Earlier text: WORDS TO PARENTSORGANIZATION
By Earnest A. Raymond
A Perfectly Working System
As IN our human body of flesh the only avenue of approach to the mind, the heart and soul, is through some of our members, the senses, so all God’s dealings with the Church are through its individual members. As the impression of sound is caught and transmitted by the ear, and light in all its varied appearances by the eye, and smell and taste and feeling by their own special organs, so the Master Workman, in building His Church, follows nature’s perfect plan, and selects and uses first this tool, then that one, according as its special gift of fitness has made it peculiarly adapted to the work. The great Weaver of man’s destiny, so infinitely skilled, plies not one shuttle or two, but unnumbered are the agencies He employs; well-nigh infinitely varied are the arts and gifts with which He seeks to perfect the tapestry of human life. There exists not a gift of God but what can find its special place and work. And through it all He remains the God of order. The mind of the Infinite, the mind of the Spirit, knows but one all-absorbing, grand, and glorious thought for His children, and as we yield ourselves to that molding power, that divinely organized and organizing Mind, we gradually come, each and all who drink, partake, into that perfect unity of His Spirit. And yet “all these” does that Mind and Power and Spirit work,—all these individual gifts and powers of God in man. “That it [our vile body] may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able [strong enough] even to subdue all things unto himself.” Even the Omnipotent is able to bring this great conflict in ourselves and the world to a glorious triumph, to “cut it short in righteousness,” only as the “body of Christ works effectually through its individual members.” It is the organization of co-operation that is needed, the unity of the Spirit that is required, the perfect harmony of every mind, working through every gift, with the mind and power of God. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: from [or by] whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of EVERY PART, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying [upbuilding] of itself in love.” “Let no man beguile you of your reward, being a voluntary in humility and worshiping of angels [messengers, envoys, those sent], . . . and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” No more indeed would beings formed in the image of heaven’s great King be content to remain mere children “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,” if the plan of God prevailed. They would grow and stand in the noble independence of their God-given manhood and womanhood, and would be fit stones for polishing and using by the Master Builder in the building of His Church. Shall we lean on human strength? Shall we rely on any human wisdom or experience? “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Do we have “all confidence” in this brother, that sister? Do we fear for the prosperity of the cause in case certain leading ones were removed by the hand of death, or should they apostatize? Unless our confidence looks beyond and lays hold for itself on the unfailing support of the Omnipotent, “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” we are in constant peril. We must learn to stand alone with God. On every hand the standard bearers are falling; and not a few secede to the enemy. Let life’s mariner without delay possess himself of that hope, that confidence, which is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,” because it enters into that “within the veil,” and is firmly fixed to the enduring Rock of ages. Are we shirking individual responsibility in connection with our educational work as represented by our Sabbath-schools, week-day schools, academies, and colleges? Do we say to ourselves, “It will all come out right somehow,” or, “Those in charge, those at the center of the work, the leading brethren, know more about such things than I, and I need not trouble myself about it; such things have a way of righting themselves”? Righting themselves, indeed! There could be no greater delusion. Thus we make God a liar, who has plainly said that man shall reap according to his sowing. Do matters indeed run themselves? It is high time that sleepers awake; for God has given “to every man his work.” Shall any fail to read aright, and to their eternal profit, the great object lesson the Lord is now seeking to teach His people? It is one of personal accountability, of individual responsibility, for the present condition and the future efficiency of our schools. The great Organizer of mind, the Creator of all man’s varied faculties and capabilities, in setting His shoulder to the work of “lifting the reproach” from His means for their development, has laid the ax at the root of the tree. He will not cut it down, for He planted and ordained it for eternal growth; but it will be pruned with no sparing hand. Every offshoot, every needless sprout, which is absorbing from the roots the nourishment that is needed to sustain the life and healthful vigor of the true stem, must be cut away. And where does He begin the work?—At the leaves? the fruit? By these He indeed has judged, but the cure must be wrought from within, from the heart and center of growth. Where the true spirit of education lives and thrives; so long as the vital principles of life’s highest development grow and expand with ever-quickening power, no load of debt or any other burden can long weigh down and hold in check, much less render well-nigh helpless. As with the tomb, rock-bound with slabs of granite, and clamped about with bars of steel, the tiny seed, the germ of life, the Spirit-spark, with steady, resistless growth, will find and force its way, and rending every bond asunder, will mount aloft toward heaven a mighty tree, drawing strength and nourishment from what was once its living death. But the force, the energy, the lifting, working power, the true Helper applies from within. Of what avail would it be to cut asunder the iron bands, to lift away the ponderous weights of granite, if no answering throb responded from within? That Life, though even thus imprisoned in the person of its creature, needs no fictitious, superficial aid. The human agent, manhood’s imprisoned germ, needs the exercise, requires the experience, of personal responsibility, of individual striving against every obstacle. We learn to do by doing, each for himself. By striving alone in power divine, we learn to conquer, and no man shares or takes from us our victor’s crown. For this reason it is that God, in relieving His educational work, and ours, has given “to every man his work,” has bidden every Seventh-day Adventist to have a part. And to this end was it that “God suffered a parable to be enacted at our last General Conference.” Individual accountability, personal responsibility and effort, is the call of the hour. Have we heard? Do we hear and heed? Shall we quit ourselves like men? The great Educator has not seen fit at this crisis to enter into a controversy with men concerning means and methods and agents. He wastes no time in picking off imperfect fruit, in plucking leaves that but express results, not causes. He goes to the root of the matter. He reorganizes the human elements of His educational system, He energizes each individual member, and bids him work effectually to the “full capacity of every part.” Then shall the results be seen,—the edifying, upbuilding of itself in love, “increasing with the increase of God.” Then shall the worthless fruit, the misshaped leaves, drop away to make place for the new and better, according to the law of life from God; and every branch and twig of the human plant collective (“they shall be all taught [educated] of God”) shall literally be drawn out to bud and blossom and bear perfect fruit in the glorious sunshine of heaven’s love. “The whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth [by every joint supplying, or, every supplying joint], according [in harmony with, with a view to, specially fitted] to the effectual working in the measure [extent, capacity] of every part,” “all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together.” Such indeed is a working model of organization.” Fitly joined together by God himself, the joining, the binding together, the correlation, is for co-operation, and with a direct view to the effectual working to the fullest capacity, of every part. And the sole purpose of the joints and bands of the Church divinely organized is for co-operative sympathy and help, the “knitting together,” the “nourishment ministered.” Such is God’s organized and working Church. Let no man say that its plan is impracticable. It bears the mark and seal of the Maker himself; it is warranted to increase with the increase of God, and that, let it be remembered, is many hundred fold what is now being accomplished. Does such a plan tend to tear down, to disorganize? Mark well its every detail, study carefully its every part: indestructible material, the life of God; friction reduced to a minimum, the unity of the Spirit; power never ceasing, that of the Omnipotent; the result, more than human heart could think or desire—the increase of God, “the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.” Thus shall true organization indeed remain, “established” on the Rock, “strengthened” by Him who upholds all things by the word of His power, by whom all things consist, “settled” for eternity by the Infinite himself. Followers of Christ as the Light of the World
“If those who profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it is because the vital power has left them; if they have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.” TRUE TEMPERANCE TEACHING AND PRACTICE
By Kate Lindsay
ALCOHOL, tea, coffee, tobacco, and all other narcotics are poisons. The structures of the body can extract no nourishment from these substances. They furnish no heat or energy; and instead of stimulating the body to healthy action, they damage the structure, and impede the function or working powers, of every organ. From the misuse of proper foods and drinks, poisons are also made inside the body, and these often do the same work that is done by poisons formed outside. Alcohol is the result of the chemical changes due to fermentation of starchy foods and sugar. When these same foods spoil in the digestive tract, they generate poisons in the stomach and bowels, which are as detrimental to the body as is either alcohol or tobacco. Before the infant is three months old, it practically has no saliva, and even after that, during the first year of life, the digestive power of its saliva is very feeble. Nature recognizes this fact, so the natural infant food contains the carbohydrates in the form of sugar of milk, which requires very little digestive change to fit it for absorption. Knowing this to be true, it is a violation of the temperance pledge to give the young babe starchy food unless it has been predigested, or changed into a more soluble form. When simply boiled in the form of gruel or porridge, it will spoil in the stomach of the young babe, and will form gas and poisonous fluids, which will be carried to the blood by the absorbents. In the blood it is taken to every part of the body, and every organ is poisoned, and its structures are damaged, the same as if the food had been changed into poison outside the body. It does not matter how the food is destroyed by a decaying process, or whether the poisons are made outside the body or inside the alimentary canal. When they find their way into the circulation, the result will be the same. What mother but has seen some little one writhing in convulsions as the result of spoiling food in the stomach or bowels, and how often have the convulsions been relieved when the stomach was freed from its load of spoiling food. The ability of every mother to nourish her babe with perfect natural food, is the best temperance safeguard against the tendency to form alcoholic or narcotic habits in the young. When the nerves and other structures of the body are properly fed, and free from poisons, they are satisfied, and do not demand any stimulant or narcotic to render them unconscious of the discomfort that comes from the imperfect, damaged structures of nerves that have been injured by coming in contact with poisons. The little one has no choice in the matter of its surroundings, or as to what it will eat or drink. It must depend wholly on what others do for it in this matter. To keep the temperance pledge, people must study to know when and what to eat for strength, so that they may neither surfeit themselves nor compel their children to do so. If it is incumbent upon every one to love his neighbor as himself, then surely it is just as much a violation of the temperance pledge to compel the helpless child to take food or drink that will damage its body, as to take poisons one's self. There is room for much thought on this important subject of true temperance teaching and practice, and its relation to the future character of the child as well as to its physical development. Prove all things in this matter, and hold fast that which is good. HOW TO MAKE WASHING EASY
By Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin
I feel impressed to tell you the trial that I am having, and it may be that you can give me some advice that will help me. My family consists of a husband and two children, the youngest a baby boy eight months old. The last few months have been hard for me; for I did not get strong after baby came. Then, when he was only a few months old, we moved to the country, and could get no help. I never was used to doing my own washing; but since coming here, I have been obliged to, and as a consequence it is wash-day about three days in the week; and when I am through, I am so tired that I get nothing else done; and on account of the lack of order, there is not the peace and harmony there should be in our home. This may seem like a small matter to you, but it means a great deal to me. I am doing the best I can to have things different. I have always liked to wash, and I believe I can tell you how you can get your washing done with a great deal more ease, and with less tax upon your strength. Put your white clothes to soak at night. Do not soak the colored ones. If you do not have warm water, cold water will do just as well. If the clothes are much soiled, soap them when you put them to soak. In the morning put on your boiler, with plenty of soap chipped up in it; then wring out your clothes lightly, and put the cleaner ones, such as table and bed linen, etc., into the boiler. Do not fill it too full; stir thoroughly while scalding for twenty minutes or half an hour, then take out in a tub and pour over them two pails of cold water. You can rub these clothes clean with very little strength, and then they are ready to go into the rinse water. The next boiler full will contain your underwear, etc., and your last boiler your hand towels and such things. You will find that you will need to do but little rubbing. Pardon me for telling you so particularly how to do your washing, but you say that you have not been used to doing it; and with your weak back and little children I know it must be hard for you to get along, as well as disagreeable to have the washing around three days in the week. As a rule, men dislike wash-day very much; and the quicker we can get the washing out of the way, the better. I used to do my washing in three hours, but it takes me a little longer now, because I can not rush as I used to when younger. I would advise you to use plenty of soap. Soap is cheaper than elbow grease. And I would also suggest that you do not put off your washing. Get it done the first of the week. Plan to do it on a certain day each week, and let nothing interfere; for if you do, your washing will be larger, and things will drag. Don't be afraid to ask your husband to help you lift the water and empty the tubs. I don't mean that you should keep him from his regular work to help you, but if he should happen in, just ask him to give you a lift. If there is a man around, I always ask him to help me when I need it. And I would also advise you, my sister, before beginning your washing to ask the Lord to help you. I once knew a sister who had immense washings, and in the morning worship her husband prayed that the Lord would help his wife with the washing that day. This was the first time I had ever heard any one pray that way, and it impressed me. I believe that it is pleasing to the Lord for us to ask Him to help us in our housework. Often when I have a heavy day's work before me, I ask the Lord to teach me how to take the fewest steps and to plan my work in the best way, and He surely answers my prayer. Do not for a moment think that I regard this matter as a small thing. I know that wash-day looks like a big thing to most women. But I am sure that if you follow this plan, you will get along better. But do not feel discouraged if you do not get the washing out before dinner the first time, because this, like everything else, takes practice to make perfect. Mrs. Geo. A. IRWIN. “My son-in-law is seeking for light on the Sabbath question. I request prayer for him, and for71 my family and myself. I have been sick and crippled, and I wish to gain in strength.” One of our earnest Christian workers requests prayer in behalf of her two brothers, who have recently come to live near her. There are peculiar circumstances connected with the situation, and she asks prayer that she may be able to lead a true Christian life, and win them to the truth. Washing Fluid Recipe from a Sister
A SISTER sends the following, which she says is an excellent recipe for washing fluid:— One box Babbitt’s or other potash; 1 oz. salts tartar; 1 oz. powdered ammonia: dissolve in one gallon of warm soft water. Put the potash in first. After it has cooled, add the salts, tartar, and ammonia, and can up. Soak the clothes in cold water three or four hours or overnight, wring out and put in a boiler of water, to which has been added one half of a bar of soap, shaved, and one-half cup of the fluid. Boil the clothes fifteen or twenty minutes. The clothes need no rubbing until after they have been boiled. I have used this fluid for seven years, and I like it well. It does not injure nor yellow the clothes. Do not soak nor boil colored clothes. EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE
My father used to be a heavy drinker, but has almost entirely given up drinking since signing one of the cards for prayers, and that is the reason I like to work with the cards, and try to do all I can to get others to serve the Lord. Last Monday night I was reading to father about the injurious effects of tobacco-using; and after I had finished reading, he said that he would stop using it altogether, and has not taken any since, to my knowledge. Sisters, please pray for him, that he may become a true servant of the Lord. There is a man living near us who once was an earnest worker in the cause of the Master, but has now backslidden, and is drinking liquor. His wife requests prayer in his behalf. The great trouble with us is that when we get into difficulty, we fear that the Lord can not help us out, and so we try to help ourselves out. Sometimes we shrink from crucifixion, and forget that the Lord knows just how to deal with us to make us perfect. We must go down into the garden often, if need be, until we can say, “Thy will be done.” The Lord is saying to every Spirit-filled woman, What is that in thine hand? If she is a child of heaven, she will say, A Bible,—the sword of the Spirit,—Lord. Then, my sister, there is a power with you to stay sin in every form. Do you say you are trying to use the sword? Say this no longer. When you cut bread for our family, you do not say you are trying to cut the bread, but that you are cutting it. Now God will have workers, not tryers. He says, Take this two-edged sword and wield it successfully, and it will divide even soul and spirit, joints and marrow. REPORTS FROM THE FIELD
By Estella Houser
A general meeting of the laborers and representatives of the churches was held in Brusque, Brazil, last May. Since that time Elder H. F. Graf has had a large interest on his hands, going over the ground after the faithful canvasser. He has organized three churches of about fifty members each. All the laborers in this field are having success. The prospects are that the report for the year will show an increase of more than two hundred in the membership. During December our little church in Tokio was favored with a visit from ten of the fourteen young men who began keeping the Sabbath last summer while on a British man-of-war in a South African port. They were later sent to China, where Brother La Rue had the privilege of further instructing them from the word of God, before they were transferred to the northern waters. Writing from Japan, one of our brethren says of them: “They certainly are a very earnest company of Sabbath-keepers, and although they can not properly observe the Sabbath while in the service, yet they do the best they can, and are anxious to be released as soon as possible, that they may better serve the Lord. We enjoyed their visit very much, and both we and they were encouraged.” The work in this field is prospering. Our laborers in the Chinese school at Honolulu are beginning to see fruit of their labors. Recently nine of the Chinese boys have taken a public stand for Christ. They are very earnest, and some of the older ones desire to fit themselves to become laborers in the Lord’s vineyard. The larger number have been more or less connected with our school since its beginning. Some of these boys have promise of severe trial and bitter experiences, on account of the attitude of their fathers and the Chinese supreme respect for father and elder brothers. We believe every one who reads this will rejoice with our laborers that the Spirit of the Lord is making His way into the hearts of these youth who have been brought up in the midst of heathenism. God’s promise is being fulfilled, “My word . . . shall not return unto me void.” These laborers need our prayers. Theirs is a trying field. Brother H. C. Goodrich recently visited Punta Gorda, British Honduras. This is a small place, of about five hundred inhabitants, the majority of whom are Carib Indians. He baptized a man and his wife, two grown-up daughters, a son of twelve years, and the mother of seventy. The old lady had used tobacco, but when the subject of health reform was presented, she laid it aside, and thanked God for the light. One morning, just at daylight, Brother Goodrich went out to keep an appointment with a man whom he was to meet on his way to work. While waiting, he met another man who was interested in religion, sold him a copy of “Desire of Ages,” which he had with him, and made an appointment to meet the man again. The Week of Prayer readings were sent to all the churches and companies in the Central American field, and excellent meetings are reported. The school at Bonacca closed November 15. The people and the Spanish officers pronounce it the best school they have ever had. One of the students was to open a school in the west end of Ruatan about the first of January. The work in this field in the past has moved slowly, but recent reports show that the Lord has been working upon hearts. While not a large number have accepted the truth, those who have taken their stand are faithful. Three will probably be baptized soon. One of these is a young native woman. Another is a young man who was fast going to ruin from the liquor habit. His conversion is a wonderful demonstration of God’s power. Another young business man is fully convinced of the theory of the truth, and attends meetings, taking part in prayer and testimony, but has not yet identified himself with the church. Brother Butz has lately received the first Tongan tract from the Avondale Press, and those who have read it say that it is a good translation. Several smaller tracts and Bible readings in the Tongan language are in the hands of the printers. Nearly all that has been accomplished in this group is due to reading-matter which our brethren have translated and distributed. The brethren in Nukualofa are erecting a church building. The tithe for the last eleven months amounted to forty-two pounds, and the Sabbath-school offerings for the same time to nine pounds, eleven shillings. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” To one quart of well-washed wheat add three quarts of cold water, and cook slowly from five to ten hours, adding boiling water when needed. Stir but little. Serve with milk or fruit sauce. If you have a coffee mill, grind the wheat first. If you do not have a stew kettle or crock, use an ordinary iron dinner kettle. This is a delicious and nutritious dish. Remember to cook it thoroughly. We hope the following will meet with a response from our readers:— Will some one who has money, and but little time, furnish tracts, papers, or books to loan in a neighborhood where, after three years of lonely light-bearing, we begin to see a little flame kindling? Questions are being asked on the signs of Christ’s soon coming. My heart was made glad to-day while visiting a Baptist lady, who for three years has been much prejudiced against our faith. She said: “Our church is dead, and now I see that it is a fulfillment of what you told me long ago. I believe the end of the world is near.” We will faithfully scatter the seeds of truth if we can only get them, but we are poor in this world’s goods. Pray for us and the cause here. Any wishing to send literature should address Mr. Martin Reynolds, Berlin, Mo. Of course all literature should be sent postpaid. Salvation Cannot Come Through Inactivity
“We can never be saved in inactivity.” FEBRUARY STUDY OF THE FIELD
Articles for Study in the February Missionary Magazine: The Ethnology of Malaysia: A Visit to Russia; Canvassing in India; The India of Our Work. I. DESCRIBE the Battaks of north central Sumatra. Relate something of the progress of the gospel among them. 2. Mention other Malay tribes, and briefly describe each. What missionary effort has been made among them? 3. What particular belief in the religion of the Chinese makes it as difficult for a Chinaman to accept Christianity in foreign lands as in China itself? 4. Describe some prominent characteristics manifested by the Chinaman outside of his home land, noting his mental caliber, his love for money, his manner of living, and his idolatrous worship. 5. What may be said of the multiplicity of the Malaysian languages? How do the results of missionary labor put forth among these people compare with that expended in China, India, and Africa? 6. Mention some openings that are suggested for work. How extensively has the Third Angel's Message been preached? What help is urgently needed in this field? 7. In what manner is entrance into Russia guarded? Briefly outline the facilities for traveling that have developed during recent years. What relation may this sustain to the advancement of present truth? 8. Tell something of the general meetings held in Russia last year. What increase in the membership is reported? Give the present number. How widely are the members scattered throughout this country? If possible, point out these localities on a map. 9. How many laborers are in this field? What class of workers is especially needed? 10. Tell something of the financial condition and needs of the Russian mission field. 11. How widely are the English-speaking people scattered throughout India? Besides these, what other classes read English? 12. How extensively have our publications been circulated in this country? What books have been sold? What class of books is acceptable to the educated native heathen? What opportunity is suggested for many who may desire to have a part in giving the message to India, but who must necessarily remain in the home land? 13. In what sense is all India the field to which our message is due? With what nationality did our work begin? Why? What advantage has there been in this necessary course? 14. Relate the combination of circumstances that makes it difficult for the people of India to engage in any kind of work. 15. What are the special opportunities for labor among the student classes? Mention and locate upon a map the several cities where such work should be undertaken soon. Why have we left this field unentered? 16. What can you say of the need of literature, and of the number of languages and dialects into which it must be translated? What per cent of the native population will then have access to the message through the printed page? In addition to the circulation of literature, what other kind of work must be done? 17. How many women are in India? How many laborers are working for these alone? In view of the vast throng that can be reached only by women, and as many more who must receive the message from the lips of the living preacher, what responsibility rests upon you and me? Who Shall Escape the Plagues?
Who shall escape the plagues? In the Seven Last Plagues “is filled up the wrath of God” (Rev. 15:1); the wrath of God falls upon those who worship the Beast and his Image; for it is written: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the Beast and his Image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Rev. 14:9, 10. This Third Angel’s Message is to keep men from the worship of the Beast and his Image, and so to save them from the wrath of God. And the way in which men escape the worship of the Beast and his Image, and so escape the Seven Last Plagues, is by keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus; for the closing words of the Third Angel’s Message are: “Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. It is true that, in a sense, whatsoever is in the Bible is of the Commandments of God. Yet, in a particular sense, above all things else in the Bible the Ten Commandments are distinguished as the Commandments of God. These are especially singled out from all things else, upon which people are directed to fix their special attention. Accordingly, thus it is written: “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, . . . and the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even Ten Commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone.” Deut. 4:9, 10, 12, 13. When He had spoken the Ten Commandments,—these Ten Words,—He spoke no more: there was no more to be said. Accordingly, the conclusion of the whole matter, the sum of all that hath been heard, is, “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12:13. When the Lord spoke that day from the top of Sinai, all that He said needed to be said. And when He had spoken, all was said that could be said. Now the first words that were spoken that day are these:— “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Ex. 20:2. This is the introduction, the preamble, to all the Commandments, the whole Law of God. It is as much a part of the Law of God as is any word that follows; for it is written: “God spake all these words.” These words were a part, indeed the very beginning of the words that day spoken, when all was said that could be said, and when nothing was said that needed not to be said. That law is spiritual: all that is in it or of it is spiritual. This preamble, equally with all the rest of the law that day spoken, is “holy, and just, and good.” Rom. 7:12. God is Spirit. And this law, preface and all, being altogether of God, is therefore altogether spiritual; for “the law is spiritual.” Rom. 7:14. Accordingly, the Egypt referred to is spiritual Egypt; and the bondage referred to is spiritual bondage; for the Scriptures deal definitely with a spiritual Egypt, as well as with a temporal Egypt. Rev. 11:8. Spiritually, then, what is Egypt? Read this: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Heb. 11:24-26. Here we have “affliction with the people of God” set over against “the pleasures of sin,” and “the reproach of Christ” set over against “the treasures in Egypt;” thus:— Affliction with the people of God. } { Pleasures of sin.
Reproach of Christ. } { Treasures in Egypt. This shows “affliction with the people of God,” and “the reproach of Christ,” to be synonymous; and “the pleasures of sin,” and “the treasures in Egypt,” to be likewise synonymous. It also plainly shows “sin” and “Egypt” to be synonymous. Spiritual Egypt, therefore, is the realm of sin. Therefore this beginning of the Law of God, as spoken by the Lord from heaven, simply says, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the realm and bondage of sin. And by these holy words being placed at the very threshold of the keeping of the Commandments of God, it is signified to all people forever that in the keeping of the Commandments of God the first of all things is that the soul shall be delivered from the realm and bondage of sin. By this it is indicated that no man can keep the Commandments of God unless he is first delivered from the realm and the bondage of sin. And in these blessed words, God presents himself to every soul, as the perfect and free Deliverer of men from the realm and the bondage of sin, that they may keep His Commandments. This is the teaching of the whole record of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, which was “written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” While Israel was yet in Egypt, the word was spoken to Pharaoh: “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: and I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me.” Ex. 4:22, 23. And when, by great plagues and mighty judgments, Pharaoh was brought to the point where he would let Israel go; and when, by His great power, God had delivered Israel, that they might serve Him,—then He said: “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and so on, to the end of the Ten Commandments; and He added no more. And all this happened unto them for an ensample: it is “written for our learning,” and “for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” The deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage did not, even at that time, consist in deliverance from bodily oppression or temporal bondage. For even after the multitude of Israel had been delivered from that bodily oppression and temporal bondage, their hearts were yet in Egypt: in thought and in heart they time and again “turned back again into Egypt.” Acts 7:39. And while they were yet in Egypt, subject to Pharaoh, there were those who were the free children of God. Such was Moses, who “by faith . . . when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Heb. 11:24-26. And there were others; because it was by faith that Moses, “when he was born, was hid three months of his parents;” for, by this faith, “they were not afraid of the king’s commandment” that had gone forth, to slay all the male children of the children of Israel. As, therefore, it is true that the children of Israel, though bodily and temporarily in Egypt, were yet free from Egypt, and were the children of God; and as the whole multitude, although taken bodily entirely out of Egypt, were not free, but, in heart, were still in Egypt,—this demonstrates that at that time, as well as now and forever, true deliverance from Egypt is spiritual; and that the real Egypt from which this true deliverance is found is spiritual Egypt. Further consideration will have to be deferred until next week.