What May We Expect in the Light of Divine Revelation?
By C. S. LONGACRE
Editor of "Liberty Magazine"
WHEN we look at the annals of human history, covering a period of nearly six thousand years, we are led to exclaim with the ancient patriarch, "Lo, God is here, and we knew it not!" To the casual observer of current events, it often appears as if fate and fortune were alike subject to the will and prowess of man. But the student of history who surveys the whole field of time soon discovers a master mind and hand which "ruleth in the kingdom of men," and "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will."
THE UNFOLDING OF THE SCROLL OF PROPHECY
The birth and growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, the shaping of events in human history, covering centuries and millennia, to fix fully their destinies, are but the unfolding of the divine scroll of prophecy. There is one great, portentous, overshadowing event in the finale of the drama of human history toward which all things are moving. An all-wise and merciful God is silently, patiently working out the destiny of a world "according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him." Eph. 1:9, 10.
The welfare and destiny of the human race has been a problem of the deepest concern in the mind of God since sin entered and fastened its blighting miasma upon this mundane sphere. It was the original design of God that His richest and choicest blessings should always accrue to every creature of His creation. God made man a free moral agent, to choose that which was for his best good, with power to shun and resist any temptation toward evil.
But the greatest enemy of God deceived man, and induced him to sell and deliver to his satanic majesty his birthright and inheritance of a free will which was graciously bestowed upon him by God; and so the human race through Adam became the bondmen of Satan and his agencies, and the plan of God concerning the welfare of man was frustrated for a time.
But the sacred Volume makes known to us the manifold "wisdom and prudence" of God, and "the mystery of His will," "which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." Eph. 1:8, 9; 3:9-12.
Even though man voluntarily surrendered all that God had so graciously given to him, and subsequently fell a victim to the power of sin and the dominion of Satan, God condescended to make man the object of His mercy, and to answer affirmatively the taunting challenge of Satan, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered." Isa. 49:24, 25.
THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM
Christ came into the world to set all men free again. "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36.
The battle for freedom has been the longest and hardest battle ever fought. The gift of liberty, delivered to us by our forefathers, is the most costly heritage they have left behind. Freedom's cause has been baptized again and again in the precious blood of its loyal sons and daughters. This world's history has been written principally with the sharp point of the tyrant's cruel sword of oppression, dipped not in ink, but in the red, warm blood of his victims.
Nearly every page of history is stained with the blood of martyrs. Not until the dawn of the nineteenth century was the hand of the oppressor stayed. When the old Liberty Bell in Independence Hall sent forth from its vibrant lips the joyful words of the great Emancipator of the human race — the words of the Author of a universal freedom uttered 3,268 years before to Moses on Mount Sinai, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" — then, and not till then, were the equality of man and his inalienable rights fully recognized in human councils.
PERSECUTION TO ARISE AGAIN
Many flatter themselves that persecution will never lift its venomous head again in free America. But divine revelation, which has portrayed in advance, in the sacred Volume, the history of every great nation of the past, has also lifted the curtain on the future history of the American republic, and in Rev. 13:11-18 we see the lamblike nation changed into a persecuting power.
According to God's prophetic word, the church and the state are to unite in all nations just before the end of all things, and engage in a mighty conflict with God's loyal people. The Bible shows us clearly that we are living in the last days. Consequently we should be able to see some signs of the passing of overtures between religious organizations and civil authorities. Are there any attempts made to effect a union of church and state in the United States?
This government is the only one, in the history of all the past, that was founded upon the principles of a complete separation of church and state. It was unlike all other nations in this respect. But the Bible says this nation was to "make an image to the beast who hath the stroke of the sword and lived." Rev. 13:14, R. V. This text proves that this nation was without a union of church and state; but later it was to "make an image to the beast," which means a union of church and state — because that is what the beast was.
Therefore whenever the American government repudiates the principles of a total divorcement of church and state, it of necessity will constitute a sign of the fulfilment of prophecy, and another landmark indicating that we are nearing the end of time.792
In our next article, we shall show how great religious organizations have combined for the express purpose of uniting the church and the state in America, and that even at the present time, where these religious organizations dominate in politics, we have religious liberty in name only, but not in practise.
Broken Hearts
By Eliza H. Morton
CHRIST died of a broken heart. The heart that would know the fulness of God's redeeming love, must fall upon the Rock and be broken. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise."
Panic was brought upon a great army, in the days of old, through broken pitchers. Judges 7:19-21.
God's Spirit can work mightily through hearts that are humbled and subdued by a sense of their own unworthiness, and made tender by a glimpse of the sufferings of Christ.
"The heart that is broken,
The Saviour will heal.
Before Him repentant
In humbleness kneel."
ELIZA H. MORTON.
THE MYSTERY OF GOD'S VOICE
By J. O. C.
We May Hear No Audible Sound, Yet He Speaks to the Soul—
God's Law Written on the Heart—We May
Know Him if We Will
To the common understanding, a voice is nothing short of an audible sound. Education has so fixed this standard as the common guide, that when one is found with no power of vocal utterance, he is said to have no voice. Yet the mute individual is not at a loss to make his minutest desires readily understood. His method of communication is no secret, because it is executed by visible signs, either in writing or by digitation; yet it is a voice, silent though it be, because it conveys intelligence, and carries an influence, the same as though audibly spoken.
Thus the apostle Paul is made to say that when certain ones were put to death because they were unfriendly to the Jewish faith and customs, he gave his "voice" against them. Acts 26:10. But the root word here used is not phone, the one expression throughout the New Testament for "voice," but psephos, which means a small pebble. By this being cast as a quiet ballot, it signified the sentiment of the voter, and so stood for his voice or will.
GOD'S VOICE IN CREATION
It is through certain acts, not always the same, that God's voice has been expressed in His administration of earthly affairs. The first record of the kind is that of the creation of the world. Then God spoke, and the very things He had in mind at the instant, at once appeared in tangible form. Although no visible substance emerged prior to its being named in the call to existence, God spoke, and it was. Ps. 33:6, 9; Heb. 11:3. We do not know how God spoke into chaos, or what within it had ears to hear before any essential part of creation was formed; but we do know by faith that "He spoke," and everything necessary to a world's equipment responded.
Herein is the mystery of God's voice. His creative acts reveal that His process of declaring the divine liking is as potent when exercised over unorganized matter, as when practised upon mortal mind; also that the system employed to control intellectual faculties is no less unsearchable than that by which world elements were called into being. This becomes more evident when the history of divine revelation is brought under review. One man alone in Old Testament story was brought face to face with Jehovah in counsel, as one friend converses with another. All others with whom heavenly intercourse was to be held must be content to receive it through a vision or in a dream. Num. 12:6-8.
Here again human scrutiny is at fault; for we are not able to declare accurately the properties of these heavenly methods, neither is it positively known just how the impressions of the divine mind are made upon the human. That it is done as quickly and effectively as was the creative act, may be drawn from a single case of inspired history.
GOD'S VOICE TO SAMUEL
The prophet Samuel was instructed to go to a certain family in Bethlehem, and from one of its sons anoint a king to guide the destinies of Israel. The particular individual to be thus honored was not named in the commission, for the reason, perhaps, that God preferred to instruct as to that on the spot, and so prevent the possible mistake of a faulty memory in names. So upon arrival at the place, the prophet ordered the sons of the household to stand before him. Looking at the eldest, a fine specimen of manhood, Samuel's mind inclined toward setting him apart for the high office. But as hands were about to be laid on in the ceremony of consecration, the Lord suddenly halted the service, with information that the one considered was not the chosen of Heaven, for certain well-defined reasons. The same result was reached in the case of each of the following six as they passed under examination. 1 Sam. 16:1-13.
The anointing of a king to rule Israel was a great responsibility, because to make a mistake in selection would be a lamented calamity. But the prophet had been assured that one of the sons of this family had been chosen for king, and that all which remained to do was to anoint him for the office. What was to be done after the rejection of all the supposed sons of Jesse as they came forward for examination? Again in His refusal to accept any of those presented, how was God's mind so quickly and accurately made known to the prophet, since there is no record of any audible voice being heard in the communications given, and it had moreover been declared that none besides Moses could talk with God face to face, as with a friend?
One is shut up to the conclusion that the prophet's instruction was by some silent conference through which he learned the divine will, and which made him entirely sure of his ground of operation. Hence finding that all the sons viewed were alike discarded, the prophet turned with confidence to the head of the family, demanding to know where another son might be found.
The father admitted having another son, but considered him too young to have weight in the matter before them. This one, he said, was in the field herding sheep. "Send for him at once," was the order. Upon his appearance, the Lord made known, in the same mysterious manner as with the other sons, that this one, the boy David, was Heaven's chosen king.
It is thus readily seen that the right course to be taken throughout this program entirely depended on listening to God's "still small voice," the same that led Elijah from his wilderness hiding to anoint Elisha as prophet in his stead. 2 Kings 19:12-16.
GOD IMPRESSES HIMSELF UPON ALL
It is the same now. Hence the mystery of God's kingdom, in all its administrative functions, has been committed to the knowledge of all who will receive it. Mark 4:11. Every one may have the voice of God reveal to him constantly the path in which he should walk; not by some audible command, but by the quiet voice of God upon the conscience, that perceptive yet unknown quantity implanted in man by Him whose spontaneous knowledge was to lead the image of the infinite in His own type of righteousness. John 10:4, 5. Through this sensitive contingency the Master's voice was to be heard, calling to duty, as against possible directing agencies tending in an opposite direction.
So firmly was this attribute riveted in man by creative power, and so positively in harmony was its original likeness with the audible voice heard later on Sinai's height, that down into the very depths of heathen mental incompetence it yet acts a certain part in directing careers. Referring to this Heaven-reserved avenue for meeting man's needs amid conflicting environments, the apostle says that one removed from the written law of Heaven, and yet acting the requirement of that law, simply shows the operation of the law written upon the heart, being witnessed by his conscience either excusing or accusing him in what he does. Rom. 2:14, 15.
Truly God has amply provided man with every facility for mental association with perfect influences. No one, therefore, can, in his final rehearsal, complain that opportunity for linking11with Heaven was lacking in his case, since it is the privilege of every one, in faith, fervently to ask:
"Speak to my soul, dear Jesus,
Speak now in tenderest tone.
Whisper in loving kindness,
Thou art not left alone."
J. O. C.
A WORD TO OUR READERS
By Editor
We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Our authority for the doctrines we teach is the Bible. Quotations are usually from the King James Version or the American Standard Revised.
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64—JUDGMENT OF THE DEAD AND THE LIVING
By Editor
It is said that the Investigative Judgment of the dead began in 1844, and that when the heavenly court is through with the dead, the living will be judged. How can the Judgment of the dead be finished when people are dying every day?
C. W. W.
Naturally, logically, the investigation of cases in the heavenly court begins with those who first lived in the first generations, and from there onward to the last generation. That investigation does not pertain to all, but simply to those whose names have been written in the book of life. All whose names have not, will die, and their cases will be determined during the thousand years, and Judgment executed at the end of that period. The Judgment which began in 1844 must of course deal with both dead and living as we near the end. God does not satisfy our curiosity in dealing with particulars. We may safely leave it all with Him. He will be wise as well as just.
65—THE APOCRYPHA
Upon what authority were the books of the Apocrypha eliminated from the Scriptures and rated as sectarian [secular?], while the balance are rated as inspired?
A. T. S.
They were not in the Jewish Scriptures held to be sacred, the Scriptures which Jesus learned.
They sprang out of that time in the Jewish church concededly after prophets had ceased; that is, after Malachi.
They were not written in the Hebrew language.
Their style, their character, their teaching, are not up to the standard of the law and the testimony. This is evident to any devout Bible reader.
They are considered valuable as throwing light upon the time that produced them, and the books of Maccabees are valuable as history.
66—EVERY CREATURE
If it is wrong to eat meat, what is the meaning of 1 Tim. 4:1-5?
INQUIRER.
Now, first, that text is not instruction on diet. It is a prophecy of the apostasy which should arise after the apostles' day. Some should depart from the faith—that Jesus and Jesus alone is all-sufficient to save. They would give heed to evil spirits, who would come under the guise of good spirits oftentimes, and to doctrines of demons. Persons thus deceived would speak lies. Their consciences would become seared. They would forbid God's ordinances, and enjoin celibacy. They would command persons to abstain from foods. The word translated "meats" is broma, which Strong defines as follows: "From the base of bibrosko (to eat); food, especially articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law." See Matt. 15:37; Mark 8:8.
"Meat" in these chapters is from the same word, meaning mostly if not all bread. "Meat" is the old English word for food, and we use it still for the kernel of a nut. This apostate power would therefore forbid what is good. The meats of 1 Tim. 4:3 seem clearly to be modified by "created to be received with thanksgiving," and "sanctified by the word of God." God wants us to eat the best for our good and His glory. 1 Cor. 10:31. But a flesh diet is not the best, and it is growing to be more and more dangerous all the time. God does not command this. He pleads with us to eat that which is good, and "custom will render it most delightful."
67—IS WAR RIGHT?
Where in the Bible is war spoken against?
E. M.
The Lord does not speak complimentarily of one of whom it is said, "War was in his heart." Ps. 55:21.
Inspiration prays that God will "scatter" "the people that delight in war." Ps. 68:30.
Rev. 16:13, 14 certainly shows that the spirits which urge to war are not of God or good; they are "the spirits of demons" from the mouth of the dragon, sent forth by the command of the devil himself.
Read the reason of the prophet's lamentation in Jer. 4:19-22.
This is enough on the negative side. Men indulge in strife and go to war because they are carnal. James 4:1, 2. Christians can not do this. Jesus Christ is the Prince of peace. One injunction is, "As much as lieth in you [not in the other man—in you, the Christian], live peaceably with all men." Rom. 12:18. God's gospel is, "On earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14. "Peace be unto you," "Go in peace," fell like balm from the lips of Jesus upon wounded and troubled hearts. The sea was at war from winds of the devil; Jesus said to it, "Peace, be still." Every one of Paul's epistles speaks peace. Our Father is a "God of peace." A fruit of the Spirit is peace. Gal. 5:22. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12:14. "Seek peace, and ensue it." We could fill pages with the divine injunctions and promises regarding peace. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever."
If we are saved in Jesus Christ, we are delivered from this evil world, and translated "into the kingdom of His dear Son." Col. 1:13. Our King said to His ardent, sanguine follower of old, "Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matt. 26:52. He said again in that very time: "My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence." John 18:36. His subjects have weapons; but "though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.)" 2 Cor. 10:3, 4. The Christian's complete panoply is found in Eph. 6:10-17. It is mightier to the son of faith than all the kaiser's 16-inch field howitzers. It has the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.
In the light of all this and much more, how can Christians go to war? If Christians fight Christians, each is fighting Christ in the person of His people; for has He not said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me?" When the man who did nothing to the one in need is cast out, what will be done to the man who, with hate-filled heart, sought the life?
SYSTEMATIC BIBLE STUDY
By Editor
Owing to the fact that there will be no paper next week, we present the schedules below for the two remaining weeks of the year.
FOLLOWING the schedule for the year, we still have before us the pleasant task of reading the writings of six of the minor prophets. But they each wrote very briefly, so this will only require a few days. It is to be hoped that all who have read the Bible through during this year of 1914, will form the strong determination to read it through at least once during each of the years to come; for there is nothing more important for us in this life, than reading and meditating upon the sacred Book.
Read three chapters each week-day, and five on the Sabbath.
BECOMING HUMILITY
By G. B. T.
WHAT folly for mortals to be proud! When man considers the small speck he is in the creation of God, he may well feel like placing his hand on his mouth and sitting in dust and ashes. Indeed, "nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance." Comparatively, the inhabitants of earth are indeed as grasshoppers.
"Lord Kelvin told us, a little while ago, that the time would come when the astronomer would take cognizance of the existence of a thousand million suns and worlds, and this world of ours is one of the smallest in the whole great family. If God were to send an angel out from heaven to look for this world, with no celestial chart or clue, it would be about like sending a little boy out on a Kansas prairie to find a particular grain of sand or blade of grass. And you are only one out of sixteen hundred millions crawling around on this little speck of star-dust. How big do you think you look from the eternal throne?"
What folly for one finite, erring being to become lifted up above his neighbor! The ant-hill on which you stand may be higher than mine, but we are both about the same distance from the sun. That which we may have above another is received from above, from a source outside of ourselves, and the honor should be given to the One to whom all honor belongs.
G. B. T.
SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 27 TO 31
By Editor
THE book of Malachi, which comes in our reading for this week, is particularly to be noted, because of the instruction it gives in the third chapter, upon the subject of tithes and offerings, and also on account of the strong, clear statements in the fourth chapter concerning the final destruction of the wicked.
Our schedule for the remainder of this year calls for the reading of but little more than one chapter a day; and this done, we will have fulfilled our purpose to read the entire Bible during the year 1914.
