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Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 10

BEHOLD! HE COMETH
Earlier text: BEHOLD! HE COMETH

STOLIDITY IN THE HOUSE OF GOD.

By M. E. D. G.

WHEN I was a little child my father gave me a great many orders. Some of them suited me very well, and I used to shout out a hearty assent. Other commands, like “Come up to the study in five minutes and read your Greek chapter,” made me feel rather discouraged, and I used to hear in silence. “Did you hear what I said?” “Yes, sir.” “Well, give me some sign that you hear! It is not civil to keep silence when you are addressed.” How often I think of my dear father’s standard of good manners when I see the congregation come into church. It is the Father’s house, but the manner of finding seats is just the same as in the theater, only the usher carries the members in his head. No one bows or kneels to greet by reverent attitude the promised presence of the Lord. The choir sings, and the congregation looks on, perhaps hears, though they give no sign. The minister reads the Bible lesson. That exercise he has entirely to himself, and sometimes he makes much of it, but the stolid faces brought there by stern consciences show no interest. The minister prays, and every neck holds its head bolt upright, and every eye has in it at last a little interest. It is watching to see that the preacher keeps his own shut. The prayer is evidently a tedious performance, which the preacher also has entirely to himself, and which the people seem to think he had better have left out, only he has the habit of it.
A glimmer of interest may be found in the congregation when the text is read, but no sign that worship is the purpose. It is there to be entertained. The whole dead mass hangs on the poor preacher’s neck, and if he is poor in oratory, he has an awful tug to galvanize it into a semblance of life.
Wouldn’t it be civil to give some sign, even if they are not really there to worship? At least there can be a hearty joining in the singing, and a reverent bowing of the head when prayer is offered, and an intelligent, appreciative interest in the face, as the sermon is unfolded. The attitude of the hearers has much to do with the effectiveness of the preaching. If there be a true spirit of worship and praise, it will be easy to show some sign of interest.—M. E. D. G.

A WAY TO GROW WISE.

AFTER reading a book, or an article, or an item of information from any reliable source, before turning your attention to other things, give two or three minutes’ quiet thought to the subject that has just been presented to your mind; see how much you can remember concerning it; and if there are any new ideas, instructive facts, or points of especial interest that impressed you as you read, force yourself to recall them. It may be a little troublesome at first until your mind gets under control and learns to obey your will; but the very effort to think it all out will engrave the facts deeply upon the memory,—so deeply that they will not be effaced by the rushing in of a new and different set of ideas: whereas, if the matter be given no further consideration at all, the impressions you have received will fade away so entirely that within a few weeks you will be totally unable to remember more than a dim outline of them.
Form the good habit, then, of always reviewing what has just been read. It exercises and disciplines the mental faculties, strengthens the memory, and teaches concentration of thought.
You will soon learn, in this way, to think and reason intelligently, to separate and classify different kinds of information; and in time the mind, instead of being a lumber-room in which the various contents are thrown together in careless confusion and disorder, will become a storehouse where each special class or item of knowledge, neatly labelled, has its own particular place, and is ready for use the instant there is need of it.—St. Nicholas.

THE PEACE OF GOD.

THERE is no escape from calamity, disease, and death; they are part of the inevitable order of human life, and sooner or later on every head the tempest breaks. Thank God for the peace above the floods, for the safety beyond the storms, for the silence beyond the uproar of the winds, for the calm seas at the heart of the typhoon! No human hand can stay the march of the elements; but the stricken one can lay hold upon the Arm that moves the winds and clouds. No breakwater of man's building can keep back the rushing tides of sorrow; but the wrecked can look up into the face of One who walked upon the sea, and through clouds and darkness have visions of him who bore the sorrows of the world that he might make his children feel the infinite love behind the mystery of suffering. That mystery God cannot explain to us, because the mighty range of his purpose sweeps beyond the low horizons of our thought; but he puts himself under the hard condition of our mortal life, he has touched our sick ones, he has wept over our griefs, he has called back our dead, that he might make us understand that our sorrows are his sorrows, and that in the blackness of affliction his love and power are preparing the dawn of an eternal joy.—Sel.

Patience Called for in Daily Trials

By Jerome

—Pray for patience. Every day will bring something that will call for its exercise.— Jerome.

WILLING SERVICE.

By J. E. Merritt

I am so glad that God has given us such abundant evidence of his willingness to bless and prosper the cheerful laborer in his vineyard. I think the reason we so often see our efforts to do good prove fruitless, is because we bestow our means and service not willingly, but grudgingly. God loves the cheerful giver. The promise is to the willing and obedient.
We read that when Moses was about to build the tabernacle in the wilderness the people “came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle. . . . And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted,” with their jewels, precious stones, etc., and offered them unto the Lord for the building and fitting up of the tabernacle. All manner of gifts were brought in abundance, and more than were necessary, until Moses told them to cease their offerings, for there was sufficient. The tabernacle was completed; the Lord blessed it with his presence, and the people who had so willingly offered of their means and service were blessed.
When David was collecting the means and materials to build the house of the Lord, we read in 1 Chron. 29: “Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly. . . . And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord. . . . Then the people rejoiced for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord. And David the king also rejoiced with great joy,” that he and his people had been able so to offer of their means to the Lord.
Solomon came to the throne. Willing hands and hearts carried the work forward to a grand completion. Without sound of hammer that notable temple was erected, the grandest and most beautiful structure their eyes had ever beheld. The Lord accepted the offering as willingly made to him, filled the house with his glory, blessed the people, and made them again to rejoice. Other cases might be mentioned showing God’s willingness to bless the giver and to accept the cheerful offering. The Bible contains many of them. We know that our Father in heaven stands with outstretched hands, lovingly, patiently waiting to bless those who willingly and cheerfully bring to him their gifts, be they never so small.
A greater work than the building of the tabernacle, a far greater work than the building of Solomon’s temple, is going on in the world to-day. Men, women, and means are wanted to push this work forward to a grand consummation. The last message of mercy is being given. Soon its sweet notes will cease. Only a little time remains in which to sow the precious seed. Even at the eleventh hour the Master is saying, “Go labor in my vineyard.” Just at the close of the day though it may be, yet if we hasten and work with willing hearts, we have his word that we shall not lose our reward. Thousands of souls are perishing who might be saved by a little kind attention. It is not some great work which we are unable to accomplish that the Master wants us to do; it is the little ministries of life that we are required to perform. Visiting the sick, relieving those in distress; offering an encouraging word to the desponding, a word of warning to the careless, a prayer for this one, a tract to that one, a Bible-reading in this family, a song or a prayer in that one; a straight-forward Christian life before all,—this is what the Master asks of us. My dear brethren, shall we let souls perish for want of these little acts of kindness, these little deeds of love? If we do, we shall surely be lost. Others will step in to do our work and take our crown.
How many are ready to say with willing heart and ready mind, “Here am I, Lord, send me, send me”! Oh that these were the words of all our hearts! But you may say, “Where shall I begin this work?” I know of no better field to commence in than right in our own family circle. Let us make our own homes as near like the better world as possible. Let us learn to govern our own tongues and rule well our own spirits, so that none but loving words will be heard from our lips. Let our lives be such that all who come under our influence will acknowledge that we have been with Jesus. When we have accomplished this work for ourselves and in our own home circle, then there will be an abundance of work with good results elsewhere. Let none think that we have months and years to make preparation to work for the Master. Now is the accepted time, and we must not delay. If we feel weak, let us cry mightily to God for strength, for he never said, “Seek ye my face in vain.” Read the history of the Waldenses in “Great Controversy,” Vol. IV., and let the account stir your souls as it never has before. Oh that God would arouse us, and give us a little of the missionary spirit that dwelt in the hearts of those early Christians!
“Shall we stand idle, waiting for reapers more to come, while sheaves lie round ungathered, and waste upon the plain?” or shall we go forth like earnest Christian laborers to seek for the lost and rescue the perishing? In city and hamlet, in lonely dell, on far-off western plain, on the islands of the seas, in the houses of the rich and cots of the poor, are men and women waiting to be taught the truth and to be prepared for that glorious church which without spot or wrinkle must soon be ready for the coming of the Master. Are we ready to go to the work with willing hearts and ready hands, that we may have the rich reward of the willing and obedient? That God may help us to hasten, is my sincere prayer.
J. E. MERRITT.

WORK FOR THE MASTER.

By Mrs. P. Alderman

BY MRS. P. ALDERMAN.
No time have we for idle dreams, This world with busy labor teems; The Master's work so far behind— The good from evil to unbind, And let the oppressed go free.
Dear sister, brother, can we wait, And share the slothful sinner's fate? Oh, stupor, like the Saviour found,— Disciples sleeping on the ground, In cold Gethsemane!
It should be joy to work for Him Who saves us from the curse of sin,— Now in the harvest time to stand With willing heart and ready hand, To do his blessed will.
Who would not bear some noble part, And work with consecrated heart, In bringing in the precious grain? Though cares may wound us while we glean, For courage let us pray.
The curse of sin is everywhere, No spot on earth like Eden fair,— Dear Eden of the olden time, An earnest of that blissful clime All glorious and rare.

TENNESSEE TRACT SOCIETY.

By J. H. Dortch

Report for Quarter Ending Dec. 31, 1884.
No of members, 70
“ “ reports returned, 29
“ “ members added, 6
“ “ missionary visits, 83
“ “ letters written, 45
“ “ Signs taken in clubs, 12
“ “ new subscriptions obtained, 39
“ “ pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, 8,256
“ “ periodicals distributed, 459
Received on membership and donations, $1.00; on sales, $5.85; on periodicals, $19.12. Mt. Gilead and Ridge societies failed to report. J. H. DORTCH, Sec.

VERMONT TRACT SOCIETY.

By Lizzie A. Stone

Report for Quarter Ending Dec. 31, 1884.
Report Number
No of members, 248
“ “ reports returned, 31
“ “ members added, 9
“ “ missionary visits, 39
“ “ letters written, 73
“ “ Signs taken in clubs, 72
“ “ new subscriptions obtained, 139
“ “ pages tracts distributed, 15,090
“ “ periodicals “ “ 1,726
Received on donations, sales, etc., $71.88; on periodicals, $152; other funds, $61. Nine church societies failed to report. LIZZIE A. STONE, Sec.

MAINE TRACT SOCIETY.

By S. J. Hersum; Rose N. Redmond

The general quarterly meeting of this Society was held with the church at Portland, Feb. 1, 1885, at 9 A. M. Prayer was offered by Eld. Burrill. Report of the last quarterly meeting was read and approved. The report of labor for the quarter ending Jan. 1, 1885, is as follows:—
No of members, 234 “ “ reports returned, 37 “ “ missionary visits, 312 “ “ letters written, 150 “ “ new subscribers obtained, 129 “ “ pages reading matter distributed, 22,946 “ “ periodicals distributed, 2,116
Bro. Burrill made some very interesting remarks in regard to the work in other parts of the field. We should be encouraged to lay hold of the work and labor as the apostles labored, and place ourselves in a position where the Lord can work for us. Eld. Hersum stated that he believed the reading matter which has been sent out by missionary workers will bear much fruit. We see much to encourage us in this State, and if all are faithful we shall see a great amount of good accomplished.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
S. J. Hersum, Vice-Pres.
Rose N. Redmond, Sec.

Sin Ends Dark as Night

—Sin may open bright as the morning, but it will end dark as night.—Talmage.

BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN OHIO, HELP!

By Ida Gates

URGENT appeals for help have come from the Soldiers’ Home in Dayton. Dying men are asking for the Signs and other reading matter. It is stated by a brother living there, who distributes reading matter among the soldiers, that the papers, pamphlets, and tracts have been used so much that they are almost worn out, and he pleads for more. Our inquiry is, Shall these calls be passed by unnoticed, or shall they be granted? I think all will say the latter.
I have a plan to suggest, which I trust will meet the minds of the friends. There are on hand Signs that are left each week from our club which comes from the Office. If our brethren and sisters will send in their mites, we may be able to furnish the Soldiers’ Home with plenty of reading matter, and also help the tract society pay for these Signs. Just as soon as this article is read, I hope that all children included, will send to my address their offerings, so that this reading matter can be furnished to them next week. Any amount from 5 cents to $25 and upwards, will be thankfully received and applied according to request. Carefully consider this matter, and remember that you are doing it for the Lord, and that eternity alone will tell the good it will accomplish.
Clyde, O. Mrs. Ida Gates.

TO THE SISTERS IN MAINE.

By Eliza H. Morton

Dear Sisters: God by his Spirit is impressing his people to awake and to work as never before. The Portland mission recently established is having an influence all over the State, because God has been pleased to add his blessing and to gather in precious souls, showing his people that much may be accomplished even though the laborers are few. The sisters in Portland feel a burden for those who have not yet seen the light, and feeling thus, have concluded to organize a vigilant missionary society and to engage zealously, earnestly, and prayerfully, in devoted labors for others.
We believe that the sisters in other churches, not only in Maine, but all over the country, feel an interest in Portland; for God has shown his servant that a great work is yet to be done in this “city by the sea.” In this work the sisters can have a part, and we ask you to unite with us in our efforts. You can help in many ways. Write us a few words of cheer, and we will send you addresses of individuals to whom you can write and send reading matter. Donate something to our society to help pay its expenses; the smallest sum of money will be acceptable. We appeal to you in the name of the Master to “come over and help us.” Deny self of some pleasure and invest the money thus saved in the Bank of Heaven, and it will yield eternal interest. We ask you especially to remember the weekly meeting of our society held every Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock. Unite with us at that hour in prayer, and as you pray ask God to show you what you can do to assist in the work.
It will soon be too late to sound the solemn notes of warning to a perishing world. The great day of God draweth near. Who among us will perform noble deeds and perfect noble characters? Who will forget self and selfish interests, and throw their whole souls into the work? Who will rescue the perishing, and win stars in crowns of rejoicing? Dear sisters, think of these things now as you will think of them when earthly pleasures and treasures shall fade away. Let the recording angel this day write some self-sacrificing deed in the books above. Remember that lip-service alone will never open the pearly gates. Words will be lost and blotted from the book of remembrance unless the actions correspond. Let us be consistent, and work as well as pray; in doing this our hearts will grow tender, our sympathies will become awakened, and our lives will glow with sunshine and beauty.
The active, working Christian exerts a magnetic influence almost impelling in its power, and that gathering spirit may be ours if we earnestly seek it from Him who is the great source of holiness and love. May God send his messengers to you, dear sisters, and impress your minds with the thought of personal responsibility, and awaken a desire in your hearts to help forward the good work begun in the city of Portland.
ELIZA H. MORTON, Sec. Portland V. M. Society.

MARKED PASSAGES.

GOVERNMENT SUNDAY-KEEPING.

In the Christian Statesman of Feb. 19, 1885, we find the following:—
“THE GOVERNMENT OBSERVING THE SABBATH.—It is a fact for which the whole country ought to be profoundly grateful, that although the New Orleans Exposition is open on the Sabbath, the government exhibit is closed. This is due to the influence of Secretary Frelinghuysen, whose representations on the subject prevailed with President Arthur to secure this result. This illustrates the importance of having God-fearing men in such positions. The influence of Secretary Folger, in securing the postponement until Monday of the Presidential trip to Louisville over a year ago, when it had been arranged to start on the Sabbath, will also be remembered. If one sinner destroyeth much good, one good man in high station accomplisheth much good. At the same time, on such a vital question as the Sabbath, the nation ought not to leave the action of government to the discretion of officials. If the President and his Secretary had been of another mind, the government exhibit at New Orleans would have been open on the Sabbath. The attitude of the nation to the Day of Rest should be determined by law, by constitutional law, so that, even if the officials should be personally careless of its obligation, their public action would be governed by the expressed will of the nation.”

A NEW “PRESENT TRUTH.”

In the same paper, W. J. Coleman, one of the district secretaries of the National Reform Association says:—
“Each time I have the opportunity to speak on the authority of Christ as the Ruler of nations, and of his will as law for moral issues, it seems to me not only that these ideas are true, but that they are present truth. They are the preserving salt of all the political theories of our time.”

A SUGGESTION.

Speaking of the lectures of Mr. Coleman before the junior and senior classes of Muskingum College, H. Leiper, another secretary, says:—
“If I may be allowed to make a suggestion to the Executive Committee of the National Reform Association, it will be that Brother Coleman be assigned the duty of visiting the ‘Pierian Springs’ of this country and of impregnating them with the principles of true national life. There can be no more effectual nor speedier way of bringing to a successful issue the great cause for which we are laboring.”

THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS.

By C. C. L.

The Bible plainly brings to view two covenants and two dispensations. The Old Testament pertains chiefly to the old covenant and dispensation; the New Testament, to the new covenant and dispensation. The old covenant and dispensation passed away with Christ, and we are living under the new. So far all are agreed; but many draw unwarrantable conclusions from these premises, assuming that because the old covenant has passed away, therefore the Old Testament is no longer of value or force, and because the moral law, the ten commandments, are in the Old Testament, they are no longer binding. They thus make the new Testament to be contrary to the Old, and declare the work of Christ to be opposed to the law of God. In so doing, they forget that both the old and the new covenants were made with the same people, the house of Israel, and concerning the same law, the law under the new covenant occupying a more sacred position than under the old, being written upon the hearts of God’s people. See Jer. 31 : 31–34. They also utterly misapprehend the relation existing between the law and the gospel, seeming to regard the law as an unfortunate, arbitrary, and withal very severe ordinance, which had been inflicted by Jehovah through mistake or malignity upon poor mortals, but which, repenting of his mistake in giving it, he now proposes to abolish so far as those repenting sinners are concerned who have fortunately secured his Son to plead their cause. In other words, they seem to regard the gospel as a scheme for getting rid of the law and their duty to obey it. What an insult to Jehovah! and what defiance to his authority and government!
On the other hand, how beautiful and harmonious are the teachings of Scripture upon this subject; namely, that the Old Testament is not contrary to the New, but through them both runs a golden thread of harmony; that the law and the gospel, so far from being opposed to each other, are “binary stars that commingle and combine their beams to dispel the darkness of the moral world;” that Christ came not to destroy the law, but to magnify and make it honorable,—not to relax the claims of the law, and allow men to break it with impunity, but to secure the forgiveness of God for their past transgressions of his holy law, and bring their lives into conformity with its precepts.
It will give the reader pleasure to read, in harmony with the foregoing thoughts, the following extract from an article in the Old Testament Student for February. The article was written by James Scott, D. D., LL. D., of Scotland, and is entitled, “The Correlation of the Old and New Covenants.” He affirms of the two Testaments that “they are not merely united mechanically, as two halves of one whole, but also organically, like the root, trunk, and branches of a tree, which is pervaded by a common system of tissues and fibers, sap-veins and circulating fluids,” and maintains his position by a series of propositions, the third, fourth, and fifth of which are given below:—
“They are identified morally and spiritually.
“The same moral principle of benevolence, truth, and justice prevails throughout the Scriptures. The moral code of both covenants is the same. The Decalogue is the moral law for all men and for all ages. It consists of two grand principles, supreme love to God and sincere love to man, on which hung not only the law and the prophets but also the apostles, like all the branches of a tree on the trunk. The ground of all obedience is the revealed character of God, and especially his love as the Lord our God and Redeemer; and the motive or mainspring in the human soul is felt love. The righteousness of this law the Son of God, as the Son of man, has not only fulfilled but magnified and made honorable. Consequently, obedience under the gospel is enjoined on the same grounds and from the same motives,—love to God for his revelation of his love in the person and work of Christ. The new moral commandment of the gospel is certainly not that we love God supremely or one another with a pure heart fervently, but that we love each other as Christ hath loved us. It is a new yet an old commandment,—old as Adam in its principle, and as Moses in its formal basis, and new merely in its formal motive, the gracious work of Christ; which is a new thing in the earth, a new form of the divine love.
“Besides, all the spiritual or gracious feelings required and exercised under the law and the gospel are the same. The form of worship is different, but the spirit is the same. The former, accordingly, is changed, but the latter remains unchanged and unchangeable. The same faith and the same fear, the same hope and the same joy, the same humility and the same holiness, run like a perennial and pearly stream throughout both economies. The principles of subjective religion are the same throughout. A complete moral and spiritual identity prevails.
“They are doctrinally identified.
“Their doctrinal oneness is as conspicuous as the harmony of the solar system, as the unity of the earth itself, or the unbroken unity of the arch of heaven. Not only is the grand method of salvation doctrinally the same, there is also a complete and constant agreement in the minor details of the development of doctrine, expressed in different languages and in different forms of phraseology. The great Teacher and the authors of the New Testament constantly quote and expound the facts and truths of the Old Testament, as teaching the doctrines which they merely developed and declared. It is, indeed, their text-book and book of reference on all occasions. They regard the doctrine of the prophets as the same as their own, both in its source and in its substance. A grand succession of writers of different ages and countries, some of whom were even ignorant of each other’s writings at the time they wrote themselves, have concurred in revealing the very same truths to us, on whom the ends of the age are come. The Scriptures, like Joseph’s coat, are of many colors; and like Christ’s, without seam, woven from the top throughout.
“They are related exegetically.
“The two Testaments are mutually interpreting. The New Testament expounds the Old, which in turn illustrates the New. Both are to be expounded on substantially the same principles. They are like a double lock with double keys, either of which opens both compartments. Mutually necessary and singly unintelligible, the one unlocks the other. We read the Old in the clearer light of the New, and the New in the light of the language and literature of the Old. The philological and exegetical uses of the Old Testament are invaluable. As the human race was furnished by the sacrifices and sensible signs of the law with the high ideas of sin, satisfaction, and salvation, realized in the gospel, we must now read the dispensations in the light of one another. The epistle to the Hebrews in particular is a key to the symbolism of the law; but the rich life of Jesus Christ, the end of all the law, is the clear light in which we read those mystical sacrifices which threw their shadows forward, and now shed down their light upon the Cross. The law and the gospel are not merely the lesser and the greater lights that rule respectively day and night, but binary stars that commingle and combine their beams to dispel the darkness of the moral world.” C. C. L.

INFIDEL ARGUMENTS.

By Spurgeon

THERE is never any necessity for Christian ministers to make a point of bringing forward infidel arguments in order to answer them. It is the greatest folly in the world. Infidels, poor creatures, do not know their own arguments till we tell them, and then they glean their blunted shafts to shoot them at the shield of truth again. It is folly to bring forward these firebrands of hell, even if we are well prepared to quench them. Let men of the world learn error of themselves; do not let us be propagators of their falsehoods. True, there are some men who are short of stock, and want them to fill up; but God's own chosen men do not need that; they are taught of God, and God supplies them with wealth, with language, with pouch.—Spurgeon.

Special Mention.

—The Railway, Post, and Telegraph minister of Belgium, is using every effort to secure Sunday rest to as many of the employees as possible. 8,000 workmen there are now free from Sunday labor.

LESSON FOR THE THIRD SABBATH IN MARCH.

By C. C. L.

(See Instructor of March 11, 1885.)

ANALYSIS OF THE LESSON.

The Inheritance of the Saints.

I. Definitions of Terms.
1. MEEK: “Mild of temper; not easily provoked or irritated; given to forbearance under injuries; soft, gentle, yielding. Specifically, submissive to the divine will; patient and gentle from moral and religious motives.”
2. HEIR: “One who is entitled, either by birth, adoption, or special promise, to succeed to the possession of any property.”
3. INHERITANCE: “That which is or may be inherited; a permanent or valuable possession or blessing; a possession received by gift, or without purchase.”
4. SAINT: “A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue.”
5. DOMINION: “That which is governed; territory over which authority is exercised.”
II. Promised to the meek.
They shall inherit the earth. Matt. 5: 5.
Heirs of the kingdom. Jas. 2: 5.
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5: 3.
1. Examples of meekness:—
(a) CHRIST: “When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.” 1 Pet. 2: 21–23.
(b) MOSES: “The man Moses was very meek.” Num. 12: 3.
2. Duty of professed heirs of the kingdom:—
They ought to walk as Christ walked. 1 John 2: 6.
III. Obtained how and when.
1. How: Through much tribulation. Acts 14: 22.
2. WHEN: Relatively, after the wicked are destroyed. “Thou shalt diligently consider his place [that of the wicked], and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth.” Ps. 37: 10, 11.
IV. The First Dominion.
1. The earth is God’s by creation. Ps. 24: 1.
2. He has the right to give it to whom he will. Jer. 27: 4, 5.
3. He gave it originally to man. Gen. 1: 26–28.
4. Man’s dominion extended over all the earth. “Let them have dominion . . . over all the earth.” Gen. 1: 26. “Over every living thing.” Ver. 27. Over the works of God’s hands. Ps. 8: 6.
5. When man received the dominion, he was upright (God made man upright.” Eccl. 7: 29); and the dominion was perfect. Everything he had made was very good. Gen. 1: 31.
6. When man regains the dominion, he will serve and obey God (“All dominions shall serve and obey him.” Dan. 7: 27); and his obedience will be perfect. “Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” Matt. 6: 10.
7. In order that the restored dominion may be free from sin, the wicked will be destroyed (Ps. 37: 9, 10), the chaff will be burned. Matt. 13: 40, 42.
V. The Dominion Lost through Sin.
1. Since the dominion with which God intrusted man must be free from sin (Dan. 7: 27; Matt. 6: 10), he could hope to retain it only so long as he refrained from sin.
2. Sin is disobedience to the commands of God. Man was tested upon the point of obedience. “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat.” Gen. 2: 17.
3. Man disobeyed God (Gen. 3: 6), thus forfeiting his right to the dominion, and was driven from the garden of Eden. Gen. 3: 24.
4. It was that old serpent, the Devil (Rev. 20: 1, 2), who deceived man, and caused his fall. Gen. 3: 12, 13.
5. Man, being overcome by Satan, became the servant of Satan (2 Pet. 2: 19) and of sin. Rom. 6: 16.
6. Man forfeited his right to the dominion to Satan, his overcomer, who thus became the god of this world (2 Cor. 4: 3, 4), the arch-deceiver of the race, the usurper of the dominion given to Adam.
7. Though usurper of the dominion, and god of this world, Satan’s power is not absolute, but only permitted for a time. Dan. 4: 32; Jer. 27: 4, 5.
The foregoing analysis of the three lessons under review may be helpful to some in aiding them to gain and hold the attention of their pupils, by placing the whole subject, so far as it has been discussed, before the mind in such a manner that the logical dependence of each important thought will be seen, and the appropriate niche into which each text fits will appear.
The review lesson ought to be the most interesting of the series; yet that in many cases it is not so, the indifferent air of the scholars and the discouraged look of the teacher do abundantly testify. The expression frequently heard, “It is only a review,” betrays the fact that the importance of the review is not fully understood by the speaker, and that he considers it a sort of necessary evil inflicted upon the Sabbath-schools by the lesson committee, which for good manners’ sake he will endure with the best grace he can command, and get through with as soon as possible. C. C. L.
Continue reading: Sketches of Sabbath-School History: Organization and Graded Lessons