Central New England ........ $2,108.47
Chesapeake .................. 225.66
Eastern Pennsylvania ........ 1,272.65
Greater New York ............ 415.75
Maine ....................... 344.94
New Jersey .................. 550.63
New York .................... 1,020.17
Southern New England ........ 850.23
Vermont ..................... 738.06
Virginia .................... 260.67
Western Pennsylvania ........ 822.57
West Virginia ............... 211.67
Western New York ............ 970.02
Total ....................... $9,791.49
East Michigan .............. $ 1,082.86
Indiana ..................... 4,012.00
North Michigan .............. 71.23
Northern Illinois ........... 1,108.69
Ohio ........................ 2,661.61
Southern Illinois ........... 660.68
West Michigan ............... 2,802.36
Wisconsin ................... 1,601.37
Total ....................... $14,000.80
North Pacific Union Conference
Conference not specified .... $ 315.30
British Columbia ............ 57.80
Montana ..................... 172.90
Upper Columbia .............. 1,195.37
Western Washington .......... 932.79
Idaho ....................... 829.90
Western Oregon .............. 785.66
Total ....................... $4,289.72
Northern Union Conference
Alberta ..................... $ 111.00
Manitoba .................... 238.70
Saskatchewan Mission Field .. 34.85
Minnesota ................... 3,245.50
South Dakota ................ 2,104.10
North Dakota ................ 1,681.23
Total ....................... $7,415.38
Pacific Union Conference
Arizona ..................... $ 177.87
California-Nevada ........... 4,564.16
Southern California ......... 469.79
Utah ........................ 205.46
Total ....................... $5,417.28
Arkansas Tract Society ..... $ 213.64
Oklahoma .................... 1,245.05
Texas ....................... 762.23
Indian Territory ............ 3.00
Total ....................... $2,223.92
Unknown
Unknown .................... $149.20
Foreign
Algeria .................... $ 13.33
Australia ................... 132.19
Bermuda ..................... 25.00
China ....................... 3.00
South Africa ................ 128.16
Jamaica ..................... 13.41
Yukon Territory .............. 10.00
England ..................... 256.32
Gold Coast, West Africa ..... 10.00
Mexico ...................... 1.50
Costa Rica .................. 2.00
India ....................... 12.48
South America ............... 23.35
Switzerland ................. 5.81
Panama ...................... 4.00
Nicaragua ................... 2.00
Trinidad .................... .34
Central American Mission .... 17.00
Norway ...................... 25.00
Japan ....................... 12.00
Hayti ....................... 5.00
Total ....................... $702.39
Grand Total .................. $57,704.62
I. H. EVANS, Treasurer.
The Loud Cry
By MRS. EDITH B. GOODRICH
MRS. EDITH B. GOODRICH
The loud cry is swelling
O'er mountain and dwelling;
Awake, now, O sleeper, and flee for
thy life!
The black storm-clouds hover —
O, fly to the Cover
Prepared for this season of terrible
strife!
The loud cry is swelling;
Lo, Jesus is telling
In tones loud as thunder, “The end
is at hand!”
The signs all around us
Distress and astound us;
The nations, perplexed, in uncertainty stand.
The heathen are waking,
Their idols forsaking,
And doors that were closing are
open again!
O Lord, wake the sleepers!
O Lord, send the reapers!
The loud cry is here. May we heed
it! Amen.
Cottage Grove, Ore.
In Union with Christ
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
We bear the name of Christian. Let us be true to this name. To be a Christian means to be Christlike. It means to follow Christ in self-denial, bearing aloft his banner of love, honoring him by unselfish words and deeds. In the life of the true Christian there is nothing of self—self is dead. There was no selfishness in the life that Christ lived while on this earth. Bearing our nature, he lived a life wholly devoted to the good of others.
Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” He made an offering so complete that through his grace every one may reach the standard of perfection. Of those who receive his grace and follow his example it will be written in the book of life, “Complete in him—without spot or stain.”
In word and deed Christ’s followers are to be pure and true. In this world—a world of iniquity and corruption—Christians are to reveal the attributes of Christ. All they do and say is to be free from selfishness. Christ desires to present them to the Father “without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,” purified through his grace, bearing his likeness.
In his great love, Christ surrendered himself for us. He gave himself for us to meet the necessities of the striving, struggling soul. We are to surrender ourselves to him. When this surrender is entire, Christ can finish the work he began for us by the surrender of himself. Then he can bring to us complete restoration.
Christ gave himself for the redemption of the race, that all who believe in him may have everlasting life. Those who appreciate this great sacrifice receive from the Saviour that most precious of all gifts—a clean heart. They gain an experience that is more valuable than gold or silver or precious stones. They sit together in heavenly places in Christ, enjoying in communion with him the joy and peace that he alone can give. They love him with heart and mind and soul and strength, realizing that they are his blood-bought heritage. Their spiritual eyesight is not dimmed by worldly policy or worldly aims. They are one with Christ as he is one with the Father.
Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for him? Think you not that he visits those who, like the beloved John, are for his sake in hard and trying places? He finds his faithful ones, and holds communion with them, encouraging and strengthening them.
Said the great apostle to the Gentiles, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” By faith Paul appropriated the grace of Christ, and this grace supplied the necessities of his soul. By faith he received the heavenly gift, and imparted it to souls longing for light. This is the experience we need, that, in a time when iniquity prevails, we may say, “I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Pray for this faith. Strive for it. Believe that God will give it to you.
There is a great work to be done in our world. This is no dreamland. Before us are living realities. On every hand are to be seen the manifestations of Satan’s power. Let us co-operate with him who works to restore and uplift. And let us not forget that he who works for Christ must recruit his strength at the source of all strength, that he may press forward in the power of God, filled with the faith that will not let go. Christians need power of thought, firmness of will, and knowledge that comes from the study of God’s Word. They can not afford to fill their minds with trifles. Every day they must be renewed in spiritual power.
Learn of him who has said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” Learning of him, you will find rest. Day by day you will gain an experience in the things of God, day by day realize the greatness of his salvation and the glory of a union with him. Constantly you will learn better how to live Christlike, and constantly you will grow more like the Saviour.
If we will die to self, if we will enlarge our idea of what Christ can be to us and what we can be to him, if we will unite with one another in the bonds of Christian fellowship, God will work through us with mighty power. Then we shall be sanctified through the truth. We shall indeed be chosen by God and controlled by his Spirit. Every day of life will be precious to us, because we shall see in it an opportunity to use our entrusted gifts for the blessing of others.
Short Sermons on the Ten Commandments
By W. A. MCCUTCHEN
The Seventh Commandment
W. A. MCCUTCHEN
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Ex. 20: 14. The Saviour’s comment on this commandment corroborates what was said of the preceding one. How broad and far-reaching these commandments are in their meaning! He says, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matt. 5: 27, 28.
From this we see again that by a thought God’s law may be violated, and it does not have to go to the length of the actual deed or overt act for man’s course to constitute a violation, and he be guilty of the sin—so pure and broad are God’s commandments. John says, “Sin is the transgression of the law;” so whenever one conceives and harbors in the mind, with a desire to carry into effect the overt act of transgression, he commits sin, for “sin is the transgression of the law,” either in thought, word, or act, and we can not get away from this fact.
Thus we see with reference to this command, that it enjoins chastity and purity in thought as well as in deed. In fact, whenever there is a transgression in deed, it is because it was first in the thoughts, the mind, the heart. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” Mark 7: 21, 22. In this connection it is well to consider the language of James: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God can not be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” James 1: 13, 14. Even to be tempted is not a sin; the sin is in cherishing the desire and yielding to the temptation. Temptations to do wrong may come into the mind, but so long as they are not entertained, but resisted, it is not sin to the individual. Paul tells us that Christ himself “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4: 15. The sin is in yielding to the temptation. James puts it thus: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” This accords with what has already been stated, that as soon as the evil thought is conceived in the mind with a cherished desire to carry it out, which is the lusting here spoken of, it is sin, or “it bringeth forth sin.” It has been said that we can not prevent the birds from flying over our heads, but we can prevent them from building their9nests in our hair. So we may not always prevent temptations from presenting themselves, but we can, by God’s grace, prevent them from taking hold of us. We may banish temptations and evil thoughts by putting something better in their place. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12: 21. “Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10: 5. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil. 4: 8. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5: 23.
Keene, Tex.
The Sunday Question in France
By J. C. BROWER
J. C. BROWER
LAWS for Sunday observance are not confined to the United States. Not only here, but in Canada, European countries, and even the far East, the question is being agitated. This movement is becoming world wide.
Recently, in France, where the struggle of the separation of church and state has been waged so fiercely since the Combes ministry of three years ago began the war against priestcraft, there has been set in action a course of events in the present Sunday law that will again unite church and state.
The “Sabbatarian law” which the French Parliament has just passed is being condemned by the people because it makes them eat stale bread. But some newspapers think that the question of stale bread will be of minor importance compared to other injuries which this law is bound to inflict.
This law, like the majority of Sunday laws, does not openly show its religious character, but comes out under the same old hackneyed pretense of being enacted for the sole purpose of protecting the laboring classes, giving them one day of rest.
That erudite, popular novelist and dramatist of France, Marcel Provost, sets forth some sound principles against the recently enacted law. He says, as quoted in the Literary Digest: “This new law interferes with the profits of the employer and the salary of the employed. It asserts and emphasizes the ancient heresy that labor is suffering. To all, except certain shirkers, labor is not only an economic necessity, but a delight. Idleness, on the other hand, is not happiness.” After citing certain employers who are thus forced to rest, he says, “A real vacation is nothing more than liberty, freedom from compulsion. Compulsory rest is not liberty any more than the leisure of a convict is liberty.”
No civil law nor mere outward confession can ever change a man's heart. Only God, by his Holy Spirit, can do that. Wherever and whenever civil law attempts to deal with religious questions,—for such are all Sunday laws, no matter what garb they wear,—it enters the terrible domain of the Inquisition.
No man can approach real greatness until he weaves most thoroughly into his own woof and texture the noble sentiment of the Saviour's declaration: “If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not.” John 12: 47, 48.
Arecibo, Porto Rico.
Order
By S. N. HASKELL
S. N. HASKELL
So much has been said of late upon the subject of organization and order that it might seem unnecessary to add anything more. But for some time I have felt that I would like to add my testimony. When God brought his people out of Egypt, their experience in building the sanctuary was designed of God to accomplish two things for them.
The first object was to establish in their minds the personality of God. “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” God would have them realize that he was to dwell among them in a sense that he could not if they did not build a sanctuary. In many ways this truth was enforced. When enforcing sanitary regulations, God said, “The Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee.” The entire system of laws and regulations established the fact that God was with them as he was with no other people on the face of this earth. If not, why build a tangible building in which there was what represented a real throne?
Another equally important truth taught by their experience in building the sanctuary and in their ceremonies was that God was a God of order. All Israel was embraced in the organization. No one was excluded. When one was chosen by the Lord to do a certain important work, if he even looked upon the holy things that the priests were appointed to cover, he was slain by the Lord. Every man was appointed to his work.
During the year spent in building the sanctuary there must have been the most perfect organization that was ever effected on earth, among God’s people. To get out of the order God had established meant death. The earth opened her mouth and swallowed the two hundred and fifty men of renown for coveting the priesthood. Thousands died because they neglected to heed the instruction given. The trouble was that men saw simply the agencies God used instead of seeing the arrangement God had made. He was back of it and over it all. Men are fallible, and often make mistakes. But that does in no case lessen the force of the order God established. Sometimes God has used even wicked men to accomplish his purpose, as he did Cyrus, upholding him by his right hand.
The controversy is not with men, but with him who orders the battle. God’s work was planned in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ before the creation of the world. This work will be accomplished, though thousands are slain by interfering with the agencies God has appointed.
No doubt many will agree with these principles, but will inquire, “Is the organization of the church of God so important at the present day?” God is no less particular now than at any period in the past. Many have supposed that because God has taught individual church organization and personal accountability, therefore churches and individuals are amenable to God alone, and mutual relationship does not exist. Oftentimes we meet with wandering stars who boast that God directs them personally, and they look to God irrespective of any relationship with one another. Others will carry this to a church relationship, and say that their church is independent of any other church. But this is not God’s order. Let us look at a few principles laid down in the New Testament Scriptures. Where does the Bible furnish us an instance of a local church ordaining its own elders? Who ordained the deacons and elders? We find Paul instructing Timothy and Titus, who were ministers, to visit the churches and ordain elders and deacons. Titus 1: 5; 2 Tim. 2: 2. Was there not here an acknowledgment of an authority higher than the church itself? Even the great apostle Paul was not ordained to the ministry until, ten years after he had received his commission from heaven, brethren came down from Jerusalem and recommended it with the sanction of the Holy Ghost. Acts 11: 22-24; 12: 24, 25; 13: 1-3.
Paul selected Timothy to travel with him (Acts 16: 1-3), but he did not ordain him without the gift of prophecy and “the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” Then there was by the Spirit of God imparted to him a gift, which he was instructed not to neglect, but to meditate upon. 1 Tim. 4: 14-16. Here was a recognition of a still higher authority, the presbytery. God set his seal to this ordination by imparting this gift to Timothy.
When trouble arose in the local churches, they chose their delegates to go up to Jerusalem and there settle the question. This was after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, but failed to settle the question to their satisfaction. Acts 15: 1, 2. After a long experience meeting in Jerusalem, they finally came to a conclusion, and the living voice of the spirit of prophecy sanctioned it. Acts 15: 28. This was an important meeting. It was the first General Conference of which we have any record. It was the highest authority on earth. It was held to settle a question which affected all the Gentile churches. It was sanctioned by a still higher authority, the Holy Ghost, through the spirit of prophecy. This settled the troublesome question. The churches recognized it.10And the Spirit of God not only bore witness on the occasion of this council, but as the letter was carried to other churches and read, the churches were established in the faith and increased in number daily. Acts 16: 4, 5. This was gospel order.
In the apostolic church, or the church in the days of the apostles, there were five steps in organization, and the spirit of prophecy sanctioned each step: (1) the individual recognized the voice of the church; (2) the church recognized the ministers who ordained their elders and deacons; (3) these ministers recognized a presbytery who ordained them; (4) all the churches and ministers were taught to recognize the decision of a meeting of their delegates with the apostles at Jerusalem; (5) each and all recognized the spirit of prophecy. This was the voice of God instructing the churches.
This did not make the voice of any church, or even the General Conference, infallible without the spirit of prophecy. But when God sets his seal to an important decision, this is the authority of heaven; this is infallible. God has never left his people without his living voice. When he has spoken, that is sufficient for his people. When this light is rejected, we are as was Saul when he was not answered by dreams or by Urim or Thummim. We are at sea, without chart or compass.
This does not proscribe individuality in the cause of God. It does not lay upon any man or set of men the right to say to this man or that man, Go here or go there, without his consent. Neither does it ostracize him from Christ because he does not follow the decision of men unless sanctioned by the Spirit of God. It was the Lord who instructed Paul to go into Macedonia. Acts 16: 9. It was the Spirit of God that told Philip to go south toward the desert. Acts 8: 26-40. It instructed Peter, and all the apostles; and people thus instructed are always in harmony with the body of the church. The individuals who are at variance with the spirit of prophecy are the ones always out of harmony with the church. Our God is not dead. He lives to direct his people. And he is as willing to lead his people now as in the past. Those of little experience need to be counseled, and suggestions need to be made in regard to their labors. But the most important instruction is that which will help to connect them with God and to make them sound in the principles set forth in the Word of God. I have been in the ministry in connection with this work over forty years, and have held official positions, and I have never seen a single instance of prosperity where these principles have been violated; but many bright lights have gone out in darkness when men have ignored these principles.
God has an organization that must not be ignored. Men make mistakes in that organization, but that does not affect the organization, neither will the Lord permit men to rise up against it and deny the principles here laid down, without his displeasure. Men have tried it again and again, both in our work and in olden times. But they soon find that they are shorn of the strength they did have while defending and working in harmony with the organization. Men with whom God had worked mightily have become disaffected, first with the spirit of prophecy, then with the leading brethren, and finally have gone into infidelity or spiritualism or into something that destroyed their usefulness, and they have become bitter opposers of the work of God. But God’s cause was not stopped. It has gained strength with every such experience, and so it will be to the end. There must as surely be a sifting out among this people as there was in Gideon’s army.
God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. The old ship Zion is sure to enter the port. But he who thinks some other craft has a better appearance will find that it is rotten in its essential timber. One may trust and be true to the form of the organization, and not have a well-grounded faith in the truth. This will not save any, but the one who walks in the full counsel of the Lord will acknowledge the Lord’s organization as revealed in his Word.
South Lancaster, Mass.
The Sabbath a Sign and Seal
By Charles Pelmulder
CHARLES PELMULDER
Of Sanctification
“Moreover also 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.” Eze. 20:12. “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” It is not the work of man to make sabbaths. The Sabbath is a divine institution. The great I AM made it, and he blessed it and sanctified it, and appointed it a sign, and has commanded man to hallow (to keep sacred, to reverence) it, that it might be a sign between himself and him, the man, that he, God, is the Lord that sanctifies (makes holy or whole) the man. Both the Sabbath and the man are sanctified through the same source, and, as we shall see, in the same manner, and for the same purpose. The Sabbath is one of those good and perfect gifts from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. This is true of the Sabbath, both as to quality and durability.
In the law the Author is declared to be the creator of the heaven, the earth, and of all things in them. Then God made the Sabbath as the sequel of his works, blessed it and set it apart because that in it he had rested from all his works. God’s works are creative works. “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. . . . He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered.” Ps. 111:2, 4. Every work of God is a good and perfect work, and at the same time a gift to his creatures that they may have pleasure therein. God makes nothing in vain, and nothing imperfect. God in the beginning made man perfect, but man has sought out many inventions whereby he has made himself imperfect, and whereby he has marred the work of God. Nevertheless God has a desire to the work of his hands, and, at infinite cost, he seeks to restore man to his primitive condition; thus forever to efface the awful blot of imperfection from his glorious works.
Of God’s Perfect Creation
“And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” Gen. 1:31. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his works which he had made.” Now how did God “end” his work on the seventh day? Had he not made everything “very good” on the previous six days? Had he not completed his work so that nothing could be added or undone without making the whole imperfect?—Yes, but on this day God sets his “seal” of approval to the whole; he binds the bond of perfection about it, that it may be preserved intact. “And he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Gen. 2:1-3.
How long this blessed condition continued we do not know, but since the Sabbath—the bond of perfection—has been broken and the glory and harmony of creation interrupted, God and Christ have worked continuously to restore the breech. When called to account, by the Pharisees, for going about to do good on the Sabbath day, the Lord said to them, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work;” “wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days”—to give life, to heal, to restore. This teaches us how we, as workers together with him, should keep the Sabbath during this dispensation. We are not to sit with folded hands, wasting its holy hours in idleness; but cease from our own works, and with the ministering spirits sent from above, engage heartily in the Lord’s work of restoration, both mental, physical, and spiritual.
The gospel record shows that the Sabbath was a very busy day with the Saviour, and we as his followers should zealously stand forth as “restorers of the breech,” and as ambassadors for Christ, especially on the Sabbath day, striving to reconcile man to God.
The True Sabbath and the True God
Again the Lord says, “Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Eze. 20:20. Then if some other being or power should command us to observe another sabbath than the Lord’s, God’s council to us is, “Hallow my Sabbaths,” and he assures us that it shall then be a sign between him and us that he is the Lord our God. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” He is the only true God, whom to know is life11eternal. “All the gods of the nations are idols; but the Lord made the heavens.” Ps. 96: 5.
The difference between the Sabbath of the Lord and any other sabbath must be in the matter of time (as well as in the manner of observance), and that time indicated in the law. For it is written of a certain power which should arise in the world that it should “think to change the times and the law [of the Most High].” Dan. 7: 25, R. V. The law specifies the Sabbath day: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Therefore any rival sabbath must be another day than the seventh. So, then, the seventh-day Sabbath is the true Sabbath,—the seal of God, the bond of perfection, the sign of God’s approval. All God’s works are creative, although since the close of the first week of creation, re-creative, sanctificative, or restorative. Therefore the complete work of restoration of the individual is “entire sanctification.” “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [“creation,” margin]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
When at the consummation of this great work, the one hundred and forty-four thousand, redeemed from among men, shall stand on Mt. Zion with the Lamb, as a “sign” of God’s power to sanctify, to save from sin and death, “being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb,” having his Father’s name (the seal of God, the sign of sanctification) written in their foreheads, God will rest from his work in them. For it is written of them, “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
Original Sabbath-keeping Restored
When he whose hands spread forth the heavens, and in the beginning laid the foundations of the earth (which have waxed old like a garment), shall fold them up as a vesture, cleanse them, and change them to their pristine glory, and thus deliver this whole groaning creation from the bondage of corruption; when through this great work of re-creation and sanctification all things shall be subdued to God the Father, and when every creature in heaven and earth shall ascribe praise unto him that sitteth on the throne and unto the Lamb,—then will the Father and the Son themselves again rest from their work of re-creation, as in the beginning from the work of creation, and the Sabbath shall stand as the sign of God’s eternal power and faithfulness. “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” “And they shall come, and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them.” Isa. 66: 22, 23, 18, 19.
Grant City, Iowa.
Christ as a Witness
By B. H. SHAW
B. H. SHAW
God’s Word plainly declares his character. Ps. 89: 14; 1 John 4: 8; Ex. 34: 6, 7. In him are mingled unfailing justice and unbounded love. But from the creation of the world Satan has been accusing God to the race, misrepresenting him in every particular. In Gen. 3: 4, 5, and Job 1: 9-11 we have definite records of his false accusations. Satan’s rebellion was attended by the falling away of one third of the angels (Rev. 12: 3, 4, 9; 2 Peter 2: 4); and as he himself once occupied the exalted position of covering cherub (Eze. 28: 16), his rebellion with so large a following, and his consequent removal from heaven, would naturally create more or less disaffection and sympathy for him.
The whole universe was a witness of this sad fall, and the Father and Son in counsel together (Zech. 6: 13) laid a plan to reconcile the inhabitants of heaven and earth. Col. 1: 20.
The success of the plan required a demonstration of the character of God by one who was fully qualified to make it. John 1: 18. The theater in which the demonstration was made is the world. 1 Cor. 4: 9, margin. Christ was given as a witness (Isa. 55: 4), and he bore witness to the truth. John 18: 37. God was “manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3: 16), “for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Col. 2: 9.
Anarchy aims at the law; and in reply to Satan’s charge that obedience was required to an unjust law, Christ became flesh (Heb. 2: 14-18; 4: 15), heir to all the weaknesses and inclinations thereof. In this condition he was entirely and absolutely dependent on the Father for strength (John 5: 19, 30), which he sought by spending whole nights in prayer. Luke 6: 12. In this condition he forever demonstrated the justice of the law by keeping it perfectly. Rom 8: 1-4; 1 Peter 2: 22.
Christ showed the Father’s love by giving his life for sinners (1 John 4: 8-10; 1 Peter 3: 18), and after dying the death which justice demanded of the sinner, he bestows eternal life as a gift. Rom. 6: 23; 1 John 5: 11, 12. So unbounded is his love, that he sends messengers to all the world with the loving invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11: 28-30), urging that it is “without money and without price.” Isa. 55: 1.
After having, by an obedient life and a sacrificial death, proved the Father’s love (Heb. 2: 14), Christ will finally show the unfailing justice of God by destroying sin, root and branch (Mal. 4: 1; Prov. 2: 22), and our hearts are gladdened by the assurance that “he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up a second time.” Nahum 1: 9.
When “the day of the Lord’s vengeance and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion” (Isa. 34: 8) shall come, where will be the accusers? “All that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.” Isa. 45: 24. We are told “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 the Father.” Phil. 2: 10, 11. When in the ages to come he will “show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ” (Eph. 2: 7), the heavens and earth with not one dissenting voice will take up the song, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Rev. 5: 11-13.
A Guiding Voice
A TOUCHING story comes to us from Minnesota. A farmer living on the edge of one of the lakes of that State started to cross it in a small sailboat one evening after dark. The wind changed, and a gust overturned the boat when he was in the middle of the lake. The surface of the water was covered with large masses of floating ice. The farmer was an expert swimmer, and he struck out boldly toward the shore, where he thought his house stood, but he grew confused in the darkness; the ice formed rapidly over the whole lake.
He was in a small, quickly narrowing circle, in which he beat about wildly, the chill of death creeping over his body. He gave up at last, and was sinking in the freezing water, when he heard a sound. It was the voice of his little girl calling him: “Father! father!” He listened. The sound of her voice would tell him which way home lay. It put fresh life into him. He thought, “If she would only call once more! But she will be frightened at the dark and cold. She will go in and shut the door.” But just then came the cry loud and clear: “Father!”
“I turned,” said the man afterward, in telling the story, “and struck out in the opposite direction. I had been going away from home. I fought my way; the ice broke before me. I reached the shore and home at last. But if my dear little girl had not persisted in calling me, though hearing no reply, I should have died there alone under the ice.”
What a multitude of souls about us, like that poor man, have lost their balance, and let go their grip on the life-boat, and are struggling amid the cold, icy waves of sin, soon to sink to the bottomless pit and be forever lost, unless some one goes as near to them as possible, and calls them in the right direction. Just one word spoken in Jesus’ name may show them the right way, and be the means of their salvation.
Dear brother, the sound of your voice, the words you may speak, the kind action you may do, may show some fallen brother the right way home. O let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not! — Christian Observer.