Earlier text: The Empire of GreciaSECOND MEETING, SEPT. 22, 9 A. M
Proceedings of the California Sabbath-School Association.
THE eighth annual session of the California State Sabbath-school Association convened on September 18, 1885, at 4:30 P. M. Meeting was called to order by the president, C. H. Jones. After singing, prayer was offered by Elder W. M. Healey. Report of the last annual session was read and approved. The president then extended words of greeting to all present representing different Sabbath-schools; and all who were interested in Sabbath-school work were kindly welcomed to take part in the exercises and to consider themselves as delegates. Attention was also called to the tent that had been especially fitted up for Sabbath-school work, and where could be found a good supply of lesson helps, books, maps, blackboards, etc. All workers were invited to make this place their headquarters. The usual committees were then announced as follows:—
Committee on Nominations: Elders William Ings, J. D. Rice, A. T. Jones; Committee on Resolutions: Elder E. J. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, Elder W. M. Healey; Committee on Examination of Record Books: Josie Baker, Della Frisbie, Alice Bartlett.
Meeting adjourned to call of chair. SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 22, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder J. H. Waggoner. After the reading of the minutes of the first meeting, the secretary's yearly report was called for and read. There are now 46 schools and a membership of 1,797, an increase of 526 during the past year. The report showed that during the year ending June 30, 14 schools had been organized, and 4 others during the present quarter, making 18 schools that have been organized during the past Conference year. The schools at Chico, Laytonville, and Willits have been discontinued, leaving an increase over that of last year of 15 schools. The treasurer's report was read, showing a balance of $69.20 in the treasury. The president then spoke of the nature of the Sabbath-school as being a home work, while that of tract and missionary societies is, in a measure, foreign. The Sabbath-school work is the life of the church, for it is a work in which each individual member should engage, and in doing so he not only helps the church, but himself also. It was suggested that an individual be employed by the Conference, who could devote a part of his time in behalf of the Sabbath-school interest. But one person cannot do all that is necessary to be done; we must all work if we expect a harvest. Elder J. H. Waggoner remarked that he was glad to see the interest that was being taken in the Sabbath-school work, which he considered an important branch. Elder Loughborough also spoke encouragingly. He could report a great improvement in the schools that he had visited, and could see a spirit of liberality prevailing among the scholars and manifesting itself in weekly thank-offerings. Several others gave interesting reports of schools that had been organized by them. The president then stated that he had no knowledge of a constitution ever having been adopted by this Association, at least he knew599 of none in existence at the present time. One, however, had been prepared, which was read and by vote referred to a committee of three, for revision, and who were to report at the next meeting. Elders J. H. Waggoner, E. J. Waggoner, and A. T. Jones were appointed as said committee. On motion there followed a short recess. Promptly at 10:30 o'clock, with president in the chair, the meeting was resumed. Prayer by Elder Loughborough. A few verbal changes having been made in the constitution, it was adopted by a unanimous vote. Following is the constitution as adopted:—
# CONSTITUTION OF THE CALIFORNIA SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
# ARTICLE I. NAME.
This Society shall be known as the California State Sabbath-school Association of the Seventh-day Adventists.
# ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP.
This Association shall be composed of all the members of such Sabbath-schools as shall report quarterly to the Society.
# ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATION.
This Association shall be represented by all the members of Sabbath-schools within its limits, who may be present at any regular meeting.
# ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS.
The officers of this Association shall be a President, a Vice-president, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, and an Executive Board of five, of which the President and Vice-president shall be members. These officers shall be elected at the annual sessions of the Association.
# ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF PRESIDENT.
The duties of the President shall be to preside at all the meetings of the Association and of the Executive Board, and to call special meetings thereof.
# ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.
SECTION 1. As Secretary, (1) he shall keep a record of the proceedings of the Association, and present a yearly summary of its workings at the annual sessions. (2) He shall attend the meetings of the Executive Board and keep a record of its proceedings. (3) He shall execute all the correspondence ordered by the Association and by the Executive Board. (4) Before the close of each quarter he shall send out blank reports to the secretary of each school. (5) As soon after the close of each quarter as possible he shall send to the secretary of the General Sabbath-school Association a summary of the standing of all the schools belonging to the Association.
SECTION 2. As Treasurer, he shall act as Treasurer of the Association, and shall receive and hold all moneys belonging to the Association, giving receipts therefor, and paying out as the Association or the Executive Board may direct.
# ARTICLE VII. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
The functions of the Executive Board shall be: (1) To represent this Association when not in session assembled, and to execute all its recommendations and orders. (2) To assist, either personally or by authorized agents, in organizing or conducting Sabbath-schools and Sunday-schools in those places where an attendance can be secured, and where the truths of the Bible can be plainly taught. (3) To make all necessary provisions for rendering the sessions of the Association interesting and profitable; and in general, to labor to make our Sabbath-schools efficient in preparing their members to be faithful members in the grand mission of the Third Angel's Message.
# ARTICLE VIII. FUNDS.
It shall be the duty of each school to pay into the Association each quarter a tithe of all its class contributions, and the funds so raised shall be used in defraying the expenses of the Association, and in assisting in establishing new schools and other missionary enterprises.
# ARTICLE IX. REPORTING.
It shall be the duty of each school to make, each quarter, to the State Secretary, a written report of the number belonging, average attendance, amount of contributions, etc.
# ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any regular meeting. The Committee on Nominations presented the following report: For President, C. H. Jones; Vice-president, W. C. Grainger; Secretary, Josie Baker; Assistant Secretary, Alice Bartlett; Executive Committee, E. J. Waggoner, A. T. Jones, R. S. Owen. These nominees were duly elected. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
WHEREAS, The past year has been one of unusual increase of membership and activity in our schools.
Resolved, That we acknowledge the hand of God, and hereby express our thanks to him for his favor and blessing; and pray that his Spirit may accompany those who labor in this work, and not only cause a continued increase of members, but an increase of love for God and his truth.
WHEREAS, The Sabbath-School Worker gives practical suggestions in regard to Sabbath-school work, answering questions that are continually arising; therefore,
Resolved, That we advise and urge all the officers and teachers in this Conference to subscribe for and study it.
WHEREAS, The Sabbath-school conventions that have been held in this State have been to the advantage of the schools; therefore,
Resolved, That conventions be held during the coming year, at such times and places as shall be deemed best by the Executive Committee.
Resolved, That this Association assist in meeting the expenses of a laborer whom the Conference may send to labor among the churches, if said laborer devote a part of the time spent with each church in the special interest of the Sabbath-school work.
Resolved, That we indorse the use of maps, pictures, and other means of illustrating Scripture lessons to the youth and children, but think there is danger of this manner of teaching becoming a sort of formal entertainment; therefore we would recommend that officers and teachers be earnest and careful to keep the true spirit of practical truth and godliness prominent in their instructions.
WHEREAS, The New Testament Scriptures relating to the life and work of Christ, our dependence on him for the forgiveness of sins, and his second coming for our salvation, are especially necessary in impressing hearts,
Resolved, That we request the General Sabbath-school Association to consider the propriety of having lessons on these topics, prepared for the youth and children, to alternate with the present lessons on Old Testament history, as may be advised by the officers of the General Association.
WHEREAS, The country is being flooded with literature of a trashy and pernicious character, which is especially designed to catch the minds of the youth and children, and which totally unfits them for the reception of spiritual things,
Resolved, That we deem it the imperative duty of all officers, teachers, and parents to remove such reading matter as far as possible from the children under their care, and to fill its place with that which will elevate and instruct, and to use diligence in arousing an interest in such reading matter. Each resolution was then considered separately, voted upon, and unanimously adopted. The second resolution was spoken to by the president, who heartily indorsed the S. S. Worker. That every one might have an opportunity to subscribe for it, Della Frisbie and Alta Morrison were appointed to canvass the ground. Bro. C. H. Jones, Elders J. H. Waggoner, and J. N. Loughborough made remarks to the third resolution. Being present at the convention held in Oakland, they could affirm that it was an interesting and profitable meeting, and that all who can attend such meetings in the future will be greatly benefited. In speaking to the fifth resolution, Elder Waggoner said: The resolution is timely. It should be the earnest endeavor of the teacher to keep the grand central point of the lesson in view, for the scholars are not really benefited unless this is the case. The interest should not be allowed to abate, but all should strive to make the truth more impressive. Remarks were made to the sixth resolution by Elder J. H. Waggoner and C. H. Jones. All could see the need of such lessons, for even little hearts can be impressed with their need of a Saviour, and learn to love and obey God. Comment on the seventh resolution was deemed unnecessary, for all could appreciate its importance. The remainder of the time in the meeting was occupied by Elder E. J. Waggoner, who delivered a short address on Sabbath-school helps. Printed directions for keeping class record books were then distributed, and the meeting adjourned to call of the chair. The third meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5 P. M., was occupied in practically illustrating the method of keeping a class record. FOURTH MEETING, SEPT. 24, 9 A. M.
Instructions in keeping class records were continued, after which an hour was spent in answering questions. After a short recess all came together again at 11 o'clock. Prayer by Elder A. T. Jones. There still remained a number of questions but these were left for the present, and Elder J. H. Waggoner was invited to address the association. The subject of his remarks was, "Influence of the Home on the Sabbath-school." He first stated the difference between a Sabbath and a day school. We do not appreciate aright unpaid labor, consequently we look upon the work of a day teacher as of more importance than that of a Sabbath-school teacher. In order that a child may have a good foundation on which to build, it is necessary that he have a good influence at home, for what is learned from the half hour's recitation at the Sabbath-school is of very little importance without this help. The study of the lesson should be begun early in the week, and the lesson being thus fixed in the mind will be made more impressive. The parent must precede the work of the teacher, and the teacher only comes in to second and finish up the work of the parent. The address was replete with good thoughts and suggestions. After considering other questions, the meeting was adjourned to call of the chair. FIFTH MEETING, SEPT. 25, 4 P. M.
The song, "Work for the Night Is Coming," opened the meeting. Prayer by Elder J. H. Waggoner. The time was occupied in finishing up the work on the blackboard, which, being completed, presented the record of a class for one quarter, with the average standing of each pupil, also that of the class. During the past year the Executive Committee drew $200 from the State Association and donated it to the General Association, to help establish a publishing fund. By a unanimous vote of the convention, the action of the committee was ratified. Adjourned sine die.
C. H. JONES, President.
JOSIE BAKER, Secretary. The Sabbath-School.
By Editor
ON account of the space necessarily occupied by the report of the recent session of the California Sabbath-school Association, no notes appear this week on the Sabbath-school lesson. We are sure that all will be interested in the report, as they see the advancement that is being made along the line of Sabbath-school work. The lesson notes can be more easily dispensed with this week, since the notes on previous lessons quite fully cover the ground of the present lesson. God Cares for Faithful Workers
God does not want discouraged workers. The moment we become discouraged, our usefulness is impaired. If our spirits are drooping and our hearts sad, we cannot successfully carry forward the work in which we are engaged. If we devote not to it our best energies, it will not be likely to be a success. After all, why should the Christian be discouraged? The work is God's, and if he give it his best endeavor, if with his whole heart he pursue it, and apparent success attend not his effort, why be discouraged? If he faithfully perform the work, God will take care of results.—Sel. "THE fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Prov. 1:7-10. The California Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
THIS meeting was, in many respects, very successful. About six hundred were camped upon the ground; and it must be remembered that two other camp-meetings have been held in this Conference this year, and one more is to be held. The outside attendance was small compared to that in Oakland last year. But the influence was quite extensive and strong; so great was the interest that it was resolved to pitch the tent in the city of Stockton, which has been done. It was our earnest hope that the work of preparation would be so complete this year that when the time appointed for the meeting arrived, nothing but the meeting would claim the attention of the laborers. In this we were sadly disappointed. One cause of disappointment was the large number who entirely disregarded the notices and requests published in the SIGNS. All who had tents of their own to bring were requested to notify the committee, so that provision could be made. But at a late hour a number brought tents and cloth for tents, having given no notice of their intention, for which no calculation had been made as to location and shade, which gave much trouble and perplexity to the committee, and prolonged the work of preparation unreasonably. There is another point upon which much stress should be laid. As we said last year, our work is fast increasing, and our calculations must be made accordingly. If in the past, it seemed necessary or advisable to have the ministers oversee the routine of business and manual labor, that is no reason why it should be so now. We believe it is time to make application, in all such meetings, of Acts 6:2, 4. These two points, and some confusion brought into the camp by injudicious parties, caused us many and grave apprehensions, that the real object of the meeting would not be well accomplished. But the Lord heard the earnest cries of his servants, and the meeting improved to the end. The churches were well represented in the Conference, and all seemed to be pleased that our ratio of representation was so changed as to bring a larger number of the working members of the churches into the business meetings of the Conference. In these meetings not a jar occurred from beginning to end. All matters presented were carefully considered, and every decision was by unanimous vote. Our efforts to simplify and shorten the work of the auditing committee were largely successful; and they would have been altogether successful if all the laborers had complied with the request to make out their reports to September 1, and forward them to the Conference Committee. The accounts of those who complied with this request were easily disposed of; but some sent or brought in their reports when the work of auditing was far advanced, and these reports were mostly in a condition to unnecessarily occupy time which was then very precious. But as it was, our auditors, who had struggled through the weary hours of the night on other occasions, had no night meetings, not one being held later than 9 o'clock. This plan has proved to be a great relief. On this subject we will add, that any laborer, whether he holds credentials or a license, who cannot make out an intelligible financial report, itemized, summarized, and balanced, lacks a very important qualification of a minister; and unless that lack be supplied, he can never give assurance that he will be a judicious and economical laborer. Economy—prudent management—is essential to the success of a minister. There are many showy talents in the church, to which no one would think of entrusting the management of Conference matters. We had occasion to make some remarks to licentiates, and "economy" was one of the topics touched upon. We have known a number of fluent preachers drop out of the ministry because of their lack of economy; as their neglect to guard well the financial interests of the cause was continually bringing trouble to themselves and reproach to the cause which they represented. The importance of this subject may be gathered from the well-considered remark once made to us concerning a fluent speaker: "He is a good preacher, but it is doubtful whether any Conference can afford to keep him in the field." The Sabbath-school work received more attention than is usually given to it in our camp-meetings, but no more than its importance demands. The schools upon the ground were interesting and profitable. Instruction was given in various parts of the work. We believe the schools in all the State will be better conducted because of these exercises and instructions. This part of the work on the camp-ground will be reported by those having it in charge. A meeting was held in the interest of Healdsburg College, with good results. Professor Brownsberger was present, and his assistance was appreciated. And yet we believe that the interest of our people in our school ought to greatly increase. The cause needs more workers, and the College ought to have more students. We know one young man, working for weekly wages, who will bear the entire expense of a young man in the College the remainder of this school year, the young man having offered himself to the cause and acted as tent master for one season. And there are scores of others who might do what this man is doing. This College must be patronized and supported, for the welfare and progress of our cause demands it. On this subject the following resolution was adopted, which we commend to the earnest attention of all classes of our people:— "WHEREAS, At considerable expense on the part of the College, and much sacrifice on the part of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, the Biblical course at Healdsburg has been extended, therefore,
"Resolved, That we deem it the duty of the young men who have been laboring in this Conference, and of others who intend to take any part in the work, to show their appreciation of the efforts made in their behalf, by making sacrifices to attend from the beginning of the Biblical course; and further, that parents and church officers should make extra efforts to encourage and assist young men and women to avail themselves of the advantages thus provided." In the midst of our increasing labors, both in editorial and other work, it is a great sacrifice and hardship to give one of our "assistants" to the College from this time on through coming months. As we said at the meeting, we should not consent to it did not the cause seem to imperatively demand it. But if the Biblical course is not well attended from the beginning, then we shall regret the sacrifice, because it works such hardship to us without correspondingly benefiting others and the cause. Let every church officer, every parent and guardian, look at this matter, and consider what may be duty under these circumstances. The meeting in behalf of the Rural Health Retreat was a marked feature of the occasion. The remarks on the importance of the health question, and the importance of the Health Retreat as an instructor and enlightener on this question, and the report of Dr. Gibbs on the success of the treatment at the Retreat, and of Dr. Burke of the interest which is being raised throughout the country on this subject, were well received by all. Dr. Gibbs paid a very high compliment to the Pacific Health Journal, and its circulation was considerably extended by means of the meeting. As a result of this effort stock was taken, and pledges were made (some being paid down), amounting to about $4,000. This brings timely relief to the institution, and insures its continued operation without embarrassment through the coming winter. This was considered the critical period, in its straitened condition. We think all fears in regard to the continued and successful operation of the Health Retreat are now removed. Of course the Tract and Missionary work received its due share of attention. Elder Ings, vice-president of the society, proves to be a diligent and efficient worker. A vote was passed in favor of training schools in missionary work which, we hope, may bear fruit. The ship mission in San Francisco needs help very much. Hard times, everywhere complained of, reduce our finances, and it is with great difficulty that we are able to give to the various branches of the cause that assistance which they so much need; it is impossible to do in their behalf all that is needed. However, we are hopeful for the future. Not because we can promise easy times, or freedom from general financial pressure, but because the genuine advent spirit seemed to be revived in the meeting. On Sabbath, September 26, an appeal was made on this subject which produced a deep effect on the minds of the congregation. Some of the brethren have been suffering their minds to be so blinded by the god of this world, that they began to say, not only in their hearts but in words, "My Lord delayeth his coming," and "the deceitfulness of riches" was like to prove their ruin. But we hope and trust that the impressions formed and the resolutions made will not prove as the morning dew. When the Lord commands us to honor Him with our substance, and persons having large substance in their hands suffer all the proceeds to pass into the hands of the devil, we know not what answer they will make in the day when settlement is made with the stewards. If the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," are hoped for in such cases, the hope must prove a vain one as certainly as the Lord has given us his word. This is a serious matter, and deserves our serious attention. It is matter of regret that so little time could be given to Bible-class study; but it seemed to be unavoidable in the press of business. In this respect, the smaller or local camp-meetings have an advantage. With little or no business to transact, much time may be given to Bible study. But we shall not cease our efforts to so simplify our business at our camp-meetings as to still further economize time; and we have no doubts of success if all the laborers will second our efforts by complying with reasonable requests. In the midst of hard times, with a decrease of the tithes, it seemed out of question for the California Conference to bear the expense of four camp-meetings. In Humboldt County and in Nevada it was resolved to raise a camp-meeting fund to support their own meetings, and the same will probably be done in Southern California. This being done, it will readily be seen that the Conference, or State camp-meeting, should also be made self-supporting, as, otherwise, those in the extreme localities would have an extra burden thrown upon them. It was therefore resolved to abolish the system of "free meal tickets," and let all the ministers take care of themselves, and bear their own expenses. We indorse the plan, and believe it will work a genuine reform in some respects. And it can work no hardship to that class of ministers who always have plenty of time to devote to such matters. But whether it will pay to let those suffer and run into sickness who have no time afforded to them, by day601 or by night, to care for their own wants, is a question for those to consider who have charge of these things. It may be that Prov. 11:24 contains a prudent suggestion on some of these points. Also 2 Cor. 8:13, 14. Altogether, we believe this camp-meeting will prove one of the most profitable that has ever been held in California. The best of courage seemed to prevail at its close; there was perfect union in regard to future labors, and the only regret was that the laborers are so few. Our list of ordained ministers is quite large, but, unfortunately, it does not represent our strength in effective workers in the ministry. Some are in feeble health, and several are constantly employed—over-employed—with other labors. But God can work with few as well as with many. And he alone can give the increase. Let us all add to our faithfulness and consecration, and thereby our labors will be more effectual, because more acceptable to the Lord of the harvest. "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Ps. 11:3. Every structure that is of any account must be built upon a foundation. In the close of the sermon on the mount, our Saviour graphically but accurately describes the consequences of building without any foundation. When "the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house," it fell, because it was built upon the sand. The same thing would have happened to the house which was built upon a foundation, if the foundation could have been removed. The tendency of the present age is to superficiality, but a good, solid foundation is nevertheless as necessary as it ever was. We believe that "the foundations" to which the psalmist refers in the text just quoted, are nothing else than the law of God—the ten commandments. To demonstrate this is the object of this article. The psalmist continues in the next verse: "The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in Heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men." This shows that there is an intimate connection between "the foundations," and the throne of God and the temple in Heaven. What this connection is, we proceed to show. In the 25th chapter of Exodus we find directions concerning the building of a sanctuary. This sanctuary was to be a dwelling-place for God. See verse 8. From the 26th chapter we learn that it was an oblong building, inclosed on three sides with boards, and on the fourth by a cloth curtain, and that by a similar curtain it was divided into two apartments—the holy place and the most holy place. In the holy place there was an altar of incense, a golden candlestick, and a table of show-bread. Ex. 40:22-27. In the most holy place was the ark of the testimony (Ex. 26:37), and it is to this that we wish to call especial attention. This ark was a wooden box overlaid and lined with pure gold. Its cover was termed the "mercy-seat," and was of solid gold, having on each end a cherub beaten out of the same piece of pure gold. "And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy-seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. And thou shalt put the mercy-seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee." Ex. 25:20, 21. Read carefully the preceding verses. What this "testimony" was, we easily find by the comparison of a few texts of Scripture. In Ex. 24:12 we read: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there; and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them." Moses went up, and was there forty days and forty nights, during which time he received the instructions found in chapters 25-31. After noting these instructions, the sacred narrative continues: "And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Ex. 31:18. We notice that the tables of testimony were tables of stone. Tracing them further, we find (Ex. 32:15-19) that when Moses came down from the mount, with the two tables in his hand, he broke them at the foot of the mount, in his righteous anger at the idolatry of the people. This experience is detailed by Moses in the 9th of Deuteronomy, and in the 10th chapter he proceeds with the narrative as follows:— "At that time the Lord said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou breakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord spoke unto you in the mount, out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the assembly; and the Lord gave them unto me. And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the Lord commanded me." Deut. 10:1-5. We have now positive assurance that the "testimony" that was placed in the ark was the ten commandments, and that it was on this account that the ark was called "the ark of the testimony." Now note again in Ex. 25, that the cover to the ark was called the "mercy-seat," and that upon it were two cherubim, one on each end. The Lord said: "And thou shalt put the mercy-seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy-seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel." Ex. 25:21, 22. God dwelt between the cherubim upon the mercy-seat above the testimony, and it was this that made it necessary for the high priest to burn incense when he ministered in the most holy place. The cloud of incense veiled the glory of God, which, unobscured, would have caused his death. Lev. 16:3, 13. Now to the point of all this. The Jewish tabernacle, and all things connected with it, were patterned after something that Moses had seen in the mount. Ex. 25:9, 40. They were "patterns of things in the Heavens;" and "the holy places made with hands" were only "figures of the true" holy places in Heaven. Heb. 9:23, 24. There must be, then, a real tabernacle in Heaven, and this is plainly stated in Heb. 8:1, 2: "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." "A minister of the sanctuary." There is but one, since that built by Moses was only a miniature representation of the true tabernacle in the Heavens, which the Lord pitched. This temple in Heaven has been seen by mortal eye. The beloved disciple says: "And the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." Rev. 11:19. This temple in Heaven is the special dwelling-place of God. "The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." Hab. 2:20. "The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in Heaven." Ps. 11:4. We have already noted that not only the tabernacle, but all its furniture, was modeled after things in the Heavens. Said the Lord to Moses: "According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." Ex. 25:9. After giving directions concerning the ark, the table, and the candlestick, he repeated the injunction: "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was showed thee in the mount." Ex. 25:40. Accordingly we find (Rev. 11:19) that the ark of the testament is one of the things in the temple in Heaven. Now remember that in the earthly tabernacle God's dwelling-place was above the ark, between the cherubim that were upon the mercy-seat. Ex. 25:21, 22; Lev. 16:3, 13. Then since the earthly tabernacle was a type of God's real dwelling-place,—the temple in Heaven,—it must be that the ark of the testament was a figure of God's throne in Heaven. To corroborate this conclusion, we read that God's real dwelling-place is between the cherubim. Says David, in prayer to God: "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth." Ps. 80:1. Again: "The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble; he sitteth between the cherubim; let the earth be moved." Ps. 99:1. Here the fact that God reigns is connected with his sitting between the cherubim, showing conclusively that when reigning upon his throne he is between the cherubim. God sits between the cherubim; he reigns; therefore the people should tremble. When Hezekiah was in trouble, he "prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubim, thou art God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth." 2 Kings 19:15. And the Lord, speaking of Satan under the figure of the king of Tyrus, said: "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mount of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire." Eze. 28:14. These texts show plainly that the cherubim upon the mercy-seat, from between which God spoke to the people, were representations of the cherubim that cover the throne of God in Heaven, and that therefore the mercy-seat, supported by the ark, was a figure of God's throne. This is why the most holy place and the ark were considered so sacred. But if the ark and the mercy-seat were a representation of God's throne, then the tables of testimony—the ten commandments—which it contained must be considered as showing the relation existing between the real throne of God in Heaven and the original copy of the ten commandments. The ark existed for the sole purpose of holding the law, and therefore the ten commandments must be considered as forming the foundation of God's throne. David says: "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the habitation [or establishment] of his throne." Ps. 97:1, 2. Now when we read (Ps. 119:172) that God's commandments are righteousness, and further, that they are God's righteousness (Isa. 51:6, 7), we are assured that the ten commandments which God spoke from Sinai, and which were copied on tables of stone, form the foundation of God's throne. A throne is the symbol of royal power and authority. We speak of "the throne of England," meaning the Government of England; therefore when we state the literal fact, that the ten commandments are the foundation of God's throne, it is equivalent to saying that they form the basis of God's Government; that all of God's judgments are in harmony with them, and that they cover every act of his in the government of his creatures. From these facts thus briefly stated, the following conclusions are evident:—