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Review and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 20.

The Plodder's Petition
Earlier text: The Plodder's Petition

The Heathen at Home

A STRIKING view of the present religious and social situation is given by one writer in these words:—
We are harboring a heathen population in our cities that are as absolutely foreign to Christianity as were the South Sea cannibals. Their language, habits, notions, all tend to isolate and segregate them. When they do come into contact with us, it is into collision; it is when a strike or some other crisis arises; and then, for want of other means of making themselves understood, and for lack of any ties of sympathy, antagonism grows bitter and deadly. Bombs take the place of bonds.
The professed church, with its “New Theology” and its human philosophy, seems powerless to convert this heathen population, and these disturbing elements are a growing menace to the welfare of society. The genuine gospel message is needed in America as well as in the islands of the sea.

Their Doctrines Compared

IN a letter published in the Evening Telegram (St. John's, Newfoundland), Elder C. H. Keslake, who is in charge of our work in that field, replies to the charge of heresy made against Seventh-day Adventists by a Methodist pastor, by comparing some of the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists with the views of Methodists. We quote from his letter:—
But what is our “heresy,” Mr. Editor, that we must thus be vilified in the absence of straight argument? Simply this:—
(1) We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God—as do the Methodists.
(2) We believe the ten commandments, the law of God, to be the unchangeable and eternal rule of conduct for all mankind—as Methodists do.
(3) We believe that by that law is the knowledge of sin—as do Methodists.
(4) We believe that Christ died and rose again to save us from sin—as do Methodists.
(5) We believe that Christ is our Example—as do the Methodists; that as our example he observed the seventh day—as Methodists admit, and,—
(6) Because he kept the seventh day, and the eternal and unchangeable law of God says, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” we, consistently we think, observe that day, which Methodists inconsistently do not.
We are reminded of Paul's statement before Felix: “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Why should a denomination be charged with “heresy” when its doctrines are so clearly in harmony with the simple and plain teachings of the Scripture, and its practise so perfectly in harmony with the practise of the Great Teacher himself? We would that all the world might adopt and practise just such “heresy.”

The Need of Watchfulness

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
Never was there a time when Christian men and women, in all walks of life, were in so great need of clear spiritual eyesight as now. It is not safe to lose sight of Christ for one moment. His followers must pray, and believe, and love him fervently.
A very thorough work must be done in cleansing the soul-temple from its natural depravity. The Christian must be wide-awake to resist the increeping of a spirit of licentiousness among those who claim to be sanctified. When our hearts are clean, washed, and made white by the blood of the Lamb, the work will go forward in our experience that was outlined in the wonderful prayer of Christ: “For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”
What shall be said regarding the man who has been greatly blessed as a teacher of righteousness, yet who in time of temptation is betrayed into a sinful course? Satan in the form of a heavenly angel has come to him as he approached Christ in the wilderness of temptation, and he has gained the victory.
Coming to the Son of God, the great deceiver claimed to be commissioned by the Father with a message to the Saviour. He need no longer hunger. “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” But by such an act as this, Christ would have broken his promise that he would never exercise his divine power in order to escape any difficulty or suffering that man in his humanity must meet. “It is written,” he replied to the tempter, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Jesus met Satan with the words of Scripture. “It is written,” he said. In every temptation the weapon of his warfare was the Word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of his divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a “thus saith the Lord,” was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.
It was in the time of greatest weakness that Christ was assailed by the fiercest temptations. Thus Satan thought to prevail. By this policy he had gained the victory over man. When strength failed, and the will power weakened, and faith ceased to repose in God, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right, were overcome. Moses was wearied with the forty years’ wandering of Israel, when for the moment his faith let go its hold upon infinite power. He failed just upon the borders of the promised land. So with Elijah, who had stood undaunted before King Ahab; who had faced the whole nation of Israel, with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal at their head. After that terrible day upon Carmel, when the false prophets had been slain, and the people had declared their allegiance to God, Elijah fled for his life before the threats of idolatrous Jezebel. Thus Satan has taken advantage of the weakness of humanity. And he will still work in the same way. Whenever one is encompassed with clouds, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan is at hand to tempt and annoy. He attacks our weak points of character. He seeks to shake our confidence in God, who suffers such a condition of things to exist. We are tempted to distrust God, to question his love. Often the tempter comes to us as he came to Christ, arraying before us our weakness and infirmities. He hopes to discourage the soul, and to break our hold upon God. Then he is sure of his prey. If we would meet him as Jesus did, we would escape many a defeat. By parleying with the enemy we give him an advantage.
“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him. If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
Again, the temptation is prefaced with the insinuation of distrust, “If thou be the Son of God.” Christ was tempted to answer the “if,” but he refrained from the slightest acceptance of the doubt. He would not imperil his life, in order to give evidence to Satan. “It is written,” he declared, “thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
When Satan quoted the promise, “He shall give his angels charge over thee,” he omitted the words, “to keep thee in all thy ways;” that is, in all the ways of God’s choosing. Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience. While manifesting perfect trust in his Father, he would not place himself, unbidden, in a position that would necessitate the interposition of his Father to save him from death. He would not force Providence to come to his rescue, and thus fail of giving man an example of trust and submission.
Jesus was victor in the second temptation, and now Satan manifests himself in his true character. But he does not appear as a hideous monster with cloven feet and bat’s wings. He is a mighty angel, though fallen. He avows himself the leader of rebellion, and the god of this world.
Placing Jesus on a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, to pass in a panoramic view before him. The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile fields, and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eye of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter’s voice was heard: “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.”
The strength of this temptation to the Saviour was greater than the human mind can understand. Christ’s mission could be fulfilled only through suffering. Before him was a life of sorrow, hardship, and conflict, and an ignominious death. He must bear the sins of the world. He must endure separation from the Father’s love. Now the tempter offered to yield up the power he had usurped. Christ might deliver himself from the dreadful future by acknowledging the supremacy of Satan. But to do this was to yield the victory in the great controversy. It was in seeking to exalt himself above the Son of God, that Satan had sinned in heaven. Should he prevail now, it would be the triumph of rebellion.
Christ declared to the tempter, “Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Satan had questioned whether Jesus were the Son of God. In his summary dismissal he had proof that he could not gainsay. Divinity flashed through suffering humanity. Satan had no power to resist the command. Writhing with humiliation and rage, he was forced to withdraw from the presence of the world’s Redeemer. Christ’s victory was as complete as had been Adam’s failure.
So we may resist temptation, and cause Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle he says to us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We can not save ourselves from the tempter’s power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but “the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name.
It is those who have had the most light that Satan most assiduously seeks to ensnare. He knows that if he can deceive them, they will, under his control, clothe sin with garments of righteousness, and lead many astray. I say to all, Be on your guard; for as an angel of light, Satan is walking in every assembly of Christian workers, and in every church, trying to win the members to his side. I am bidden to give to the people of God the warning, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.”

A Song of Trust

By Ernest G. Wellesley Wesley

I would not seek to know God’s “when,” For he doth not reveal to men     The hour of his own will. Content am I his time to bide; In his deep love I safe confide;     And there I rest so still.
I would not seek to know God’s “why,” Which hid from mortal mind must lie,     Until to man made known; That God doth choose sufficeth me; I would not all his working see,     Till step by step ’tis shown.
I would not seek to know God’s “how,” His wisdom’s way he shows not now;     But love all things doth guide; When doubt, with subtle art, assails, All-conquering faith o’er all prevails;     My plans I lay aside.
I would not seek to know God’s “where,” Provided he doth lead me there;     Since he will guard my way. God’s paths all end in life and light; True faith, at last, will change to sight;     The night, to cloudless day.
God’s “when” and “why,” God’s     “how” and “where,” I leave in his all-loving care:     He knows: I ask no more. I ne’er could plan my way alone, My utter helplessness I own,     And his sweet will adore.
— Ernest G. Wellesley Wesley.

The Political Church

By B. M. HEALD

B. M. HEALD
The organized methods for the purpose of uniting church and state are very apparent, and the rapid growth in this direction is alarming; yet how few realize and appreciate the real situation, how few are acquainted with the direful results of the union of church and state; in fact, how few clergymen and men of responsibility in the church care to know and understand the present-day conditions.
The churches seem to be seized by a spirit of Law instead of Love. This is very evident in the aim and object of the many church leagues and societies; there exist at the present time over forty “Sunday observance” societies, all being organs of the nominal church, appealing for the enforcement of the laws.
The following is a plank in the platform of one of these church leagues: “That through the various political parties we nominate and pledge for the executive, ministerial, and judicial offices, men who by their character and personal influence will insure the enforcement of the law, and that we vote only for such persons.”
Notice the trend of argument, as presented by a prominent speaker of one of these church leagues: That at present the liquor men are to a very great extent controlling politics; now if the church can form a federation systematized in the form of leagues, societies, or associations, and put politicians in office as the result of the vote of the church, then, instead of law being made as result of the liquor vote, it will be made as result of the church vote. Then the inevitable step will be that what laws are desired by the church will be passed and enforced, as the executive, ministerial, and judicial officers will be under obligation to the church.
The platform of the church confederacy,—that “the kingdom of Christ must enter the realm of law through the gateway of politics, and that we should swear an oath of allegiance to Christ in politics, and march in one grand army to the polls to worship God,”—is of a suspicious nature, and contrary to the teachings of Christ.
Christ taught that his kingdom is not of this world; if it were, then his servants would fight.
Again: he came not to judge the world, but to save the world. By force?—No; but by love. The Spirit says, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22: 17. Furthermore, if the nominal churches were filled with the Holy Spirit, there would be no need of resorting to law; for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Of all institutions the church can not afford to sacrifice, for political consideration, her position as the light of the world. As has well been said, “Christ wants no help from Cæsar.” The watchword of the remnant church is, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Church federation would have us adopt the following: “Not by thy Spirit, but by our might and our power.”
Mansfield, Pa.

Lessons from Past Experiences

By GEO. O. STATES

— No. 26
GEO. O. STATES
EVER since I can remember, my mother took the REVIEW. As soon as I could read, I remember reading articles from a man from New England. He wrote so much that just his initials were placed after his name. In 1859-60, when Brethren James White and J. N. Loughborough began to agitate the matter of organization, this brother thought he saw a departure from the simplicity of the truth, and that our people were going into the world. He wrote a number of articles in which he presented quite reasonable arguments in opposition to organization. The arguments for and against this question were confusing our people. Many of them honestly believed that if we should organize, we would depart from the truth. At that time Testimony No. Six was published, and we were told that “the people of God should move understandingly, and should be united in their efforts. They should be of the same mind, of the same judgment; then their efforts will not be scattered, but will tell forcibly in the upbuilding of the cause of present truth. Order must be observed, and there must be union in maintaining order, or Satan will take advantage. A stormy future is before us; and the church should be awake to make an advance move that they may stand securely against his plans. It is time that something was done. God is not pleased to have his people leave the matters of the church at loose ends, and suffer the enemy to have the whole advantage and control affairs as best pleases him. Unless the churches are so organized that they can carry out and enforce order, they have nothing to hope for in the future; they must scatter into fragments. If ministers of God would unitedly take their position, and maintain it with decision, there would be a uniting influence among the flock of God. Separating bars would be broken to fragments. Hearts would flow together, and unite like drops of water. Then there would be a power and strength in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers far exceeding anything we have yet witnessed.”
As soon as this Testimony from the Lord was received, our brother who had so bitterly opposed organization, gave up his opposition, and fell in line with the body, although it was hard to do it. In thinking over the confusion that existed among us before we were organized, and what it was that brought us to the unity of the faith, I have thought of late, “What would we do were it not for the gift of the spirit of prophecy among us?”
During the summer and fall of 1861 a number of general meetings were held in Battle Creek to study this question and perfect more fully the organization.
It was not long after the Lord gave the light on this important question before we had State conferences, which were organized into a General Conference.
As time passed on, and we were in danger of going to extremes, we were told, “While God’s people are justified in securing church property in a lawful manner, they should be careful to maintain their peculiar and holy character. I saw that unconsecrated persons would take advantage of the position which the church has recently taken, and would overstep the bounds, carry matters to extremes, and wound the cause of God.”
Thus you see as this people were in danger of going to extremes in the matter of organization, the Lord sent us just the counsel we needed. “I was pointed back, and saw that in every important move, every decision made, or point gained, by God’s people, some have arisen to carry matters to extremes, and to move in an extravagant manner, which has disgusted unbelievers, distressed God’s people, and brought the cause of God into disrepute. The people whom God is leading out in these last days, will be troubled with just such things. But much evil will be avoided if the ministers of Christ will be of one mind, united in their plans of action, and united in effort. If they will stand together, sustain one another, and faithfully reprove and rebuke wrong, they will soon cause it to wither.”
As the ministers heeded this counsel, the Lord blessed in the work, and the ministers who were so strongly opposed to organization ceased to oppose, and all united in establishing the churches.
There was some difference in the matter of choosing a name, but when we were told, “The name Seventh-day Adventist carries the true features of our faith in front, and will convict the inquiring mind; like an arrow from the Lord’s quiver, it will wound the transgressors of God’s law, and will lead to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” then the ministers united on that, and the people fell into line.
As we were counseled in the matter of systematic benevolence, and followed the light on that question, the means came in to spread the work. So it has been in every important move in which the Lord has led us through the gift of prophecy. As we followed the counsel, we knew we were moving in harmony with the mind of the Spirit of God.
Cedaredge, Colo.

Contact-Culture

By G. B. STARR

G. B. STARR
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Prov. 27:17.
It is by contact with others that our rough corners are smoothed, and our bumps of conceit hammered down; we are really and truly educated in a living school. In fact, this is the highest quality of education. It can not be purchased or obtained from books, or from high school or university.
The greatest Teacher the world ever knew took his disciples with him from place to place, that under varied circumstances, by being brought in touch with ignorance and with culture, with the rough and the refined, and with truth as it fell from his lips, as occasion called it forth, they might be trained to meet and deal with all classes of minds.
Men and women who shut themselves up with books and papers, and the few individuals who surround them in the business or the home circle, are narrowing their experience and culture. Next to the actual education of travel from country to country, is the education gained by association with those who have traveled.
In the hard, stern school of life, character is hammered out, as were the golden vessels of the sacred sanctuary. “Beaten work,” it was called, as they were shaped by being beaten out of pure gold, by the hard, continuous hammering of the skilled workman, especially appointed of God for the production of the finished article. So are our lives molded and shaped by contact with hard problems and hard people; gentle folk also, to put on the soft tints. “Man’s goings are of the Lord.” He directs man’s steps, chooses his surroundings, and the persons who are to take part in his schooling. Man’s part is to learn to shape himself to circumstances; to learn each day’s lesson; to meet the people where they are, to help and be helped. This is true education.
But high-class schooling is combined with high tuition. The most valuable costs the most to obtain. So contact-culture requires the relinquishing of the easy-chair in the cosy corner at home; the denying of self in many a cherished plan; taking ourselves in hand, forcing ourselves to do unpleasant things; going to places we would not naturally choose, and at times when we might greatly prefer to be somewhere else, but permitting duty’s call to govern us and balance our decision. Often when we go, we are rewarded by precious experiences and lessons unobtainable elsewhere. From such experiences we return with the Spirit’s witness of approval, with the brain active with new lines of thought startled into healthy action by the facts met with, and with the heart at leisure from itself, lovingly and healthfully occupied with the problems of our brothers, and planning to help meet them.
Scholarships in this school are open to all who are determined to become competent to fill hard places in the work of God.
Wahroonga, N. S. W.

The Book of Daniel

By Editor

Introductory

THE EDITOR
To the student of prophecy in these last days the book of Daniel is full of interest and instruction. The varied experiences of the captives in Babylon, the interpretations of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, the prophetic panorama of the succeeding world-kingdoms culminating in the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of the God of heaven, and the clear delineation of the career and final overthrow of that remarkable power which was to array itself against God and his people,—throughout the whole sweep of history and prophecy thus presented the attention of the thoughtful investigator is held without a break; and he is led along step by step until he is brought face to face with the fulfilment, in this generation, of those predictions which mark the near approach of the end of this age and the reign of the King of righteousness. No other book of the Bible contains in so small a compass so complete an interpretation of the world’s history, and such definite waymarks to the kingdom of glory. Those who love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ will have their faith strengthened, and their hope revived, by meditating frequently upon the instruction found therein.
For nearly a century the minds of earnest and devout men have turned to the book of Daniel as the source of needed light for the church, and things new and old have been brought from it for the edification of believers. As the years have gone by, and the time for understanding “all that the prophets have spoken” has arrived, the interpretation of the book of Daniel has grown more and more clear and convincing, until now it is an open book, and he who runs may read it. In this latest effort to present its teachings, the purpose will be to deal with this remarkable book in a conservative spirit, but to make it perfectly clear that “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,” and that the movement now in progress to give the advent message to all the world in this generation fulfils the words of the prophets. “We have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place.”

God’s Dealings with Israel

As preliminary to a study of the writings of the prophet Daniel, it may be well to review briefly the circumstances which led up to the Babylonish captivity, and thus to become familiar with the setting in which these writings are found. This involves some consideration of God’s dealings with his people from the time that he promised to make of Abraham a great nation, and of the design of God in establishing David’s throne and the temple worship at Jerusalem. It will plainly show that the gospel of the kingdom of heaven was to be proclaimed in all the world, and that the true service of God was to be maintained, even if it became necessary to overthrow both the throne and the temple in order to accomplish this. God’s people must represent the truth to the nations.
The history of Jerusalem is the history of the Lord’s purpose to preach the gospel of salvation to the world through chosen human instrumentalities, and of that self-destruction which results from counter-working the divine purpose. This purpose is intimated in the call of Abraham, “I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing: and I will bless thee that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”
Even the location of Jerusalem was associated from the earliest times with experiences which were in themselves a proclamation of the saving power of God to be revealed in behalf of those who trust in him. It was “into the land of Moriah,” where Jerusalem was afterward built, that Abraham was directed to go for the test of his faith, and it was there that the offering was provided which was typical of the true offering provided centuries later in the same place. When the plague came upon Israel as a punishment for David’s sin in numbering the people, and “the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it,” the Lord said to the destroying angel, “It is enough; now stay thy hand.” When this command was given, “the angel of Jehovah was by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” It was upon this very spot where the sparing mercy of the Lord was thus displayed that Solomon afterward built the temple: “Then Solomon began to build the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where Jehovah appeared unto David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing-floor of Ornan [Araunah] the Jebusite.”
It was with evident reference to the divine purpose concerning Jerusalem that Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill can not be hid. . . . So let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

God’s Chosen City

In his plan for the proclamation of the gospel to the nations of the world, God chose Jerusalem as the place where his name was to dwell, and there he established his house, the sanctuary, where his glory was revealed. Thither he led his people after he had delivered them from the Egyptian bondage, and planted them as “a vine out of Egypt.” Reference is made to this in the song of Moses:—
“Thou wilt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, The place, O Jehovah, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, The sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.”
Thus in a special sense did Jerusalem become the dwelling-place of the Lord, the capital city of his spiritual kingdom, the center from which his light and his salvation were to go forth to the whole world; and so this inspired song was sung:—
“Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, in his holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. God hath made himself known in her palaces for a refuge. . . . As we have heard, so have we seen In the city of Jehovah of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it forever. We have thought on thy loving-kindness, O God, In the midst of thy temple. As is thy name, O God, So is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness.”
By this special revelation of his presence, God separated his people from all the nations of the earth, according to the prophecy of Balaam:—
“For from the top of the rocks I see him, And from the hills I behold him: Lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, And shall not be reckoned among the nations.”
Although the Lord established his people in a land greatly to be desired, in the midst of the nations, yet so long as they remained loyal to him as their King, and maintained their spiritual union with him through the channel provided in the sanctuary and its services, he was their all-sufficient protection against any enemy who might rise up against them. His promise was, “I will cast out nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou goest up to appear before Jehovah thy God three times in the year.” Thus was the Lord to Jerusalem “a wall of fire round about,” and “the glory in the midst of her.”

“Let Them Make Me a Sanctuary”

It was in the sanctuary and its services that God’s people were brought into the closest fellowship with him through their representatives, the priests. Immediately after the deliverance from Egypt, God gave to Moses this commandment, “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them;” and the divine instruction concerning the lamb to be offered morning and evening was, “It shall be a continual burnt-offering throughout your generations at the door of the tent of meeting before Jehovah, where I will meet with you, to speak there unto thee. And there I will meet with the children of Israel.” And the further promise was, “There I will meet with thee [Moses], and I will commune with thee from above the mercy-seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.”
The visible glory of God, the manifestation of the divine presence, was revealed in the sanctuary; and the ark of the covenant, above which was the Shekinah, became the symbol of the presence of God with his people. When therefore the people journeyed, “the ark of the covenant of Jehovah went before them.” And thus “it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, O Jehovah, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O Jehovah, unto the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.” And so when Joshua was about to lead the people over Jordan, he said, “When ye see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.” And again when Jericho was to be taken, Joshua “caused the ark of Jehovah to compass the city,” day by day, during the seven days. When the people by disobedience forfeited the divine presence, they still regarded the ark of the covenant as their protection; and when they feared before the Philistines, they said, “Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of Shiloh unto us, that it may come among us, and save us out of the hand of our enemies.” But there was no salvation in the symbol, apart from the thing signified; and “Israel was smitten,” and “the ark of God was taken.” When this news was conveyed to the wife of Phinehas, she said, “The glory is departed from Israel; for the ark of God is taken.”

A Witness to God’s Purpose

This ark of the covenant was in the holy of holies, “where centered the symbolic service of atonement and intercession, which formed the connecting link between heaven and earth.” In this ark were deposited the tables of testimony, the law of God; and the tabernacle, afterward the temple, thus constructed, and with this revelation of the glory of the divine presence, was a constant witness to the purpose of God to make humanity his dwelling-place through the gift of his Son to take the flesh. This gospel truth was made known not only in the symbolic service of the sanctuary, but in the interpretation given to it in various scriptures; thus we read:—
“When Israel went forth out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.” And again: “I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.”
When the professed people of God lost this truth out of their experience, and when the sanctuary and its services became to them mere outward forms, then the light which was in them became darkness; and being no longer protected by the invisible wall of the divine presence, they were overcome by the nations about them.

Rejecting God as King

As it was the Lord’s purpose that his people should not be numbered among the nations, so it was his purpose that they should not be governed like the nations, but that he himself should be their King, revealing his purposes through his prophets. When, in the time of Samuel, the people said to him, “Make us a king to judge us like all the nations,” the Lord said to him, “They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them;” and although in that demand, “Give us a king,” the Lord heard that declaration made centuries afterward, which marked the rejection of his own Son, “We have no king but Cæsar,” yet he commanded Samuel, “Harken unto their voice, and make them a king.” Thus the desire for a visible leader, a visible representative of him whom they still acknowledged as their invisible King, was granted, but it marked the beginning of the end. The history of the undivided and the divided kingdom is the story of apostasy, varied occasionally by efforts to revive the true worship, and to restore to the people the reality of the sanctuary and its services. For centuries warnings were uttered through the prophets,—warnings against formalism, warnings against trusting in human power, warnings against the rejection of the covenant blessings which were conditioned upon obedience. But in spite of all this, the downward course continued. The result was inevitable. Israel was first carried captive by the king of Assyria; but even this was not sufficient to prevent Judah from continuing in the path of apostasy, and the climax came in her captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem.
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