"Numerical Designation" in the Sabbath Commandment.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
IN an article recently quoted from the Friend, was the statement that the agitation of the Sabbath question tends to turn men's thoughts "away from the proper observance of the day, to the very subordinate question of its numerical designation." In that sentence the writer expressed a very popular idea, one which we regard as a grave error, namely, that the "numerical designation" of the day is a minor affair in Sabbath observance. It seems to be the general idea that the main question concerning the Sabbath is, How should it be kept? and not, When should it be kept? We consider both questions highly important, but think their order should be reversed.
While it is impossible to say that one of two things is more important than the other when both are absolutely essential, we may readily determine which of them must first be considered. We have therefore no hesitation in saying that the "numerical designation" of the day is the first thing of importance in considering the question of Sabbath observance. If a man is told, "You ought to keep the Sabbath day," the first question he would ask, if he knew nothing at all about the subject, would be, "What is the Sabbath day?"
Now if we read the commandment we shall find that this is indeed the first point considered. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it."
We see that in the commandment the Sabbath is introduced as an institution already well known. Then the first thing after the command proper, which is contained in the first clause, is the "numerical designation" of the day. "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." So important did the Lord regard the "numerical designation" of the day, that he fixed that the very first thing. Then come directions for the proper observance of the day: "In it thou shalt not do any work." That is, any of thy work, which must be performed in the preceding six days.
There are but seven days in a week, and the first day is the one commonly called Sunday. Every calendar and dictionary bears witness to this. More than this, the chief and indeed the only reason given for Sunday observance is that it commemorates the resurrection of Christ. But the resurrection of Christ was on the first day of the week; and thus Sunday observers everywhere and always record their belief that Sunday is the first day of the week.697To deny that fact would be to overthrow their only argument for Sunday observance. But just as surely as Sunday is the first day of the week, Saturday is the seventh day. Well, the Lord says, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work." If the "numerical designation" of the day is a matter of minor importance, will our friends please explain the fourth commandment?
We repeat that before we can consider the "proper observance of the day" of the Sabbath, it is absolutely necessary that we determine what particular day of the week the Sabbath is. For no matter how strictly we observe a day, abstaining from our own labor on it, and devoting its hours to the worship of God, that cannot constitute a "proper observance of the Sabbath," if the day itself is not the Sabbath. This fact seems so self-evident as to make argument useless. Moreover, if the rest and worship mentioned above be upon some one of the six days which God has devoted to labor, then that rest is not a proper observance of that day. We do not say that Sunday or Monday or any other day of the week may not be used, on occasions, for religious worship, but we do say that for a regular practice, the only "proper observance" of Sunday, as well as of the five days following, is labor. And the only "proper observance of the Sabbath" is rest and worship on the seventh day of the week, commonly called Saturday. And this we say "by the word of the Lord." See Ex. 16 : 22-30; 20 : 8-11; Luke 23 : 54-56.
E. J. W.
"Making Trouble."
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
"AND it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" 1 Kings 18:17. This question was asked when Elijah met Ahab as he and his servants were searching for water. What had Elijah done, that he should be accused of troubling Israel? He had rebuked them for their idolatry, into which they had been led by Ahab and his father. In consequence of the almost universal wickedness, Elijah had declared, from the Lord, that there should be no rain. For three years there had been no rain, and yet the idolatry did not cease, nor did Ahab abate his wickedness. To some people it would seem that Elijah's preaching was in vain, and that, since no one heeded it, it would have been better to leave the people to worship their idols in peace. And no doubt Ahab voiced the sentiment of many of the people, when he accused Elijah of being the author of all their trouble.
But what did Elijah say? "And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim." Here Elijah threw the entire responsibility upon Ahab and his family, because they had led the people into idolatry. How could that be, when the people were enjoying peace and quiet until Elijah came with his stern message? The reason is, the people were violating God's commandments, a thing which always brings his displeasure. The judgments of God will inevitably be visited upon those who persist in violating his law. But God never punishes any people until he has faithfully warned them of their sin. This was the part which Elijah had to perform. He was God's messenger. After he had warned them to no purpose, a slight manifestation of God's wrath against ungodliness was made. But who was responsible for this manifestation of wrath? Was it Elijah? All will agree, with Elijah, that the responsibility rested upon those who had done the wrong. The case against them is clear.
Now another point. Since even the people of Israel could not be induced to leave their idols and serve Jehovah (for although they did acknowledge that the Lord is God, they went back into idolatry, and were destroyed as a nation in consequence), would it not have been better to leave them alone? If they were determined not to serve Jehovah, was it not wrong for Elijah to cause them to lose confidence in Baal, by showing his lack of power? Who will say yes? Not one. Baal-worship would do them no good, and they might better worship nothing. There was no power in Baal to reward them for worshiping him, or to protect them from the wrath of Jehovah, and therefore they might as well be atheists as to serve Baal. No person will have the hardihood to say that the worship of Baal was any improvement on no worship at all. Now for the parallel.
In these days we find that a large majority of people professing Christianity call the first day of the week the holy rest-day—the Lord's day. But God says, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work." Moreover, as he commanded the people anciently to break their images, so he commands people to trample upon Sunday as a day of rest, saying, "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work." "Six days thou shalt work; but on the seventh day thou shalt rest." Ex. 34:21.
But now it comes to pass that when the truth on the Sabbath question is preached, while very many acknowledge, and many more are convinced at heart, that the seventh day—Saturday—is the Bible Sabbath, very few have the courage of their convictions, and walk in obedience to the commandment. Still further, the most of those who are convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and who do not keep it, having seen the utter absence of any Bible proof to sustain the Sunday-sabbath, very naturally lose much of their respect for that day. And on this account it is often said that the preaching of the seventh-day Sabbath has an injurious effect; it unsettles the faith of many in regard to their present practice, while few make a radical change. We now ask, Is this an injury? and if it is, who is responsible for the injurious effects?
Is it more pleasing in the sight of God to keep Sunday than to regard no day as holy? To keep the first day and violate the seventh, is direct disobedience to God's law. Any transgression of the law is sin. To break the Sabbath, and keep no day at all, is also direct violation of the law. This also is sin. Who can say that the latter sin is worse than the former? And if it be decided that the second is the greater sin, what is the advantage, since both are sins? God does not tell us to choose the smaller of two sins, but to put away all sin.
Question: Is it simply a spirit of worship that is required by the first commandment, or is it the worship of a special object? You say, It is the worship of one particular Being,—the Lord of heaven and earth. Then the design of the commandment can in nowise be met by worshiping some other object? Of course not; for that commandment particularly forbids the worship of anything except the true God. Well, the fourth commandment requires the observance of a special day of the week—the seventh—and forbids the observance of any other. The commandment does not simply require rest in the abstract, but rest on the day which he has appointed. To offer him any other day, is simply to ask him to be satisfied with a counterfeit.
When a laborer goes to his employer's office to receive his wages, he confidently expects to receive the amount before agreed upon, in good coin. Will he be satisfied with counterfeit money? By no means. But will not the counterfeit money be better than nothing? Not a bit; indeed, it may prove to be worse than no money; for while he cannot purchase a morsel of bread with it, he may get into serious trouble if he attempts to pass it. We think the illustration will hold good in every particular when applied to the Sabbath question. The seventh day is the genuine Sabbath; it has God's stamp upon it. The Sunday is only a base counterfeit; it bears none of the marks of genuineness. Now while this counterfeit Sabbath is worth nothing, it may get us into serious trouble if we persist in attempting to pass it instead of the genuine. See Rev. 14:9-12. As with the counterfeit coin, so with the counterfeit sabbath,—honest ignorance that it is counterfeit may be accepted as an excuse; but when the man is told, or has an opportunity to know, that the coin is counterfeit, what excuse can he make? His unbelief will not save him.
The one who detects a counterfeit coin, and informs the one who holds it that it is of no value, is not called a troublesome fellow, although he materially mars the peace of the possessor of the coin. The one who made the base coin, and they who persist in circulating it, are the real enemies of their fellows. So those who make known the truth concerning the Lord's Sabbath and its counterfeit are the friends, not the enemies, of their fellow-men. They are obeying the command of God: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."
The man who detects the counterfeit coin in his neighbor's possession does not offer a good one in its place; but those who show the worthlessness of the Sunday-sabbath, offer in its stead the Sabbath which bears the stamp of Jehovah, and which will be accepted at the gate of Heaven. If men refuse to accept the genuine, and go without any, it is their own fault. When the true Sabbath is presented, "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." Isa. 56:2. E. J. W.
The True Spirit.
By Stephen N. Haskell
THE true servant of Christ will ever seek to exalt the truth. He will not be found exalting himself, but will hide behind the cross of Christ, and will present him as the sole object of attraction and love. There was no apostle whose writings are more prominent than those of the apostle Paul. Out of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament more than one-half are from his pen. His labors were more abundant, his stripes were more numerous, and in prisons he was more frequent than any other apostle. The secret of his prominence and success lay in the fact of his realizing his unworthiness and the desire he had to exemplify Christ's life as a pattern to those who should afterward believe on him. He felt that he was the chief of sinners because he had been a blasphemer and a persecutor. Yet in his heart the spirit of thankfulness reigned that the Lord had counted him worthy to suffer for his name.
It might be a question whether Paul ever entertained the idea that his writings and his influence would be so extensive. His labors and writings were of a personal character; he had a personal interest for those for whom he labored. His labor was specially directed for churches as well as individuals. The following words revealed his true feelings: "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present698every man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." He ever felt that he was under obligation to his hearers. A "debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise," he labored for God, looking for a reward, to the end of the race. The question of personal interest never entered into his heart while laboring for others. The spirit manifested by him was entirely opposite to any feeling that his labor was not appreciated. It was such a privilege to him to suffer with Christ that his heart constantly rejoiced in God. Having this opportunity, he was contented. This spirit will characterize every true laborer for God.
A few men God selects and makes prominent while they live. It is not always that they are the most useful men. The Judgment alone will reveal the humble souls who sustain the more prominent positions because of their prayers and faith. The Waldenses in a quiet, unpretentious manner sowed the seed of the Reformation. They traveled throughout Europe, disguised as peddlers; but their real object was to exert an influence that would bear fruit in the kingdom of God. A strange, solemn power attended the words of Scripture which they spoke; it reached hearts which were longing for the truth. Their humility, their sincerity, their earnestness and deep fervor were subjects of remark. So captivated would their hearers become with the truths they uttered that they forgot to inquire whence they came or whither they went. Those with whom they conversed questioned after they had left whether it had not been an angel who appeared to them. The true Christian spirit clothes with humility.
The Judgment will remove from God's work all selfishness and self-interest. The motives of the heart will then be weighed in the balances of God's sanctuary. God weighs moral worth, and it is estimated by the amount of unselfish interest the person possesses. Self is abased, but God is exalted. It is then that God can accept the labors of his servants. He is now waiting to pour out his Spirit and clothe his people with power. Already we occasionally hear of some of the dropping of his Spirit. The time is not far distant when we shall see more of his power accompanying his truth. May that time hasten. S. N. H.
How It May Be Done.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
SAYS the Portland Baptist: "Let our ambition be first to make men Christians, then Baptists." And the Herald of Truth says: "All genuine denominational feeling responds to this, Amen." We confess that we cannot understand such expressions. Is a Baptist more or less than a Christian? Neither of the papers above referred to will claim that a Baptist is more than a Christian. To be a Christian is the highest point to which sanctified ambition can look. Well, then, is a Baptist less than a Christian? If so, why should the good brethren who conduct these papers wish to lower the standard of any who are in such a desirable position? We know that they would not, and therefore we conclude that according to their idea a Baptist is a Christian. We have no disposition to deny this; but if it is so, why do they not say directly that their ambition is to make men Baptists?
There is a spirit which, for want of a better name, might be called "denominational cowardice." It makes men fear to seem to place their own denomination above any other; people afflicted with it are afraid some one will think that they regard the denomination to which they belong as a little better than any other. We confess that we have no sympathy with such a spirit. We like to see people have decided convictions. If a man unites with a certain denomination, it should be because that denomination is, so far as he can learn, more nearly correct than any other; because it has more truth. And if it has more truth than any other, it certainly is better than any other; and if that is so, why should he be afraid to say so? And why should he not strive earnestly to bring into it both worldlings and members of those bodies that have not so much light?
We are strongly of the opinion that the true reason for this "undenominational" talk that is so common, is the underlying belief that there is really no vital difference between different religious bodies, the name being the chief one. The points of divergence are called "non-essentials." Well, then, this shows the weakness of the "National Reform" assertion that their work cannot result in a union of Church and State, because the men who are in the movement are representatives of all denominations, and of course would not single out any one for prominence to the exclusion of the rest. So we say, of course they would not; but, sinking party names and "non-essentials," they would all unite as members of one body, for the enforcement of the "essentials" which they hold in common. And when we inquire for the points held by all denominations in common, and which are regarded as the essentials, we find simply, Natural Immortality and Sunday.
If any one says that a union of Church and State cannot be effected on this basis, and that it is not imminent, he certainly is blind to the things that are taking place all around him. E. J. W.
The Loud Cry.
By Uriah Smith
IN the prophecy of the message of the third angel, Rev. 14: 9-12, it is said that it is proclaimed with a loud voice. In accordance with this prediction, all believers in the present fulfillment of this message have looked forward with expectation to the time when the message would be given in this manner, or, as it is generally expressed, "Would go with a loud cry." We inquire what this loud cry is to be, or what will be a fulfillment of it.
The angel is not a literal angel, and we are not to suppose that we shall hear a literal voice sounding through the land, giving the warning of this proclamation. It is to be simply the truth making its way to all parts of the earth, affecting the hearts of men, calling attention to this subject, creating a demand for publications, and bringing many to take their stand upon the truth here uttered.
And all this may be done, and yet many people know scarcely anything about it; or, at least, not recognize in it the great work of the fulfillment of the last prophecy. The prophet speaks of a class of people who are like the heath in the desert, and do not know when good cometh. Paul speaks of a work which the Lord will accomplish in the earth, which men will behold with wonder, but will not believe, and so will perish; and Christ says of John the Baptist, that although he came in the spirit and power of Elias, the people knew him not. So have we need to be very careful lest we fail to appreciate the work of God, and this message be fulfilled before our eyes, and we know it not.
Thirty-five years ago this cause was in its infancy. Two rented office rooms and a hand press were about all the visible means then in existence for carrying on this work; yet the theory of what we denominate the "present truth" was defined with considerable distinctness, and the future loud cry of the message was frequently talked of.
The condition of the work at the present time, compared to what it was then, presents a very suggestive contrast. Suppose some one had then asked us, What will you think when the message has so far progressed that a central office occupying over 30,000 square feet of floor space, and fully equipped for binding, electrotyping, stereotyping, and every branch of the printing business, will be needed to carry on the work of publication, and will be owned by this people, with nine power presses striking off sheets by the hundreds of thousands; when Conferences will be organized in twenty-five different States of this Union, and three in foreign countries; when three flourishing institutions of learning will be established, with from five hundred to seven hundred students in attendance, a large proportion of them preparing for direct labor in the cause; when a Sanitarium with accommodations for some 500 guests, calling thousands of persons every year within the sound of present truth, will be in successful operation; when an office will be established on the Pacific Coast, as fully equipped as the central office; when an office will be established in Switzerland, another in Norway, and another in England, publishing the truth to the millions in Europe; when papers will be published in Danish, Swedish, and German in this country, and in English, Danish, German, French, Italian, and Roumanian in the Old World; when Sabbath-keepers will be found in every State of this Union, and most of the countries of Europe; when tract and missionary societies will be organized in all the above-named Conferences, and will circulate some ten millions of pages of books, pamphlets, and tracts yearly; and when from the central office alone publications will go forth to the amount sometimes of a ton a day, for days in succession—what will be your ideas then of the progress of this cause? How will that compare with your ideas of the loud cry of the message?
Any one then would have been ready to answer, That will never be. The message will never reach such a degree of strength as to accomplish all this. Yet we see all this accomplished before our eyes today. Do we appreciate it, and understand its significance?
As this work has grown upon our hands, we have been led to larger views, and we see a still greater work to be wrought by this message in the near future; but, as we have said, all this may be going on in the land, and people be comparatively ignorant of it, and fail to understand its meaning. If they do without the Review, if they fail to acquaint themselves from week to week with what is being done in the land, and do not learn what progress the truth is making, nor inform themselves in regard to the manifestations of the power of God, they will not realize the magnitude of the work,—they cannot enter into its spirit, their interest will wane away, and they will not be prepared for the refreshing which is to come upon the faithful laborers in the cause as the message closes. This is the thought to which we wish to call the especial attention of the reader.
There is no going backward to this work. There is no limitation to the power of God's Spirit. The first message went with a loud voice; and probably, so far as the issuing of publications is concerned, as much is already being done under this message as was done under the first. So while we look for a more mighty work yet to be done, its fulfillment may be nearer than we suppose. A short work will the Lord make upon the earth. He will cut it short in righteousness.
Let us understand what he is doing, and prepare for the glorious issue just before us.—U. S., in Review and Herald.
Self-Denial.—Generous Giving.
THE instances of devotion to the cause of God, among converts in heathen lands, are often such as should put to shame many who have all their lives had the blessings of the gospel. The following from a report from a missionary in Japan, in the Missionary Herald, is a case in point:—
There is an interesting item in connection with the organization of the Matsuyama church, and the installation of a pastor. Though distant from Imabari thirty miles, it is an outstation of that church, and its evangelist has been supported in part by Imabari, and in part by the mission. It is a generally understood thing that when a church is organized and calls a pastor, it is to be self-supporting. The Matsuyama Christians wished to be organized into a church, and wished that Mr. Neeno-miza might become their pastor. The financial part of the matter was discussed, and it was discovered that, when they had done their best, only two yen would be left after rent on preaching place and incidental expenses had been paid. As Mr. Neeno-miza has a family to support, it seemed useless to think of calling him to the pastorate. After thought and prayer, Mr. Neeno-miza said that he would accept the call to be pastor and the two yen per month, though he would prefer, for the sake of the outside reputation of the church, that it should not be called salary. The Christians were delighted enough, and resolved that "the mite-box" should be699always open for contributions, the proceeds, with the two yen, to be given to Mr. Neeno-miza. He needs at least fifteen yen per month, and twenty would be better.
When the report of the action of the church and pastor reached Imabari, it was resolved in their aid to "hang up the mite-box." (The Japanese cannot endure a contribution box passed along the pews.) When the box was opened at the close of the day, thirty yen were found within. A carpenter's wages there is about one-third of a yen per day, so that you will have to multiply the thirty many times in order to see its real value. This incident also tells its own story of devotion, self-denial, and mutual sympathy and love among the Christians.
The Missionary.
By Stephen N. Haskell
Books for Australian Libraries.
WE have said in previous articles that this country abounds in libraries, and also that the people are great readers. In the library of Melbourne, the suit of apartments called the Queen's Reading-room is two hundred and thirty feet in length, fifty in breadth, and thirty in height, and can accommodate four hundred persons at one time without any inconvenience.
I have been informed that the average number of visitors last year was over a thousand a day. These facts will give the readers of the SIGNS some idea of the reading habits of the people of this country.
We have written to a few libraries in reference to our books; and although it has been but a few days since the letters were sent, answers have already begun to come in. The following are samples of those that we have received:—
"I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 26th inst. Please find inclosed post-office order for three shillings and sixpence [80 cents], as requested. Please forward the books by rail. In reply to your inquiries, (1) None of your books are in our library; (2) New books are advertised in the local newspapers and in the catalogue; (3) We have a reading-room connected with the library. Would be glad to receive the health journal as mentioned, also the religious journal."
Another writes: "In answer to yours of the 22d inst., I have the honor to inform you that your books will be gratefully received, and acknowledged in both of our local newspapers and in reports. We have a public reading-room, which is visited by from two hundred to three hundred persons daily. We should be happy to pay carriage on your books, and will take the best possible care of them. I have read with great interest the two magazines which you inclose, and am sure that they will be instrumental in doing much good. With hopes that you will kindly forward these publications with the parcel of books, and wishing you every success in your work, I have the honor to be your obedient servant," etc.
These letters will give our friends in America some idea with what favor our publications are received, and I know that there are hundreds of the supporters of the International Tract Society who will be interested in every evidence of success. We are continually trying to do something that will bring up the work in all its branches, and we think that the Lord does condescend to help us by his Holy Spirit. S. N. H.
Encouraging Words from the Sandwich Islands.
IN a private letter dated October 28, Brother A. LaRue gives some interesting incidents of his mission work on these islands. He says:—
“While talking with one lady on the subject of religion, I asked her if she ever read our papers, at the same time handing her one. ‘O, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES!’ said she, ‘I had two or three of them seven or eight years ago; and I thought there was such good reading in them that I saved them. And, don’t you think, I got to thinking about them, and went and read them over again. I will just let you see them.’ And she went into another room, and brought them out. I noticed the date was 1876. They were so worn that only two leaves hung together.
“I visited one Catholic lady who is an excellent and sensible woman. She told me that the prayer book did not work well with her any more. When she wanted to pray for one thing, the book prayed for something else; and there seemed to be a clashing all the time, and it grew worse and worse. This lady can now dispense with the prayer book without a struggle.
“A few days ago, an engineer, an entire stranger, asked me for one of our papers. I gave him one. He told me he thought Mrs. White’s articles were good; in fact, it was a good, sound paper. He invited me to come and see him. I have done so, and have already sold him two books.
“All three of these persons subscribed for the SIGNS. I can pay the rent, and keep up the other expenses of the mission, by selling books and taking subscriptions.”
Washington, D. C.
By J. W. S. Miller
Two more in this place have recently stepped out to take their stand on the Lord's side. One is a gentleman, eighty-one years old. He is much afflicted in this life, yet he desires and expects to witness Christ's coming. Others are so planning and arranging their affairs that they also may keep God's holy Sabbath instead of the papal institution. The Lord is not passing us by without giving us tokens of his love towards his children. I trust many souls in this city will be prepared to meet their Lord in peace.
November 2, 1885. J. W. S. MILLER.
Afflictions as a Rough File
The afflictions of this life are neither too numerous nor too sharp. Much rust requireth a rough file.
The Work in England.
By George R. Drew
WE are glad to be able to say that the work in the Old World is prospering. Every year since we have been in England, there has been an advance over the previous year.
The shipping work is interesting; and we find that many are becoming interested in the truth as the result of our feeble efforts. We have received a letter from a young man in Northern Finland who embraced the truth from reading the books in the English language, which he bought when here. He states that with the help of the Lord he is going to keep the Sabbath holy. He is also going to give his time to instructing the people. There is one more keeping the Sabbath with him, and several others are interested.
We held a meeting on board the ship Caldera of Nova Scotia. Some who were interested in the truth on a previous voyage, will, we feel sure, soon decide for the truth. On many ships there is an earnest desire to scatter our papers in the countries they visit. Last year twenty-two thousand papers were thus sent to the various ports of the world.
We were much pleased with the Bible-readings sent us by some one. We have tried to teach the people on board ships how to hold Bible-readings, and then we leave them the books to help them carry on the work. I hope that some kind friend will send us some more; for we know that such books will do a great deal of good. The people seem much pleased to have such books to help them to understand the Bible.
We are of good courage in the work. It seems to us that our time to work is fast passing. The Eastern question is stirring the people here; for another slice of the Turkish Empire is to be taken away. Whilst we see these things, may it arouse us to be diligent in the work of the Lord.
We hope that the Pacific Health Journal will be monthly next year, and that some one will send us one hundred copies every month. They are highly prized here.
Our work here is fast increasing. A Scandinavian worker is to be added to the mission. We all feel to trust in God for the future, and take courage. GEO. R. DREW.
"Redeeming the Time."
By Theophilus Dwight Witherspoon
TRAFFIC in the days of the apostles was conducted by different methods from those familiar to us. Now the vender selects a suitable locality for the display of his wares. Here he fixes his place of business, opens and arranges his goods, and invites his customers to call and make their purchases. Then the purchasers selected a convenient place in the mart, and, seating themselves, waited for the venders to pass, and as each went by, carrying his wares upon his person, the purchaser selected such articles as he desired and bought them out from the merchant's stock. Troops of these itinerant venders may still be seen in Oriental marts, carrying wares of every description, oftentimes laden until the person of the merchant is almost concealed by the mass of fabrics of every kind, the merits and prices of which he cries vociferously as he goes.
One who has ever witnessed a procession of these peripatetic merchants will have no difficulty in understanding the apostle's figure when he speaks of "redeeming the time," or (Rev. Ver.) "buying up the opportunity." Time, with its successive periods, is represented by the stream of venders, each laden with his wares. The Christian is the purchaser, seated at his post watching each period as it passes, that out of the multitude and variety of its incidents he may select and utilize that one which is most serviceable to his great purpose in life, or, as the apostle expresses it, may "buy out the opportunity," as the merchant buys out the pearl or the precious stone.
Viewed thus in the light of its particular setting, how very expressive the admonition of the apostle! It speaks to us, first of all, of vigilance as an element of the successful Christian life. For look at that merchant in the Oriental market seeking to make a collection of pearls. How intent he is upon his work! He watches with unceasing vigilance as each vender passes; for he does not know but any one may have the very pearl that he craves. His eye rests but lightly upon all the gay fabrics or glittering tinsel that the vender may bear. But if there be a string of pearls, how wide-awake he is! Just so, with the same earnest outlook, with the same unceasing vigilance, should the servant of Christ be watching for opportunities. If he allows himself at any moment to fall asleep or to become abstracted or to be diverted by inferior things, the very opportunity of opportunities may pass unimproved. The first lesson of the apostle, then, is that of watchfulness, watchfulness for opportunities of doing good.
But a second lesson follows close upon this. The pearl-buyer is not only vigilant, but see how discriminating he is. When he has discovered the string of pearls, with what rapidity and yet with what precision his eye runs along the string until he has found the very pearl that he requires! They are all pearls and all precious, but this one is the opportune pearl for him and he seizes the occasion to make it his own. Just so with us; there is a wise discretion, a spiritual tact, in knowing just what opportunities to avail ourselves of, just when to speak and what to speak for the Master. There is a "wisdom of the serpent," to be conjoined with the "harmlessness of the dove," by which, like the great apostle, we become all things to all men if by any means we may win some. If we would be successful Christian merchants and buy out the best opportunities, we must study to use a wise discrimination. We must, as the apostle expresses it in this same passage, "walk circumspectly towards them that are without, not as fools, but as wise."
But, after all, the great lesson of the apostle most probably is that of promptness in availing ourselves of opportunities as they pass. The itinerant vender, as he goes singing his wares, is in hearing of the pearl-gatherer only for a moment. Then he is gone beyond his sight and beyond his call. Whatever he desires to secure from the string of pearls must be decided upon and acted upon at once. A minute's delay, and it is altogether too late. He may sit down after the man is gone and think what a beautiful pearl it was, how well it would have fitted in the collection he is trying to make, how much he wishes he had bought it while the vender was present. All this will not bring the man back or give the opportunity of regaining the vantage that has been lost. So it is in these matters of the soul. There is an opportune moment. Oh, how rich it is in pearls of everlasting beauty! But it is only a moment. Seize it, and the pearl is yours forever. Hesitate, dally, let procrastination or irresolution rule the hour, and it is gone.
And it is with these opportunities as with the pearls of the merchantman; they must ordinarily be bought one by one. We cannot redeem a life-time in a single day. We cannot achieve our whole life-work by a single heroic resolve, a single brilliant achievement, or a single splendid success. The purchases that are to constitute our soul-wealth for eternity must be made at retail. We must be diligent, "in season and out of season." Patient, vigilant, unflagging toil, this is the law of the Christian life.
We must not be discouraged from working because the days are evil. This is the very reason the apostle gives for diligence; "redeeming the time," says he, "because the days are evil." The fewer and rarer the pearls are in the market, the more need that the collector shall be wary and prompt to avail himself of every offer. If opportunities are rare, let us seize the more eagerly the few that come within our grasp, knowing that for all unredeemed time, as so much buried talent, we must give account to God.