(1) “And it came to pass, when Jehovah would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. (2) And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me as far as Beth-el. And Elisha said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el. (3) And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that Jehovah will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. (4) And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. (5) And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that Jehovah will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. (6) And Elijah said unto him, Tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me to the Jordan. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. (7) And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan. (8) And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. (9) And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I am taken from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. (10) And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
Golden Text.—“He was not; for God took him.” Gen. 5:24.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What was God about to do with Elijah? With whom and from what place did Elijah then go? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) Before leaving Gilgal, what did Elijah say to his servant? What was Elisha’s reply? Verse 2. (3) At Beth-el what did the students say to Elisha? What was his answer? Verse 3. Note 2. (4) Before leaving Beth-el what did Elijah tell Elisha to do? How did Elisha again answer his master? Verse 4. (5) What question was again put to Elisha at Jericho? How did he answer this time? Verse 5. (6) How did Elijah again test his servant? And how was Elisha’s devotion again proved? Verse 6. Note 3. (7) How was the curiosity of the students at Jericho manifested? Where did they see Elijah and Elisha? Verse 7. (8) How did the two men get across the river? Verse 8. (9) After they had crossed the river, what did the prophet say to his servant? What did Elisha request? Verse 9. Note 4. (10) What did Elijah say about this request? Verse 10. Note 5. (11) As the two men went on and talked, what appeared to them? What followed this appearance? Verse 11. Notes 6 and 7.
NOTES.
1. *Elijah’s ascension** took place about ten years after his flight from Jezebel and his experience at Mount Horeb. Elisha had been with him as servant and student during this time, and schools for young men—called schools of the prophets—had been established at Gilgal, Beth-el, Jericho, and on the Jordan. The students at these schools were called sons of the prophets, because the prophets were the teachers, and recognized as fathers*. The Gilgal here mentioned was not the Gilgal near Jordan, where the children of Israel camped on entering the promised land. The town here referred to was situated in the mountains of Ephraim.
2. *It was known** to Elijah and Elisha, and even to the young men at the schools, that Elijah’s departure in some way was at hand. But Elisha seems to have deemed it too solemn a subject for conversation at that time; so he said to the young men, “Hold ye your peace;” or, as men would say to-day, “Don’t speak of it.*”
3. *The humble** spirit of the true prophet actuated Elijah. He was not desirous of being seen by men when he should be honored of God. He preferred that even his own servant should not be a witness of it. The false prophet always draws attention to himself, is always anxious for display, that he may be honored of men. Another motive also seems to have actuated him, namely, the testing of Elisha’s faith. The servant’s qualification* as a successor to Elijah depended largely on his fidelity at this time, as the sequel proved.
4. Elijah, having proved the constancy and faith of his servant, deemed him a fit subject for further favor. He no longer asks Elisha to tarry while he himself should go on. The “double portion” that Elisha asked of his “father” in the faith was not twice as much of the Spirit of God as Elijah had, but the “double portion” of the oldest son (Deut. 21:17)—possibly of the disposition which he so much admired in his master, which was about to be signally rewarded. The request was on the same principle of Solomon’s request for wisdom when he came to the throne. It had been shown to Elisha that Elijah’s mantle would fall to him. 1 Kings 19:19.
5. Elisha had asked “a hard thing” from a human standpoint. Increased spiritual gifts are not bestowed upon those who take life easy, but upon those who are to use them heroically, faithfully—those who have already used their endowments, be they never so meager, in the earnest service of the Master. The promise that Elisha’s request should be granted was based upon his watchfulness and endurance. So the final reward of the saints is to those who endure to the end, and are then found watching. See Mark 13:13, 35–37.
6. *“Chariot of fire.”*—The marginal reading is “chariots,” which seems to be the true sense, as in verse 12. This was evidently a source of future encouragement to Elisha, in times of apparent danger, as he must have been continually aware of the presence of the mighty army of heaven. See 2 Kings 6:14–18; Heb. 1:14,
7. One commentator notes on the expression, “And parted them both asunder,” “surrounding Elijah as with a flaming war host.” And on the sentence, “Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven,” another says, “Literally ‘Elijah went up in a storm into the sky.’” No doubt Elisha saw a grand demonstration in the departure of Elijah from the earth. Tho so few on earth were aware of the event, the hosts of heaven were rejoicing.
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RUSSIA-JAPAN ATLAS.
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IN THE PARK.
WE quote the following from a letter just received from one of our most active SIGNS workers in a large city on the coast:—
There are hundreds of people who visit the park, take papers out of the different racks, sit down and go to reading; but, O, how sad to see our own racks without papers so much of the time! I wish some one would send me a hundred papers per week post-paid to put in the two racks. I have taken papers to the park and before I would get all folded and placed in the rack, from six to ten persons would come and get them, and then I could take a seat and watch them read papers, put them in their pockets, and carry them off.
The lady who writes this sells fifty SIGNS each week, and is anxious to fill these racks besides. The cost of a club of 100 papers would be $1.74 per week. If there are those who wish to either furnish these papers for a time, or donate toward the same, kindly address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
If you are seeking knowledge on Biblical topics, you will do well to procure at once the little pamphlet called "Scriptural References." In this will be found the principal references on twenty-four leading Bible subjects, such as The Prophecies, Inheritance of the Saints, The Millennium, The Law, The Sabbath, Spiritualism, Nature of Man, and others. This work contains 32 pages.
Price 2c each. Per hundred, $1.40 post-paid.
ADDRESS PUBLISHERS OF THIS PAPER.
“Last-day Tokens” Being Mailed
By Editor
Our many customers for the revised edition of “Last-day Tokens” have already been supplied. A limited number are being bound up in cloth, the price of which will be 75 cents each. The paper edition retails at 25 cents.
More “Cobblestones”
Here is a picture of “Cobblestones.” Of course, it doesn’t show the colors of the cover, nor the size, but yet it will give quite an idea of the looks of the book.
Almost a thousand copies have been ordered already.
The price is 75 cents.
Have You a Reading Rack?
If you haven’t a reading rack and desire a real good one at a small price, we would suggest that you order one of the 20-cent styles which have just been prepared. 20 cents includes prepayment of postage.
A Book for the Children
About six weeks ago we spoke of the book, “Homes and Haunts of Wild Animals.” Although we had purchased quite a quantity, they have been going so rapidly that we will only be able to fill orders a few more weeks. The book contains 434 large pages and is fully illustrated; price 75 cents. Order early so that the children will not be disappointed.
“Heralds of the Morning,” Revised Edition
The new edition, “Heralds of the Morning,” is now ready. It has been enlarged and newly illustrated. The cover design is also new. It is issued in one binding only, namely: cloth, with marble edge, and the price is $1.50. An expert book salesman is at work on a prospectus and canvass. They will be ready soon. Special terms to agents will be allowed.
A Gigantic Conflict
The writer of these notices has recently been re-reading the closing chapter of that magnificent book, “Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.” It presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history that has ever been written on the great conflict of Christianity and the Powers of Darkness, as illustrated in the lives of the Christian martyrs and reformers on the one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other. From this history it draws well-defined lessons as to what may be expected in the near future. The closing chapter, “The Controversy Ended,” is truly inspiring.
Here are the titles of some of the other chapters, selected at random:— “Spiritualism,” “Character and Aims of the Papacy,” “The Impending Conflict,” “The Scriptures a Safeguard,” “The Final Warning,” “The Time of Trouble,” “God’s People Delivered.”
This is a volume of more than 700 pages, fully illustrated, and sells for $2.50 in cloth, marble edge; $2.75 in cloth, gilt edge; $3.00 in leather, marble edge; $4.50 in full morocco, gilt edge.
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How Not to Forget
How Not to Forget.—Many persons frequently remark, "How I wish I could remember the Bible texts or tell where they are, but I can not," etc. And yet many of these same persons will talk glibly of fashion, of their business, of neighborhood gossip, etc., giving supposed facts, names, and dates without difficulty. Now what are the reasons they can not remember the words of God? Principally two: (1) They lack the interest in the Word of God that they have in temporal things; and (2) they do not talk about the Word, they do not tell it to others. Every time we tell a thing of interest to others, we engrave it more deeply on our own memory. Do you desire to remember the wonderful words of life? Take an interest in them; tell the sweet story to other hearts. You will be surprised at the results.
ONE NUMBER OMITTED.
By Editor
Formerly the SIGNS OF THE TIMES issued only fifty numbers a year; but for the last four or five years it has furnished fifty-two numbers a year, and fifty-three when its publishing day occurred fifty-three times.
But now, when moving to Mountain View, we omit the paper for September 14. We are sure our subscribers and friends will generously permit this without finding fault.
If it were the mere moving of the paper, the subscription list, and editorial force and paraphernalia, we would omit no number; but heavy presses have to be taken down here, shipped, transported, unloaded, and set up there; and one week is too short a time. Therefore we omit the issue of September 14. The next issue after that, the Lord willing, will bear the following date:—
Mountain View, Cal., September 21, 1904.
Our machinery will then be ready, we expect, but our editorial offices will not be ready for weeks. But we, by the grace of our Master, hope to get along and get out our paper on time.
These are days of intensity; we hope to be remembered in the prayers of our readers.
Labor Is Not a Curse
Labor Is Not a Curse.—There would not be so much trouble to us, unfaithful workers, if work were regarded as the blessing which God designed it to be. But many look upon labor as a curse. Ella Wheeler Wilcox voices the sentiment in one of her verses thus:—
The time has come, aye, even now it is,
To rank that parable in Genesis,
Of God's great curse of labor placed on man,
With other fairy tales.
Labor is a curse only to him who makes it so; but there is no curse of labor in Genesis, or any other book of the Bible. Idleness is a curse; labor is a blessing. God said, "Cursed is the ground for thy sake." Its strength would be perverted. It would not yield its sustenance alone to useful plant and fruit. It would bring forth both weeds and thorns. Why?—So that man would not, could not, lead a life of idleness. It would cost more labor to till the ground; and in the added labor would be the added blessing. The curse was upon the ground; it was for man's sake, for man's good; and the overcoming of the evil in the ground by the means of labor is a blessing.
"Labor is glory; the flying cloud lightens;
Only the waving wing changes and brightens;
Idle hearts only the dark future frightens;
Play the sweet keys would'st thou keep them in tune."
The Importance of Man’s Nature
Its Importance.—How many there are who, when faced with the Bible truth upon man's nature, reply, "Well, it makes little difference what one believes." But it does make a difference. There is more than mere technical accuracy attached to the question of the truth of the doctrine of man's nature. Upon the claim of man's inherent immortality, or the "immortal soul," of consciousness in death, the deceiver has reared the great superstructures—idolatry, saint worship, Mariolatry, Universalism, eternal misery, Christian Science, Buddhism, transmigration of souls, modern Spiritism, and other soul-destroying doctrines and systems. This wrong view of man's nature makes void the second coming of Christ and the resurrection. A knowledge of the Bible truth that man is mortal, that his only hope of future life is through Jesus and the resurrection, and all these baleful errors are destroyed of themselves.
Sound Words from a Labor Leader
Sound Words from a Labor Leader.—The following is credited by The Oakland Tribune to Grand Chief Stone, of the Order of Locomotive Engineers, in an address given not long ago in Waco, Texas:
"Standing as a firm believer in union labor and the right of laboring men to organize, when an organization compels a man to join it against his will, it interferes with the personal liberty guaranteed him by the Constitution of the United States. The railway orders stand head and shoulder above all labor organizations, for they have the open shop. On almost every road in the country we work side by side with men who do not belong to our orders. No man is forced to join us. We try to show him how he would be benefited by belonging to us, and where his interests are, but we never say to him to join us or you can not earn an honest living by working here. I do not believe any man ever made a good member in any organization who was forced to join it against his will, for the chances are that when opportunity offers, he will prove a traitor and betray you."
That is straightforward manliness.
Have You Heard Him?
“While He yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” Matt. 17:5. “Hear ye Him;” this is the Father’s command to us all. Have you heard Christ? We do not ask, Have you heard about Him? but, Have you heard Him? There is a vast difference between hearing the real Christ Himself, and merely hearing about a Christ. Have you learned this difference? Have you learned how to come so close to the Word of God, and to drink it in so fully and so deeply, that it is in very deed the living voice of the Son of God speaking to your soul, and touching every well-spring of your being? O, that you may actually hear Him! It is so different to hear and know the real Saviour from merely hearing of and knowing about Him. He is saying to you even now: “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.
Helping Their People
Helping Their People.—The Russian Committee of the Jewish Colonization Society has now established a Jewish colony in Brazil. Each colonist receives over sixty acres of land, two horses, two oxen, a cow, and a house 13×26 feet. Even the soil has been prepared by others at the expense of the society, and lumber is furnished for the colonists to build their own shed. And this is a hundred times more promising for the Jews than any effort to rejuvenate Palestine, as some of the best thinkers among the Jews declare. The return of the Jews to Palestine, as some are hoping to see it, will prove an iridescent dream.
A New Life-Mask for Swimmers
"A German inventor has formulated the theory that many persons able to swim are drowned, when wrecked or accidentally thrown into the water, by being unable to keep the waves from dashing in their faces, and so gradually smothering them," says The American Inventor. "In order to overcome this danger, he has invented a life-mask which is to be worn with the life-preserver. It is provided with valves which check the entrance of the water, but which respond readily to suction so that the wearer may readily breathe."
The Neediest Fields Need Faithful Workers
A brother in the Southland writes us that some people want him to preach, but the people around him do not know much of anything about present truth, and therefore he can not do much. But that is the very reason why he ought to do more. The more ignorant the people of the Gospel, and the more needy the field, the greater the demand for earnest, faithful work.
God’s Presence Within
It makes a wonderful difference whether we have God's presence without or within. Those who have Christ within will welcome Him when He comes personally. Those who have not, will perish in the light of His presence.
Armenian Priests Appeal for Intervention
A deputation of Armenian priests is making a tour of Christian countries for the purpose of inducing the nations to bring pressure to bear upon Turkey that would compel her to stop the Armenian atrocities.
As there will be no paper September 14, extra lessons are given for both Sabbath-school and Sunday-school.
Pacific Press Mailing Address Change
All mail for the Pacific Press Publishing Company, "Signs of the Times," or "Our Little Friend," up to September 1, should be addressed to Oakland, Cal., as heretofore; after September 1, to Mountain View, Santa Clara County, Cal.
Discontinuing International Sabbath-School Lessons
N. B.—"The Signs of the Times" will discontinue the publication of the International Sabbath-school Lessons at the close of this present series. As there are but few who use the papers for the lessons, space is too valuable. The lessons for the next quarter may be obtained in pamphlet form, worthy and easy for preservation, and much better for review of past lessons, for 5 cents, by addressing Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. Do not send orders for Lesson Quarterlies to Mountain View unless notified. The Sunday-school Lessons will be continued.
The Still, Small Voice
What a world of strength and comfort there is in the thought that God speaks to us with a "still, small voice,"—that all the works of nature are the results of a small whisper! Since God whispers to us, He must be very near to us, and so He is. This suggests close communion with Him, in the closet, and about our daily tasks. It means that we must be listening, or we shall fail to catch the sound of His voice, altho if we do listen we may hear it amid the loudest din of earth. Blessed is he who can say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."
