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Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 40.

Editorial
Earlier text: STRIFE

PRISON WORK.

By Editor

THE following letter is from Brother H. Clay Griffin, secretary of the Arkansas tract society. It was designed for the Missionary Echo, organ of the California society, but we deem it worthy of a larger circulation than that afforded in the Echo, and therefore give it a place here:—
VAN BUREN, Ark., July 29, 1893.
DEAR ECHO: Under the heading “Prison Work” in a recent issue, you ask if others are doing anything in this line of work. We have been visiting the jail at this place once a week since the 1st of September last. Three have given their hearts to the Lord. Two of these were acquitted. One was sent to the State prison for four years. He accepted our doctrines and would keep the Sabbath if he was free. I have sent him over 1,000 pages of tracts, which he distributes among his fellow prisoners,—taking them up and giving them out to others. He reports quite an interest in the prison to know the truth.
One of the men in the prison here said: “You have no idea how it cheers us up for you to come. All appreciate your visits from the bottom of our hearts. And if ever you are put in prison and we can reach you, we will visit you.” He said to tell the Echo for him that the people of all other denominations who visit the jail walk through and gaze at them as though they were wild animals, never so much as speaking to them, much less shaking their hands and singing and praying with them.
We have had some good meetings with them. Hard-hearted men, when cut off from the world, will take an interest in religion if presented in the right way. We take from three to eight young ladies of our church with us to these meetings, and generally a few of the brethren go and take a part in the exercises.
I have just received a letter from Brother J. D. Kessee, the one who was sentenced for four years. He is now at Spadra in the coal mines; he would appreciate a letter from any of the brethren or sisters, and would distribute tracts or papers if sent to him. If any should write to him please inclose stamp, paper, and envelope, as he is a poor man and can only write as the material is furnished.
There is a great deal we could tell you that is encouraging in this branch of the work, but the best way to obtain this knowledge is to get it by experience—by visiting the prison and cheering up the inmates.
The letter from Brother Kessee, above referred to, breathes a true Christian spirit. There is no complaint of his lot as a prisoner, or any attempt to create an undue sympathy in his own behalf. Brother Griffin sends us the letter, from which we take the following extract:—
I am trying to become stronger in the cause every day, and I don't know how to express my gratitude for the interesting reading I have received from your hand and through you from others. And I praise the Lord when I see the interest some of my fellow prisoners have taken in the Sabbath question and other items of interest in the papers and tracts. If you send me more I hope and believe I may use them to the advantage of the Master's cause. Direct to Little Rock, care of R. W. Worthen.

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

THE address of Elder B. J. Cady is Ieturoa, Raiatea, Society Islands, South Pacific Ocean.
IT has been decided by the New Zealand Conference to hold a camp meeting at Auckland in November.
AT Lead Hill, Ark., eight have accepted the faith through the labors of Brethren W. F. Martin and Thos. I. Roffe.
FROM the Bible Echo we learn that Sister E. G. White is at Wellington, N. Z., engaged in writing on her forthcoming "Life of Christ."
A NEW meeting house has been erected at Kellyville, New South Wales, Australia, under the supervision of Elders David Steed and Robert Hare.
ELDER CLARENCE SANTEE reports twelve accessions to the faith at Mountain Grove, Mo., nearly all of whom were formerly Quakers, one a minister.
WITH reference to meetings being held at Bonne Terre, Mo., Elder J. B. Beckner says his forty-foot tent is not nearly large enough to seat the people who attend.
A CHURCH of sixteen members was organized at Green Top, Mo., July 14, by Elder W. S. Hyatt. Since that time a considerable addition has been made through the labors of Brother Geo. M. Ellis. UNDER the labors of Brother Swin Swinson at Antigo, Wis., ten have accepted the Seventh-day Adventist faith.
ELDER E. J. VAN HORN states that on the 22d ult. twelve were added to the church at Cleveland, Ohio, six by baptism.
TENT meetings are being held at Mankato, Minn., with services in both English and German, by Elders J. S. Shrock and J. H. Behrens.
THE brethren who are sending papers to F. A. Hopkins, 529 Wall Street, Los Angeles, Cal., will please discontinue them for the present.
BRETHREN F. H. WESTPHAL and Wm. Schafer are engaged in colporter work among the Germans at Freeport, Ill., and they say that reading matter is eagerly received.
THE South Dakota Worker reports an unusual interest in the Sabbath school at Vilas. It had about outgrown the meeting hall. One young man had come eighteen miles on foot, and others came twelve miles.
A CHURCH has been organized at Ellicottville, N. Y., the membership being composed of brethren residing at various points in the vicinity. At the organization there were eighteen members, but it was expected that as many more would soon be added. A new meeting house has been erected.
AMONG the "deeply interested" attendants on tent meetings held at Pine City, Minn., by Elder W. B. Hill and others, are an Indian and his wife. It is time the red man's attention was called to the law of God. Many people have told him that he is a sinner, but with few exceptions he has not been given an intelligent idea of what sin is,—that it is "the transgression of the law" of God.
THE Bible Echo of July 1 announces the following faculty for the present term of the Australasian Bible School: L. J. Rousseau, principal, history, and natural sciences; Geo. B. Starr, biblical history and ethics; John Bell, Jr., mathematics; Eliza J. Burnham, higher English; Mrs. L. J. Rousseau, assistant in English language; May Israel, phonography and typewriting; Mrs. G. B. Starr, matron; John S. Reekie, steward.
ELDER R. G. GARRETT reports a novel experience in Sutherland, Ky. The pastor and trustees of the Methodist Church granted him the use of the meeting house when there was no regular appointment. But some of the members began questioning the authority for Sunday keeping and demanded of the pastor Scripture proof for the alleged change of the Sabbath. This was too much for the pastor, and he objected to the further use of the house by Brother Garrett.

CHRISTIAN LIVING IN CHRISTIAN AND HEATHEN LANDS.

THE effect produced upon the minds of converts from heathenism when they visit Christian lands is often quite the reverse of what was anticipated. They are always impressed by the marks of skill and enterprise everywhere visible in America and in Europe; but they are often shocked beyond measure to see so many unbelievers, and such open disregard of Christian morality. They are not prepared to find that the lands which are called Christian are not Christian, and, worst of all, they are amazed at finding the church of Christ so like the world.
In a brief memorial of Mrs. Ahok, the well-known wife of a Christian native merchant at Foo-Chow, China, it is said that when she came to England, not as a traveler to amuse herself, but on a mission in behalf of her countrywomen, she was so overcome by the sight of Christians living in luxury instead of giving their thought and endeavor to Christian work, that her friends felt it to be too great a strain for her faith to let her remain in such circumstances. Her own faith and zeal were so far beyond what she witnessed in the body of professed Christian believers, that she seemed like one who had received a staggering blow. Oh, for a witnessing church!
—Missionary Herald.

A PRAYER OF FAITH.

By Eliza H. Morton

BY ELIZA H. MORTON.
UPON my soul is a burden, A burden for one I love; My heart goes out in its fullness For help and strength from above.
I pray to thee, O my Saviour; With tears I bow at thy feet; I claim by faith the blest promise; 'Tis mine, 'tis mine, oh, how sweet!
The one I love will be troubled; I know the work will be done. That will so proud will be broken; The work e'en now is begun.
And He who works will accomplish Far more than I dare to ask; That face will light up with glory, That soul in thy sunshine bask.
I know, I have the assurance; Thy promise stands fast to-day. I'll praise thee now for the answer, I'll praise thee while I pray.
I'll never let go, O Jesus, Till I with my eyes shall see Salvation and joy and gladness To one that is dear to me.

BEATING THE AIR.

BEATING the air is quite common in the church. The minister who spends his time and strength preaching against errors which do not exist in his community “beateth the air.” The preacher who preaches on secular topics and about the fringes of truth, and never comes home to the center of the gospel, who preaches to the intellect, and not to the heart, who delights the refined taste of the cultured, but never arouses the conscience of the ungodly, “beateth the air.” The church that conducts revival meetings for six weeks in succession without witnessing the awakening of one sinner or the revival of one lukewarm soul, beats the air. The Christian people who labor hard to build up Zion and pull down the strongholds of wickedness in the community by holding festivals and sacred concerts and other entertainments, are engaged in beating the air. They weary themselves out of breath and out of temper, but accomplish nothing. The soul that struggles to subdue lust, to overcome temptation, and to become righteous by fasting, by bringing to bear the strength of his will and all his energies, without giving his heart to God, beats the air. The more he struggles the worse become his entanglements and the more his strength is wasted. To overcome a sinful heart we must open the door and admit the Conqueror, who stands knocking. To pull down the strongholds of sin we must use the weapons God has provided, laying aside all carnal weapons. Effectual blows can only be dealt with the gospel of the Son of God.—Christian Advocate.

High Grade Bicycles for Sale

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The above are in excellent condition. E. J. Drake, Care of Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

A WORD FROM TAHITI.

By Elliot C. Chapman

THE fruit donated to the Pitcairn by the brethren and sisters of California was much appreciated and relished, and has led us to long that those who were so kind as to send it might see how much we enjoyed it. There is nothing in the tropics that takes the place of the apples, pears, peaches, plums, and raisins of the temperate zone, nor will we ever become so weaned from the tastes of our childhood as not to look back on those scenes of well-loaded apple trees, and long for even the smell of America's fruit trees. We of Tahiti are especially thankful to the sisters of the Santa Rosa church for a box they sent, as it was our good fortune to have that allotted to the mission here. We know not who sent the raisins, prunes, and other boxes, but the Lord does.
We are well supplied at present, but should anyone feel disposed to help this mission in the future, anything sent to my brother, E. A. Chapman, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., will be forwarded to us by the mail boat which leaves every month. Our family here consists of Elder A. J. Read and wife, a little native girl, my wife and myself. We are of good courage in the work of the Lord.
Your brother in Christ, ELLIOT C. CHAPMAN.

LITERARY NOTICES.

By Editor

ONE of the neatest little Parliamentary Manuals we know is contained in the "AMERICAN POCKET PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY," published by Glenwood Company, 5007 Calumet Avenue, Chicago. Price, 25 cents. Besides the manual the dictionary contains 30,000 words in common use, besides other useful things. An excellent pocket companion.
The General Electric Company, 44 Broad Street, New York, sends out a finely illustrated folder showing the wonderful progress which electricity has made during the last dozen years. This is the electric age and it moves rapidly.
The Drexel Art Science and Industry Institute, of Philadelphia, sends out a neat descriptive circular, illustrating and describing the various parts and branches of this great institution. It includes in its educational facilities training for every department of life.
"HOW TO SEE THE WORLD'S FAIR WITH LITTLE MONEY" is a little pamphlet, price 25 cents, published by M. Parker, P. O. box 836, Chicago, Ill. It offers some excellent suggestions to those who would be left in Chicago to the mercy of strangers.
"SATAN'S FIRST LIE, OR MAN IN DEATH," by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle, price 15 cents. Michigan Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich. This is the presentation of man's nature in rhyme. The plan of the work being didactic, based upon definite Scripture statements, prevents to a great extent in the very nature of the case the display of the poetic gift which the author possesses, but the subject is presented in a pleasing, forcible style, fortified by abundant scriptures in footnotes at the bottom of the page. From what we have read of it, we believe that it will do much good if widely circulated.
"LETTERS FROM A MOTHER TO A MOTHER ON THE CARE OF CHILDREN'S TEETH," by "Mrs. M. J. W." Published by the Wilmington Dental Mfg. Co., Philadelphia, Pa. The writer of these letters is the wife of a dentist who has evidently placed much more study on the subject of the teeth than many dentists. She writes pleasantly, lucidly, and earnestly, and in the sixteen different letters or chapters she presents many excellent hints and timely suggestions, with much good advice. Among the most important topics treated are: Importance of the Teeth, When and How Formed, Food Principles, Where the Elements of Tooth Substance Are Found, Care of the Teeth Temporary and Permanent in Sickness and in Health, Why the Baby Teeth Should Be Preserved, etc., etc. Address as above.
METHODS OF PRECISION IN THE INVESTIGATION OF DISORDERS OF DIGESTION, by J. H. Kellogg, M. D., superintendent of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., member of the American Medical Association, and nine other medical and scientific associations. Modern Medicine Pub. Co., Battle Creek, Mich. This pamphlet is the reprint of a paper read before the Cincinnati meeting of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association. The methods herein explained, and the illustrative cases given, would, we judge, prove of great value to medical men.
"Chart of the Doctrine of the Soul or Spirit of Man," by Lloyd J. Caldwell, Battle Creek, Mich. Price, 5 cents each, 20 cents a hundred, $1.00 a thousand. This chart gives in a condensed form the evils which have grown out of the first falsehood of Satan, in the pagan and papal worlds, together with a synopsis of the teachings of the Bible on the resurrection, judgment, and second coming of Christ. We wish some of the statements could be modified and some eliminated, but on the whole it states many important facts. It is 23x18 inches, on heavy paper, printed on both sides. One-half of one side is taken up with "Chart of American Politics." Address as above.
Worthington's Illustrated Magazine for August opens with the second of the interesting papers entitled "Random Notes on Hawaiian Life," written by C. T. Rodgers, M.D., a prominent physician, now and for many years a resident of Honolulu. The article treats of the native feasts; of Honolulu's picturesque mountain background, with a description of the Pali and the superb view from its summit; of beautiful Waikiki, "the Long Branch of Honolulu;" of the fern and shell and wild animal hunting of Hawaiian youths, and furnishes a very graphic account of life and work upon the great sugar plantations, from the planting of the cane to the granulating of the sugar. The third paper will treat of Mauna Loa, with its lonely crater dome rising nearly 14,000 feet, and of Kilauea, "the volcano," where nature's fires are never extinguished. The illustrations from special photographs are noticeable for their beauty and artistic reproduction, adding greatly to the enjoyment and value of the article. Mrs. Livermore's eighth paper of personal experience, "In 'Ole Virginny'—Fifty Years Ago," "Mental Characteristics of the Japanese," and "Reminiscences of an Army Bride" of twenty years ago, are interesting papers. The departments are well sustained. Price, 25 cents. A. D. Worthington & Co., Hartford, Conn.

CAMP MEETINGS FOR 1893.

By General Conference Committee

DISTRICT NUMBER ONE.

Atlantic, Newark, Del............................Aug. 17-27 Vermont, Waterbury........................Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 Maine, Bath..................................................Sept. 1-10 New England, West Lynn, Mass..........Sept. 7-17

DISTRICT NUMBER TWO.

Tennessee, Nashville..................................Sept. 5-12

DISTRICT NUMBER THREE.

Indiana, Indianapolis................................Aug. 8-14 Ohio, Mt. Vernon.......................................Aug. 11-21 Michigan (State), Lansing..............Sept. 21 to Oct. 1 Michigan (northern), Traverse City....Aug. 21-28 Illinois (State).....................................Aug. 28 to Sept. 4 Illinois (northern), Streator........................................ Illinois (southern), Olney..........................Sept. 13-19

DISTRICT NUMBER FOUR.

Iowa, Castana..............................................Aug. 8-15 Nebraska, Seward......................................Aug. 22-29

DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE.

Texas, South Park, Dallas........................Aug. 10-20 Arkansas, Clarksville.......................Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 Colorado, Denver...........................Aug. 30 to Sept. 10 Colorado (western), Delta............Sept. 27 to Oct. 2 Kansas, Phillipsburgh, Phillips Co....July 20-30 Kansas (southeastern), Thayer, Neosho Co.............................................................Aug. 3-13 Kansas (southwestern), Turon, Reno Co ...........................................................Aug. 17-27 Kansas, Herrington.....................................Sept. 7-17 Missouri, Sedalia........................................Sept. 13-24 Oklahoma......................................................Oct. 3-9
GEN. CONF. COM.

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Inclose two dollars for a copy, or inclose two-cent postage stamp for a table of contents and terms to agents. Address BENJ. W. HITCHCOCK, Publisher, 385 Sixth Avenue, New York.

TO THE WORLD'S FAIR.

Weekly Excursions.

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Union Between Protestants and Catholics

UNION BETWEEN PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS. Some prominent points showing the prospects of such a confederacy. 8 pp.; $1.00 per hundred. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture, Acts 26: 19-32.

19. Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20. But declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
21. For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me.
22. Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23. How that the Christ must suffer, and how that he by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
24. And as he thus made his defense, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning doth turn thee to madness.
25. But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
26. For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.
27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28. And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.
29. And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.
30. And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them;
31. And when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32. And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
Golden Text.—"Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." 1 Cor. 1: 24.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

1. Mention the most important intervening events between this and the last lesson. Note 1.
2. Give the summary of the first part of Paul's speech before Agrippa. Acts 26: 1-18. Note 2.
3. How did Paul regard this vision of the Lord and its instructions? Verse 19.
4. What did he say of his work? Verse 20.
5. What did this preaching of Christ cause? Verse 21.
6. Who helped him in this preaching? Verse 22.
7. What only did he preach? Verses 22, 23.
8. What was proclaimed by the resurrection of Christ? Note 3.
9. What did his noble defense lead Festus to think? Verse 24.
10. What was Paul's reply? Verse 25.
11. To whom did he appeal as to the facts concerning Christ? Verse 26.
12. With what earnest appeal did he turn to Agrippa? Verse 27.
13. What did Agrippa reply? Verse 28.
14. What earnest wish did Paul express? Verse 29.
15. To what conclusion did Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice come? Verses 30-32.
16. Who was ever the defense of Paul and the subject of his preaching? Golden text. Note 4.

NOTES.

1. For two years Paul remained a prisoner at Caesarea, but was allowed large liberty. Acts 24: 27. When Festus, the new governor of Judea, came to succeed Felix, the Jews renewed their complaint against Paul, and asked that he might be sent to Jerusalem, which request was refused. At Caesarea Festus heard their charges, which they could not prove; but Festus, anxious to please the Jews, asked Paul if he were willing to go to Jerusalem, whereupon Paul appealed unto Caesar, knowing that he would have no justice among the Jews. Festus after some time brings Paul before Herod Agrippa II., king of the country east of the Jordan, and Bernice, who was both his sister and mistress, that he might better know what he should say to Nero when Paul was sent to him. Chapter 25. Before these Paul was permitted to defend himself by preaching Christ.
2. In his wonderful defense before Agrippa Paul first expresses his thankfulness that he is permitted to speak before one who is acquainted with the customs of the Jews (chapter 26: 1-3); he next speaks of his manner of life, of the sect of the Pharisees (verses 4, 5); and then of the hope of the fathers, the resurrection of the dead (verses 6-8); of his own former position and work toward Jesus and his disciples, even to persecution (verses 9-11); of his journey to Damascus bent on this very object (verse 12); of how the Lord appeared to him in the way, arrested his work, and told him that he was chosen as a minister and witness of Christ to the Gentiles, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they might be saved (verses 13-18). Here begins our lesson scripture.
3. By the resurrection of the dead.—By the resurrection of the dead Christ proclaimed the absolute victory over death, and hence over sin, the cause of death. His resurrection was a pledge of all other resurrections. His resurrection to immortality was a pledge of the resurrection to immortality of all who will put their trust in him.
4. Christ.—When Paul was brought before courts for trial, he preached Christ; when speaking to defend himself, he gave his own experience; when accused, he simply told the story of the cross. What better defense did he want? Did not Christ promise words for such an occasion? Did he not promise to be with his people always, even to the end of the age? Could we ask for a better defense? Paul and Christ were more than all earthly courts.

LESSON IX.—SABBATH, AUGUST 26, 1893.

THE GODLY LIFE. I PETER 4:1-8.

REVIEW QUESTIONS.—(a) What care has the Lord for the righteous? (b) How should we regard the evil which may come upon us? (c) What great example have we in this? (d) What is our duty in view of such trouble?

I. Suffering with Christ.

VERSES 1-6: "Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, wine bibbings, revelings, carousings, and abominable idolatries; wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you; who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."
  1. Who has suffered for us? Note 1.
  2. In view of this what should we do?
  3. What effect does God design that this suffering shall have on us?
  4. How should we regard our past life?
  5. How will the world regard this turning away from sin?
  6. What will they do?
  7. To whom must they give account?
  8. To whom may we commit our cause?
  9. What warning and privilege has God given all in view of the judgment? Note 2.

II. Positive Duties and Virtues.

VERSES 7, 8: "But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer; above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins."
  1. What great event does the apostle declare to be at hand?
  2. What should we do in view of that event? Note 3.
  3. What grace should we cherish above all others? Note 4.
  4. What will this charity or love do?

NOTES.

1. Suffered in the flesh.—Christ took upon himself the infirmities and sins of the flesh (Heb. 2: 14; 4: 15; 2 Cor. 5: 21); but to every sin he died; every lust he crucified; every selfish desire he denied himself; and all for our sakes. We are to reckon ourselves dead unto sin (Rom. 6: 11), to put to death the passions and sins of the flesh (Rom. 8: 12, 13; Gal. 5: 24), to deny ourselves (Matt. 16: 24), to renounce all and follow him (Luke 14: 33). Thus, dying to sin, in Christ we cease from sin and live unto God. Rom. 6: 11; 7: 4. This death to sin is in a sense instantaneous when the soul by faith yields all to God and accepts of Christ's death for his death and Christ's life for his life. Rom. 6: 3-7. It is progressive in the sense that, day by day, moment by moment, the soul, by the Spirit of God, yields every upspringing lust of the flesh to the will of God. He died to sin when he yielded himself to God. When the lust of the mortal body asserts itself, he reckons it dead; it is crucified by the Spirit, and Christ reigns instead of carnal lust. Rom. 6: 11, 12. The lust is not sin; it is yielding to the lust that is sin. James 1: 15. The suffering for Christ and with Christ is when we by the Spirit crucify or put to death the lust when it rises, in the very thought which gave it birth. As long as we wear the mortal flesh, temptation will arise, but Christ gained the victory in the flesh for us (Rom. 8: 2, 3), and we in him may also gain the victory (1 Cor. 15: 57, 58). See Rom. 8: 12, 13; Col. 3: 3-6. Let the past in evil be sufficient; live for Christ now.
2. For unto this end.—For this object; that is, the object of the gospel is to save us from sin and that we might live unto righteousness. To them that are dead.—Dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2: 1); the gospel is preached to them that the life in it may give life to them, so that they might live unto God. See 1 Peter 2: 24. God warns us of the judgment, but gives to all the privilege of living according to God a spiritual life.
3. Of sound mind.—Rightly weigh between the things of time and eternity. Be sober, not intoxicated with the pleasures or pursuits of life, sober even unto constant prayer. "Pray without ceasing." We are not safe a single moment without God.
4. Fervent in your love.—"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The more closely we resemble our Saviour in character, the greater will be our love toward those for whom he died. Christians who manifest a spirit of unselfish love for one another are bearing a testimony for Christ which unbelievers can neither gainsay nor resist. It is impossible to estimate the power of such an example. Nothing will so successfully defeat the devices of Satan and his emissaries, nothing will so build up the Redeemer's kingdom, as will the love of Christ manifested by the members of the church. Peace and prosperity can be enjoyed only as meekness and love are in active exercise. . . . Love 'rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.' He whose heart is imbued with love is filled with sorrow at the errors and weaknesses of others; but when truth triumphs, when the cloud that darkened the fair fame of another is removed, or when sins are confessed and wrongs corrected, he rejoices. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Discord and strife are the work of Satan and the fruit of sin. If we would as a people enjoy peace and love, we must put away our sins, we must come into harmony with God, and we shall be in harmony with one another. Let each ask himself: Do I possess the grace of love? Have I learned to suffer long and to be kind? Talents, learning, and eloquence, without this heavenly attribute, will be as meaningless as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Alas that this precious treasure is so lightly valued and so little sought by many who profess the faith!"—Testimony 31.
WORD THOUGHTS.—Arm (v. 1), put on you as an armor the same mind, the same thought; wear it constantly, as does the soldier in service. The whole armor is "in the mind of Christ." See Eph. 6: 13.—Lasciviousness (v. 3), "wantonness" (Rom. 13: 13), excesses of all kinds.—Lusts, fleshly lusts, the inner passions of licentiousness.—Wine bibbings, insatiate desire or appetite for drink, drinking wine to the full.—Revelings, the word originally meaning only "merry-making," but, like all selfish pleasures, degenerating to carousing. Referring to old village celebrations, accompanied with music and "a revel, lascivious feasting" (Gal. 5: 21), dancing.—Banquetings, literally "a drinking bout."—Abominable, "unlawful, wicked," violation of divine law.—Run not with them (v. 4), that is, as Bengel observes, "in a troop," like a company of revelers; compare with chap. 2: 24, "going astray like sheep."—Excess, "pouring forth," margin, "flood."—Riot, "profligacy," wastefulness, debauchery.—Ready (v. 5), "implying a near judgment." (Vincent.) See v. 7.—Is at hand (v. 7), is come near, "has come nigh."—Sober, R. V. "sound mind." Compare with Mark 5: 15.—Watch, R. V. "sober." See chap. 4: 13.
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