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Signs of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 15.

TWO MANNER OF PEOPLE
Earlier text: PEARL FISHERIES OF VENEZUELA

THE SABBATH SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SERIES

LESSON 4.—APRIL 26.—THE TWO MYSTERIES.

NOTE.—This series of lessons is entitled, “Studies on the Gospel Message.” For Introduction and excellent suggestions as to their study, we refer the student to the Lesson Quarterly.
In the Gospel of the kingdom as first preached (Gen. 3:15), and again proclaimed to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3, 7), the promised Seed was the center of hope. This promised Seed was the coming Messiah, the Christ (Gal. 3:16), the revelation of the Father to the world (Matt. 11:27), “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). This union of divinity with humanity is the foundation of Christianity. It is the heart and soul of all religious experience. Gal. 2:20. This manifestation of God in the flesh in the person of His Son is the revelation of the secret of the ages (Rom. 16:25, 26), and is “the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16).
In the development of the Gospel, every further revelation of divine truth has been met by Satan with a counterfeit of the truth. And so “the mystery of iniquity” was Satan’s answer to “the mystery of godliness;” but the Scripture unmasks the deception. In the second chapter of 2 Thessalonians such a manifestation of sin is described as might, in an accommodated sense, be called the incarnation of Satan. This is “the falling away” (verse 3, R.V.), and the revelation of the “man of sin.” The self-exaltation and the opposition to God set forth in the following verse correspond exactly to Daniel’s prophecy of the work of the “little horn,” which had “eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” Dan. 7:8. The whole chapter gives a view of the final stage of the controversy between the “little horn” (the man of sin) and the Son of Man. In saying that “the man of sin” “opposeth” (or acts the part of an adversary), he is identified as the direct representative of Satan. See Zech. 3:1 and margin. And this again identifies “the man of sin” with the first beast of Revelation 13, to whom the dragon (Satan, Rev. 12:9) gave his own power. It thus appears that the controversy now is between the same persons and over the same issues as at the beginning—the controversy between Christ and Satan for the supremacy—when “there was war in heaven.” Then it was a face-to-face combat in heaven. Now the warfare has been transferred to the earth (Rev. 12:9), and Christ in the flesh is to meet and vanquish Satan in the flesh. And so “the mystery of godliness” is the only real answer to “the mystery of iniquity.” This, then, must be the principal theme of the message against the beast and his image.

QUESTIONS.

  1. In what promise was the Gospel first preached?
  2. To whom and in what language was this promise renewed?
  3. What was the center of hope in both instances?
  4. In whom were these promises fulfilled?
  5. What name indicated his relationship to God and man?
  6. What union was thus effected? How important is this experience to the Christian?
  7. What secret was thus revealed?
  8. What is it defined to be?
  9. What developed “the mystery of iniquity”?
  10. In what prophecy is the incarnation of wickedness described?
  11. How are the “man of sin” of this prophecy and the “little horn” of Daniel’s prophecy identified?
  12. How is the “man of sin” identified with the first beast of the thirteenth chapter of Revelation?
  13. What conclusion follows from these facts?
  14. To what place has the original controversy been transferred? Under what new condition is it being carried forward?
  15. In presenting the Gospel of the kingdom to meet the present conditions, what must be the principal theme of the message?

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ANOTHER AID

By Editor

By Way of Remembrance

The following plans were published early in 1902, but not all have understood them so we repeat them here
HEREAFTER the isolated missionary worker and the small church will be supplied with the SIGNS at the same price as the largest church. That rate is seventy cents per copy in clubs of five or more.
This is an important change, and certainly one which will appeal to thousands of our brethren and sisters who can not secure papers through a large club and can not afford to subscribe for a few copies at the rates which have been in force heretofore.
It will also recommend itself to members of large churches who take five or more copies through their church clubs, inasmuch as they may now receive them direct from this office. It is true the rate on these large clubs will be slightly increased, but the greater convenience of a personal club, and the knowledge of the fact that their small financial loss is the gain of the isolated member, will outweigh the increased expense.

ANOTHER AID

From any one who is taking a club of five papers, we will accept single additional subscriptions at the rate of 83 cents per year. In other words we will charge only the club rate of 70 cents per year plus the cost of sending out such single subscriptions separately, which is one-fourth cent each, or 25 cents per hundred. This offer will greatly help those who are engaged in missionary correspondence, who wish papers sent to individuals only a month or six weeks. Often the person to whom such papers are sent, if written to with the first copy, will either write his appreciation of the paper or refuse to accept it within that time, in which case it may be changed to another name without additional cost.
Then again, there are many churches that would gladly use larger clubs if they did not have to pay a cent a copy postage. If such will send in lists of names to which they wish papers sent, we will address, wrap, and mail such papers for 25 cents extra per hundred, or will furnish the papers and send them out for $1.60 per hundred.

SPECIAL TERMS

We have not changed our special terms to those taking less than five papers. They are as follows:—
One new yearly subscription and one renewal, or two new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $2.50.
Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $3.25.
Three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or four new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $4.00

SPECIAL AGENTS

We have a class of agents who are selling one hundred or more copies of the SIGNS weekly, from house to house. The results of such work have been most excellent, and to encourage it all we can we have made a special rate of $1.00 per hundred. This is allowed only where one hundred or more are taken weekly, however. This rate will be continued.

CO-OPERATION

It is our desire to co-operate with those in the field, hence the foregoing plans. They will add much to our work here, but this we will look upon as our part, and it will be done to the very best of our ability. Write to us.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California

Jesus and the Resurrection

Important thoughts upon immortality and the resurrection are clearly presented in this tract, showing our dependence on the Saviour for both. A. G. L. No. 42. 50 cents per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

Looking unto Jesus

A remarkably impressive little tract translated from the French. It aims to lead souls so to behold Him that they will ask not, “What can I do?” but “What can He not do?” A. G. L. No. 1. 50 cents per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
New York City  Oakland, Cal.  Kansas City, Mo.

Choose Ye This Day

Presents in an impressive manner the fact that it is ours to choose whom we will serve, and represents what will be the result of our choice. A. G. L. No. 14. 50 cents per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

CHILE

A LETTER has just been received from Brother A. R. Ogden, at present a missionary in Chile, appealing to his brethren in America to assist the work there in the way of furnishing him with a club of SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
This paper has rightly been termed our “pioneer,” and it is in this role that Brother Ogden wishes to use it in the South American field. It can silently proclaim the truth in places where a minister can not gain an entrance, and in this way prepare the minds of the people to listen to the truth when it is presented to them by the Gospel worker.
The following is taken from Brother Ogden’s letter:—
“I take this opportunity of letting you know that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is appreciated in this part of the world. In my work in the States I always had a special interest in working for and interesting people in our missionary paper, the SIGNS, and have no less interest in it while working in this part of the Lord’s vineyard.
“We have one very great advantage in this field in the circulation of papers. We can mail any paper, whether published in this or other lands, to any place in Chile or Bolivia, absolutely free. It doesn’t matter where the paper is published; all we have to do is to wrap and address, and the government carries it free of charge. This is a very great favor to us in our work. The governments named have made this provision to encourage more freedom in thought.”
Surely this is a grand opportunity to circulate the SIGNS. Chile contains a population of three and one-half million people, and Bolivia a population of two and one-half million, many of whom speak the English language. Shall we allow this opportunity to go by unheeded?
A club of fifty SIGNS weekly for six months to Brother Ogden will cost only $30.50; but we hope to secure enough donations to send at least one hundred papers weekly.
Send your donations as soon as possible to SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED

This tract points the way to that desired end. It is especially helpful at this time, when so many theories are taught. It makes a clear distinction between the true way and the false. A. G. L. No. 17. 50 cents per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

Education of the Apostles

The question is often asked, Why did Jesus choose ignorant men for His immediate companions, and for His immediate successors in the work of the Gospel ministry? One reason is that there were no men who were not ignorant of the work He wanted them to do. The learned men of that time were learned in the traditions of men, the wisdom of the world, which is “foolishness with God.” The learned men rejected His teaching, therefore He could do nothing with them. In His own experience Christ had ignored the schools in which they were taught. But who can say that the twelve apostles were ignorant, after being under the tutorship of the greatest Teacher that ever lived for three years? Then when there was added to this a gift of tongues such as they could not have acquired in a lifetime from the world, it is an irreverent reflection upon their Teacher and the Spirit with which they were endowed to call them ignorant.

Related Outlook Articles

By Editor

The two articles in our Outlook department, “A Strange Picture” and “What Has Become of It?” were written entirely independent of each other. Both are upon the same general subject, yet neither writer knew of the existence of the other article. But each well supplements the other.

Do Not Worry

Do not Worry.—The ark of God may seem to be shaking from careless or over-zealous feet and hands; but unless you can help it, do not worry. Leave it with God. Let the old refrain of the “Legend Beautiful” sing its way into heart and brain and purpose:—
“Do thy duty, that is best; Leave unto the Lord the rest.”
His mighty, irresistible will will work out all His eternal purposes to the best good of every trusting child.

Handicaps to Religion.

A non-conformist minister of England, visiting this country, intimates that, as he is impressed, the music of American churches is of no religious help; that it is used for entertainment and exhibition rather than worship. The music is technically good enough, but he believes that the concert room and the Christian sanctuary can not be satisfactorily combined under one management. The music and singing, which should have prepared the way for the Gospel discourse, has degenerated into a dead weight which the sermon must move out of the way. And usually it is not moved.

Resting in the Deeps of God’s Love

The little fish down in the ocean deeps disports itself peacefully and playfully, kenning naught of the storm raging overhead, which wrecks mighty ships. So resting in the deeps of God’s love, we know not of the storms that sweep the surface.

The Will in Character Building

Success in character building is not dependent upon the strength of the man's will so much as it is upon the setting of the will. If the will is placed and kept in harmony with that of the great God of the universe, there is nothing in the bounds of creation that can prevent the formation of a good character; for God “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will;” and “this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” There need be no fear, then, as to the outcome, if our will is kept in harmony with God's will.

HEALTH AND LIFE.

By Editor

EVEN the adversary recognized that the thing most highly regarded by man in the final test is life. “Yea, all that a man hath,” he averred, “will he give for his life.” The Lord by inspiration thus expresses His care for His children, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
And this is our desire concerning the great family of our readers, and hence the reason of so much on health and wholesome living. Healing is the desideratum for the sick; prevention of sickness, for the well. We hope to help both. We have therefore asked Dr. Paulson, of the American Medical Missionary College, to contribute to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES some helpful articles on this great question of health. Some of these articles are in hand and will soon begin to appear, as follows:—
The Unhygienic Side of a Modern Home,
Health Brevities,
Things that Help to Spoil Our Temper,
Bad Dietetic Habits,
Diet and the Liquor Habit,
Pointed Paragraphs on Health,
Why People To-day are More Depraved than they were a Generation Ago.
The hints, the suggestions, the instructions given in these articles, if followed out, will save many a doctor bill and assure greater health and happiness. We know that the counsel is good. We have demonstrated it for years. For the rest of this volume there will be more said in our Home department on health lines. But this is only a part. We will have more to say hereafter.

A Falling-off in Ministers.

Among Presbyterian and Congregational institutions for developing and training preachers, the following items are noted:— In 1893 [the Congregationalist tells us] Andover had 79 students, this year 15; Bangor in the same two years, respectively 43 and 23; Chicago, 192 and 80; Oberlin, 80 and 30; Pacific, 23 and 12; Yale, 110 and 96; Hartford, the one that adheres most closely to the standards, is the only one that shows any increase, and it stands 38 in 1893 to 81 for the present year. The statistics of Presbyterianism the Congregationalist quotes from The New York Observer; the highest number in recent years at Princeton was 264, this year 137. As compared with 1901, the figures for Auburn Seminary are 123 and 72; Western, 103 and 60; Lane 54 and 50; McCormick, 212 and 139. The summing up shows that in nine years the number in Congregational seminaries has declined from 565 to 334; in Presbyterian seminaries, in four years, from 1,508 to 917.

April Missionary Magazine

The Missionary Magazine for April is full of good things. The matter is quite general, touching upon fields in all parts of the world, British colonies of America, South America, South Africa, Argentina, the islands of the great Pacific, the West Indies, Palestine, Turkey, and India. It is only 50 cents a year. Battle Creek, Mich.

Counterworking His Own Laws

Those who believe in God, yet not in miracles, object to them on the ground that God can not counterwork His own laws. But did you ever think that nature is not now run according to God’s laws? God’s laws have been perverted by sin, and He in His wisdom is allowing sin and its fruit to be seen by the entire universe, that His creatures may know its nature to be evil, and that it is destructive only. And so, for the sake of the stability of the universe eternally, He has allowed the perversion of His laws, sometimes only to a limited extent, sometimes wholly perverted. But to glorify His name, to manifest His power for the sake of those who would be true to Him, He works above and contrary to the perverted laws with which mortals are acquainted, and these workings—God’s normal ways—men call miraculous. Sometime the whole universe shall come back to the Master, and we shall know only God’s normal way.

The Passion Play in New York

By Editor

A modified form of the “Passion Play,” called “Nazareth,” has been placed on the boards in a New York theater as a semi-private affair. The religious journals are all against it, as they should be; but we can not understand why Archbishop Corrigan should say: “To produce the ‘Passion Play’ in this city would be to degrade the most holy things. I voice the sentiment of the entire Catholic Church when I say that the mere suggestion of such a play is revolting.” Is it not just as truly degrading and revolting in Ober-Ammergau, where it is played regularly by members of the Catholic Church? If it is a good thing there, if its influence is elevating, why not produce it in New York? We are not calling for it. We believe it evil, even as we do the fictitious literature which has grown up like gourds around the death of the Son of God, covering the whole with a glamor of romance and hiding the vital truth.

Church and State in the Cities

Growth of indifference or unbelief in religious matters is becoming more and more marked in the large cities of the world. For instance, Berlin, with a population of 1,800,000, has less than sixty churches, and these are poorly attended; and for every one church erected we are told there are five halls devoted to the propagation of Social Democracy, or the principles of Marx and Lassalle. And Social Democracy is considered a foe to Christianity. One of the reasons of antagonism to the church is that she is united to the State, and both are one. And such union has been ever a curse to religion.

Catholic Pressure on England and Germany

The Roman Catholic “Monitor,” by its comparison of German and English princes, plainly shows where very much of the prejudice in this country against England is fostered, if it does not originate there. The Monitor intimates that Germany is favorable to Roman Catholicism, because she fears it. It says that “journeys to Canossa are costly and comfortless.” There is the standing threat that all Germany’s difficulties will be renewed, if she does not comply with the wishes of the church. And the same pressure is being brought to bear upon England.

Missionary Review for April

The Missionary Review for April presents some interesting things in the article, “Signs of Awakening in India,” tho the student of missions and of the Word can not accept of the conclusions of the writer. It prints, under “Noteworthy Document,” in original and translation, a proclamation of a provincial governor of China, favorable to Christianity. The third in the series of “The Great Missionary Appeals of the Last Century” is given by the editor. It is an excellent number. Price 25 cents. Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York.

Chicago’s Many Religions

Chicago is cosmopolitan in its religions. It has about 50 denominations, sects, or cults, represented in 1,100 places of public worship. Among these are Baptists, Mohammedans, Zoroastrians, Confucianists, Buddhists, Swedenborgians, “Churches of God,” Schwenkfeldians, etc. Surely there are enough to satisfy almost any natural heart. But the one religion which will meet all needs is pure and undefiled Christianity.

Interesting Articles in the April Cosmopolitan

Among the interesting articles in the April Cosmopolitan is “Vesuvius, the Destroyer of Cities;” “No Respecter of Persons,” showing the bitter injustice of law as sometimes administered, and “Progress of Science.” These are worth more than the price of the magazine.

You have reached the end of this edition.

Signs of the Times · Apr 9, 1902