Earlier text: ConversionBattle Creek Bible Class.—June 27, 1868.
By W. C. G.
AFTER a long intermission, caused in part by the Conference, and the special meetings following it, the Bible Class again resumes its sessions, and it again becomes our duty to report its deliberations through the REVIEW. A preliminary session was held Sabbath, June 21, but as no lesson had been previously decided upon, the time was occupied in the discussion of questions, and the selection of scripture for future lessons. After some remarks, it was decided to take up for examination, the book of Hebrews. Accordingly the session of the next Sabbath was occupied in the consideration of Q. Who was the author of this book?
A. It is generally ascribed to the Apostle Paul. Q. In what respect does it differ from his other epistles?
A. He does not himself acknowledge his authorship; but it bears evidence in its general style of being his composition. Q. To whom was it written?
A. Probably to the Hebrew Christians. Q. What was its scope or design?
A. An exposition of the new covenant; a process of reasoning from type to antitype, showing the change of the law and priesthood. Verses 1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath, in these last days, spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. Q. What is the meaning of the expression, “sundry times and in divers manners?”
A. It has reference to the varied and repeated manifestations of God’s will to men in the former dispensation by direct communication, and by dreams, visions, &c. As the apostle is here writing to those who were familiar with the facts, he opens his address to them by calling their attention to the fact that God has spoken to them in time past, implying that it is his purpose still to speak to his people, and then goes on to show that he has spoken by his Son. Q. What is meant by “these last days?”
A. The days succeeding the Jewish dispensation are sometimes thus entitled, and are probably thus referred to here. Q. In what sense is Christ the “heir of all things?”
A. By virtue of his being the Lord God, and also by virtue of his having purchased the world with his own blood. Christ’s part in the work of creation is alluded to in the same connection: “By whom also he made the worlds.” This idea is sustained also by many other scriptures. Verse 3. Who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Q. In what sense is Christ the brightness of his Father’s glory?
A. Being himself the Son of God, the glory of the Father is reflected through him. By him also, in the work of redemption, the glory of God in his attributes is more clearly revealed to the comprehension of finite man. Q. What is meant by “the express image of his person?”
A. Material resemblance. A strong proof-text in favor of the personality of God. Q. In what sense has Christ “by himself purged our sins?”
A. By offering himself as the sacrifice, and thus laying the foundation for the work of redemption and blotting out of sins, to be accomplished in the heavenly sanctuary. Q. How long is he to sit at “the right hand of the Majesty on high?”
A. Until his enemies are made his footstool. Verse 13. Verse 4. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Remark. The dignity of Christ above all other created intelligences is here presented, and enforced in the verses following, by contrast. Verse 5. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Q. Where were these expressions made relative to Christ?
A. Ps. ii, 7; lxxxix, 26, 27. The exalted character of Christ is here shown from the fact that such expressions were never made concerning even the angels. Verse 6. And again, when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Q. What does the expression show?
A. That a being who is to be worshiped by angels, must be their superior. Verses 7–9. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Q. Where is the expression relative to the angels recorded?
A. In Ps. xlv, 5. Q. Where the expressions relative to Christ?
A. In Ps. xlv, 6, 7. Q. How is the character of Christ here contrasted with that of angels?
A. Christ is here addressed as God, as a being that has a permanent throne, and one anointed above his fellows; while the angels are represented as messengers and ministers, whose duty it is to go and come at the will and pleasure of God. Q. What is meant by “anointing with the oil of gladness?”
A. A figure derived probably from the ancient custom of anointing; and indicating a special blessing from God. Verses 10–12. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish, but thou remainest; and they shall all wax old as doth a garment, and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Q. To what does it relate?
A. To the final destruction of the present heavens and earth, at the second coming of Christ. Verses 13, 14. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Remark. The same contrast is here presented as in verses 7 and 8. The stability of position occupied by Christ, and the office of the angels in ministering even to fallen man. Such exalted beings as even the angels of glory are made to assist in the work of salvation, by ministering to mankind. The session of the previous Sabbath was mainly occupied in the examination of questions, one of which was the following: Is it right to hive a swarm of bees on the Sabbath? After much discussion, it was voted that, in the opinion of the class, such work would be a violation of the fourth commandment. The decision was quite unanimous, only two voting against, and a very few not voting at all.
W. C. G. CURSING, AND THROWING DUST.
2 SAM. xvi 13. And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust (margin, dusted him with dust). Who in the East has not often witnessed a similar scene? Listen to the maledictions; they are of such a nature, that evil spirits only could have suggested them. Look at the enraged miscreant; he dares not come near for fear of punishment, but he stands at a distance, vociferates his imprecations, violently throws about his hands; then stoops to the ground, and takes up handfuls of dust, throws it in the air, and exclaims, “Soon shalt thou be as that—thy mouth shall soon be full of it—look, look, thou cursed one, as this dust, so shalt thou be.”—Roberts. In almost all the East those who accuse a criminal, or demand justice against him, throw dust upon him; as much as to say he deserves to be put under ground. “Be covered with earth,” is a common Turkish and Persian imprecation.—Chardin. DAVID’S NOBLENESS OF SOUL.
CHAP. xxiv, 14. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. David acted nobly. Had he chosen war, his own personal safety was not risked; because an ordinance prevented his going to battle. Had he chosen famine, his own wealth would have secured his and his family’s support; but he showed the greatness of his mind in choosing the pestilence, to which himself and household were exposed equally with the meanest of his subjects.—Clarke. To the objection that the judgment fell on the people, it may be replied, that, first, the Lord would not destroy David, as it would, at least seemingly, invalidate his promises; secondly, the punishment of a king is usually effected by destroying his subjects; and thirdly, the people had greatly abused David and offended the Lord by their rebellion in the case of Absalom. “Just and true are thy ways, thou King of nations.” 1 KINGS i, 33–35. The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon, my son, to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon; and let Zadok, the priest, and Nathan, the prophet, anoint him there king over Israel; and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save King Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead; and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. The manner of inauguration seems thus: 1. The king elect was placed on the mule of his predecessor, and caused to ride abroad to one of the public wells, or to a river, where was the concourse of people, that they might see who he was that was appointed. Here, Solomon is taken to the river Gihon, to be anointed; the continual stream, or constantly running fountain, denoting the perpetuity of the kingdom. 2. The priest and prophet anointed him in the name of the Lord; and thereby signified that he should be endued with all kingly virtues; and should reign by, for, and under the Lord. 3. The trumpet was then to be blown, and solemn proclamation made, that he was anointed king. 4. He was then brought and solemnly placed on the throne, to signify that he had now assumed the reins of government, and was about to administer justice and judgment to the people.—Dr. A. Clarke. CHAP. iii, 7. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. I am but a little child. Boothroyd thinks this is a strange rendering, and has very young man; but says Roberts, “So say men here [in the East] though they be advanced in years, when they wish to speak of their incapacity for any performance.” “What can I do in it, I am but a boy of yesterday’s birth.” So in pleading for forgiveness, “I am but a little child, it was my ignorance,” &c. This is one of the innumerable cases where a knowledge of the manners, customs, habits of thought and expression of the modern orientals, is obviously necessary to a full understanding of the Bible.—Jenks. FOUNDERS, ANCIENT AND MODERN.
CHAP. vii, 15. For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece; and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about. We should find it difficult, even now, to procure a founder who could cast such massive pillars (about 30 ft. high and 20 round), whether solid or hollow.—Dr. A. Clarke. Perhaps the greatest triumph of modern art, in this respect, is the column of the Place Vendome, Paris, cast in 1810 at Napoleon’s order (by Delannoy, Lepere, Gondouin, &c.) of brass artillery taken from the Austrians. It is about 141 ft. high, and 12 ft. 9 in. in diameter. The column is of stone, covered with a shell of bronze (most ingeniously detached from the stones), in 276 plates, about 3 ft. wide and 4 high, joined irregularly according to the disposition of the bas-relief figures upon them, which ascend in a spiral line. A spiral staircase, of 176 steps, in the center of the column, ascends to a gallery at the summit. It cost 1,000,000 francs. The bas-reliefs contain a history of the events of the campaign of 1805, in chronological order, commencing at the bottom. The column is surmounted by a bronze statue of Napoleon.—Jenks. MONTHLY MEETING AT EXETER, R. I.
By J. S. Mullener
Our Monthly Meeting was held with the church in Exeter on Sabbath and first-day, June 20 and 21; and it is with pleasure that I record the fact that some advancement is perceptible on the part of those who attended this meeting. The first meeting of the series, on Sabbath eve, was held at the house of Bro. John Brown. It was not my privilege to be present at this meeting, but those who did attend, speak of it as a profitable season. On Sabbath morning, at nine, we met at the school-house, and, after a season of prayer and conference, Bro. Haskell spoke, on the conflict through which the church must soon pass. There was nothing in this discourse to cause us to feel elated, but yet we felt thankful that the Lord is pointing out our pathway plainly, that we may prepare for the terrors of the day of the Lord. On Sabbath afternoon, Bro. Rodman took the subject up, where Bro. H. left it in the morning. His text, “What must I do to be saved ?”, was answered by much needful instruction, and it is hoped that those who listened, will show their appreciation of the testimony by living according to the light they have received. In the evening, Bro. Haskell spoke from Matt. xxii, 11. The beautiful garment of righteousness was presented before us, as described in the word of truth. On our way home from meeting, the remark was made to me, “We have no time to lose in taking hold of the work of reform,” to which I heartily assented, as I presume all in attendance would do. On first-day morning, we had another social meeting in which a goodly number took part. The testimonies evinced that there was a struggle to overcome going on in the hearts of our people, such as they have never before realized. At eleven, Bro. Haskell spoke from Rev. x. The history of the time movement in 1843-4 always has something about it that takes hold of the hearts of the people in a wonderful manner, wherever it is preached, even at this late day. So it was on this occasion. There were but few, if any, present who had had an experience in that movement, yet all felt the force of the simple story of the manner in which faith wrought at that time. In the afternoon, we met at the house of Bro. Clarke Sweet and celebrated the ordinances. This was a blessed season. There were a number present, who engaged in these ordinances, as we observe them, for the first time. The blessing of the Lord rested down upon us in a manner unprecedented in the history of our Monthly Meetings. On the evening after first-day, the little company that remained, which was now reduced to some fifteen or twenty, met at the house of Bro. Sweet. This meeting, if not one of rejoicing, was certainly one of profit. Bro. Rodman occupied nearly an hour in speaking of certain incidents in the experience of Elijah, from which he instructed us to exercise great faith in God when we are brought into similar straits, as we certainly shall be. He was followed in a few remarks by Bro. Haskell, who showed us quite clearly how some of the characters brought to view in the history of Elijah represented certain classes of persons who now have a part to act in the eventful times in which we live. When Bro. H. had finished, nearly all present bore testimony. The drift of the testimonies was decidedly encouraging. Nearly every one who spoke expressed a determination to struggle more earnestly than ever before to overcome. Several who had been in bondage to some extent for want of perfect submission to what they knew to be the will of the Lord, declared their determination to walk fully up to all the light they had. On Monday morning, we separated to go to our several homes, every one happy in the Lord and thankful for the perfect union that had prevailed through the entire meeting. As my mind glances over the brief period that intervenes between this and the July meeting at Ashaway, it rests on the concentrated powers of darkness that we must meet at that place. Brethren, seek a new consecration of heart, that we may be strong in the Lord and the power of his might, having on the whole armor, that we may effectually come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. J. S. MULLENER. REPORT FROM BRO. KELLOGG.
By M. G. Kellogg, M. D.
Perhaps some of the brethren would like to know what I am doing. To such, I would say, that I left Battle Creek Friday, May 29, and came to Allegan to speak to the brethren here on the subject of health. Sabbath, the 30th, I had the pleasure of listening to two very solemn and searching sermons delivered by Bro. Andrews, and one by Bro. Cornell, to the church in Monterey. There had been a good work going on among the people, and especially the children, for some time, and I was advised to defer my lectures for a few days, which I did. I spoke the evening of May 31, to the youth, from Luke xiii, 24. I then spent the week in visiting from house to house, trying to explain the principles of health reform to the brethren. I sometimes gave them a hand in practical cookery, looked after one or two sick, &c. After Bro. and Sr. White had finished their labors in Monterey, June 8, I commenced a course of lectures, and the evening following, also commenced in Allegan, five miles distant, speaking, alternately, an evening in each place; and have continued thus until now, speaking every evening in the week except Sabbath, when I attend the prayer-meeting. I have also spoken to the ladies, in the day-time, once in each place. Also, have spoken once each Sabbath on health from a religious standpoint. My congregation has been good-sized, and very attentive, thus far, and from the interest manifested during lectures, and from an occasional remark I heard, think perhaps I am in the line of duty. The 29th inst., I shall commence a course of lectures in Otsego. As yet I have heard from none other of our churches. If the brethren wish my labors among them, as proposed by the Gen. Conf. Com., I hope they will send in their requests so that I can arrange my work systematically, as order belongs to godliness. Brethren, do you wish my labors? If so, write me at Battle Creek. If you do not wish them, I shall try and find some other work to do for my Master. REPORT OF MEETINGS IN MICH.
By Joseph Bates
According to appointment we met with the church in Gaines, Sabbath and first-day, June 6 and 7; Bowne, 9 and 10; Vergennes, Sabbath and first-day, 13 and 14. In all these places, they had been hoping and looking for some one of the ministers to visit them. We were glad to meet with these dear brethren and sisters, and commingle our prayers before the mercy-seat for heavenly blessings, which our heavenly Father graciously bestows on his obedient, waiting people. Our meetings were good and spiritual, and I trust profitable. In one of our visits from house to house, we met with an afflicted mother, with two little children, who manifested deep anxiety for the forgiveness of her sins. After praying for her she appeared much relieved, and desired to be united with Sabbath-keepers. We baptized eight, two in Gaines, and six in Vergennes. Six were added to the churches. On our way home we visited Bro. J. Pierce on the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo plank road, who brought us through to Monterey the 17th inst., in time to attend Bro. M. G. Kellogg’s evening lecture on Health Reform. Since Bro. and Sr. White closed their interesting series of meetings here, as reported in the REVIEW for June 16, Bro. K. has been lecturing alternately here and at Allegan to good acceptance, and increasing interest. We thank and praise the Lord for the good work he has wrought for us, through the instrumentality of our dear brother and sister White, and other ministering brethren who have recently visited us. We most earnestly desire to hold fast all the good we gain, and press forward for the everlasting inheritance. JOSEPH BATES. TRIALS.—Every man deems that he has precisely the trials and temptations which are the hardest of all for him to bear; but they are so because they are the very ones he needs. FORMATION OF CHARACTER.—If you ever watched an icicle as it formed, you would have noticed how it froze one drop at a time, until it was a foot long or more. If the water was clean, the icicle remained clear, and sparkled brightly in the sun; but if the water was slightly muddy, the ice looked foul, and its beauty was spoiled. Just so our characters are formed. One little thought or feeling at a time adds its influence. If every thought be pure and right, the soul will be bright and lovely, and will sparkle with happiness; but if there be many thoughts and feelings impure and wrong, the mind will be soiled, the character depraved and darkened, and there will be final deformity and wretchedness. How important, then, that we should be on our guard against every evil impulse and desire. Nothing Is Too Petty for Men to Be Proud Of
NOTHING is too petty for men to be proud of. THERE are several important subjects in this chapter which intimately concern the Christian church in general. 1. If evil be tolerated in religious societies, the work of God cannot prosper there. If one scandal appear, it should be the cause of general humiliation and mourning to the followers of God where it occurs; because the soul of a brother is on the road to perdition, the cause of God so far betrayed and injured, and Christ recrucified in the house of his friends. Pity should fill every heart towards the transgressor, and prayer for the backslider occupy all the members of the church. 2. Discipline must be exercised in the Christian church; without this it will soon differ but little from the wilderness of this world. But what judgment, prudence, piety, and caution, are requisite in the execution of this most important branch of a minister’s duty! He may be too easy and tender, and permit the gangrene to remain till the flock be infected with it. Or he may be rigid and severe, and destroy parts that are vital while only professing to take away what is vitiated. A backslider is one who once knew less or more of the salvation of God. Hear what God says concerning such: Turn, ye backsliders, for I am married unto you. See how unwilling he is to give them up! He suffers long, and is kind; do thou likewise; and when thou art obliged to cut off the offender from the church of Christ, follow him still with thy best advice and heartiest prayers. 3. A soul cut off from the flock of God is in an awful state! his outward defense is departed from him; and being no longer accountable to any for his conduct, he generally plunges into unprecedented depths of iniquity; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Reader, art thou without the pale of God’s church? Remember it is here written, them that are WITHOUT God judgeth, verse 13. 4. Christians who wish to retain the spirituality of their religion should be very careful how they mingle with the world. He who is pleased with the company of ungodly men, no matter howsoever witty or learned, is either himself one with them, or is drinking into their spirit. It is impossible to associate with such by choice without receiving a portion of their contagion. A man may be amused or delighted with such people, but he will return even from the festival of wit with a lean soul. Howsoever contiguous they may be, yet the church and the world are separated by an impassible gulf. 5. If all the fornicators, adulterers, drunkards, extortioners, and covetous persons which bear the Christian name, were to be publicly excommunicated from the Christian church, how many, and how awful would the examples be! If, however, the discipline of the visible church be so lax that such characters are tolerated in it, they should consider that this is no passport to Heaven. In the sight of God they are not members of his church; their citizenship is not in Heaven, and therefore they have no right to expect the heavenly inheritance. It is not under names, creeds, nor professions, that men shall be saved at the last day; those alone who were holy, who were here conformed to the image of Christ, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Those who expect it in any other way, or on any other account, will be sadly deceived.
—Dr. A. Clarke.