WAR between the Balkan States and the Turks has broken out in good earnest. Montenegro opened the fight; and now the four states of Montenegro, Bulgaria, Servia, and Greece are pushing the conflict with vigor. The Turks have a larger army than the forces of the combined Balkan States, but it is so widely scattered that she may not be able to get it into the field in time to strike before she is overpowered by the allies that almost completely surround her.
The powers of Europe undertook to stop this war, but it got under way in spite of them; and altho it has been in progress but a few days, it has already assumed very stormy and extensive proportions. The outcome of the issue will be watched with a great deal of interest by the students of prophecy.
The wars of this time, as observed in another column of this issue, are to be characterized by fury and violence far beyond those of former days. They must break forth like a tempest, for the winds of war are held under restraint by the divine hand. The war spirit being thus kept in bounds, it is equivalent to confining it under pressure; and when it does break away, it goes off like an explosion.
In 1840 the Turkish power came to its end as an independent political force. Several years previous to that time, those who were proclaiming to the world that the Lord would come in 1844, had made the prediction, from the prophecy of the ninth chapter of Revelation, that the Ottoman Empire would fall in 1840. And it was strikingly true that when the time came, the powers of Europe took possession of the Turk, and he has been held by them ever since. When that prediction was so literally fulfilled, it was widely heralded, and it was so convincing that it is stated that more than a thousand skeptics are known to have embraced the Christian faith as the result of that clearly fulfilled prophetic forecast.
Since that time, Turkey has done only what was permitted her by these European powers. As a power herself she has been acting merely as a buffer between the great nations. Turkey holds very desirable territory from the strategic standpoint. Her valuable ports and other natural advantages are so great that no one of the powers is willing that any other should possess it. And because of this condition, Turkey has created what is known in the political world as the "Eastern Question."
While Turkey has had a name to live, yet as a nation she expired over seventy years ago. The prophecy called for it, and the facts show that the prediction of the divine seer was remarkably correct. No one of the nations being willing that any other should have her territory, they have agreed together to hold her there as a sort of neutral zone, yet keeping up the outward appearance that she is still a living government. But to show how the defunct kingdom is decaying, we need only to mention how she has been going to pieces.
Greece, formerly under Turkish dominion, became an independent kingdom in 1830.
The French occupied Algeria in 1830, and it is now a French province.
Servia became an autonomous principality in 1830, an independent principality in 1878, and a kingdom in 1882.
In August, 1840, Abd-ul-Mejid gave himself into the hands of the powers of Europe, in order to overcome the advances of Mehmet Ali, which he saw were sweeping him from his throne.
Rumania became an autonomous principality in 1862, an independent principality in 1878, and a kingdom in 1881.
Montenegro became an independent principality in 1878, and a kingdom in 1910.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was occupied by Austria in 1878, and annexed to Austria in 1908.
Bulgaria became an autonomous principality in 1878, and an independent kingdom in 1908.
Eastern Rumelia became an administrative autonomy in 1878, and was annexed to Bulgaria in 1885.
Cyprus was ceded by Turkey to England in 1878.
Tunis became a French protectorate in 1881.
Egypt was occupied by Great Britain in 1882.
Crete became autonomous in 1898, and is now striving for annexation to Greece.
Libya was ceded to Italy in 1912 in settling the war over Tripoli.
Albania is now in rebellion.
The foregoing historic facts in regard to Turkey show how the nation is decaying. Her decay was well under way when the time came for her to lose her independence in 1840 to answer to the voice of prophecy, and since that time her decomposition has been very marked and rapid. Living nations do not waste away after that sort.
The great Mohammedan hordes in both Europe and Asia are a fearless people. But they are lacking in the power of government. Their governing body, occupying as it does a cringing attitude before the powers of Europe, has become weaker and weaker, and more and more corrupt. They have great soldiers and great mobs of fighting men, it is true. But their fatalistic beliefs taught them by Mahomet are the source of the power of their fighting, and not their mock government.
From the religious standpoint, the power of the Papacy is tightening its hold and strengthening its influence among the nations that are at war with the Turk. Special services are being held in the cathedrals to invoke a blessing on the "holy war." The war-cry is that the Turk must be put down because of his cruelties to Christians — and by Christians they mean the Papacy. The Catholic power as opposed to the Mohammedan power is the issue. And as the governments of Austria and Russia are so strongly under the influence of the Papacy, and as Germany, France, and Italy are coming under that power more and more, it is clear to be seen where the prejudices of the powers will lie in the conflict that is now waging. They will give the Catholic powers that are now at war with the Turk every advantage that they can, consistent with their jealousies over territorial expansion.
Knew Not Jesus
KNEW NOT JESUS.—When Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid, and found it empty, she was greatly troubled. She wept bitterly because she could not find His lifeless body. And when He appeared to her alive, and spoke to her, she "knew not that it was Jesus." How many professed followers of Christ are mourning over their troubles to-day because they do not recognize Jesus! And why do they not know Him?—Because of unbelief of His Word. Had Mary and the other disciples believed His instruction, they would all have been at the tomb earlier that morning, expecting to see Him arise and come forth. Likewise to-day, because people do not have implicit confidence in the Scriptures of truth, they do not fully realize that they have a living Saviour, who is "a very present help in trouble."
Standing Alone for Duty
By Charles Sumner
I HONOR any man who, in the conscientious discharge of his duty, dares to stand alone; the world, with ignorant, intolerant judgment, may condemn, the countenances of relatives may be averted, and the hearts of friends grow cold; but sense of duty done shall be sweeter than the applause of the world, the countenances of relatives, or the hearts of friends.—Charles Sumner.
God's Purpose for Your Place
Thou camest not to thy place by accident; it is the very place God meant for thee.—Trench.
Do Not Squander Time
By Benjamin Franklin
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.—Franklin.
The Commandments Are to Be Obeyed
By Mrs. E. G. White
"The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them." The conditions upon which the promises of God are to be fulfilled, that we may prolong our days, and abide in the tabernacle of God, to dwell in His holy hill in the heavens, are found in the injunction to keep God's commandments and live, and His law as the apple of the eye. Jesus said: "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." The law of God, with its commands of "Thou shalt," and "Thou shalt not," is in full force to-day, and is as binding on life and character as when it was proclaimed from Sinai.
The living out of the law of God means a life of purity that is impossible to man unless he coöperates with God, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Every sinful indulgence, every form of vice, all selfish ambition, is condemned by the moral law. The cheap, loose, inattentive type of mind and character which is so prevalent in this generation, is not sanctioned by the law of God. That law condemns the sensual vice that clothes itself in an appearance of loveliness until the soul is ensnared and learns by bitter experience how hateful are the results of indulgence in sin. The law of God is an emanation from the divine mind, and the commandments cover the moral obligation of men.
The Rule of Life
During the brief probation of life, we are to be educated and disciplined for the future immortal life, and the rule of life is to be the commandments of God. "Thou shalt," and "Thou shalt not," are not grievous commands. The law of God is not a yoke of bondage, for the doers of the law shall find life and strength in obedience, and through the grace given them by Jesus Christ they are enabled to be truly obedient to God's holy rule of life. To keep God's commandments is to keep the soul in the love of God, to protect the life from evil, and to discipline the character for a heaven of love.
Those who teach that the binding claims of the law of God have been abolished, think that they know all about the commandments of God; but they make it manifest, by their course of disobedience, that they are ignorant of the first and last principles of the law, and that they know nothing of the character of God, which is portrayed in the law. The young ruler who came to Jesus asking what he should do to inherit eternal life, thought himself very wise, and in self-complacency, and with a touch of offended dignity, assured Christ, when He bade him keep the commandments, that he had kept them all from his youth up; and yet Jesus opened up to his mind the fact that he was self-deceived, and knew nothing of keeping the commandments of God. When he was directed to sell what he had, and give to the poor, and come and follow the Lord of Life, he went away sorrowful. Those who imagine that they understand the law of God while living in disobedience, make their ignorance manifest by their life and example, and reveal the fact that they have no comprehension of the depth and significance of its precepts.
The Law as a Teacher
The law is our teacher, instructing us as to what is rectitude and perfection of character, in order that through the righteousness of Christ we may have a living connection with God. "Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will He teach sinners in the way. The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies." "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant."
"Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge My might. The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off." "But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey. And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity."
The Fulfilling of the Law
"Love is the fulfilling of the law." God is love; and when we love God supremely and love our neighbor as ourselves, we reflect the character of the Father and the Son. But those who truly love God will be obedient to all His commands. Obedience is the test of love. Jesus says: "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me." "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."
No New Commandment
Now lest there should be any misunderstanding as to what commandments should be obeyed, John says, "Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning." John writes again: "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as tho I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world." "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous;" they are not a yoke of bondage, as commandment breakers would have us believe. "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Broken Fetters
By George E. Pooler
By George E. Pooler
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:20.
The door of my heart was sealed, barred, and locked,
Where Jesus, in love, had so often knocked;
So foolish was I, and loath to descry
His loving intent, and thus He passed by.
Long years waited I, for peace I knew not;
Fierce doubtings assailed, so hard was my lot;
The Spirit's "small voice," with wooings possessed,
Said, "Open the door, if thou wouldst be blessed."
Again Jesus came and plead o'er and o'er,
"Unlock, and with thee, I'll sup evermore."
I fell to my knees, and uttered this vow:
"O God, with Thy help, I ope the door now."
Forthwith entered in the heavenly Guest;
And since, naught I've known but absolute rest.
Gone are the fetters which bound me like rock;
Gone is their hold, as by an earthquake's shock.
The power of sin, so constant my dread,
No longer holds sway—it's vanquished and dead.
"O brother, O sister, where'er thou art,
Make haste, and let Jesus come into thy heart!"
The Bible Never Changes
By C. E. Strawbridge
The views of scientists change, as they claim to have more positive and convincing truth; but the old Book—the Bible—never changes; for modern research and archeological investigations only help to strengthen the history of the Bible.—C. E. Strawbridge.
The Reward of the Saints
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
When Given
"ELL," declares Mr. Reckless, "if it is true that there is no such thing as an ever-burning hell, I think I will choose this world. It appeals to my ambition, and I am not sure of the next; so I would better enjoy this one."
Well, Mr. Reckless, you must make your own choice. God will not scourge any man into heaven. Those who enter through the pearly gates, will not be driven through by the stinging lash of fear.
It was love which made possible the wonderful sacrifice of Calvary, and love alone will people the many mansions of the New Jerusalem.
But what would be thought of one who was striving to win an earthly prize, were he to give up because he found that none were to suffer eternal torment because they did not succeed?
Does Mr. Reckless deliberately intend to choose death, when he loves life so fondly—even this life, that is compassed about with all the ills of time and sense? Will he turn his back upon the infinite love which has paid such a price for his redemption? Has he no desire to inherit the "many mansions" which are waiting for him? Is he willing to barter an eternity of joy such as pen of mortal can never describe, for a few brief years of toil and pain and disappointment and sin—and eternal death? Will it pay to do this?
What will be the reward of the finally faithful? Surely it must be an infinite reward, because it is prepared and presented by an infinite God, prompted by infinite love.
Yes; love prepares the mansions, and love alone will inhabit them. Love paid the price, and love will accept the offering. Love which is perfect "casteth out all fear;" and so we read that the "fearful and unbelieving" will have no lot in the eternal inheritance.
"But," you say, "heaven seems so far off and unreal to me! If I might only see the many mansions, as did the prophets of old! But all my ideas of that goodly land are so dim and vague! Or if only I might read a plain description of it from a real eye-witness, it would do me good."
Would it?
The Eternal City
Let us take our Bible and read slowly and carefully the last two chapters of the Book.
Notice what pains the Lord has taken to give us a vivid description of our inheritance. Look! There is an angel with a golden reed in his mighty hand. Watch him as he carefully measures the gleaming walls, and the massive gates, and the entire city. Ah, it will be large enough for that countless multitude whom no man can number—the redeemed of all the ages! They will each of them feel at home in the city, for each has a mansion. For almost two thousand long years the Master has been preparing them—and He is a cunning Workman.
Let us read further. Are you not astonished at the minute description of the wonders of this place? What dazzling beauty! What shining turrets! What astonishing foundations—in all the vivid and harmonious coloring of the rainbow! Look at the streets! They are beautifully paved, not with stone or brick or porcelain, nor even marble; they are paved with rarest gold. Observe the mighty walls. Why do they shine with that peculiar radiance? What gives them that glint and gleam like mellow sunlight?—"They are built of jasper," explains the angel.
But see those twelve massive foundations, each fashioned with consummate skill, and gleaming like the rainbow-circled throne. Sapphire and emerald and jacinth and amethyst!
Then behold the gates. The beloved seer has not forgotten to tell us just how many there are on each side, and the angel tells us even the very material of those gleaming gates.
We have read of some of the wealthy women of our large cities, possessing necklaces of pearls, and it is accounted something very wonderful. But the angel guide tells us that every one of these twelve massive, glittering gates is made of solid pearl. Think of it! The wealth of Golconda would not suffice to purchase one single gate.
To Outshine Sun and Moon
The light of the sun is too dim for this city. The silvery moon, wrapped in new garments of splendor, rides above it, but its light is not needed. The dazzling glory from the throne sheds its radiance upon the many mansions. And there are no dark places—no dreary shadows. The gates are never closed. There is no need; because there are no contending armies to lay siege to it, and no thieves nor robbers to attempt an assault. Death never lurks under those shining archways—there is no death.
Look at that wide-spreading tree. The fruit is more luscious than any of which old earth has ever boasted; nor did the prophet forget, in his astonishment, to count the varied kinds of fruit, but gives us the number.
Who could ask for a more minute description?
But best of all, we have the promise that "there shall be no more curse." "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." No wrinkled brows, no pain-drawn lips!
It is enough.
Wait—another promise still: "And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain."
It Is for You
"But surely," says some timid, shrinking soul, "this is not for me. I am not worthy."
Hark! Like the music of ten thousand harp-strings comes the answer: "Worthy is the Lamb"!
"But tell me, is this inheritance for me? Am I invited to partake of these glories? I am poor. How can I purchase them?"
Listen! Adown the centuries rings a sweet and solemn voice: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."
O, thank God! the poorest of us may come. The blessed wine and milk of salvation are free.
But lest some poor, discouraged soul might yet fail to understand, God has put one more broad, sweeping invitation on the very last page of the grand old Book: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the water of life freely."
The Loss Our Own Choosing
Reader, if you and I are lost, if we finally sink into the lake of fire, remember that it is of our own choice—our own free will. No man or woman has ever been foreordained to the lake of fire. How do I know?—Because there has never been nor ever will be a lake of fire "prepared" for any but "the devil and his angels."
O, shall we choose, voluntarily, to share it with them?
For Satan and his angels—the "fiery lake." For us—the "many mansions." Which will we have?
But when will this unspeakable glory be ours?—"Never," groans the atheist. "At death," whispers the Universalist. "The moment the breath leaves the body," smiles the Spiritualist. "As soon as the fires of purgatory have purified the soul," insists the papist.
"We can not tell!" cries a babel of voices from every land and every country. "We can not tell. It may be at death, and it may not be for millennia afterward. When we shall have progressed sufficiently, then, perhaps, we shall be glory-crowned."
But with anxious hearts, from all this babel of uncertainty, we turn our longing, tear-dimmed eyes toward the Master. He who spoke as never man spoke, will not disappoint us, and we can depend upon His answer. Hear Him, O ye sons of men, and let His answer be conclusive: "For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and THEN He shall reward every man according to his works." "For thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."
But O, the reward, the reward! Why should I dwell upon it? Tongue of angel can not describe it; lips of seer have but faintly portrayed it. Shall I not rather urge the necessity of a heart preparation for it? The mansions will be prepared for us; shall we be prepared for the mansions?8
But O, my eyes fill with tears, and my bosom heaves with gratitude, that such provision has been made for me, and for all the suffering, sin-sick sons of men!
Ah, I can see by faith the gleams of glory from the city with its many mansions, I can see the gleaming splendor of the gem-garnished foundations, I can catch the scent of sweet spices from the garden of God; and my flesh and my heart cry out for it.
Ah, brighter than the tint
Of sunset's gleam and glint,
Shall shine the glorious tapestry of heaven.
"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Amen.
Thanksgiving and Praises
By Mrs. M. E. Sollars
By Mrs. M. E. Sollars
Blessings! Blessings! Showers of blessings,
Coming down, so full and free,
Telling of my Father's mercies,
Of His love and care for me!
All His promises are faithful.
They are sure and can not fail.
Earnest seeking, praying, trusting,
In His time will sure prevail.
O, my heart seems lifted upward,
Toward that glory land above,
Where are all my hopes and treasures,
In that land of light and love.
With the warfare almost over,
And the battle nearly won,
I can almost hear the welcome,
"Faithful servant" and "Well done."
Light in the Darkness
By Mrs. S. N. Haskell
To every voyager on the storm-tossed sea of life, the Lord has given a compass which if rightly used will safely guide him into the eternal haven of rest. It was given our first parents at the gate of Eden after they had admitted sin into this beautiful earth as well as into their own lives. The compass consists of the following words which were spoken by the Lord to Satan: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed." Gen. 3:15. In every heart God planted an enmity to sin which if heeded would lead to righteousness and eternal life. Any man, whatever his station or rank in life may be, who will absolutely follow the divine compass placed in his heart, will be led out into the sunlight of God's love and approval. John 1:9.
As the result of our first parents' eating of the forbidden fruit, over all the earth hung the gloom of the divine decree, "In the day that thou eatest thereof dying thou shalt die." Gen. 2:17, margin. The marks of death and decay were seen in the falling leaves and withered flowers. There was no escaping the decree, "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23. But a ray of light pierced the darkness when God spoke the following words: "It [the seed of the woman] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Gen. 3:15. These words revealed the fact that for those who heeded the enmity against sin in the heart, there was a way of escape from death. They would live, and Satan die; but before Satan's death, he would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. This was necessary in order that Satan's death should be sure, and mankind escape eternal death. Heb. 2:14.
Christ Pledged His Life
Before man was placed on trial, the love of the Father and Son for him was so great that Christ pledged to give His own life as a ransom if man was overcome by the temptations of Satan. Christ was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8. This wonderful truth was made known to our first parents in the words spoken by the Lord to Satan: "It [the seed of the woman] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Gen. 3:15.
In order that man might realize the enormity of sin that would take the life of the sinless Son of God, he was required to bring an innocent lamb, confess his sins over its head, then with his own hands take its life in type of Christ's life, and burn the sin-offering, typifying that through the death of Christ all sin would finally be destroyed in the fires of the last day.
It was difficult for man, surrounded by the darkness of sin, to comprehend these wonderful heavenly truths. The rays of light which shone from the heavenly sanctuary upon the simple sacrifices were so obscured by doubt and sin, that God in great love and mercy had an earthly sanctuary built after the divine pattern, and priests appointed who "served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." This was done that man's faith might lay hold of the fact that in heaven there was a sanctuary whose services were for the redemption of mankind. The prophet Jeremiah grasped this great truth, and exclaimed, "A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary." Jer. 17:12. David knew of God's dwelling-place, and when writing for the generations to come, said, "He [God] hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth." Ps. 102:18, 19. The faithful ones always understood that when they sought God with all the heart, "their prayer came up to His holy dwelling-place, even unto heaven." 2 Chron. 30:27.
Purpose of Earthly Sanctuary Service
All the worship in the earthly sanctuary was to teach them the truth in regard to the heavenly sanctuary. Yet while the earthly tabernacle was standing, the way into the heavenly tabernacle was not made manifest (Heb. 9:8); but when Christ entered heaven to present His own blood in man's behalf, God revealed through His prophets much light in regard to the heavenly sanctuary.
To John the beloved disciple were given many views of that glorious temple. He beheld the beautiful altar from which, mingled with fragrant incense, the prayers of earthly saints were offered up before God. In vision he viewed the heavenly candlestick, with its seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God. The veil into the most holy was also lifted, and he writes, "The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament." Rev. 11:19. It is in this "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man," that Christ pleads His blood before the Father in behalf of sinful man. There is the throne of God, surrounded by myriads of the angelic host, all waiting to obey His commands (Ps. 103:19, 20), and thence they are sent to answer the prayers of God's children here on earth (Dan. 9:21-23). The heavenly sanctuary is the great power-house of Jehovah, whence all the help necessary to overcome every temptation of Satan is sent to each one who is connected by faith with the heavenly temple.
A Striking Illustration
The heavily laden surburban electric car, with its slender arm reaching up to the wire above, through which it receives strength from the power-house miles away, is a beautiful illustration of the Christian. As long as the connection is unbroken, through the darkest night the car runs smoothly up- and down-hill alike, not only shedding light on the immediate track ahead, but casting rays of light into the darkness far and near. The instant the connection is broken, how great is the change! The car remains in darkness, unable to go forward.
Christ, our great High Priest, from the heavenly sanctuary, reaches His hand down over the battlements of heaven, to clasp the hand of every one who will reach up by faith and take hold of the proffered help. Those whose faith lays hold of that help, can pass securely over the steepest hills of difficulty, their own soul filled with light while diffusing light and blessing to others. As long as they by faith keep a firm hold of God, they have light and power from the sanctuary above; but if they allow doubt and unbelief to break their connection, they are in darkness, not only unable to go forward themselves, but a stumbling-block in the way of others.
The one who allows nothing to break his connection with heaven, becomes an earthly dwelling-place for the Most High; "for thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." Isa. 57:15. The individual that will separate from sin and put it far from him becomes the temple of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. God loves to dwell in the hearts of His people (Eph. 3:17-20), but sin cherished in the heart prevents His Spirit from abiding there (1 John 3:15). Christ knocks at the door of all hearts, inviting them to exchange sin for righteousness, that He may come in and abide with them. Rev. 3:20.
There are three temples brought to view in the Bible,—the heavenly temple, the9dwelling-place of the Most High, where Christ intercedes in our behalf; the temple of the human body, where God's Spirit rules and reigns; and the earthly temple, with its typical service, designed to teach mankind how to receive divine help from the great heavenly storehouse, so that God can honor them by abiding with them continually.
Brings Truth into Our Range of Vision
The earthly sanctuary, with its types and symbols, is like the powerful lenses of the telescope, which enables us to view heavenly bodies that otherwise would be invisible. To the eye of the ignorant, those wonderful lenses appear like ordinary glass; but the astronomer, who longs to know of the wonders of the heavens, as he gazes through them is filled with rapture at the sight thus revealed. In like manner the Christian who will study the typical service of the earthly sanctuary, not as a collection of dry, lifeless relics of ancient worship, but as a wonderful art gallery where with the hand of a master artist the different parts of the wonderful plan of redemption are beautifully portrayed, will be astonished at the beauty revealed. The figures, as it were, fairly speak to him from the canvas. They tell the beautiful story of the Saviour's love, until his very soul is filled with heavenly rapture as he gazes upon them. He sees the priest in snow-white robe leading the red heifer out to the rough, uncultivated valley, there to offer it a sacrifice for sin, and sprinkle its blood on the rough stones of the valley, to teach that Christ died for the most worthless, the veriest outcast. Who can gaze on that picture, without his heart's being filled with love for such a compassionate Redeemer? He sees the destitute sinner, longing to be free from sin, beholding his wealthy brethren pass with their lambs for sin-offerings, the poor ones with their pigeons and doves, while he sinks back into despondency, for he has no living thing to offer. Then the light of hope springs into his face as one tells him, "Only a handful of flour will answer." And as the sinner watches the priest offer the crushed wheat as an emblem of the blessed body to be broken for him, and hears him say, "Thy sin is forgiven," his heart leaps for joy.
If the one who longs to know more of Christ and His infinite love, will study the types and symbols of the earthly sanctuary, connecting each one with its glorious antitype, his soul will be filled with rapture. The types and symbols will reveal wondrous beauty in the character of our blessed Redeemer that are revealed in no other way.
There is a separate and distinct heavenly lesson taught by each of the different types and symbols of the earthly sanctuary service; and when they are all viewed together, they form a wonderful mosaic of the blessed Christ, revealing the beauty of His divine character as none but a heavenly artist could portray it.
The heavenly sanctuary is spoken of by different Bible writers as—
"Thy dwelling-place"—2 Chron. 6:39.
"His holy temple"—Ps. 11:4.
"Habitation of Thy holiness"—Isa. 63:15.
"Temple of God"—Rev. 11:19.
"True tabernacle, which the Lord pitched"—Heb. 8:2.
"Place of His habitation"—Ps. 33:14; Jer. 25:30.
"The sanctuary"—Heb. 8:2.
"Holiest of all"—Heb. 9:8.
The earthly sanctuary is spoken of in the following terms:—
"A worldly sanctuary"—Heb. 9:1.
"The first tabernacle"—Verse 8.
"A figure for the time then present"—Verse 9.
"Patterns of things in the heavens"—Verse 23.
"Not the very image of the things"—Heb. 10:1.
"Holy places made with hands"—Heb. 9:24.
"Figures of the true"—Heb. 9:24.
"The temple"—1 Cor. 9:13.
Temple of the Human Body
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. . . . He spake of the temple of His body." John 2:19, 21.
"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" 1 Cor. 6:19.
Moment by Moment
Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Never a trial that He is not there;
Never a burden that He doth not bear;
Never a sorrow that He doth not share;
Moment by moment I'm under His care.
Never a heartache, and never a groan;
Never a tear-drop, and never a moan;
Never a danger, but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.
Never a weakness that He doth not feel;
Never a sickness that He can not heal;
Moment by moment, in wo or in weal,
Jesus, my Saviour, abides with me still.
Moment by moment I'm kept in His love;
Moment by moment I've life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
— Anon.
Seventh Day Easy to Keep
By Harry Mathew
By Harry Mathew
WHEN God made this round earth, He also made man to dwell on the face of it. See Gen. 1:26; Acts 17:26. And at the same time, He made the Sabbath for man — not Jew, understand, but man. Gen. 2:1-3; Mark 2:27. And He required man to observe the sacred day. Ex. 20:8-11. God would not require an impossibility, hence all men can keep it. So we find that they do keep it without any such difficulty as first-day keepers would have you suppose. The Jews, who are scattered in every part of the earth and all around it, keep the seventh-day Sabbath. Starting from Palestine, some have come around the world by way of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean.
Others have come by way of Asia and China and the Pacific Ocean. Both have met in America keeping the same day. There is no disagreement among them in any part of the world. This demonstrates that men can travel all around this earth and still keep the same day.
Those who keep Sunday live in all parts of the earth, and have traveled all around it both ways. Do they find any difficulty in keeping the first day?—Not the least. This objection is all imaginary; for, practically, no one ever had such trouble. Seventh-day Adventists and Seventh-day Baptists are scattered all around the globe, and yet they find no difficulty in keeping the seventh-day Sabbath.
The facts are these: The day begins at sunset. See Gen. 1:5; Lev. 23:32. When the sun sets Friday evening in Asia, then the seventh-day Sabbath begins there. A few hours later, the sun sets in Europe; then the Sabbath has come there. A few hours later still, the sun sets in America; and now the seventh day has arrived there. When the seventh day is in Asia, then those living there can observe it; when it comes to Europe, then those there can keep it; and when it gets around here to America, then we can keep it. It is exactly the same day when it comes to America that it was when it started in Asia, tho it comes here later.
The Lord commands His servants all around the world to keep the seventh day. Each one is to keep it when it comes where he is, not when it comes where some one else is. When it comes to those in Asia, they can keep it; several hours later, it comes to England, and they can keep it; and so on around the world. This is sufficient to show that there is no such difficulty as first-day observers would make you believe.