p. 10 | Review and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 16. (4/19/1906)

Women’s Associations and Sectarian School Funding

The question as to what attitude the women's associations of this country take in the matter of the appropriation of government funds for the support of sectarian schools, was answered, in part at least, at a recent session of the National Council of Women in Toledo, Ohio. A press dispatch states that a resolution protesting against such appropriations, presented by Mrs. I. C. Manchester, a delegate of the National Association of Loyal Women of American Liberty, was unanimously rejected, following which Mrs. Kate Brownlee Sherwood made an impassioned eulogy of the Catholic Church, and offered a resolution “to prevent any report being made in public if it contained anything inimical to any creed or political belief.” This was unanimously approved. Mrs. Elizabeth McGowan, it is further stated, thanked Mrs. Sherwood in behalf of one hundred thousand Catholic women, and Mrs. Clarissa Williams did the same in behalf of fifty thousand women of the Mormon Church.

Terrorism in Revolutionary Russia

An idea of the practical meaning of the regime of terrorism which the revolutionists in Russia have inaugurated since the failure of the recent armed uprising in Moscow and other places, may be gained from the following statements made by one who came closely in touch with the situation in the Russian city of Bielostok. He says:—

I was a passenger in a street-car this morning. Men were going to business, and the car was crowded. At one of the corners a police commissioner entered the car. About half the passengers left the car at the next corner. By the time we had gone three blocks, the only persons left on the car were the police commissioner, the driver, conductor, and myself. I asked the conductor what was the matter.

“O,” he replied, “the police commissioner is on the proscribed list. He’s had his notice that he will soon go on a journey to the other world. Everybody in Bielostok knows it, and everybody thinks he may be blown up at any moment if he happens to be near the commissioner.”

The New York Sun, in which this account is printed, adds:—

No one who has recently been in Bielostok has any doubt of the accuracy of this statement. The proscribed list number several scores of persons, and the dastards behind the movement have taken the trouble to make the list public. Their desire to create a state of complete terrorism has fully succeeded.

These threats were not empty; there was grim business behind them. The Sun printed about two weeks ago the news that the new chief of police of Bielostok had been mortally wounded by a bomb. About twenty other unfortunates who were not proscribed, but happened to be near the marked man, were killed or wounded by the explosion. Several other police officials and a number of ordinary policemen had been previously murdered, and all were on the proscribed list.

If the unfortunate man who emptied the street-car so speedily is having the experience of his fellow sufferers, he is shunned by the entire populace. If he enters a barber shop, no one will shave him until a police guard is placed at the door. Cabmen flee from him. His friends dare not talk with him in the street. One of the proscribed living in the suburbs has a fine well in his yard, from which the neighbors have long been permitted to draw water for table use. The well is no longer patronized, for every one fears it may be poisoned.

Note and Comment

We find the following paragraph in a recently published argument in favor of Sunday laws:—

When all is done that can be done, it still remains that, in the complicated conditions of our modern life, many men must work [on Sunday] in order that the great majority may rest. When by greed or through a desire for self-indulgence we add to that number, verily we sin against society as a whole.

It appears from this that the sin depends upon the number who work, rather than upon the fact of working on Sunday. Who will decide when that number becomes large enough to constitute a sin against society? The doctrine that it is a sin against society for too many people to work is the first article in a lazy man's creed.

Be Vigilant

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

I HAVE a positive message from the Lord to those who are standing as watchmen in the Lord’s cause. There must be an earnest contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. If you weaken your presentation of evidence in regard to the dangers of the present time, you will lose an advantage that should be maintained. Hold fast to the One who has given you power to become the children of God. Let your life be hid with Christ in God. Satan is not dead. He is not indifferent or careless. He is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, striving to lead men and women to deny the faith and enter the path where he leads the way.

Many who profess godliness are asleep. They do not discern between righteousness and unrighteousness. Some have cherished unconsecrated traits of character till they are spiritually blind. O that every one would believe and live the truth as it is in Jesus! “Learn of me,” said the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The lesson that every soul needs to learn is to copy the perfect pattern. The lessons of the King of peace, when practised, reveal that Christ’s ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths are peace.

Many who suppose that they are fitted to give counsel and instruction to others need first to learn from the Great Teacher what is truth. Many who think that they are wise enough to teach others are building upon a sandy foundation. Such need to offer to the Lord Jesus Christ the prayer. “Lord, teach me thy way.” Obedience to the truth will sanctify the soul, making men and women Christlike in thought, word, and deed. The Lord calls for earnest, whole-hearted, sensible men and women, whose habits and practices and ideas are brought into conformity to the Word, and who are ever ready to stand in defense of the truth.

“I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but . . . by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. . . . Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.” Rom. 16: 17-27.

No Change in the Message

I have been instructed that the messages given in the past are to be revived, and that it is essential that as brethren and sisters, we be joined together in the bonds of sacred union in the accomplishment of the work before us. The world knows very little of the truths that we believe, and in clear straight lines the message for this time must be given to all the world. The message comes to me, “Wake up the watchmen. Let every one now come into working order.”

Certain ones are presented before me, with a representation of their words and works and influence. I am not to retract one word of the message I have borne. My message is, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” In the near future all will be judged. Very soon every hidden thing will be brought to light. O how untiringly the mystery of iniquity has worked! How many souls there are who will be lost as the result of the evil working of human agencies.

I am instructed that by pen and voice I must bear a straight, clear testimony, and that I must never call sin righteousness. The apostle declares, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

The Lord permits the present condition of things to exist in order that those who have had an experience in proclaiming the truth may now rehearse the past experience of God’s servants, and bring to the front the testimonies that are more valuable than gold.

“Be Strong in the Lord”

We are to do as we are instructed in the following scriptures: —

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph. 6: 10-17.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2: 1-11.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence

only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Verses 12-15.

Presenting the Evidences Received

My brethren, the value of the evidences of truth that we have received during the past half century, is above estimate. These evidences are as treasure hidden in a field. Search for them. Study the Bible truths that for fifty years have been calling us out from the world. Present this evidence in clear, plain lines. Those who have been long in the truth, and those who have recently received the truth, must now dig for the buried heavenly treasure. Let every man work to the point. Study the Word of God. Revive the evidences given in the past. “Search the Scriptures,” Christ said; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Those who stand before the people as teachers of truth are to grapple with great themes. They are not to occupy precious time in talking of trivial subjects. Let them study the word, and preach the word. Let the word be in their hands as a sharp, two-edged sword. Let it testify to past truths, and show what is to be in the future.

Christ came from heaven to give to John the great, wonderful truths that are to shape our lives, and that by us are to be proclaimed to the world. We are to keep abreast of the times, bearing a clear, intelligent testimony, guided by the unction of the Holy Spirit.

A Plea for Unity

One thing we must not do: we must not draw away from our brethren, ministers or physicians, who have been following the Lord, and who have demonstrated that the Lord is with them. To those standing at the head of the work I would say, Come close to your brethren. Do not pick up suppositions and make them facts. We need to use tenderness and true courtesy in our dealings with one another. We are to strive earnestly to win souls, and to remove the difficulties that are causing division. The Lord forbid that we should neglect this part of the work. We are not to repel men, but to draw them to Christ. I bear this message to every one, Come close to the ones who are tempted, and try to remove the impressions made by the enemy.

The true work of grace in the heart will unite believers to Christ and to one another. They become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. They are one with Christ in God. And as he loves his Son, the Father loves the members of the fallen human race who are changed from sin to holiness. This is the wonderful representation given in the prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. It is the privilege of men and women to have an enduring union with Christ, a union that opens to them the source of rich and eternal happiness, which outlives all earthly, sinful enjoyment.

Those who become one with Christ in God are under the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Their lives blend with the life of Christ. True believers in Christ, his servants, chosen of God and precious, will speak and act in such a way as to reflect light, to the saving of many souls. They will receive power from God to become his children, accepted in the Beloved, acknowledged and rewarded as the purchase of the blood of Christ. They will receive their reward in the great day when every one is judged by the things written in the book.

I am instructed to say that we are to continue to stand on affirmative ground. Strong, decided testimonies in favor of the truth are to be borne, but we are to give no occasion for any one to charge us with being inconsiderate or unjust. We are to do all we possibly can to win souls to Christ. He went through the shame and agony of the death on the cross to save souls to whom Satan was holding out every inducement to allure them to his side. The Lord’s standard-bearers are to carry the work forward with power, yet in Christlike love for souls. They are to show a decided care for those who are being drawn away. They are to urge them to face about. They are to fight for the souls of those for whom Christ has died. Too often there is shown an inclination to stand apart from those who need to be helped. Let us remember that every soul that is led to return to the first love is a soul gained for Christ. Let us not pass on in indifference, leaving the tempted ones to become the prey of the enemy. We are to watch for souls as they that must give an account.

I say to all, Press together, press together. Be very critical in regard to yourselves, but exercise all the tenderness of Christ toward your brethren. I entreat the Lord’s people to cease to criticize one another, and to give themselves to the proclamation of the truth for this time. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth, and drunkenness, insanity, revelry, and crime are rapidly increasing. There is before us a terrible crisis. The lives of many will go out in darkness. We need now to bow before God in true humility of soul; for the day of clouds and thick darkness is fast approaching.

The last great conflict is before us; but help is to come to all who love God and obey his law, and the earth, the whole earth, is to be lighted with the glory of God. “Another angel” is to come down from heaven. This angel represents the giving of the loud cry, which is to come from those who are preparing to cry mightily, with a strong voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”

We have a testing message to give, and I am instructed to say to our people, Unity, unity. But we are not to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. With our hearts sweet and kind and true, we are to go forth to proclaim the message, giving no heed to those who lead away from the truth.

Let those who shall read these lines wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. We are to go forth under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, studying how to save souls. We are to put our entire trust in the Lord Jesus, and pray and talk and work in faith.

The Surrendered Life

By Mary L. Cummins

Is it hard for the flower when summer comes To turn its face to the sun? Is it hard for the flaming red orb to sink When its course for the day is run? Is it hard for the dew to moisten the earth When night’s dark shade doth fall? Is it hard for the bird to answer again The note of its mate’s sweet call?

Or merely for man is it hard to achieve The will of the Mind above— For man who both daily and hourly receives Fresh proof of the Father’s love? Is the only strong straining against God’s will To be on the part of his child? While everything, joyous, fulfils his behest, From mart of the tangled wild?

All life that is fully surrendered to God Sweeps on with a step serene, Moved by the bounding, unlimited force That throbs in the earth’s fresh green. Thus, as tree and flow’ret in forest and glade Adorn, without effort, the sod, The fragrance and power may be felt of a life Wholly surrendered to God.

— Mary L. Cummins.

How Is a True Prophet Known?

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

S. N. HASKELL

It is not by any one test alone that we determine whether or not a prophet is a prophet of the Lord. Neither can he be judged by a human standard. His prophecies are not arraigned at the bar of human reason. If so, then human reason is set above the prophet. Who by searching can find out God? “Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? the measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him? for he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it? for vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt.” Job 11:7-12.

The true prophet further unfolds the plans of God. There is an infinity in the plans of God. The mysteries of the past, and the present, and the future are all alike outspread before God. A prophet is a mouthpiece for God. The relation of a true prophet of God to God was illustrated by the relation of Moses and Aaron. “And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” “Thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.”

The Bible has given many tests of a true prophet. These tests are found here and there all through the Bible. To study this question from the Bible standpoint is to study the life and character of the prophets of the Bible; for a prophet in one age of the world is the same as a prophet in any other age of the world. God has never left this world without a prophet or a priest. There have been times when there has been no

open vision, so there have been times when there were no teaching priests. But that does not prove that the living voice of God had left the earth. God is the God of the living, and has had in and among his people his living voice to a greater or less extent. At times it has appeared to be hushed because of the sins of his people, but never has there been a time when earth and heaven have not been connected by God’s living testimony. God lives, and he has a people on the earth which he has created. There will come a time, however, when Satan and his angels will alone occupy this earth for one thousand years. The wicked at that time are in their graves, and the saints on a visit to heaven. They will behold the glory of Christ, which he had with his Father before the world was. During this period the light of God will be withdrawn from the earth.

All the Bible tests of a true prophet will characterize every true prophet. We can not judge of a true prophet because some particular test is seen, but every test must characterize every true prophet. This is recognized in the following words of Moses in Deut. 13:1-3: “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not harken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Here is laid down an important principle. It is worthy of much careful study. Signs will always follow believers, but if it is signs only, and the influence of the teaching is to lead away from God, the instructions are plain. “Thou shalt not harken unto the words of that prophet.” “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Although men or women boast of signs and wonderful manifestations of power, unless the fruit is of the right character, beware of them. “Ye shall know them by their fruit.” It is the influence of their teachings that will ever be a true test.

The great apostle to the Gentiles, who was also a prophet of the Lord, wrote as follows to the church at Corinth. “Need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men; forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” In Corinth was a church of the living God. They had in it the various gifts, including the gift of prophecy. They were enriched in him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them (the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy). According as this was confirmed in them, they came behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Leaving behind him in his work such a church was Paul’s credentials, his epistle, his letter of commendation. This was the fruit of the working of the Spirit of God, and the evidence that Paul was a true apostle and prophet of the Lord. A church without spiritual gifts is like a leafless tree.

San Bernardino, Cal.

GEO. O. STATES

By GEO. O. STATES

Spiritualism

GEO. O. STATES

Moses Hull recently lectured in San Jose, Cal., on the educational work of spiritualism. His text was John 3:8, and he applied the new birth to death. When the spirit is freed from the body, he declared, it can come and go, but is invisible. The body is the temple to be put off at death; while our friends are all around us, yet they are invisible in our present state. There is no such thing as a resurrection of the body, he claimed, for the Bible says that “flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of God.” Science is fast proving the doctrine of spiritualism, and the time will soon come when the real man will see as readily from the back of his head as through the eyes, which are simply the windows of the soul. God is a spirit, and man is a spiritual being. The speaker said he was once a materialist, and for twelve years preached the Adventist faith, but had now received greater light, and had something better. While he did not say it in so many words, yet the thought was that man could save himself.

When spiritualism first started, he said, all the education thought to be needed came from the spirits, and as a result many ignorant persons were mediums, and it had fallen into disrepute. In the past many bright young men had come to him and asked, “Have you a college where I can get an education so as to be fitted to go out and propagate the grand principles of spiritualism intelligently?” “We have had to say, No,” Mr. Hull continued, “and as a result they have gone to some theological college, and, when graduated, a pulpit with a good salary was offered them, and we lost them. We have learned that in order to reach the intelligent classes we must educate our young people.”

As I listened to his address, I could see that he had not lost his old-time vigor, and he talked as if he believed what he said. I was forcibly reminded of the text, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” The people listened very attentively, and it was evident that those who believed in the immortality of the soul would naturally accept his arguments. After his lecture a prominent judge gave a short talk, and said that the secret of the Seventh-day Adventists’ success was their educational work; and if spiritualism ever succeeded in reaching the intelligent classes, they must have educational institutions.

For over fifty years the Lord has been giving us warning of this very condition, and has told us that the great deceiver would present spiritualism in a refined manner in order that it might reach the intelligent classes and make its way into scientific circles. “The prince of darkness, who has so long bent his master mind to the work of deception, skilfully adapts his temptations to men of all classes and conditions. To persons of culture and refinement he presents spiritualism in its more refined and intellectual aspects, and thus succeeds in drawing many into his snare. Spiritualism is now changing its form, and, veiling its more objectionable features, is assuming a Christian guise.”

As I listened to him and noted his references to the Bible, I could see how these statements from the spirit of prophecy are being fulfilled. In a communication given some time before he left the truth, it was said of him, “He was presented to me as standing upon the brink of an awful gulf, ready to leap. If he takes the leap, it will be final; his eternal destiny will be fixed. Brother Hull, you were shown me under the soothing influence of a fascination which will prove fatal unless the spell is broken. You have parleyed with Satan, and reasoned with him, and tarried upon forbidden ground, and have exercised your mind in things which were too great for you; and by indulging in doubts and unbelief, have attracted evil angels around you, and driven from you the pure and holy angels of God.”

In 1892 I met W. F. Jamison, with whom Elder Hull had his discussion in 1863. He told me that after the discussion, Mr. Hull seemed very much excited, and said, “I am convinced, and want you to get me a position so I can go out and propagate these grand principles.” Mr. Jamison told him that he was beside himself, and did not realize the step he was taking, and to go home and calmly consider the step, and then, if he desired, they would be glad to employ him. As I heard Mr. Hull profess faith in the Bible and turn to it to prove his points, I recalled the statements: “And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power. The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is hardly distinguishable. Church-members love what the world loves, and are ready to join with them; and Satan determines to unite them in one body, and thus strengthen his cause by sweeping all into the ranks of spiritualism. Through spiritualism, Satan appears as a benefactor of the race, healing the diseases of the people, and professing to present

a new and more exalted system of religious faith; but at the same time he works as a destroyer. His temptations are leading multitudes to ruin.”

In view of such timely instruction, which the Lord has been sending to us for so long, it seems to me that now is the time when we should earnestly study these things, and also endeavor to place the light before others, that they, too, may be shielded from the great deception of Satan.

San Jose, Cal.

Eternal—But in What Sense?

[Under this heading The Interior (Presbyterian) prints a contribution signed “Layman,” to which it prefixes the following editorial note: “For the most part The Interior has been content to preside over the debate on eternal punishment in our Piths and Points forum without expressing favor for one argument above another. But the following summary of what appeals to us as Scriptural truth is so admirably stated and so carefully balanced that we can not forbear to give it the imprint of editorial sanction. So sane an utterance might well, it seems to us, be the last word in this debate.” We can only wish that all the utterances upon this subject were as “sane,” and we think our readers will be interested in this contribution.—Ed.]

“In my own experience years ago, I worshiped God with abject, servile fear, and in mortal terror and trembling, and did not truly love him. All the instincts of pity, mercy, sympathy, kindness, and love which God himself implanted in the human breast, revolted against the conception of God embraced in the ancient pagan doctrine of eternal punishment ingrafted on the word of God by philosophy and the Church of Rome. But I know him now as a tender, loving Heavenly Father, merciful, just, and good, and not as a vindictive, implacable tyrant.

“Christians generally are agreed that there is punishment for the incorrigibly wicked, and most of them agree that it is eternal—the only point of difference being whether the meaning of ‘eternal’ with reference to punishment is to be construed in the sense of an imperishable existence, forever continuing and conscious, with limitless suffering and endless misery, or whether it means punishment eternal and everlasting in its settled finality.

“Two men are condemned to death for crimes; one is pardoned and restored to favor, the other is hanged. The judge, in the interests of justice, sentenced the latter; the officers of the law executed the criminal, who loses his life, and is destroyed, blotted out, and perishes, and is no more; and justice is satisfied. The punishment is eternal and everlasting so far as the criminal and all are concerned. There can never be a restoration or recovery; no penitence nor pardon can now avail; nothing can be done to change what has been done in the way of punishment, for it lasts forever, throughout eternity, and is hopelessly beyond any recall or possibility of mitigation, pardon, or restoration, because the punishment is fixed, permanent, and eternal in the sense of eternal finality. The wrath of the state then abideth forever, unchangeable.

“In like manner the wicked are to appear before the great Judge to receive sentence for the deeds done in the body, and receive a final punishment, which God’s Word everywhere declares is destruction.

“I am unable to find anything in Scripture that promises permanent eternal future life, or immortality, to the wicked, either in a state of misery or otherwise, or of any imperishable, indestructible existence for them; and Christ promises eternal life simply,—not a happy life to one, and a miserable life to another. The promise of eternal life is addressed always to the righteous only, to God’s elect, and not to the world.

“All mankind have a natural capacity and longing for eternal life or immortality; but it is a gift of God, a reward to those only who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for it. ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life.’ It is not flesh nor intellect that is immortal, but the spirit from God, that is to survive and inherit, because God is a spirit; and he that hath not the Spirit of God is none of his.

“The theological doctrine of the eternal persistence of sin, the perpetual continuity of evil, and of an imperishable, indestructible existence of eternal suffering for it, is abhorrent to any just and sane mind, and is not according to the plain words of the Bible, as I understand it. The whole universe seems working toward the highest ultimate good, and to a state of perfect purity and righteousness wherein all sin and evil is to be wholly eliminated, we hope, and God’s perfect, divine will is to be wholly and supremely done. In this state, the moral idiot, the degenerate, the wholly vicious, those helplessly incapable of any moral or spiritual ideas, will not exist in endless punishment, but will be as chaff to be burned up with fire that no one can quench; or as David says, ‘Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish;’ or as Peter puts it, ‘These, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, . . . shall utterly perish.’

“I can not conceive of the tender, sympathetic, loving, gentle Jesus as being the Judge to sentence to eternal, continuing punishment those who have sinned,—a majority of his children,—and I can not reconcile my mind to the old theology that makes him appear so, or as an accessory to such a tremendous, awful fate.

“Our difficulties have been with theological definitions, not with God’s Word; and if language is not allowed its plain, obvious meaning, then the Bible should not be given to the people, but only interpreted for them. To illustrate: The familiar text, ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,’ as interpreted by the old theology would read, ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not have an imperishable existence of punishment but have everlasting, unended bliss.’ Try the same interpretation in the hundreds of texts pertaining to the fate of the wicked, where such words as ‘perish,’ ‘utterly consumed,’ ‘destroy,’ ‘destroyed forever,’ ‘burned up,’ ‘death,’ etc., occur, and see how the sense is altered.

“When ‘death and hell’ are cast into the lake of fire at the second death, and sin and evil in the universe are then forever blotted out, as we hope, and the wicked utterly destroyed; when death is abolished,—for ‘the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,’—then we can look forward to that happy future when there shall be no more curse, nor death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. Then shall the righteous whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life, eat of the tree of life—put on immortality, and be forever with the Lord.”

Who Will Go?

THROUGH the doors that open stand Who will go? Calls invite on every hand: Who will go? You whom Christ from sin has freed, Hear the Lord of glory plead For the lands that lie in need: Who will go?

Soul, does Jesus speak to you? Will you go? Has he work for you to do? Who will go?

He has borne the cross before; He will keep the crown in store: Enter, then, the open door. Will you go? — Selected.

Forgetting the Past

ONE of St. Paul's methods for getting on in the world, in the best sense, is given to us in his epistle to the Philippians: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind.” At the opening of a new year, or as a maxim for guidance in certain perplexities recurring every day, this is a good policy for us. Let the past go. Reach forth for fresh victories and achievements. Drop the old feuds, the time-worn bitternesses, the useless jealousies, the vain regrets, the long-time grievances, the brooding habits, the useless depressions—let them all go. They are of no avail; they only hamper and hinder you in the race. Drop, again, the hitherto accomplished triumphs; do not stop to rejoice over them, or to plume yourself in pride about them. Life is too short to be spent either in foolish regrets or in just as foolish exultations. Do your work, and then let it stand, and go on to something else. That is the substantial lesson of this noble maxim of the great apostle.—Zion's Herald.

Continue reading: The Influence of a Godly Home