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Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 11.

THE WORK AND THE WORKERS

Review and Herald

Mar 4, 1915

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 4, 1915

THE WORK AND THE WORKERS

Total sale of the Protestant Free Press Extra, February 1–24, 240,000 copies. And still the orders come!
The second edition of the “War” number of Liberty (10,000 copies) is exhausted, and the third edition (12,000 copies), just off the press, is about all spoken for.
Prices of the Free Press Extra of the Protestant Magazine: Single copy, 5 cents; 5 to 999 copies, 1 cent each; 1,000 copies, $8.00. When mailed by publishers to 10 different addresses, 15 cents; to 100 addresses, $1.50.
Rev. W. W. Bunge, pastor Evangelical Church of Peace, Rochester, Minn., writes: “I received a copy of your Protestant Magazine this morning. It appeals to me very much in every respect. You may put me on your subscription list for 1915.”
The “Picture Section” of the March Protestant Magazine contains photographic reproductions of the Capitol, Washington, D. C., where the great “Free Press Hearing” was held; also of the twelve speakers who participated in the hearing.
The February 22 issue of the American Lutheran Survey, a weekly magazine issued at Columbia, S. C., devotes two thirds of a page to extracts from our Free Press Extra of the Protestant Magazine, under the title “Freedom of the Press Threatened.”
Brother Clyde Lowry, secretary of the Southern California Tract Society, Los Angeles, Cal., writes: “Our orders indicate that we still think of Life and Health, and are doing what we can to extend its circulation. I think that, even in spite of the war, the demand for Life and Health in this field remains about the same. Our workers everywhere report hard times, and that times are getting harder. Still we know that now is the time for us to push our work.”
At the last moment before going to press, the large 32-page form of the March or “Congressional Free Press Hearing” number of the Protestant Magazine was torn to pieces and revised, to insert a most interesting photographic document and one page of matter, regarding Congressman Gallivan’s sectarian use of the United States mails, to advance the interests of the Knights of Columbus. Don’t miss this additional feature, which is well worth the delay it caused.
For 20 cents in stamps we will mail to any address our regular February and March numbers of the Protestant Magazine (the “Free Press,” “Postal Legislation” and “Congressional Free Press Hearing” numbers), and also the Free Press Extra. Regular price of the three, 25 cents. Or we will mail the three magazines, giving the full story of Rome’s two latest attempts to suppress free press in America, to FOUR addresses for 50 cents, or to EIGHT addresses for $1.00. Send to your tract society office.
Mrs. Melvin O. Bradford, Acushnet, Mass., writes: “Dear Brother Bourdeau, I inclose check for $2.00 for 200 copies of the Free Press Extra of the Protestant Magazine. I am so glad for the lively interest of our brethren at the front, and I want to help. It is inspiring to see this work go.”
The March or “Growing Old Gracefully” number of Life and Health contains a most interesting and valuable symposium written by those who have actually “grown old gracefully.” There’s a reason why our faithful veterans—Elders J. N. Loughborough, J. O. Corliss, and H. A. St. John, and others—have attained a peaceful and graceful old age. Read this number and find out for yourself. Contains many other valuable articles in its thirteen departments. Send $1.00 for 20 or $2.00 for 50 copies today. Will sell readily everywhere.
Through the courtesy of 20 of our conferences the “War,” “Peace Movement,” and “Sunday Laws” number of Liberty is being sent to nearly 18,000 judges and attorneys. The orders already filled are as follows: Indiana, 3,000; Ohio, 2,000; Colorado, 1,175; Oklahoma, 1,000; East Michigan, 1,000; Upper Columbia, 678; North Dakota, 645; North Texas, 600; New Jersey, 500; Wisconsin, 500; District of Columbia, 500; West Pennsylvania, 500; Greater New York, 500; West Michigan, 464; North Michigan, 438; Chesapeake, 400; Kentucky, 300. California and Illinois also sent in orders. Remember that $1.00 sent to your tract society will pay for sending this timely number of Liberty to 20 different judges or attorneys in your State.
The great March or “Congressional Free Press Hearing” number of the Protestant Magazine promises to be another big seller. It contains the speeches delivered by the three Roman Catholic Congressmen in favor of the three bills before Congress, aimed at freedom of the press, also the able arguments of Rev. Randolph H. McKim and eight other Protestant clergymen and laymen IN DEFENSE OF FREE PRESS. You will also be interested in the dialogues and the pointed questions of the committee members, intended to bring out the REAL ANIMUS back of these un-American measures. SPREAD THIS NUMBER FAR AND WIDE. Send $1.00 for 20 copies or $2.00 for 50. Mailed by publishers to 20 different addresses for only $1.00. Let every clergyman, editor, postmaster, judge, attorney, professor, and public-school teacher have a chance to read it. Send in the lists, and we will do the rest. It will also sell readily to Protestant Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Guardians of Liberty, and other patriots, as well as to honest Roman Catholics.
Pastor H. H. Burkholder, of Ohio, writes: “Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the Bellville Messenger, our local paper. The editor is decidedly in favor of civil and religious liberty and freedom of speech and press. I gave him a copy of the Free Press Extra of the Protestant Magazine, which he read with a relish. He complimented the spirit and tone of the contents. I found him not only willing to print the prepared editorial, but he seemed pleased to get it. He also detached the blank petition from the copy I gave him, and began securing signatures from his friends. I gave out 50 copies to our business men, and received many compliments from them on the candid, clean, and convincing matter contained therein. In a few hours I secured over 60 names of the business men to the petition against the proposed legislation of Messrs. Fitzgerald and Gallivan.”

Where the “Protestant” Free Press Extra Is Going—No. 3

UP to Wednesday noon, February 24, orders for 239,562 copies of the Free Press Extra of the Protestant Magazine had been received from the following twelve union conferences, as follows:—
Atlantic Union, 27,800 copies, as follows: Massachusetts, 8,100; Greater New York, 8,075; New York, 3,491; Western New York, 3,581; Northern New England, 1,753; Southern New England, 2,800.
Columbia Union, 34,009 copies, as follows: Chesapeake, 1,025; District of Columbia, 1,218; New Jersey, 18,270; Ohio, 8,440; Eastern Pennsylvania, 1,775; West Pennsylvania, 200; Virginia, 2,271; West Virginia, 810.
Lake Union, 66,492 copies, as follows: Northern Illinois, 6,050; Southern Illinois, 1,915; Indiana, 35,005; East Michigan, 11,054; North Michigan, 3,176; West Michigan, 5,687; Wisconsin, 3,605.
Southern Union, 5,740 copies, as follows: Alabama, 1,115; Kentucky, 1,420; Louisiana, 200; Mississippi, 1,550; Tennessee, 1,455.
Southeastern Union, 13,375 copies, as follows: Cumberland, 1,350; Florida, 7,175; Georgia, 3,350; North Carolina, 1,400; South Carolina, 100.
Southwestern Union, 6,565 copies, as follows: Arkansas, 735; New Mexico, 125; Oklahoma, 2,190; North Texas, 1,985; South Texas, 1,375; West Texas, 155.
Central Union, 21,321 copies, as follows: Colorado, 6,726; Western Colorado, 150; Kansas, 3,585; Missouri, 7,190; Nebraska, 1,645; Wyoming, 2,025.
Northern Union, 16,120 copies, as follows: Iowa, 7,160; Minnesota, 6,425; North Dakota, 735; South Dakota, 1,800.
Pacific Union, 11,790 copies, as follows: Arizona, 3,000; California, 1,040; Central California, 1,025; California-Nevada, 500; Southern California, 5,225; Utah, 100.
North Pacific Union, 22,945 copies, as follows: Montana, 1,325; Southern Oregon, 910; Western Oregon, 5,410; Southern Idaho, 375; Upper Columbia, 12,000; Western Washington, 2,925.
Canadian Union, 205 copies, as follows: Ontario, 205.
Western Canadian, 100 copies, as follows: Alberta, 50; Saskatchewan, 50.
Miscellaneous orders, 13,100 copies.
Grand total, 239,562.
The prices of this Free Press Extra are given elsewhere. Let the good work continue. This document as well as the great March or “Congressional Free Press Hearing” number, just off the press, should be placed in every home in America. See also elsewhere on this page our special combination offer on the February, March, and Free Press Extra numbers when mailed to different addresses.
A. J. S. BOURDEAU.

A Call to Prayer

ELIZA H. MORTON
HEAR ye, O soul, when morning dawns, The call to prayer? A still, small voice within thy heart Is whispering there. Hear ye; temptations fierce and strong May come today; Wouldst thou resist in Jesus’ name, Kneel down and pray.
At noon and afternoon again The call is heard, As soft, as sweet, as tremulous As song of bird. Bow down and pray and wrestle there; Thy God will hear. The prayer of faith dispels the clouds And brings light near.
How oft when busy at thy work Impelling power, Thy being thrills, and bids thee pray, Just then, that hour. Obedience makes the heart grow strong With courage new, And gives thee strength to tell the world Things that are true.
North Deering, Maine.

The Call of Isaiah

MRS. E. G. WHITE
The long reign of Uzziah (Azariah), in the land of Judah and Benjamin, was characterized by a prosperity greater than that of any other ruler since the death of Solomon, nearly two centuries before. For many years the king ruled with discretion. “He sought the Lord,” and “God helped him.” Under the blessing of Heaven, his armies regained some of the territory that had been lost in former years; cities were rebuilt and fortified, and the position of the nation among the surrounding peoples was greatly strengthened. Commerce revived, and the riches of the nations flowed into Jerusalem. Uzziah’s name “spread far abroad: for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.”
This outward prosperity, however, was not accompanied by a corresponding revival of spiritual power. The temple services were continued as in former years, and multitudes assembled to worship the living God; but pride and formality gradually took the place of humility and sincerity. Uzziah, by precept and by example, might have inspired his subjects with reverence for God and for the sacred services of the temple; but “when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God.”
The sin that resulted so disastrously to Uzziah was one of presumption. In violation of a plain command of Jehovah, — that none but the descendants of Aaron should officiate as priests, the king entered the sanctuary “to burn incense upon the altar.” Azariah the high priest and his associates remonstrated, and pleaded with him to turn from his purpose. “Thou hast trespassed,” they urged; “neither shall it be for thine honor.” 2 Chron. 26: 5-18.
Uzziah was filled with wrath, that he, the king, should be thus rebuked. But he was not permitted to profane the sanctuary against the united protest of those in authority. While standing there in wrathful rebellion, he was suddenly smitten with a divine judgment. Leprosy appeared on his forehead. In dismay he fled, never again to enter the temple courts. Unto the day of his death, some years later, Uzziah remained a leper — a living example of the folly of departing from a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Neither his exalted position nor his long life of service could be pleaded as an excuse for the presumptuous sin by which he marred the closing years of his reign, and brought upon himself the judgment of Heaven.
God is no respecter of persons. “The soul that doeth aught presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.” Num. 15: 30.
The judgment that befell Uzziah seemed to have a restraining influence on his son. Jotham bore heavy responsibilities during the remaining years of his father’s reign, and succeeded to the throne after Uzziah’s death. Of Jotham it is written: “He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places.” 2 Kings 15: 34, 35. Had Jotham inaugurated a thorough reformation, and torn down these favorite meeting places, encouraging the people to engage unitedly in the temple services, he might have done much to strengthen faith in the true God. But although he failed of making a wise use of his opportunities, his rule was not without good results: he “became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.” 2 Chron. 27: 6.
The reign of Uzziah was drawing to a close, and Jotham was already bearing many of the burdens of state, when Isaiah, of the loyal line, was called, while yet a young man, to the prophetic mission. The times in which Isaiah was to labor were fraught with peculiar peril to the people of God. The prophet was to witness the invasion of Judah by the combined armies of northern Israel and of Syria; he was to behold the Assyrian hosts encamped before the chief cities of the Promised Land. During his lifetime, Samaria was to fall, and the ten tribes of Israel were to be scattered among the nations. Judah was again and again to be invaded by the Assyrian armies, and Jerusalem was to suffer a siege that would have resulted in her downfall had not God miraculously interposed. Already these perils were threatening the peace of Israel. The divine protection was being removed from the southern kingdom, and the Assyrian forces were about to overspread the land of Judah.
But the dangers from without, overwhelming though they seemed, were not so serious as the dangers from within. It was the perversity of his people that brought to the Lord’s servant the greatest perplexity and the deepest depression. By their apostasy and rebellion those who should have been standing as light bearers among the nations, were inviting the judgments of God. Many of the evils which were hastening the swift destruction of the northern kingdom, and which had recently been denounced in unmistakable terms by Hosea and Amos, were fast corrupting the kingdom of Judah.
The outlook was particularly discouraging as regards the social conditions of the people. In their desire for gain, men were adding house to house and field to field. See Isa. 5: 8. Justice was perverted, and no pity was shown the poor. Of these evils God declared: “The spoil of the poor is in your houses. . . . Ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor.” Chap. 3:14, 15. Even the magistrates, whose duty it was to protect the helpless, had turned a deaf ear to the cries of the poor and needy, the widows and the fatherless. Chap. 10:1, 2.
With oppression and wealth came pride and love of display. “The lofty looks” and “the haughtiness of men” are especially mentioned in the messages of reproof given in those days. “Every one that is proud and lofty,” the Lord declared, and “every one that is lifted up . . . shall be brought low.” Chap. 2:11, 12.
In the third chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy mention is made of the prevailing pride of the “daughters of Zion,” with “their tinkling ornaments, . . . the chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, the bonnets, . . . and the headbands, and the tabrets, and the earrings, the rings, and nose jewels, the changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, the glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils.” Chap. 3:18-23. How different this picture from that portrayed by the apostle Peter of the God-fearing woman, who, estimating at its real value the “outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel,” chooses rather to cultivate beauty of soul, “even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” It was “after this manner in the old time” that “the holy women . . . who trusted in God, adorned themselves;” and their “chaste conversion coupled with fear” (1 Peter 3:1-5), as revealed in daily life, was ever a standing rebuke to their sisters who followed after folly.
(To be concluded)

No Place for Sin

E. K. SLADE
He who “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” is the rightful ruler of the universe. He is qualified to rule; and where God is permitted to be in his rightful place, there his kingdom is established. He dwells not only in the “high and holy place,” but in the hearts of the loyal subjects as well. The heart of every loyal subject is God’s throne, where his law, which is the foundation of his throne, is the rule of action in all his subjects. No one less than the Creator is qualified to be such a ruler.
Lucifer’s desire to occupy the place of God resulted in robbing God of the place to rule in Lucifer’s heart. In doing this, to that extent he dethroned the King of the universe. Every effort of his life and every energy of his being from the time of his fall has been to this one end. By his deception and artful cunning he put himself in the place of God in the hearts of Adam and Eve, thus carrying out his purpose as far as this earth and its subjects are concerned. When Christ came to rescue the subjects and their kingdom from the rival ruler, Satan tempted Christ to the end that even the King of kings might give up the throne, and give place to him who rules to ruin.
The gospel, the “mystery of godliness,” is God’s plan through Jesus Christ for rescuing his subjects and regaining his throne. “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” the union wrought by the gospel, is but the enthroning of God in the hearts of his children, thus making them fit subjects for his kingdom.
To the same end—the dethroning of God and the defeating of his purpose—as in the temptation of the two Adams a false gospel is instituted, known as the “mystery of iniquity.” Purporting to be the true way of salvation, its work and end are in keeping with the nature and purpose of its author, as seen in his fall in heaven, and as stated by the prophet, in the following words: “And that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” What has been said and done by this pretended gospel is understood by all. From the system of personal penance to the blasphemous claims of the Pope, the purpose of the rival ruler—seeking to be in the place of God—is clearly seen. In that great struggle when Satan calls to his aid all his host of followers, in whose lives he occupies the place of ruler, he has this one purpose in view, to sit in the seat of God.
Because of the purpose of the rival ruler, which is to rule and ruin, these words from the rightful Ruler come with special force: “Neither give place to the devil.” To cherish any one thing out of harmony with the law of God, or not to permit him to fill the heart with the fullness of his life, is to give place to the devil, and to that extent dethrone God. He is robbed of that much of his realm, inasmuch as he is not permitted to have his place and way in us. He has no place for sin. His fullness is to fill all, and the place that he is not permitted to fill shall “come to naught.”
In the plan of God no place whatever is provided for sin or sinners. When Satan and his angels rebelled in heaven, it is stated that they were cast out; “neither was their place found any more in heaven.” When Adam and Eve sinned, they were driven out of the garden, the place especially prepared for them. In all the course of time since the fall, men and nations have been permitted to exist that they might seek and find restoration to a place in the kingdom of God as provided in the gospel. Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Grecia were each in its turn overthrown, as this privilege ceased to be recognized. The fate of earthly kingdoms wholly denying God’s right to his place, and constituting the realm of the rival ruler, is described by the prophet in the following words: “Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them.”
When the New Jerusalem comes down to the earth at the end of the one thousand years, the resurrected wicked will be assembled from every part of the earth. God and the saved will be within the city. At this time “all flesh will see it [his glory] together.” Inspired anew at the sight of God’s throne, Satan and those who have given place to him, make the last mighty attempt to overthrow the government of God. The destruction that comes to this rebellious host is stated as follows: “And there was no place found for them.” Satan, with all who gave place to him, will have proved to the last to be wholly unfit for any place or part in the kingdom of God.
Only those who have refused to give place to the devil will be safe subjects for heaven. There is no place for him, and neither is there place for one who gives place to him; for he is thus by his own choice placing himself outside the bounds of the kingdom of God, by choosing citizenship and yielding obedience under a ruler whose complete annihilation, with all who give him a chance to rule, will be certain, just, and expedient.
Thus is revealed the enormity of sin. The cherished sin may seem to be innocent and harmless, but its presence in the heart, in that measure gives Satan a realm and a throne.
While sin is thus revealed, the love of God is no less made evident, by his manner of dealing with the sin and sinner, in providing a gospel by which all heaven is poured out in one gift, that rebellious subjects may be restored to a place in the kingdom. Jesus Christ gave up his place in heaven, and came to this world, in which he had not “where to lay his head.” This he did that he might prepare a place for the lost and homeless ones, and hold out the promise made to Abraham and all Israel of a sure dwelling place for all eternity.
The kingdom of God is soon to have its place in all the earth. In a very short time all rival rule is to be put down, and given no place in all the vast universe. Great intensity is crowded into every remaining moment as that event draws near. But a little longer can we have the opportunity to choose to let him have his place and way in us. While he is preparing a place for us, he wants to prepare us for that place. This he can do only by being permitted to have his place in us. To this end are all the means of grace. For this purpose precious probationary moments are still granted.
Mount Vernon, Ohio.

The Accuser Cast Down

A. E. PLACE
OUR first thoughts of the disciple John are, The beloved disciple; the disciple who leaned on Jesus’ breast; the man with the great heart of love.
This was all true of John, but not always true of him. We read of his early experience concerning the man whom he saw casting out devils. At another time we read that he was ready to call down fire from heaven to destroy a whole village. And why?—Because the persons referred to did not see fit to come out and receive Christ according to John’s ideas.
But what was the Lord’s reply to John’s judging? “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9: 51-56. But this was not the end. Christ bore with John day after day, and by kindness and patience led him along, teaching him by precept and example, until John became the beloved disciple, the John of love. Near the close of this man’s life he penned these beautiful words: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” And again: “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
This was no mere theory with John. That which he wrote was a living reality with him, but it came through the mercy and kindness of our Redeemer; and to the end of John’s life he remained true to him who had called him, and led him, and taught him all the way. What was the result? A caldron of boiling oil could neither drown nor burn him; and banishment to that lone, rock-bound, sea-lashed Patmos but opened to his enraptured vision the city of the redeemed, the New Jerusalem, with its twelve foundations, on which was his own name; its sea of glass; the throne of God; and a company perfected through great tribulation, in whose “mouth was found no guile.” He also heard a great voice of triumph in heaven, and the burden of the cry was, “The accuser of our brethren is cast down.” Thank God, and “let all the people say, Amen.”
Who is so unwise as to help the accuser up to the seat of judgment again? Would it not be better to be ourselves banished to Patmos than to assist in any way in the resurrection of this wicked accuser of our brethren?
O that we might all be as kind and patient with one another as the Lord was with his disciples! Yes, as he is today with each one of us. Then we should consider ourselves lest we also be tempted; and history along this line of judging might cease to repeat itself.
San Jose, Cal.

The One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand

I. E. KIMBALL
THE one hundred and forty-four thousand are the first fruits, not the general harvest; a special company, distinct from “the great multitude, which no man could number.” Their experience is different from that of other people; hence they sing a song which none other, not even Moses, may sing; and no others can ever learn that song.
These have the Father’s name written in their foreheads; God’s character, purpose, and life are there engraved. He has full possession of their minds. Every thought is brought into subjection to the will of Christ. These are “not defiled with women; for they are virgins.”
These follow “the Lamb whithersoever he goeth”—not a part of the way. They are perfect imitators, entering fully into his life. They go all the way with him. In the time of the plagues, after probation has closed, they live a blameless life before God while yet here on earth. Of the millions who were brought from Egypt into the wilderness, only two persons followed the Lord “fully” and so went through into his rest. These were Caleb and Joshua. But there will be one hundred and forty-four thousand in the last generation of men. “In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Shall we stand with this company? In Christ’s example, given us to imitate, we note the following: (1) He had but one thought and purpose—to do the work appointed him; (2) he lived by “every word of God,” which comes into the life “line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little;” (3) he was not “rebellious, neither turned away back,” but gave his back to the smiters, and his cheek to them that plucked off the hair; (4) he set his face “like a flint;” (5) he was prepared always to “speak a word in season to him that is weary;” (6) by faith he lived, walked, rested, in the unseen power of God, his faith making all things possible to do that are necessary to be done; (7) he was the Prince of Peace, and he says, “My peace I give unto you;” (8) he was very importunate; (9) he loved God and man with all his heart.
The church of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia) is commended. That church had “a little strength,”—a little faith, a little hope, a little love, a little zeal, a little peace,—and Christ set before them “an open door.” He himself is that door. John 10: 1, 7. He would have them enter fully into his life.
But the Laodiceans are declared to be “miserable,” for they have not taken Christ’s peace and rest, and are miserable representatives of the truth which he gives. They are “poor,” for faith and love are wanting; “blind,” lacking spiritual discernment; and “naked,” because the old character, the tattered rags, is more in evidence than the pure garment of Christ’s righteousness. Let these take heed lest he spew them out of his mouth. But he stands at their door, knocking, with gold, silver, eyesalve, and raiment for all who admit him.
Following a part of the way will not avail us. Christ is looking for more than a little of the strength of hope and faith and love. We must follow when the way gets hard: follow through the darkness; follow through the fires, and when the floods would seem to overflow; follow when the way gets very difficult and narrow; follow when we have to go on foot, having neither the sympathy nor the encouragement of human friendships; follow when stripped of earthly possessions, and the blood is pressed from our feet; follow till we reach the brink of the great chasm which separates this world from the next, and by faith cling to the ropes which bridge that chasm. So may we stand with the one hundred and forty-four thousand.

The Creator and His Creation

M. E. CADY
DR. BREWSTER, in his “Memoirs of Newton,” gives expression to the following as Sir Isaac Newton’s views of the Creator in his relation to his creation:—
“He [Newton] admits that gravity might put the planets in motion, but he maintains that without divine power it could never give them such a circulating motion as they have about the sun, because a proper quantity of a transverse motion is necessary for this purpose; and he concludes that he is compelled to ascribe the frame of this system to an intelligent agent.”
“In the third letter [to Dr. Bentley] he [Newton] states that the hypothesis that matter is at first evenly diffused through the universe, is, in his opinion, inconsistent with the hypothesis of innate gravity without a supernatural power to reconcile them, and therefore it infers Deity. For if there be innate gravity, it is impossible now for the matter of the earth and all the planets and stars to fly up from them, and become evenly spread throughout all the heavens, without a supernatural power; and certainly that which can never be hereafter without a supernatural power, could never be heretofore without the same power.”
Dr. Brewster also quotes from Newton, giving his views on atheism:—
“Opposite to godliness is atheism in profession, and idolatry in practice. Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors. Can it be by accident that all birds, beasts, and men have their right side and left side alike shaped (except in their bowels), and just two eyes and no more, on either side of the face, and just two ears on either side of the head, and a nose with two holes, and either two fore legs or two wings or two arms on the shoulders, and two legs on the hips and no more? Whence arises this uniformity in all their outward shapes, but from the counsel and contrivance of an Author? Whence is it that the eyes of all sorts of living creatures are transparent to the very bottom, and the only transparent members in the whole body, having on the outside a hard transparent skin, and within transparent humors, with a crystalline lens, all of them so finely shaped and fitted for vision that no artist can mend them? Did blind chance know that there was light and what was its refraction, and fit the eyes of all creatures after the most curious manner, to make use of it? These and such like considerations always have prevailed and ever will prevail with mankind to believe that there is a Being who made all things and has all things in his power, and who is therefore to be feared.”
It is to be hoped that this great scientist will be appreciated by the scientists of today, not only as to his discoveries in, and writings on, scientific subjects, but also that his belief in the origin and the supervision of the works of creation may be accepted by them.
Newton, in his writings and in his life, vindicated the great truth that creation and Christianity have one and the same God.

The Reign of Suffering

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
Who knows not suffering, whose reign began When sin enthralled our earth? She treads with plaintive mien the realm of man
Wherever grief has birth, And pain and sorrow speed for her abroad With messages of woe; Yet each, despite her will, allures to God Because he wills it so.
Perverse is man. He heeds no gracious call To heavenly good and bliss. The Father knows when we surrender all ’Twill yield full happiness;
So suffering cuts deep the thriving vine And prunes the light and gay, That for our weal, “Thy will, O Lord, not mine,” The stricken heart may say.
The bruised life a fragrance will disclose,— Beatitudes of grace,— And soon our God shall suffering depose When we behold his face.
Portland, Oregon.

Driving in the Nails — Touching God’s Scepter

JOHN N. QUINN
OFTEN have I escorted friends to the home of the monks, situated in Brookland, a suburb of the national capital, but each time it is with a feeling of reluctance. Its altars and images, its votive lights and paintings; its monks with their woolen stockings in the summer time, and stockingless feet in winter; its catacombs and grottoes,—these things fill me with sadness, for they obscure the Christ who is not to be worshiped with men’s hands, but with men’s hearts.
There is but one object in the monastery that appeals to me, and each time I go there I look at it with great interest. It is a piece of statuary portraying Christ bearing the cross to Golgotha. Each carved face is a study in itself, but that of the Roman soldier with the hammer and the nails is the most noted of all the figures. What a satanic look is on his face, what hatred, what keen enjoyment, as he anticipates his part in the awful tragedy,—a face altogether void of pity or compassion,—a face which makes one shudder to look at it! The hands clutch tightly great spikes and a heavy hammer, and one can almost hear the weighty blows which will in a few moments nail the Sinless One to the accursed tree. What a contrast between that face, expressive of satanic hatred and cruelty, and the face of Christ, who is treading the wine press alone. Sorrow, compassion, a yearning look for recognition by those whom he came to save and whose sins he is bearing in his own body to the tree, are portrayed in the face of the Man of Sorrows.
Who today would drive into the hands and feet of Jesus Christ the nails of crucifixion?—Surely no one. Yet it is possible to crucify Christ afresh and put him to an open shame. He who refuses to receive Christ as a personal Saviour, is crying out, ‘Away with him! crucify him!’ Such a one is a murderer of the Son of God. By living in sin, the nails are driven anew into the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. The rejection of Jesus means the retaining of enmity, the enmity of the wicked one which nailed Christ to the cross, and the trampling underfoot of God’s infinite love.

Scourging the Lord of Glory

The story is told of a man who dreamed that he saw Jesus tied to a whipping post, and a soldier was scourging him. He saw the whip in the soldier’s hand, with its thick lashes studded here and there with bits of lead, which were intended to cut into the flesh. And as the soldier brought the whip down on the bare shoulders of Jesus, the dreamer shuddered when he saw the marks and bloodstains it left behind. And when the soldier raised his hand to strike again, the dreamer rushed forward intending to stop him. As he did so the soldier turned around, and the dreamer recognized—himself.
Christ knocks at the heart’s door, seeking admittance into the life. When he is admitted, he bruises enmity under his heel; he casts out the strong man with his goods, his brood of sins, and establishes God’s reign of grace, of righteousness, and of love. He puts into the hands of the believer the scepter of peace, and the follower of Jesus knows that a king reigns in righteousness.
Reader, what are you doing with Jesus of Nazareth? Are you clutching tightly the nails by which you are to crucify Christ afresh? If you are rejecting him, I beseech you, ‘Be ye reconciled to God.’ Drop the nails and the hammer; ‘kiss the Son’ before his grace departs and justice takes the throne. Recognize his scepter of peace, of righteousness, and you may step out of the ‘horrible pit’ of sin to the throne of delightful Christian experience. The extended scepter welcomed Esther to the presence of the Persian king. God’s extended scepter, touched by you, will permit you to come to the throne of God’s grace, and eventually to the throne of glory.

Never Perish, Never

‘Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when he walked among men, is still the same mighty Redeemer. Then grasp his promises as leaves from the tree of life: ‘Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.’ As you come to him, believe that he accepts you, because he has promised. You can never perish while you do this—never.’—‘Ministry of Healing,’ page 66.
‘The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,’ will be the despairing cry of many who have lived in a Christian land, who have heard Christ preached, who have been urged to surrender self and sin to God, but who have turned their backs on the service of truth. Opportunities rejected will bring anguish of soul to the lost, and the wealth of the world, were it possessed, would gladly be given for one drop of the water of life.
‘Turn ye, turn ye, . . . for why will ye die?’ ‘Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words [not works], and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously [in grace]: so will we render the calves of our lips. . . . I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.’ Hosea 14:1-4.
If we have received Christ, we are not ‘children of wrath, even as others’ who reject him. But God hath ‘delivered us from the wrath to come.’ We shall have ‘boldness in the day of judgment;’ and if boldness in the day of justice, how much the more may we have boldness in the day of grace! Then come with boldness to the throne of grace. God awaits you with extended scepter. He stands ready to forgive; he will receive you as his child; he will seal you with his Spirit; and because you are in Christ, he will take you to himself, in a little while, when the heavens shall be no more, when he shall come whom you no longer crucify, but whom in your life you have crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. ‘Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.’

An Introspective Exhortation

C. P. BOLLMAN
COME, O my soul, and seek the Lord; Learn thou to rest upon his word: Trust in his promise all divine; Thus make his love and virtue thine.
All that which God in Jesus wrought, Was by his life for sinners bought; 'Tis free, imputed to each one In whom a new life is begun.
But what first as a gift is sought, Must e'en into the life be wrought: He gives that we again may give; He died that we for him may live.
Mere human effort often flags; Man's righteousness is filthy rags: But in his life all virtues meet; And, found in him, I am complete.
Takoma Park, D. C.

Prayer and the Bell of Heaven

“PRAYER pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional pluck at the rope; but he who wins with Heaven, is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might.”
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