The Gospel Age — What Does It Embrace? — How Were the People of the Old Dispensation Saved?
By FRANCIS MONROE BURG
"THE law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." Luke 16: 16. The gospel is defined to be the "power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1: 16. "Every one" is not to be limited in its application in respect to time or condition. The offer in the gospel is to every one of every class and in every age, on one condition only — belief in Jesus Christ, "whom God hath sent." John 3: 16 means no less to the people of one generation, or to the people of one class, than to those of another. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
THE UNIVERSAL OFFER
Paul also, in Rom. 10: 6-13, presents the universal offer of salvation, on the simple terms already mentioned: "The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. . . . Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
THE GOSPEL ERA
There seems to be general agreement among Bible believers relative to the offer of salvation on the simple terms set forth in this language, when applying it to what theologians are wont to term "the gospel era." Right at this point is the danger of divergence from the truth to a most dangerous error.
There is scarcely a more misleading designation to Bible readers than that of "the gospel age" as referring to the time since the first advent of Christ as contrasted with the ages previous to that event. Because of this use of the term, many people do not readily see the gospel in the setting of the Old Testament writings.
HOW MEN WERE SAVED ANCIENTLY
In the first place, it seems almost impossible, to the writer, that any one could conceive the idea of God's saving men of one age or generation on terms different from those required for salvation in another "dispensation." In the last analysis of this great question of man's salvation, there can be only one way by which the sinner can be brought back to peace with his God. The sinner must have died and been forever lost had not his Creator stayed the hand of justice and paid the debt for him. And in the nature of things, the only condition on which this intervention could avail for the sinner is his sincere repentance and confession of his sin, and an unquestioning faith in the vicarious Sufferer.
"SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD"
Christ, who paid the price, dying for man's redemption, was "slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13: 8. In every age since the fall of man, redemption has been offered through Him, and on the same terms on which it is offered where the gospel is preached to-day.
Paul states that the gospel was preached to Abraham: "The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Gal. 3: 8. And in writing to the Hebrews, he again says, "Unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them." Heb. 4: 2.
THEY HAD THE SAME GOSPEL
This makes it clear that the ancient Jews had the same gospel we have in these last days. The name of Jesus, and the blood shed for man's redemption, had the same power and efficacy then as now. The gospel that saves men through the power of God is called, in Rev. 14: 6, 7, the "everlasting gospel."
Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last; and when redemption is completed, and the saved from all ages sing anew the endless song, it will be to Him who redeemed them to God through His blood out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation. Rev. 5: 9.
Sabbath in the Wilderness
By William Covert
God's Works Are Forever — Idolatry When His Works Were Forgotten — Continued Miracles Attended the Day of the Sabbath
By WILLIAM COVERT
THE Sabbath was intended to bless all men; and as it was committed to Adam and Eve before the fall (Gen. 2:2, 3), evidently its Author designed it to be kept by all people for all time. With this agree the words of Solomon where he says, "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him." Eccl. 3:14.
IF GOD WERE CHANGEABLE
If God should be constantly changing His laws and purposes, men would be confused, and the result would be a loss of reverence for God, and a want of confidence in His word.
The psalmist said of the Lord: "He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered. . . . The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness." Ps. 111:4, 7, 8.
God gave His commandments to men because the eternal principles of righteousness demanded that He should do it. And the law which He gave was perfect. Ps. 19:7. He neither exceeded that which was required, nor did He come short of the mark.
PROCLAIMED WITH AUDIBLE VOICE
When God led Israel out of Egypt, He gathered the whole people around Sinai, and there with audible voice He delivered His law in the hearing of them all. Then the law was engraved in stone with His finger. Also a covenant was ratified with them concerning the law. See Exodus 24. Thus the people of Israel were out of Egypt and started on their way to Canaan. They were to be installed in the land of promise, in harmony with a covenant which God had previously made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The promises made to these covenant fathers all looked forward to the redemption of the earth from the curse of sin, and the settling of men on their eternal inheritance. We have only a brief of what was said to the patriarchs, yet we gather enough from the brief to know that God's ancient people had faith in the same Redeemer whom Christians now accept.
Of course all careful Bible students know that Israel had but recently emerged from a long and trying period of slavery when they entered into covenant with the Lord. In this covenant they promised to keep the commandments, yet their human weaknesses kept them from fulfilling their vows. So they entered upon a bewildering experience, instead of earning a clear title to the land of glory.
In writing of their defect, the psalmist said, "They soon forgat His works; they6waited not for His counsel: but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert." Ps. 106:13, 14. In speaking of the specific acts of their transgressions, the writer of their history says, "They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image."
When they forgot God's works, which He had made to be remembered, they could not keep the Sabbath. In fact, they entered upon a shameful scene of heathen debauchery while Moses was up in the mountain communing face to face with the Lord. The cause of their transgression is told in words too plain to be mistaken: "They forgot God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea. . . . Yea, they despised the pleasant land [land of promise], they believed not His word: but murmured in their tents, and harkened not unto the voice of the Lord." Ps. 106:21-25.
Their association with idolaters and idolatry in Egypt had blinded their minds to such an extent that they lacked the mental and moral qualifications to make them yield willing and loving obedience to the commandments. Their want of reverence was such that Moses once said to them, "Ye have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you." Deut. 9:24.
CONTINUED MIRACLES FOR FORTY YEARS
To help and instruct them in their Sabbath obedience, the Lord rained manna from heaven to feed them, and this was done for a period of forty years. The manna fell six days each week during the whole period, and it was restrained from falling every Sabbath day during the entire time. That which fell on the sixth day of the week was double the amount of that which fell other days; and it had a quality in it which preserved it over the entire seventh day, while the manna which fell any other than the sixth day could not be kept over. Thus God was working a continual miracle before their eyes in the matter of the manna, but largely relating to the keeping of the Sabbath commandment. This was done for a period of forty years.
During all this time, God was associating a physical as well as a special spiritual blessing with and in the Sabbath day. In all that period, there could be no question with that people as to which day was the Sabbath. Nor could any fail to see that God wanted the day to be properly observed. Please to read Ex. 16:4-26.
But a blessing so constant and evident as was the manna and the Sabbath may become so common that a murmuring people will even speak in a critical and thankless way about it. So it was with the manna. The Hebrews said it was a very poor food and was lacking in relish. They wanted flesh with fish and garlic. See Num. 11:4-6.
A PROPHET TELLS HOW IT WAS
The prophet Ezekiel, in looking back to this bit of unpleasant conduct in the wilderness, and to an earlier scene of their rebellion, said for the Lord: "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness: they walked not in My statutes, . . . and My Sabbaths they greatly polluted. . . . For their heart went after their idols." And as stated in another verse, "Because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes, and had polluted My Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols." Eze. 20:12, 13, 16, 24.
The foregoing scriptures show what a fearful havoc idolatrous associations work upon those who are thrown among them. Judging from the account given of the god which Aaron provided for Israel when they came out of Egypt, we decide that the image was made according to the order of those who led in the apostasy. It was cast into a mold which was brought out of Egypt, or one which some one provided for the occasion. The account says that Aaron fashioned it with a graving tool after he had made it a molten calf. For the man in charge of the Lord's people to yield to their request and provide them with an Egyptian divinity, the calf Apis, was not a dignified act. What a foolish thing for a great man to do! Whatever the form of that image was, it had in it a hidden meaning for the people, which would lead them to direct transgression of the commandments they had heard proclaimed from the top of Sinai, and had promised to obey.
WOULD PROMOTE WORSHIP OF THE TRUE GOD
As we have abundantly seen, the Sabbath, if intelligently and devoutly observed, would promote the worship of the true God, and also serve as a guard against the practise of all forms of idolatry. When the prophet expressly declares that "the Sabbath was greatly polluted" because their hearts went after their idols, the statement is very significant.
A BRIGHTER SIDE TO THE PICTURE
But there was a better day for Israel when the younger people became trained in the ways of righteousness. And this training was done during the forty years of sojourn in the wilderness. The generation taught and led by Moses, Joshua, and Caleb, with their helpers, became a mighty host.
By the Omnipotent One, a wide space in the Jordan bed was made dry, and so the river was held, to prevent its waters from coming down from above, while all the people passed over to the other side. The marvelous work was done so openly that all the neighboring peoples knew of it, and were astounded at the wonderful thing which God had wrought for Israel. Then the Lord said to Israel, "This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you." They were then free from Egypt, and ready to make history for the cause of God.
Where Does Liberty of Choice End?
By Will H. Spicer
WHERE does liberty of choice end, as judged from the "wets" standpoint? The nation as a whole ought not to exercise it, say they.
The state also is too big a unit to determine its freedom from the evils of drink. And even license laws they grudgingly acquiesce in, and evade if possible.
In some of the states having local option laws, the liquor forces have pretended to accept the situation as ideal. Yet they opposed the passing of those laws, tooth and nail; and lately, in Ohio, where nearly half the population is in no-license territory by this means, an amendment to the constitution has been proposed that would make those laws invalid.
Now as to the family, did ever a liquor seller refuse drink to husband, wife, or child, at the request of the other members of the family, until he was compelled by law to do so? And how about the efforts to awaken an appetite in the young? Were ever brandy-flavored candy and free drinks used to this end, with the children of families opposed to the traffic? — Yes. Nowadays there are laws to prevent such practises, and children of respectable parents will not go near a saloon; but in days gone by, such things were done.
Then it comes down to this, — that the only liberty that would be allowed us is liberty from having liquor down our throats whether we will or not. Even that liberty has been violated many times among peoples who are too ignorant or too weak politically to defend themselves. Witness the treatment of the aborigines in the early days in this country, and at present in the southern continents.
Russia has a nation-wide compulsory saloon law. Perhaps that would be going a little too far for the advocates of the traffic in this country — perhaps.
WILL H. SPICER.
A Word to Backsliders
By E. Hilliard
DEAR backslider: Once you knew the peace of pardoned sin. You had sweet communion with God and His crucified Son. For weeks, months, and even years, you walked with God.
But the restless tempter was upon your track, and almost unconsciously you listened to his siren voice. Gradually you yielded to temptation, and lost your hold upon God. You changed masters, without realizing what the change meant to your soul. You were again brought into bondage to the prince of tyrants. “The meaner the master, the worse the bondage.”
Paul asked the poor backslidden Galatians, “After that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” Gal. 4: 9.
Is it not remarkable that the liberated soul should desire his fetters again? O, how strange, how cruelly strange, that after Christ has opened the prison doors of sin, and set the captive free, he should return to his prison, and toil away at the hard treadmill of sin!
But who has not had something of that experience? Who at times has not felt forsaken of God? Then is the time to exercise faith, and, like Christ in His darkest hour on the cross, commit the soul into the keeping of infinite power.
Perchance you have been walking in darkness for many a weary month. But take courage. There is relief for all who have departed from the living God. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, . . . and ye have not obeyed My voice, saith the Lord. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord: for I am married unto you, . . . and I will bring you to Zion.” Jer. 3: 13, 14.
Your Saviour is able to bring you to Zion, and He invites you to reverse your downward footsteps. Listen to His loving plea:583“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matt. 11: 28-30.
Dear backslider, yoke up with Christ once more. Exchange your weary load for His light burden, and your galling yoke for His easy one. Experience once more the peace of pardoned sin. Turn your footsteps toward your heavenly Father's house, and you may rest assured that He will meet you afar off.
If you take one step toward your Liberator, He will take two toward you. He will hasten His pace, throw His arms of infinite love around you, clothe you in His royal robe of righteousness, and give you a seat at the marriage supper of the Lamb in the city of God.
Turn before it is forever too late.
E. HILLIARD.
Socialism and Christianity
By W. L. Sims
Are the Two Systems Compatible? — Would Christ Be a Socialist if He Were Here Now?
By W. L. SIMS
THIS is the first of two articles by Elder Sims on the subject of Christianity and socialism. In this article, he shows that the teaching of Christ is out of harmony with the doctrines of the socialist, and that therefore the dream which many have of uniting the two for the purpose of reforming the world, is a delusion. Next week he will show that the teaching of many leading socialists themselves makes it clear that they have no regard for Christianity in advancing their theories for the "betterment of the social order." EDITOR.
MANY present-day advocates of socialism, from pulpit, platform, and press, maintain that the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures support the doctrines and methods of socialism. If this claim is true, then every follower of Christ should welcome the teachings of socialism. If, on the other hand, the claims and aims of socialism are not founded upon the principles of Christianity, then no advocate of socialism is justified in claiming that Christ, if He were on earth to-day, would champion their cause.
THE DICTIONARY DEFINITION
Worcester's dictionary defines socialism to be "a science of reconstructing society on an entirely new basis, by substituting the principles of association for that of competition in every branch of human industry." This definition is endorsed by Webster, the Century, and the Standard. The choice lies between cooperation and competition. Therefore the socialists would have it appear that if Jesus would not advocate cooperation according to socialistic principles, He must endorse competition.
To show that the foregoing conclusion does not necessarily follow, we will briefly contrast the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures with the doctrines and methods of socialism. By a careful reading of the New Testament, we learn that the principal business of Jesus was to spread a doctrine of life that made a man's economic or temporal conditions a secondary matter. Matt. 6: 31-33. According to the teachings of Jesus, a change of heart was of far more value and importance than a change in outward conditions. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matt. 16: 26. Here in this fundamental principle the teaching of Christ differs absolutely from that of socialism. The two systems are as wide apart as are the poles.
The socialists regard poverty as about the worst thing that can happen to a man. Their great plea is to abolish poverty. In seeking to own the world and all things therein, they would destroy the individual capitalist, and make of him "a useful citizen"—a laboring man. But when Jesus appeared among men, He chose to cast His lot not with the rich, but with the poor laboring class. He was poor. He said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." He never taught that poverty was a hindrance to one's spiritual growth.
Philosophers of socialism tell us that the poor do not have a fair chance to develop fine characters; but Jesus thought and taught differently. He considered the rich to be the most handicapped. When the rich young ruler, who thought so much about his wealth that he forgot the needs of his neighbors, came to Jesus, the prescription that Jesus gave him was unsparing. He said, "Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor." Matt. 19: 16-22. Jesus did not thus speak because He hated the young capitalist, or because He was against the system that was in vogue at that time, whereby this young ruler was enabled to obtain his great possessions. It was because He loved him, and wanted to save him from the love of money, which is the root of all evil. And Jesus knew it would be worth the price. The giving by Zaccheus of half his goods, delivered him from the bondage of avarice, and Jesus asked no more. Luke 19: 1-10. Jesus did not rebuke the possessor of riches, save when these hindered the growth of a man's noble character.
NEITHER ENDORSED OR CONDEMNED ANY ECONOMIC DOCTRINE
Jesus, in His teachings, never endorsed or condemned any economic doctrine. He treated industrial questions exactly as He treated political questions — He let them alone. He talked of love for one's neighbor, but He never so much as hinted at a social program for demonstrating it in the industrial world.
"My kingdom is not of this world," He declared. John 18: 36. At one time, the kingdoms of this world were offered to Him. Matt. 4: 8, 9. At another time, the people were ready to do anything that He might suggest. They were ready to cooperate with Him in any municipal reform He might advocate. They were so earnest that they would have taken Him by force and made Him king if He had not withdrawn Himself from them. John 6: 15.
Hence Jesus, throughout His life, persistently kept aloof from everything political, and from all the affairs of the state. And so faithfully did He stand on this principle, that when a certain man came to Him and said, "Speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me," Jesus replied with the words, "Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?" Luke 12: 13, 14.
NO EFFORT TO EQUALIZE DISTRIBUTION
From these clear words of Jesus, it is easy to be seen that He would not identify Himself with a movement to equalize the distribution of wealth as a political or industrial measure.
The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive. On every hand were crying abuses. The rule of competition was in full swing. There was extortion, graft, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Jesus did not call for municipal reform. He did not formulate a socialistic program. He did not organize a "Law and Order League," a "Good Government League," or a "Civic Improvement Club." Neither did He recommend such matters to become the business, or to occupy the time and labors, of His disciples and the church.
No; the Saviour attempted no civil reform. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the nation's enemies. He did not interfere in the least with the authority or administration of those in power. And if He were here to-day, He would be the very same Jesus that He was then, for He is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever." He would hold Himself aloof from all political and industrial questions. Hence He would not be found promulgating the doctrines and methods of socialism.
"MAN IS GOOD, SOCIETY IS BAD"
"Man is good, but society is bad; hence society must be reconstructed," say the socialists. "No," says the gospel of Jesus Christ; "society would be all right if man were good." Society is what men make it. Even socialism could never make a society better than the individuals composing the society.
The fact is, man is bad. He is selfish, and needs to be reconstructed, to be changed by the grace and Spirit of God. If society were made up of such changed men, then as among the believers in apostolic days, social conditions would be transformed. Equal privileges and comforts would be provided for all, for each would be looking for the others' interest.
But this is the work of Christianity alone. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." Acts 4: 32-35.
IT CAN NOT REFORM THE WORLD
Such a condition can never be accomplished by socialism. Therefore we conclude that it is the height of folly to expect socialism to584succeed in reforming the world. The transforming grace of Christ is the only power that can do it.
The ethics of Christianity are founded on love, the ethics of socialism are founded on force. One is the power of love; the other, the love of power. And power without love will be intolerant, oppressive, and cruel. Such would be the rule of socialism if it had its own way. The ideals of socialism being incompatible with the selfish nature of man, the only basis upon which socialism could hope to succeed would be the enforcement of the socialists' regime under the principles of militarism.
The Meat-Offering
By CLARENCE SANTEE
Its Significance in the Sanctuary Service
By CLARENCE SANTEE
THE meat-offering is described in Lev. 2:1-3. This would follow the burnt offering. It was an offering of praise to God for His blessing of acceptance and freedom from sin.
While called a meat-offering, it used no flesh. It could be called a food-offering, or as in the A. R. V., a "meal-offering." It had no life taken, no blood shed. These were the central figures in the sin-offering and the burnt offering. Not so of this. It was to be of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Verse 1.
THE IMPULSE OF THANKFULNESS
The first impulse of the one delivered from sin is to thank God for the bread of life, the righteousness of Christ, and the ability to reflect His beautiful character in the flesh.
To praise God should be the first thought of every soul that has been set free. Yet when Christ was upon earth, and from His abundant grace He at one time healed ten lepers, only one thought to return to thank and praise Him. Luke 17:15-19.
A spirit of true gratitude and appreciation for favors bestowed, is one of great value in the sight of God.
HE GIVES THE WILL AND IMPUTES THE DOING
The fine flour of the offering represents the bread of life. Lev. 24:5-7; John 6:48-51. One has said, "That oil represents the righteousness of Christ." The frankincense fitly represents the "sweet savor" of the Christian life. 2 Cor. 2:15. The man took of the flour and the oil his "handful"—all that he could contain—and all the frankincense. While God gives the will to undertake, and the power to do, of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13), He imputes the doing all to the man who has placed himself in His hand.
That which remained of the meat-offering was for "Aaron and his sons." Lev. 2:3. The joy of a soul saved remains not alone with Christ and the one made free, but angels join in the rejoicing. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10.
THRILLED BY THE SPIRIT OF PRAISE
What must have been the emotions of the man with heart full of praise for his deliverance, as he, under the guidance of the priest, made this offering! He saw a Saviour to come, that spotless character now his own, and his soul filled with new desires for a high and holy life and the power to attain to it. He thrilled with the thought of joy in heaven over his acceptance of the life so freely given. Every soul that has been made free by the Spirit of God, knows in his own heart the truthfulness of this experience.
Under the inspiration and guidance of the priest in making the offering, there would be no unseemly demonstration, no exhibition that would create mirth or derision.
After returning praise to God for his new life, new hope and expectation, there was another step in the Christian pathway. No person can retain a living connection with God585and a bright experience, unless he tells to others the blessings he has received. The Saviour said to the demoniac who was healed, "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." Mark 5:19. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom. 10:10.
Those in the shadow were not left in doubt as to their duty and privilege. An impressive offering was made which embodied a model testimony to the goodness of God, and the joy of His child.
"LEAVEN" AND "UNLEAVENED"
The offering of thanksgiving followed the meat-offering, and taught that after returning thanks to God for freedom from sin, a confession of this blessing must be made before men. This offering is recorded in Lev. 7:12-15. A few points will be of interest. Unleavened cakes mingled with oil were used. "Leaven" and "unleavened" are words often used in the Scripture. Their meaning is explained in 1 Cor. 5:8. It reads, "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."
In this verse, "leaven" stands for "malice and wickedness," and "unleavened" for "sincerity and truth." Keeping these definitions in mind, we can see the force of expression in many figures.
MALICE AND WICKEDNESS IF LEFT ALONE
The first requirement in an acceptable testimony to God's goodness is "sincerity and truth" (Lev. 7:12), "mingled with oil," which represents the righteousness of Christ. The Lord has said, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me." Ps. 50:23. Ascribing praise to God for His deliverance and acceptance, is a part of true worship.
In Lev. 7:13, the one making a thank-offering is told also to offer "leavened bread." God does not bless the man who, in his pride, points to himself as an example, one who does not sin. Instead, while ascribing all praise to God for victories gained, in sincerity, one must add to this offering the acknowledgment that in himself there is nothing good—that if left alone, "malice and wickedness," represented by the leaven, would fill the heart.
TO BE EATEN THAT DAY
This sacrifice was to be eaten the same day that it was offered. Perhaps you have known a brother or a sister who never wearied of telling some bygone experience, possibly years in the past, good enough in itself, but not a present experience. If anything is needed to kill the interest in a meeting, this will usually accomplish the task. God does not want His children forever living in the past. The offering "shall be eaten the same day that it is offered." Verse 15.
IT GROWS ON NEW WOOD
There should be a present feasting upon God's word, an ascription of praise for the present blessing. God compares His children to the branches of the vine. John 15:1-8. The vine never bears its clusters on the branch that grew last year. The fruit appears on the part that grows new itself while the clusters are forming.
The last year's growth has its place in connecting the new growth with the vine, but the new growth alone bears the fruit. In the same way, our experience of the past is a strong factor in holding us faithful, making us helpful to others and sound in counsel. But the new, present experience in the things of God, bears the fruit that glorifies Him.
Testifying before men, in sincerity, ascribing all goodness to God, praise for present freedom, recognizing our own weaknesses, and basing all on the present experience,—this constitutes a sacrifice well pleasing to God.
The Gift of Speech
"PRECIOUS indeed in this world of sin and ignorance is the gift of speech, the melody of the human voice, when devoted to the praise of Him who hath loved us and given Himself for us."
What I Am
By C. L. Taylor
WHAT I am is the all-important question in my relations to God.
How very, very often it is that professed Christian people are not what their brethren suppose them to be, nor yet what they themselves really regard their lives to be!
God deals with men neither after their reputation nor after their own mistaken opinions. He looks to what they are in fact. "Man looketh on the outward appearance; but the Lord looketh on the heart."
THEIR NAMES MEANT SOMETHING
In olden days, God gave to people their names. Invariably those names expressed the character of the individuals named.
A certain man was named Jacob, named by express direction of the Lord, because, in his inmost nature, the man was a supplanter, or thief. See Gen. 27:36.
But when that same man had submitted himself to the gracious workings of the Spirit of God, and was soundly converted, God gave him another name, a better name, a new name, the name Israel. Gen. 32:28. "Israel" signifies prince of God, overcomer.
When Jacob's character had been changed, then was his name changed. What he was gave him his first name; and what he was gave him his second name.
ARE TO BEAR NEW NAMES
All who enter the everlasting kingdom of God are to bear new names. Rev. 2:17; 3:12. In other words, all who are redeemed from earth are to be changed in character. Character alone, character fashioned after the divine, is the only passport into the presence of Divinity.
THE NEW NAME AND OUR CHOICE
The new name privilege depends wholly upon the choice we make. Man must choose righteousness if he would have righteousness. Likewise he must choose not to love unrighteousness. Because the Lord Jesus loved righteousness, and hated iniquity, He was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows, and to Him was given the most exalted place in the universe — the place at God's right hand.
To Jesus, sin was abhorrent. He could not look on iniquity. Selfishness in all its varied forms was detestable. And though He took our fallen natures, with all their varied tendencies to evil, still His choice to be right — absolutely right — gave Him complete victory. His triumph over sin was complete. For us He worked out an example. He purchased for all mankind a new name.
What am I? Do I know myself? Is my experience one of profession or possession? Am I really able to confess Christ, knowing Him to be within my soul?
NOT KNOWINGLY
Perhaps I may not really see my real self, and understand how sinful I am. But this much I may know, that I can be satisfied with nothing but the purest and best. My purpose is, to be perfect. I will not knowingly be selfish or untrue. Then it is my privilege to claim the promise found in Phil. 3:15.
Whenever any soul, like Job, seeks to be absolutely sincere and upright, then it is that God fully assumes the responsibility of making him all that he needs to be to stand in the presence of his Creator.
What am I? O, I care for naught but this,—that God shall answer in my life the prayer of the psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me."
C. L. TAYLOR.
George E. Cutler
By H. W. Cottrell
GEORGE E. CUTLER was born in Washington, Michigan, July 5, 1845, and died at his home in Dallas, Oregon, after a few brief weeks of illness, June 23, 1914, at the age of sixty-eight years, eleven months, and eighteen days. The immediate cause of his death was heart trouble. At the age of twenty-five years, he was converted, and united with the Seventh-day Adventists, with whom he was associated at the time of his decease. He was elder of the Dallas church for fourteen consecutive years. He was one of the most prominent business citizens in the city in or near which he had lived since 1891.
In 1879 he was united in second marriage to Miss Alice Crocket, of Michigan. The widow, a daughter, Gladys, a son from the former marriage, and five grandchildren survive, with many other relatives and friends, to mourn, but not as those without hope.
He rests. His works follow him. He passed peacefully away, in unwavering hope of the call of the Master to an endless life. May the surviving ones be comforted with that comfort which Christ alone can impart.
The funeral services were conducted at his residence, attended by a large concourse of citizens and relatives. Words of comfort were contributed by the undersigned, Elder Starbuck assisting in the services.
H. W. COTTRELL.
Prejudice
By Eliza H. Morton
PREJUDICE is an opinion or judgment formed without due examination of evidence. The mind may be biased by education, friends, or other considerations.
The one who would advance in the spiritual life must open his mind to divine influences. He who listens to the word of God should lay aside his prejudices, and calmly and carefully consider its claims. God reveals His truth to those who will to know it. Those who keep their hearts pure and minds open will be susceptible to the influences of God's Spirit, and will be made free by it. Beware of prejudice.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
A WORD TO OUR READERS
By Editor
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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.