Earlier text: Overcoming Sinful HabitsThe business of newspaper advertising has been in a process of evolution from the beginning until now, and this process is still continuing. At the commencement only a few of the simplest and shortest advertisements were published—such as wants, rewards for runaway slaves, of ships sailing, and the like. The prices paid for these insertions were merely nominal. Make a bold and impetuous jump from the eight by ten colonial sheet with its little insignificant attempts at advertising to the remarkable New York Herald that charged and received for a column advertisement on its fifth page $109,500 for one year. The Herald has published in its Sunday edition as many as five thousand advertisements in one issue,—and what the Herald did ten years ago other great journals are far exceeding to-day. Not infrequently a single advertiser has been known to make contracts for over half a million dollars in advertising in a year. The career of the World of New York, Public Ledger of Philadelphia, Chicago Tribune, and Chicago News is astounding. Said Mr. Drexell, the great banker, who held an interest in the Public Ledger: "I thought I knew what it was to make money in banking, but that business is insignificant indeed as compared to the Public Ledger business." George W. Childs, its principal owner, has, it is said, given away for benevolent purposes, many large fortunes, the result of the proceeds he received from the Ledger newspaper alone. Hating Evil, Loving Good
By Newman
The power to hate truly what is evil must be involved in the power to love truly what is good, and must, indeed, usually precede the growth of the highest kind of love.—Newman. GOOD FRIDAY AND SUNDAY.
By Editor
THE Mail and Express of Friday, April 19, devotes a column to the discussion of Good Friday, as a non-biblical institution. It declares:— 'Our Lord did not ask us to keep Good Friday in his memory, nor any other set time; but he did say in respect to eating bread, "This do in remembrance of me;" and in respect to drinking of the cup, "This do as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me." And the Apostle Paul says, "For as often as ye eat this bread and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come." 1 Cor. 11:26. As this was the only and exclusive method commanded by him for the celebration of his death and resurrection, it is, under the well-known principle of legal interpretation—expressio unius est exclusio alterius—"the express command of one method excluding all others." Instituting other, and, in the estimation of some, even greater, memorials of the death and resurrection of our Lord, has a tendency to magnify a particular day into undue importance attached by the ecclesiasticism of the Jews of the time of Isaiah to particular sabbaths, until their celebration substantially took the place of keeping holy every Sabbath day; and until Jehovah, becoming disgusted with their formalism and their lack of real reverence for, and obedience to, him, exclaimed: "Incense is an abomination unto me; new moon and sabbath; the calling of assemblies. I cannot away with iniquity, and the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts, my soul abhorreth; they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them." Isaiah 1:13, 14.
"It is better to throw the inventions of man to the winds, and return to the simplicity of Christ as set forth in the Holy Scriptures." In parliamentary phrase, the point of order raised by the Mail and Express is well taken, and Good Friday must be ruled out of court, because "Our Lord did not ask us to keep Good Friday in his memory, nor any other set time." The same ruling must carry out of court the Sunday, which our Lord never asked us to keep in memory of his resurrection, no more than he did Good Friday. The cases are exactly parallel, and the influences which brought Sunday and Good Friday into the church, giving them at length a permanent place, were the same, viz., affiliation with pagan thoughts and practices, and a tendency to go beyond "that which is written." The Mail and Express says truthfully, "It is better to throw the inventions of man to the wind and return to the simplicity of Christ as set forth in the Holy Scriptures." To this we respond, Amen. Therefore we are in the field, and to accomplish this specific end, our warfare against man-made institutions and non-biblical observances is carried forward. The reader will remember that this Mail and Express is edited by Elliott F. Shepard, president of the American Sabbath Union. When he is called upon to defend Sunday, he assumes, with lofty disregard of facts, that Sunday is the Sabbath by virtue of the fourth commandment. When called upon to condemn its associate, Good Friday, he declares, very justly, as above. Not only does consistency on the part of the Mail and Express require it to disregard Sunday as a human institution, but every fact which can be brought against Good Friday stands with equal force against Sunday. There remains also the greater fact that the Sabbath, hallowed of God and the observance of which he commanded in the immutable fourth precept of the decalogue, remains unrepealed, and all effort to put Sunday in its place is a double wickedness against God, as compared with the bringing in of Good Friday which did not drive out any divinely ordained institution in order to find a place in the Romish Church. The Mail and Express finds truth a two-edged sword, and lies slain by its own hand. We cannot say to our fallen contemporary, "Rest thou in peace," but rather, "Arise thou, through repentance, to a life of obedience unto that which God has required." Throw the inventions of man to the winds, and return to the simplicity of Christ, as set forth in the Holy Scriptures.—The Light of Home. The Lord Always Before Me
"I HAVE set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope." Ps. 16:8, 9. THE MESSAGE OF TO-DAY.
By M. C. W.
HAS God a message for the church, for the world, at the present time? Have other ages been thus favored of God, and is the present age left in darkness by him? Granted the great advance in science, in knowledge, in invention, in physic, in philosophy; but just as surely as it is possible for a man to have great knowledge in some one or all these branches, and yet be a blaspheming infidel, so surely is it possible for a generation to be advanced in all these things, and yet be farther from God than one not so wise in the wisdom of the world. Not that knowledge or wisdom is contrary to Christianity; for Christianity, though not the embodiment of the wisdom of this world, is the embodiment of the truest knowledge and the highest wisdom. But much of the knowledge and wisdom of the present time is spurious, much of the science is that "falsely so called," much of the worship is "will-worship." And if there ever was an age in which special instruction was needed in order that God's people might be able to distinguish the glittering false from the shining true, the pleasing counterfeit from the useful genuine, it is now. In the time of the flood, God sent Noah to warn the world, and point out the only true way of escape. He sent Jonah to Nineveh. John the Baptist heralded a message given by prophecy seven hundred years before. Isa. 40:3; John 1:23. Christ and his apostles came in fulfillment of prophecy. The Reformers fulfilled prophecy in the work which they wrought for God. They brought the true church part way out of the wilderness of the Dark Ages. The Baptists, the Wesleys, Alexander Campbell, and others brought it still farther. But darkness still remains. There are many dangers. Foes lurk in ambush on every hand. The true way is obscured, the smooth-beginning ways of error and sin are many; and agents of Satan, many of whom are clad in robes of righteousness, are calling in the dulcet tones of sensual ease and peace, Come hither. Starting out in the time of the Reformation on the only true principle that the word of God must be paramount, that which must decide all questions of faith and practice, which points out the way of life, the church ran well for a season. But when she no longer adhered to these principles, she departed from God. The plain letter of Scripture has been in many cases ignored, because it condemned her practices; and conscience, a perverted conscience, warped by education, takes the place of God's word. We are right, say many, if we do not feel condemned. So might say the hardened criminal. Conscience is the creature of education. Educate it by a worldly standard, and it will decide by that standard, even contrary to God's word. And this very exaltation of conscience causes a neglect of the Bible. If man has an infallible guide within, there is no use for the one without. The conclusion is just, but it is based on wrong promises. Conscience is one of the most fallible of guides. "Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." Titus 1:15. Another pernicious doctrine which is akin to the above has also obtained, that the letter of the Scripture is of no account providing the spirit of the Scripture is observed. If the worship rendered to God is in spirit correct, all is well. And in consequence of this, many of the most important ordinances and observances of God's word have become so perverted that were one of the apostles raised from the dead to-day, he would not recognize some of the institutions he had once practiced, pure from the hands of the Head of the church, unless he had before seen them in prophetic vision. God requires more than worship in spirit, he requires worship in truth as well (John 4:23, 24), "for the Father seeketh such to worship him." It was departing from the truth that brought division, weakness, confusion, lukewarmness, and worldliness in the church in the beginning; it must be a return to the truth which will bring union, power, zeal, and true holiness. The Lord has such a message for the "last days," and that we are living in that period is testified by many lines of prophecy. In the second chapter of Daniel the earth's history is represented by a great image composed of gold, silver, brass, iron, and iron and clay,—these parts representing different dynasties as follows: The head of gold, Babylon; the breast and arms of silver, Medo-Persia; the belly and thighs of brass, Grecia; the legs of iron, Rome in its unified state; the iron and clay, Rome in its divided state. The next event is the setting up of the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Four of these divisions have long since passed away; we are far down the fifth, right in the closing years of its existence. Just before us lies the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Will no warning be given of its approach? In the seventh chapter of Daniel we find the same great dynasties represented by four beasts, the last of which has two phases. The latter phase is a prophecy including the Papacy. Its career is shown as a persecutor of the people of God, a rebel against his laws, and a blasphemer of his holy name. The prophet sees this apostate power till every vestige of power as an earthly ruler is removed. But that this does not terminate its career is shown by the twenty-first and twenty-second verses, which clearly indicate that this power will be a persecutor until the Judge of all the earth shall put judgment in the hands of his people at the second coming of Christ. But beyond all this the prophet sees the saints no longer persecuted by earthly powers, in possession of the kingdom "under the whole heaven." Verse 27. The Papacy has about run its allotted career. A little spell of seeming triumph lies before the harlot church, but her end draweth nigh. Is the last great deception to come upon the race unheralded? It is not reasonable. It is not scriptural. In the eighth chapter we have a similar prophecy, in which the first kingdom—Babylon—is dropped out, as its glory had passed when the prophecy was uttered. The cleansing of the sanctuary, or the closing work of our great High Priest, is pointed out as occurring at the end of the 2,300 days, or years, reaching far down the Christian dispensation. In the eleventh chapter we have a line of literal prophecy, ending in the destruction of the king of the North, or Turkey, which has long been known as "the sick man of the East." At this time Michael, or Christ, stands up to reign, the great time of trouble comes upon the wicked, the righteous are delivered forevermore. These things, hidden in a great measure from past generations, are to be unsealed in the "time of the end." Then "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Dan. 12:4. Many shall search God's word, "give their sedulous attention to these things," and knowledge of the prophecies shall be increased. In other words, while the wicked will not understand, "the wise," wise in God, "shall understand." Verse 10. In the Revelation, we have the prophecies of the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpets, each series covering the Christian dispensation, and terminating in the coming glory of Christ. In the twelfth and thirteenth chapters we have great apostate powers again brought to view as the persecutors of the people of God. All the world will be deceived by them. Multitudes will own their sway, deceived by their wonders, and worship the powers of darkness instead of the God of heaven. Right upon these existing, active, apostate powers and their adherents, fall the plagues of God's wrath. These persecuting powers are rapidly coming on the stage of action. As in the past, when the church departed from the word of God, she laid hold of the civil arm to enforce her man-made precepts, even so now the Protestant churches of America are following in the path of the mother. Holding many things contrary to the letter and spirit of God's truth, they are seeking to embody these hoary, man-originated traditions in the law of the land, and thus, while ignoring the letter of Scripture, they are striving, in the spirit of the dragon, to enforce the letter of their precepts of men. The National Reform party, now wedded to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which has done noble work in the temperance cause, is seeking to place "all Christian laws, institutions, and usages on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land." By whom are Christian laws, etc., to be interpreted?—Not by individual right of conscience, but by magistrate, council, or synod! In the Old World the Roman Church and Ritualism are rapidly coming to the front, and will in the near future, according to the "sure word of prophecy," triumph. The form, the ceremony, the ritual, are to take the place of the pure, heart-searching, vitalizing, purifying truth. They are more pleasing to a sensuous, ease-loving generation. But God does not allow all this to take place without warning. In his merciful providence he has multiplied copies of his word without number, and helps for the study of that word. He has made that word its own interpreter to those who will submit to its just and holy claims. And God's great threefold message of truth, designed to proclaim his coming, and judgment, and warn the world against the worship of the beast and his image, will go to earth's millions, if to the very stones has to be given a voice. But God has those who love his will, who will count it all joy to win precious souls by the proclamation of his truth. Such have been bearing the threefold message of Rev. 14:6-14 to the world for forty years. Three decades of years ago the number who had embraced this message could be counted by tens, where now they are by thousands; and believers in its truth number many thousands more. To man belongs not the glory; God hath wrought through human instrumentalities, and to his name be all the praise. Those who are developed by this message have two distinct characteristics,—while they have patient endurance under trial, they keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. These features embrace all essential truths. Embraced and observed with all the heart, they lead to union,—that union for which our Saviour so earnestly prayed. Already has this message called out a people from all beliefs, from all nations, from all sections, and united them in a holy brotherhood, who are striving to serve God and save their fellow-men. This, dear reader, we believe is God's message for to-day. It embodies all the truth so precious to the primitive church, with the present truth of this generation. No practical, needful truth of the past is lost or hidden, and some are restored to their former rightful place; and precious truths615 for this time, and merciful warnings against to-day's evils and deceptions, are included in this message of restoration and salvation. M. C. W. THE CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By C. P. B.
At this writing the general California camp-meeting in this city has just closed. This has been the largest gathering of our people ever convened on the Pacific Coast. The number of campers was nearly 1,500, occupying some 275 tents used for all purposes. The number enrolled in the camp-meeting Sabbath-school on the first Sabbath of the meeting was 1,082, including officers. The contribution for the Hamburg Mission was $182.45. On the second Sabbath the school numbered 1,162, and contributed $142.74 to the same object as on the previous Sabbath. The amount of business transacted by the Conference, the Tract and Missionary Society, the Sabbath-school Association, and the Health and Temperance Association, was large, and its importance demanded that much time should be devoted to it. But the business was not allowed to interfere seriously with the spiritual interests of the meeting. Faith in Christ both as a Saviour from sin and from sinning, was the burden of much of the preaching, which, though to some extent what might be called doctrinal, was also of an intensely practical character, and many were the expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving to God heard in the various social meetings for the good, practical Christian instruction given. Several opportunities were given for the unconverted and backslidden to manifest their desire to give themselves to the Lord, and some two hundred responded. These were encouraged to lay hold by faith upon the promises of God, and a good work was done. The early morning meetings were, as is usual, seasons of great profit. Some good confessions were witnessed on these occasions, but it is to be feared that all did not receive the full benefit which might have been their privilege to enjoy. Yet by far the greater number present left the ground better than they came. Nearly all have a better understanding of their duties and privileges, and many learned most important lessons of faith in God both for the pardon of past transgressions and of strength through Christ for future conflicts. Elders W. C. White and A. T. Jones and Sister E. G. White were present at the meeting, besides the ministers of the California Conference. Brother Jones was present also throughout the workers' meeting, which preceded the general camp-meeting, and his clear and forcible presentation of the subject of justification by faith impressed this important truth upon many hearts as never before. Sister White spoke on several occasions with her usual clearness and freedom, while Brother White's counsel and his words of cheer will tell for good in the work of the various societies throughout the coming year. The closing meeting, Monday morning, October 7, was particularly impressive. Brother G. H. Derrick was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, and every heart was touched by the solemn scene, and by the impressive words of Brother A. T. Jones, who delivered the charge. The work planned for the year to come is greater than ever before. The California Conference now includes, in addition to the State of the same name, the State of Nevada and the Territories of Utah and Arizona, the two latter being annexed at this meeting at the request of the General Conference Committee. The work of both the Conference and the Tract and Missionary Society will be at once carried into this new territory. The sum of over $3,000 in cash and pledges was raised for the ship and city mission work, and for establishing the work in the annexed territory. The Tract and Missionary Society elected five vice-presidents, who will give their entire time to the field work of the society, and to that of the National Religious Liberty Association recently organized in the East. The Health and Temperance Association will also put a lecturer into the field. The Sabbath-school Association elected a vice-president, who will devote his entire time to Sabbath-school work throughout the Conference. Altogether the outlook for the coming year is most hopeful. The people have a mind to work, and with the blessing of God, which is ours if we live for it, work for it, and claim it by a living faith, much will be accomplished during the Conference year upon which we have just entered. May the prospering hand of the Lord be seen in every branch of the work, not only in this Conference, but all over the broad harvest-field. C. P. B. THE FAITH OF THE FATHERS.
By Charles P. Bollman
IN Psalms 51:17 we read: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." And this language not only expresses an important truth now, but it was equally true when first uttered by the penitent psalmist more than twenty-nine hundred years ago. The impression is quite general that in the "former dispensations" religion was little more than a mere form; that men brought their offerings and presented them according to a certain ritual, and that having done so, they were accepted of God, whether their act was one of faith or not. But this view, though so very common, is manifestly an error, for it was not a new but an old truth which the apostle stated when he said: "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him; for without faith it is impossible to please him." The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a unit; they present not two systems of truth, but one, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; and the theology that does not recognize that fact is not Bible theology. In his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul testifies that "by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain." The offering itself was nothing; God looked not alone at the burning wood, nor at the bleeding victim upon that ancient altar, but he looked back of those crude symbols and saw in the heart of Abel a vital, living faith in the promised Saviour, whose death, that an atonement might be made for sins, was typified by the death of that firstling of righteous Abel's flock. Every rite and ceremony in the whole Jewish ritual, except those which were merely sanitary, had some reference to the work of Christ; and those rites and ceremonies were valuable only as Christ was seen and recognized in them. When man fell, or shortly after man had fallen, the Saviour was promised, and God provided for the offering of sacrifices to show the faith of those who should put their trust in the promised Sacrifice; and this sacrificial system we can trace all the way down to the cross, where it ceased, and the Lord's Supper took its place, not as a sacrifice, as the Romanists teach, but as an outward manifestation of faith in the heart; and so we read: "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." If there ever was a time when men were saved by the blood of bulls and goats, then, doubtless, part of the throng of the redeemed will sing one song, and part another; the "song of Moses and the Lamb" would not be one song but two, the song of Moses being for those who were saved through Jewish sacrifices, and the song of the Lamb for those who are saved through Christ. But such is not the teaching of the Scriptures; when in prophetic vision John saw the great multitude of the saved from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, they all, without exception, ascribed their salvation to the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. The plan and the conditions of salvation have ever been the same, namely, "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." He who would serve God acceptably must keep both the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Rev. 14:12. C. P. B. RUMORS of war are again heard from Europe. Russia, it is asserted, is negotiating an enormous loan, and that the money thus raised will be wholly applied to naval and military purposes. At least 70,000,000 roubles will be expended in increasing the navy, and the remainder in enlarging and strengthening frontier fortifications, and in purchasing magazine rifles for the army. It is also stated that a second line of rails is to be laid from the interior of Russia to the western frontier, and that three hundred locomotives and a large quantity of rails have been purchased to be delivered next May. Of course this does not mean immediate war; it is now too late in the season for Russia to think of opening hostilities; but it does indicate that it is the settled purpose of the czar to extend his empire southward. He covets Constantinople, and sooner or later he will take it. In discussing this matter, a leading secular paper on this coast says:— "There can be no other purpose than a warlike one in making this loan. Russia has not taken up the plan of making extensive internal improvements; she has conceived no design of a general system of education; she has not entered upon the pathway of colonization, and there is no foreign territory which she is seeking to purchase. Her finances have improved so materially of late that such a loan is not a necessity to clear off old scores, and so the loan resolves itself into a war measure. "These rumors, even though they may be nothing more, cannot fail to excite much apprehension in Europe. And one can imagine the feeling of anxiety which will hang over Europe during the entire winter, caused by the belief that with the opening spring the Muscovite millions will sweep down from the north and lay waste the fairest portions of Europe. Where the blow will fall, none can tell; but unless all signs are to go for nothing, and unless the best military critics in Europe are deceived, the spring of 1890 will see a war begun by Russia, and when begun it can hardly fail to become general in its character." Opinions Are Not Interpretations
By Editor
IN an article in the Independent of July 18, on "The Change of Habitation," by Rev. Samuel T. Spear, D. D., the writer argues that "the death of the body is not an absolute extinction of our conscious and spiritual nature, but simply a change in the place of our habitation, and in the circumstances under which we exist." As proof of this Dr. Spear cites Luke 23:43, the words of Jesus to the dying penitent thief, and says:— "By the pronoun 'thou' he meant the soul-nature of the thief, and by the pronoun 'me' he meant himself in his soul-nature; and in respect to this nature, and this only, he said: 'To-day thou shalt be with me in Paradise.'" We would be glad to have Dr. Spear give us some more evidence that this is true than his mere opinion on this and other texts. Opinions are not interpretations. One could as dogmatically assert, as has Dr. Spear in the above, that "thou" in Gen. 3:19, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return," had reference to Adam's soul, not his body. Such arguments show the desperate straits in which the theory survives and the desperate shifts to which its defendants are driven. The truth is that "thou" in both texts refers to the whole man. The Sabbath-School.
By J. W. Scoles
Notes on the International Lesson.
AFTER the overthrow of Saul, the Philistines had possessed themselves of many of the strong places in the land of Israel. The prospering hand of the Lord, however, had been with David, who had established himself firmly in the affections of the people, as we have seen in past lessons. He had succeeded in all his undertakings, and the remnant of hostile tribes still dwelling in the land seem to have entertained such a wholesome respect for the superior prowess of his armies that they remained peaceful during the rest of David's reign. HAVING made Jerusalem the permanent seat of his government, and established peace within the borders of his land, David at once turned his attention toward God, who had given him such success in the affairs of his kingdom. This was eminently proper and right. God had extended his protection and care, and David, recognizing the fact that no power or glory accruing to himself would be worth enjoying unless God still dwelt with him, purposed giving the Lord the praise which justly belonged to him. It is well to remember that we glorify God when we thus exalt and praise him for his goodness to us. No true consolidation of the government could occur, no true and lasting union upon the part of the people be brought about, if the ark of God were left out of the question. No other object possessed such interest for the children of Israel. It contained the law of Jehovah, the living God, and was a continual reminder of his presence with his people. So should it be with the church of the living God to-day. No matter how much apparent success and external prosperity it possesses, unless deep devotion exists, unless God be really thought of, reverenced, and magnified in the hearts of those who profess to love his name, there will be, there can be, no real spiritual union and power. ENTHUSIASM is a good thing when directed in proper channels, but we are sometimes in danger of allowing our zeal to run to too great lengths. The people intended that their service in bringing up the ark should be not merely a formal duty, but a joyful service. It is not likely, though, that their enthusiasm was altogether prompted by devotion. The ark had, it is true, a peculiar interest for the people, but the idea of the special sacredness connected with it had largely departed from their minds. Had this not been the case the sad circumstances connected with this lesson need never have been recorded. HUNDREDS of years before this, God had specifically instructed his people that none of the Levites were to touch the ark on its journeys, under any circumstances, lest they should die. This was the sin for which Uzzah died before the Lord. It was a direct act of disobedience, and as such was punished accordingly. FURTHER investigation would also reveal the fact that a transgression was committed in placing the ark on a cart, when God had declared that it should be borne on the shoulders of the Levites. Had this been carried out, the ark would not have been shaken in the first place. Here we see an instance of the cumulative character of sin. When one step is taken away from God's appointed path, the next step is not only easier to take, but also places us further from him. It may be urged that Uzzah's sin was so slight that such a severe punishment was not necessary. To this it can only be said that no sin is small in the sight of God. That ark contained the law of God, unchanged then, unchanged to-day. That law alone shows men the knowledge of sin, and its least violation is sin. There may be degrees in sinning, but in the sight of Heaven sin is sin, and as such is something with which God can hold no compromise. J. W. SCOLES. (Lesson 3, October 19, 1889.) 1. To what does the word “therefore” refer?
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Verse 1. 2. Why should we take more earnest heed? 3. On what condition only can the hearing and reading of the sacred Scriptures be profitable to us? 4. Does the query, “How shall we escape?” imply that there may be found some way to escape? Ans.—No; such a question is the very strongest negative. Escape will be impossible.
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” Verse 3. 5. What relation does the word “neglect” bear to the caution in verse 1? Ans.—To hear without giving earnest heed, and to suffer the truth to slip away from our hearts and minds, is utter neglect. 7. How did God bear witness to the preaching of the gospel?
“God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.” Heb. 2:4. 9. Were the gifts to remain longer than for the confirmation of the gospel by the apostles?
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-13. 10. When will they pass away?
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” 1 Cor. 13:9, 10. 11. Were all things ever put under, or in subjection to, man?
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Gen. 1:26. 12. Did man retain this dominion?
“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee saying, Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Gen. 3:17-19. 13. Are all things now either under man or the Son of God?
“Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.” Heb. 2:8.
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” Heb. 10:12, 13. 14. Under whom are they?
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” “If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.” Luke 4:5, 7. 16. What title does Paul give to Christ in 1 Cor. 15:45.
“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” 17. How did the first Adam lose dominion over the earth? Gen. 3:17-19. 18. What was the consequence of his action?
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12. 19. How does the last Adam gain the dominion?
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” Heb. 2:9. 20. Was Jesus ever made lower than the angels?—Ib. 21. For what purpose?—Ib. SCHOLARS should be taught, and it should be impressed upon their minds, that in studying the Bible, they should pay no attention to the divisions of chapters. They often break the connection in a manner to cause the reader to lose much of the force of the Scriptures. “THE word spoken by angels.” It is certain that when the law was given on Mount Sinai, there were present myriads of holy ones, as it reads in Deut. 33:2. Ps. 68:17 says: “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.” The words of Stephen plainly indicate that the angels had some office to fulfill on the occasion of the giving of the law: “Who have received the law by the disposition of angels.” Acts 7:53. Yet just what part they had to act, is not revealed. Professor Stuart, after noticing a number of opinions on this subject, says:— “We may stand aloof from being thus wise above what is written, and content ourselves simply with what our author teaches us, and what the Scriptures confirm, viz., that angels did assist at the giving of the law, or were in some way employed as ministering spirits by Jehovah on the occasion of its being promulgated. This is all that the text can well be interpreted as meaning, and all that is requisite for the argument of the apostle.” These words we can adopt, and here we shall have to rest content. In this last dispensation God has spoken to us by his own Son, the Maker and Upholder of all things; and to turn away from the words of such a being, or to hear them idly, indifferently, or carelessly, is to become guilty in the highest degree. As the word of God is the sole foundation of all true faith, so is the promise of God the sole foundation of a good hope.