfilled by His fullness if men and angels desired His salvation. “Consider Him;” He died for you.

“Consider Him” as high priest, pleading His own precious blood in behalf of every sinner, suffering, working, in and through His suffering, working church on earth. “Consider Him” a merciful and faithful High Priest, touched by the feeling of our infirmities, able to save even to the uttermost, and therefore able to save you.

“Consider Him” the coming everlasting king of a glorified, sinless realm, the mighty Conqueror over death and the grave. At His coming, in the light of His glory, all sin and all of sin shall perish forever. Sickness, misery, wo, and pain will be forever banished. Of His capital city, He declares: “Thy people shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified. . . . I, Jehovah, will hasten it in its time.” He will bring His faithful ones, His persecuted, down-trodden witnesses, of all ages and climes, from ocean caves, from loathsome dungeons, from human slavery and degradation, to the glorious eternal home. There crowned with life and immortality, they will bask in the glory and share the delights of Him whose reign is eternity, whose law is love. O soul, “Consider Him” who will accomplish all this in thee as He has wrought it all for thee.

A CONDITION FORETOLD.

Many things have been foretold in the Scriptures for the purpose of enabling men to identify the last days of this world. When the disciples asked Christ for a sign which would identify the last days, He gave them many, and among them was this one: “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. 24 : 12. Some have limited this to Christian love in the church, and love for God and His worship. It means more than that. It includes natural affection, which Paul declares (2 Tim. 3 : 3) shall be lacking in the last days, and whose lack would be one of the signs of the last days.

The rapid increase in the number of divorces is an unmistakable evidence that this scripture is fulfilling before our eyes. One of our New York exchanges contains the following which is very pertinent in this connection: “All records were broken in the divorce division of the Supreme Court, this city, one day last week, when one hundred and nineteen undefended cases confronted the presiding judge. The highest number on the calendar previously was eighty-six. A decline of religion indicated by the disintegration of one hundred and nineteen families means something, if we but think of it.”

The fact that these were undefended cases shows that the desire for separation was, to a greater or less extent, mutual with the parties to the divorce proceeding. If guilt was charged as a reason for the separation and the defendant did not choose to defend the case, the inference is that the defendant was guilty. In most of the other cases each of the other parties must have been desirous of having the marriage tie sundered. But these facts are simply an indication of the condition of the world to-day. It is the condition that makes the facts possible; and this is the condition which the Saviour declared to His disciples would be one of the signs of the last days and of His soon coming. How literally are the words of the Saviour being fulfilled! Love, natural affection, is waxing colder and colder; the ties which have bound families together are becoming more and more slender; the other signs which the Saviour gave have either been fulfilled or are fulfilling; everything is focusing to the climax of the world’s history. At the same time it is the purpose of the enemy to blind the eyes of the whole world, lest they should see what is coming and flee from the destruction which is hastening on. It is possible, however, to escape the deception; for the Saviour says, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matt. 24 : 13.

THE TRANSFIGURATION SCENE.

What Was Its Purpose and Meaning?

IN the three synoptical Gospels is recorded what is commonly called Christ's transfiguration. It is found in Matt. 17 : 1–9; Mark 9 : 2–9; Luke 9 : 28–36. In each evangelist it is found in the same setting.

Jesus had related to His disciples that He must suffer many things; that He would be rejected, betrayed, killed, and buried, and after three days rise again. Some of the disciples could not bear this, and Peter especially rebuked his Lord for declaring it. This led to the stern reproof of Jesus, and His restatement of the principles of His kingdom, and the prediction of His coming glory, closing with these words:

'Verily, I say unto you, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in nowise taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom' (Matt. 16 : 28); 'the kingdom of God come with power' (Mark); 'the kingdom of God' (Luke).

Then the next thing recorded in each case is the account of the Transfiguration, a week later. Why? Many things must have taken place worthy of note during that week. The reason is obvious, the Transfiguration was a fulfilment of the prophecy of Jesus that some would not taste death till they saw Christ come in His kingdom.

The Purpose of the Transfiguration

therefore, was to reveal to His chief disciples who could bear it a miniature representation of His kingdom.

For this only three persons and a change of condition were necessary, namely, the King and His subjects at His coming, and the glory of that kingdom.

The King was Christ Jesus, whose 'face did shine as the sun, and His garment became white as the light.' As the disciples gazed upon the unveiled glory of the Master, as He will appear when He comes, two other persons, Moses and Elijah, appeared. They talked with Jesus of His death He was soon to accomplish at Jerusalem, to confirm the words of the Master. Altho the disciples were heavy with sleep, it was no dream; 'but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him.' Luke 9 : 32. Then came the overshadowing cloud, the Father's voice in the approval of His Son, and the disciples were alone with Jesus.

A Revelation of Christ's Coming.

Now, this scene was a revelation of Christ's coming into His kingdom with power. He Himself will be the glorified King. He will be met and welcomed by two classes, and only two classes of His people. One class will be the righteous dead of all ages who will come forth from their graves at the voice of the Son of God; the other class will be His living witnesses on earth when He comes. 1 Thess. 4 : 16, 17; 1 Cor. 15 : 51–54. The first of these classes was represented by Moses, the second by Elijah, who was translated.

The Resurrection of Moses.

But was Moses raised from the dead?—Emphatically we could say, yes; for Moses died, and the Lord buried Him, and the only way he could live again was by a resurrection from the dead.

But we have other evidence of this. In reproving those who speak against dignities, Jude refers to the example of Michael the Archangel, as the Son of God was known before He came to this earth. 'Michael the Archangel, when contending with the devil He disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him [the devil] a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.' Even so was Satan vanquished by the name of the Lord on another occasion. Zech. 3 : 1–5.

We could conceive no other reason why dispute should be held between Christ and Satan over the body of Moses, except in the matter of his resurrection. The Son of God is the Life-giver; Satan is the prison-keeper at the gates of death. The Life-giver had not yet overcome the enemy in the fullest, fiercest struggles, but with faith in the Father, we can believe no otherwise than that the 'Lord rebuke thee' was sufficient, and Moses the servant of God was raised from the dead.

But is not Christ called the first-fruits of those who sleep?—Yes. So He was in purpose, even as He was 'the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,' tho He actually died thousands of years later. But 'first-fruits' or 'first-born' does not always mean first in point of time, but first in pre-eminence. So Ephraim and Jacob are called the first-born, tho Manasseh and Esau were older. So Jesus is called the first-fruits; for by virtue of His death and resurrection, determined in His character, all others are raised from the dead, and are victors over the power of death, as was Moses, Enoch, the Shunnamite's son, Lazarus, and others. Therefore the term 'first-fruits' applied to Jesus in no way precludes the prior resurrection of Moses.

But is not the transfiguration scene called a 'vision?'—It is, but 'vision' simply means 'seeing.' The disciples saw Jesus, a real person. They saw and heard talking with Jesus Moses and Elijah, as truly real persons, the one a resurrected saint, the other a translated one.

One more testimony as to the purpose of the revelation in showing the kingdom of Christ and His coming, and that from one of the participants, Peter: 'We did not follow cunningly-devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.' And then he refers to the scene on the holy mount, where he was an eye-witness of His majesty, and heard the Father's voice. 2 Peter 1 : 16, 17.

To characterize the scene as a mere trance

vision, or to use it as an account of a spiritualistic seance in proof of disembodied immortal souls, is to do violence to the Word of God, and to rob the glorious event of its chief purpose in assuring the disciples of Christ in all ages that the Master is coming again in power and glory to redeem both sleeping and waking faithful ones.

OUR PRIVILEGE TO KNOW.

By S.

A PROMINENT New England minister, speaking recently before a men's club, asked the question, “Is life worth living?” and frankly admitted that he did not know. Now, it is the privilege of every one who has named the name of Christ to know, not only whether or not life is worth living, but to know profoundly and triumphantly that life is worth living. He who is out of Christ may question. He who is in Christ has no occasion for question—he knows. If the Word of God and all the glorious hopes it holds out were untrue, there would be reason to question; but they are true, and it is the true Christian's blessed privilege to know they are.

Unbelief whispers all manner of questionings, and when asked to give a reason of the hope that is within, has none to give, for it has no hope. The honest questioner comes to the doubting professor, receives a doubting answer, and becomes a doubting questioner. The melancholy questioner comes to the doubting preacher for hope and consolation, and the doubting answer doubles his gloom. How many such questioners there are only Heaven knows; but they number a mighty host. How disloyal to God to give a doubting answer to men, when we might have set their feet upon the solid Rock! Of course, he who doubts can not do that; but the Christian has no business to doubt—he has no reason to doubt. He is set in the world for a light for the feet of the lost, the straying, not for a mesh to entrap them in their bewilderment; not for a fog to enshroud them on the precipice of ruin. It is the Christian's glorious privilege “to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” But how can we do it if we answer the questioner's question with a doubt? A doubting Christian may be the devil's prime minister in the flesh. There is no need to doubt. The Word of God is verified by evidence both internal and external; and they who are Christ's have the witness of the Spirit, which no shadow of darkness can ever quench. The words of Peter are to the point, and they apply here: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15.

The language of a great army of suicides is, “I am going to end it all. I don't believe life is worth living.” It is the Christian's privilege to be able to answer, first, that this rash act does not end all; and, second, that the hope set before us is worth more than the greatest sacrifice ever made by man in living on the earth. The glorious hope contained in the declaration, “I go to prepare a place for you,” outweighs the severest trials that man has ever been called upon to pass through. Then, for the sake of Him who died for you, don't allow yourself to add to the numbers of that melancholy army by not knowing whether life is worth living. In other words, don't be doing the devil's work while professing to follow Christ. S.

THE PURPOSE OF GOD'S REVELATIONS.

There is one thing about which there can be no legitimate controversy, hence all attempts to dispute it—by whomsoever or from whatsoever standpoint—are fruitless attacks upon the truth. Writing by inspiration of the Spirit, the apostle Paul says that “without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” 1 Tim. 3:16. Then it is something beyond the comprehension of man, hence it is folly to make it a subject of discussion further than to believe it and proclaim it.

The apostle's explanation of this mystery is that “God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Until the creature is able to comprehend the Creator, man can not comprehend the mystery of godliness, further than God chooses to reveal it. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29:29.

Even the prophets of old did not always understand their own prophecies, but spoke of things to be revealed to future generations. This was true to some extent in Daniel's case. See Dan. 12:5-13. Peter, in speaking of salvation in Christ, says: “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what, or in what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:10-12. So the mystery of godliness, the manifestation of God in the flesh by the incarnation of His Son, is not comprehended even by the holy angels, excepting to the extent that it is revealed unto them. Yet they believe God, and do His bidding, and praise Him continually as more and more of His will and His “eternal purpose” is revealed unto them, with the prospect of still more and more. Holy beings “rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Let us note particularly that the holy angels do not grow skeptical because of things they do not understand; but they grasp that which is revealed, praising God for it, obeying it, and looking for more. The people of the present age are laid under greater obligation to obey God, and to show forth His praise, than were those of any preceding age; because all revelation pertaining to the Gospel is for our enlightenment. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4. Who can comprehend the love and grace that will grant such special consideration to a generation so steeped in sin? Verily it is a mystery that eternity alone can make plain to finite minds. But we can believe it, and “search diligently” to know more and more of that which is revealed; for, stepping out in obedience of the revealed Word, we may expect a continually increasing light. “The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18.

Reverting again to Deut. 29:29, before quoted, we would emphasize the purpose of God's revelations, of His secret things, of His mystery. Note that these revelations are to us forever, that we may do all the words of His law. Now it is no wonder that men, professors of godliness and non-professors, are groping in darkness concerning the teachings of God's Word, when they continually ignore the law which His revelations are designed to help them to obey. When “God was manifest in the flesh,” in the person of Jesus Christ, He set us an example of keeping the Father's commandments (John 15:10), of doing that which was revealed to Him (chapter 5:19, 30; 6:38); and His disciples are to follow Him. Then will they increase in the knowledge of “the mystery of Godliness.”

“Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” Rom. 16:25-27.

Question Corner

1597.—Paying Tithes.

Should debts be paid before paying tithe, or should tithe be paid first? J. F.

The tithe is not a gift to God or His cause; it belongs to Him, and we have no right to use it for any purpose of our own. There may be an honest question as to what the tithe should be paid on; but having ascertained that, it should be paid without question. The basis is the income. Is it clear as to the income?

1598.—The 144,000. Rev. 14:1-5.

(1) Will the 144,000 of Revelation 14 sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel? Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:28-30. (2) Will the 144,000 be composed of men only? or does it include women and children? These questions are hard to decide. C. H.

1. The texts cited—Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:28-30—declare that the honor of judging the twelve tribes of Israel belongs to the apostles. Just what position the class above referred to will hold in that government we do not know.

2. The ancient method of numbering was to number males of certain age. So Israel was numbered of old. So those were numbered who were fed by the Saviour. The women and children of like experience and relation were included with the men, but not in the numbering. Thus it may be with the 144,000. But why try to decide questions of this character? We can leave, to great advantage, some of these things to the future and to God. We may know that only those will be among the 144,000 who deserve to be, and these will not be those who have striven for a certain place or position, but who have most earnestly sought to please God.

1599.—What Night Was It? Acts 20:7.

In Acts 20:7 did the translators of the King James Version take into consideration, that a Bible day was from sunset to sunset, and then give us the translation in an up-to-date term. Was the time that the disciples gathered together on Sunday night, or was it Saturday night? Can you tell me how I can find out? In verse 11 it says Paul departed at daybreak. This would be all right if the day was from midnight to midnight. Then it could be rightly said, as in verse 7, that he departed on the morrow. But if from sunset to sunset and he departed at daybreak, he did not go on the morrow, but on the first day of the week. Also the same confusion in John 20:19. How could the same day at evening be the first day of the week, unless they figured from midnight to midnight. Is this a mistake in translation. Please oblige an anxious enquirer. G. A. R.

1. We know no reason why the sense is not given in the common translations.

2. The time was Saturday night.

3. The morrow sometimes has reference to the light part of the same day. Judges 6:37, 38; 1 Sam. 19:10, 11. Sometimes it seems to be reckoned from the broad standpoint of the evening in general, covering a portion of two days, sometimes called “two evenings.” See Ex. 12:6, margin. That is, the evening began about 3 o’clock P. M., when the sun began rapidly to decline, and continued till in the night. The disciples may have come together to their meal, and doubtless did, before the first day wholly closed. The morrow was used, not technically, but generally, for the next light day. In fact, morning and morrow are from the same root.

4. So also in John 20:19, the evening is used in its broader sense, of lapping over the close of one day and the beginning of another. In either case there is nothing to show any sacredness of the day.

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