p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 42. (10/28/1897)

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Political Speeches and Debates

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Proportion of Time or a Definite Day.

The only ground Christians have for a Sabbath or holy day at all is found in the Word of God, in the institution and laws of the Sabbath. As a mere physical rest, reason would dictate that man should decide that for himself, as he does the clothing he wears, the food he eats, and the hours he sleeps. But as a religious requirement, the basis must be found in the Word of God. Now, if the Sabbath law is obligatory as regards the proportion of time, one day in seven, or one-seventh, is it not equally obligatory as regards the particular day of the seven? For nowhere does the Word speak of the proportion of time except inferentially, while it does expressly declare, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." The seventh day of what?—Of the seven, "of the week;" for the Sabbath comes just before "the first day of the week." Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2. Is it not a plain disregard of the Word of God to thus juggle with the plainest language? If he did not mean what he said, who is authorized to say?

A DISTORTED MEDIUM.

By Editor

HOLDING error in doctrinal truth, especially when that error is an essential part of one's belief, is like looking at things through imperfect glasses. They distort every image. So reading the truth through error distorts the truth. Here is an instance of that taken from one of our contemporaries, a neighbor across the bay, the Pacific Christian:—

"The Signs of the Times interprets Paul's saying, 'Ye are not under the law,' curiously. 'He only is under the law,' says the writer, 'who is condemned by it, who is out of harmony with it, who transgresses it.' 'Necessity is the mother of invention.' This interpretation is an invention, but appears rather clumsy in the light of some other things Paul said. One is this: 'But before faith came we were kept under the law shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.' According to the Times, that statement means that they were kept out of harmony with the law, in transgression of it. The poor Jews were to be pitied while thus shut up to such awful necessities. Worst of all, they were punished for the transgression. But in immediate connection with the text quoted by our friendly neighbor, Paul says, 'but under grace.' If our neighbor is right, this phrase must mean that the Roman Christians were out of harmony with grace, etc. If 'under the law' means to be out of harmony with it, under grace, in the same sentence, must mean to be out of harmony with it. And the Roman Christians, accordingly, must have been in about as bad a fix as the Jews had been."

Our contemporary has for one of his glasses the error that God's law is abolished, and for the other that God has divided himself and his moral truth into different dispensations, with a different standard in each; therefore the perverted vision. According to it, Gal. 3:23, quoted above, refers to the Jews before the crucifixion, though Paul wrote it twenty-seven years after that event, to Gentiles who were converted from the "service" of "them which by nature are no gods!" When Paul says, "But before faith came we were kept under the law," he means himself and every other justified soul to whom God sends his inspired Word through the apostle. Every sinner is shut up by the law to but one way of escape, namely, the faith of Jesus Christ. That faith could be revealed only to sinners, those who felt the condemnation, the shutting up by the law, such as did Paul. See Rom. 7:7-25. This was the case in every Jew who was condemned that he might be justified in the past; it has been true of every saved sinner since that day. It is a present Gospel truth, to be applied to-day; and, to do good, must be preached and applied and received in the present tense.

The law to the sinner condemns. That is its object, to condemn sin. "For the law worketh wrath." "By the law is the knowledge of sin." But grace is favor, unmerited favor, to all. It is over all God's creatures; and all God's creatures, sinful man among them, are continually receiving showers of grace from above. It makes a difference whether one is under bolts of wrath or a shelter from the wrath.

If our neighbor would correct the strabismus of his glasses by the Gospel of God, there would be no trouble with the law. How we wish he would!

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True Christian Citizenship

"True Christian Citizenship" is the last issue of the Apples of Gold Library. It presents what Christian Citizenship is from the text-book in which Christianity is taught, the Word of God.

For All Time.

When the Lord gave his law it was for all time. It meets every condition that has ever arisen or ever can arise. It is therefore not subject to repeal or change. It is as unchangeable as the righteousness, or character, of God, and as enduring as his throne.

A Friend of Sinners

The true charge which the enemies of Jesus brought against him was to his highest honor, and it revealed at the same time the selfishness of those who made it. That charge was, "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." He did receive them. He was "a friend of publicans and sinners." He is to-day. As of old, he will come to be a "guest with a man that is a sinner" if the heart is but opened to receive him. "What a friend we have in Jesus!" Tho father and mother forsake us, the Lord will take us up.

Holiday Announcement

By Editor

We call particular attention to the "Holiday Announcement" on page 15.

Editorial Help for the Signs.

By Editor

We are sure that our friends and readers will congratulate us on an accession of editorial help in this office. Brother A. O. Tait, a minister of experience, having had long connection with the publishing work and our general societies, is soon, the Lord willing, to connect with the editorial staff of this paper. We expect him about the first of December. In the meantime he will attend the World's Convention of the W. C. T. U., in Toronto, and the National Convention, in Buffalo, in the interests of this journal. He will present the most interesting features of the conventions to our readers. We shall be glad of his coming, and we are sure that our friends and readers will be glad with us.

The Letter and the Spirit

The letter and nothing more of God's Word always condemns; and in such condemnation is death. It is only when it is received and welcomed in the heart, when the heart is all laid open to its purifying influences, that it becomes Spirit and life. To hold and keep it in the letter merely is the old-covenant idea, whether here or at Mount Horeb. To receive it in the heart by faith is the Gospel of life, whether at Mount Horeb or here. It makes all the difference in the world as to how we relate ourselves to God's law.

Why Preach the Coming of the Lord?

Why preach the coming of the Lord?—Because the Lord is coming. But why say anything about it?—Because its theme is a part, a great part, of that Word and Gospel which the Lord commands his servants to preach. If they do not preach his coming, they are unfaithful or uninstructed servants. But here is another reason: He is our Friend. While we have not seen his personal presence, we have seen his abounding goodness and wisdom everywhere displayed; we know his power in saving from sin; we have tasted his love in cleansing, comforting, helping us, when all others passed us by, either not caring or knowing how to help or comfort. Our blessed Saviour, Comforter, Helper, King, is coming. We are glad; therefore we tell it. We shall see him as he is. We shall behold the King in his beauty. We would not share all these blessings alone. They are for all who will receive him. Will you not join us?

Christ the King Will Come

Thoughtful and observing men everywhere are noting the evidences of the coming revolution engendered by class hatred. Said John G. Woolley, the noted temperance orator: "The times are full of peril. To every one who thinks, it is a reign of terror in America. Famine in foreign lands makes fortune turn a ghostly smile on us at home. But one has almost to stop his ears to keep from hearing the muttering delirium of revolution. We Prohibitionists do not forecast the coming time—we make no plan, but one. After the famine, after the flush times, after regency of Mark Hanna, after the injunction, after the smelting by arson, after the refining by riot, after the recasting by civil war, whatever is left of our citizenship will want some solid ground to build on." But then Christ, the King, will come.

Jesus Christ, a Complete Saviour

Jesus Christ is a complete Saviour. He will save the vilest sinner that comes to him in faith. "He that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out." While he will not save in sin, he saves from sin. "Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." This is God's power to save you, sinner; and he saves "to the uttermost."

Facts Are Essential to Truth

By Editor

Facts Are Essential to Truth.—Would you know the facts concerning the history of the Sabbath and the Sunday question from creation to the present century? Well, fourscore "Historical Facts and Incidents Relative to the Sabbath and the Sunday" are presented in a recent issue of the Apples of Gold Library, No. 45, for September. It gives the historical reference in each case, and prints reduced facsimiles of two pages of two of the ancient English works on the Sabbath. It is worth many times its price. Only 2 cents. Order from the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., or from our branch offices, or any State Tract Society.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Editorial.

"It Is I; Be Not Afraid" (notes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 2

Letter and Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

What Is Your Witness? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

How to Love God, E. J. W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Obedience, and Whose? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Printing on the Skies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Not a Type, but Eternal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Poetry.

The Lily of the Valley, EMMA L. PARDON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

His Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Power of God's Word, MINNIE EMBREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

General Articles.

For Christ or against Him, MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Who are Blinded by the Vail? x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

"Behold the Man," J. E. EVANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Did Christ Give a New Law? W. L. ILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

A True Story of Answer to Prayer, MRS. S. L. STOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

"The Most High Ruleth," W. N. G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Only a Little Crack, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Bible Readings.—A Temporal Millennium, G. W. ROGERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Question Corner.—No. 648, Three Days and Three Nights—No. 649, What Was in the Ark?—No. 650, Forgotten Feasts and Sabbaths—No. 651, How Comforted? 2 Sam. 13: 39—No. 652, Discoveries of Geology—No. 653, Creation of Light. 8

The Outlook.—An Acknowledged Truth—Evangelist Mills' Defection—Toward the Abyss—Mormon Church in Politics. 8, 9

The Fireside.—Mouth Germs—The Poor Birds—Knock at the Golden Door—An Expensive Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 10

Missions.—Festival Days—Working with God—Giving or Relinquishing—Our Work and Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11

International Sabbath-School Lesson.—The Spirit Poured Out upon the Gentiles; Peter Rehearses His Experience (Sabbath, Lesson VII, November 13, 1897) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

International Sunday-School Lesson.—Paul's Ministry in Rome (Sunday, Lesson VII, November 14, 1897) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

News and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Publishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15

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