The following paragraph from a Roman Catholic paper shows that Rome appreciates the work that is being done for her by the “higher critics:”—
Before the “Reformation” the Christian world meant and was the Catholic world. It will probably long before next century be the same again. The “higher critics” are knocking the foundation—the Bible alone—from under Protestantism.
The following statement regarding the deadly effect of the beer habit has the sanction of the insurance department of the Austrian government, under the authority of which it is given in a recently issued pamphlet:—
In Munich every sixteenth man dies of beer heart. An eminent physician of Munich declares that one man in every seven in the city dies from the excessive use of beer. The habit causes disease of the liver and destruction of the walls of the blood-vessels.
The imperial Russian minister of finance has offered a price of $25,750 to the person or persons who will invent some way of making alcohol undrinkable, says a report made by H. Warner, Jr., United States consul at Leipsic, Germany, to the department of commerce and labor. Alcohol is already undrinkable, naturally. The unperverted appetite has no taste for it. But who can set limits to the indulgence of perverted appetite? The change needs to be wrought in the appetite, not in the drink.
Regarding the present stage of Sunday legislation in Canada, the Canadian Union Messenger says:—
The latest word we have received from Ottawa in reference to the efforts of the Lord’s Day Alliance was to the effect that a question had been asked in the House of Commons what was going to be done with the petitions for an act of parliament to compel the observance of the Lord’s day, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier replied that there was a serious question of jurisdiction. It was not decided whether the Federal or the Provincial lawmakers had the authority, but that the question had been referred to the law advisers of the government, and their report was awaited.
Secretary Taft having recently in an address given expression to the idea common among American Protestants that the papacy here is a different system from that seen in lands where Rome is supreme, the Catholic Freeman’s Journal declares that this idea is false. It says:—
Secretary Taft is of the opinion that “it will be only a short time before the Spanish Catholic religion now in power (in the Philippine Islands) will be replaced by the broader American Catholic religion.”
Catholics are ignorant on this point. They are not aware of any difference in breadth, length, or thickness between the “Spanish Catholic religion” and the “American Catholic religion.”
In this the Freeman’s Journal undoubtedly tells the truth.
The British government is now importing Chinese coolies to South Africa to provide the needed labor in the mines of that country, which on account of scarcity of labor have been but little worked since the war. An English paper points out that the conditions of the contract governing this coolie importation virtually amount to a revival of slavery under the British flag:—
That the conditions under which the coolies are to labor will be those of slavery, the ordinance leaves not the slightest doubt. If one of them deserts the service of his master, he is liable to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds, or two months’ imprisonment in default. Any one who harbors him becomes liable to a fifty-pound fine or three months’ imprisonment. A laborer introduced under the ordinance is to reside on the premises, and not to leave them without a permit. He is not to acquire property in the shape of houses, land, minerals, or precious stones, or to engage in any trade. And his importer goes bail for the chattel in a certain sum to Edward VII.
It appears that Christianity, of a nominal sort, is represented in both the civil and military systems of Japan, being placed on an equal footing with Shintoism and Buddhism, the two prevailing Japanese religions. It is stated that in the new Japanese House of Commons, which opened March 18, there are seven Christians, all Protestants. The following as regards Christianity in the Japanese military service was received by a clergyman of Minneapolis from a Christian resident in Japan:—
In Kobe to-day we saw the Rev. Mr. Hayahawa, one of our Japanese clergymen, and he told us the government is said to have appointed a Christian chaplain for each division of the army as it proceeds to the front, thus placing Christianity on an equal footing with Shintoism, the religion of the government itself, and with Buddhism, each of which has a chaplain in each division of the army.
We also heard on good authority that the war minister, although not a Christian, had made a ruling that every war correspondent with the Japanese army must have a Christian interpreter, unless the correspondent himself speaks the language well.
The reason for this ruling is that in the war with China it was only the Christian interpreter who proved reliable and a creditable representative of his country.
Recently a bill was introduced in the New York State Senate, “to provide for the giving of instruction in the principles of morality in all schools wholly or in part supported by public money of the State or under State control.” By the provisions of this bill the pupils will be required to “receive instruction in . . . this subject, with suitable text-books in their hands, for not less than four lessons a week for ten weeks or more, or its equivalent, during every school year, and must pass satisfactory examinations therein, as in other studies before proceeding to the next year’s course of instruction. The local school authorities shall provide necessary facilities and definite time and place for instruction and for examination in this subject, the same as in regular courses of study. The text-books shall be graded.”
This of course will call for suitably qualified instructors, and accordingly it is provided in the bill that no teacher shall be licensed who has not passed a satisfactory examination in this branch of knowledge. If a teacher refuses to give the required instruction, such teacher’s license is to be revoked, and no public money is to be apportioned to schools the local officials of which shall not first have made affidavit that all the provisions of this bill have been complied with.
The bill does not, however, define what “the principles of morality” are; and this is a question over which there is an irreconcilable controversy between certain classes of the people. Many hold that morality can not be effectively taught apart from religion. Thus the way will be open for instruction in morality to lead directly to the teaching of religion, with all that this would involve for the overthrow of republican principles and institutions.
The difference between morality and a mere knowledge of moral principles, also, must not be overlooked. The State may define moral principles, and teach its definitions to the youth, but what is wanted is more practise. It does not follow that pupils who learn about moral principles will necessarily lead better lives. The power to reform the life is not in the head, but in the heart. Unless the heart is educated as well as the head, the desired results will not be seen. This is where Christianity does its reforming work. “My son, give me thine heart,” is the preliminary to a moral life as God defines it.
These frequent attempts, which no doubt will succeed ere long, to make the state the instructor in morality, and through that in religion, are interesting signs of the times, showing as they do that we are on the eve of a period when old controversies will be reopened, and new ones will be added. And necessarily, these controversies will be destructive of the peace and welfare of the state. Union of church and state is always a fruitful source of strife.
L. A. S.
Life Divine
EACH hour we think
Of others more than self, that hour will live again,
And every lowly sacrifice we make
For others' good shall make life more than self.
Then ope the windows of thy soul to light
From higher spheres. So hail thy lot with joy.
Upward to God let heart and mind aspire,
For thee shall evermore be worlds to come
And melt the clouds in arching irises
On heights cerulean. Help every one
And hinder none: forgiveness thee forgives
And makes thy life divine.
— Selected.
Partakers of the Divine Nature
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
“GRACE and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
“Partakers of the divine nature.” Is this possible? Of ourselves we can do no good thing. How, then, can we be partakers of the divine nature?—By coming to Christ just as we are, needy, helpless, dependent. He died to make it possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature. He took humanity upon himself that he might reach humanity. With the golden chain of his matchless love he has bound us to the throne of God. We are to have power to overcome as he overcame.
To all he gives the invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
We have a part to act in this work. Let none think that men and women are going to be taken to heaven without engaging in the struggle here below. We have a battle to fight, a victory to gain. God says to us, “Work out your own salvation.” How?—“With fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God works, and man works. We are to co-operate with God. Thus only can we be partakers of the divine nature.
Here is the consistency of true religion. We are to be “laborers together with God,” working in harmony with him. “Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” This figure represents human character, which is to be wrought upon point by point. Each day God works on his building to perfect the structure, that it may become a holy temple for him. Man is to co-operate with God, striving in his strength to make himself what God designs him to be, building his life with pure, noble deeds.
Those who are partakers of the divine nature will not give way to temptation. The enemy is working with all his might to overcome those who are striving to live the Christian life. He comes to them with temptations, in the hope that they will yield. Thus he hopes to discourage them. But those who have planted their feet firmly on the Rock of Ages will not yield to his devices. They will remember that God is their Father and Christ their Helper. The Saviour came to our world to bring to every tried, tempted soul strength to overcome even as he overcame. I know the power of temptation; I know the dangers that are in the way; but I know, too, that strength sufficient for every time of need is provided for those who are struggling against temptation.
“God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” And we also have a part to act. We are not to place ourselves needlessly in the way of temptation. God says, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.” If by associating with worldlings for pleasure, by conforming to worldly practises, by uniting our interests with unbelievers, we place our feet in the path of temptation and sin, how can we expect God to keep us from falling.
Keep yourselves away from the corrupting influences of the world. Do not go unbidden to places where the forces of the enemy are strongly entrenched. Do not go where you will be tempted and led astray. But if you have a message for unbelievers, and if you live so near to God that you can speak to them a word in season, you can do a work that will help them and will honor God. “I pray not,” Christ said, “that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”
The Plan of Addition
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience.”
Notice that patience comes after temperance. In order to be patient, we must be temperate. Those who give loose reign to appetite will be dyspeptics; and we all know how hard it is to live peaceably with a dyspeptic. When the digestive organs are abused and irritated, nervous, hasty, impatient words follow. God has a work for each one of us to do, and into this work we are to put all the power of brain, bone, and muscle. We are to keep ourselves in the best condition for the accomplishment of this work. We are not our own; we have been bought with a price; and in all that we do or say, we are to glorify God.
“And to patience godliness.” In thought, word, and deed, God's people are to be Christlike.
“And to godliness brotherly kindness.”
Those who are controlled by the Spirit of the Holy One will be kind in the family. They will conduct the affairs of the home without irritation, knowing that irritation on the part of father or mother arouses irritation in the child. Kind, gentle words, which show tenderness and unselfish interest, exert a powerful influence for the right.
We are to live on the plan of addition, and as we do this, God will work for us on the plan of multiplication. Grace and peace will be multiplied unto us.
An Eternal Life Insurance Policy
“If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and can not see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
This is your life insurance policy. Act well your part, and you will be given entrance into the kingdom of glory. God has chosen you to have eternal life if you will do his will.
One Day at a Time
We shall pass through this world only once. Let us, then, be careful how we speak and act. Let us be careful where we place our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. Let us so live that God can make us partakers of the divine nature, enabling us to obtain victories, and to overcome as Christ overcame.
God asks us to live only one day at a time. You need not look a week or a month ahead. To-day do your best. To-day speak and act in a way that will honor God. The promise is, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.”
Courage in the Lord
Troublous times are before us. The judgments of God are abroad in the land. Calamities follow one another in rapid succession. Soon God is to rise out of his place to shake terribly the earth, and to punish the inhabitants for their iniquity. Then he will stand up in behalf of his people, and will give them his protecting care. He will throw his everlasting arms around them to shield them from all harm.
After the passing of the time in 1844, a number of the brethren and sisters were assembled in a meeting. All were9very sad; for the disappointment had been sore. Presently a man came in, crying, “Courage in the Lord, brethren, courage in the Lord.” This he repeated again and again, till every face was aglow, and every voice was lifted in praise to God. And this morning I say to you, “Courage in the Lord.” Ever since 1844 I have been proclaiming present truth, and to-day this truth is dearer to me than ever before.
God loves his believing people. Go through the Psalms, and find all the places where God has promised you his love and his help. Praise him for these promises, and make them your own. Do your best every day, and trust God for the future. We are his little children, and he desires us to trust him as a child trusts its earthly parents.
A Significant Discussion
By G. B. Thompson
G. B. THOMPSON
The investigation in the United States Senate as to the right of Reed Smoot, of Utah, to retain his seat in the Senate, has given rise to considerable discussion in the press of Canada, as to the propriety of allowing the large immigration of Mormons into the North West Territories. Large numbers of them are now settling in this Territory, and some of the papers took the grounds that persons with undesirable religious beliefs should not be admitted. One such paper was the Hamilton (Ontario) Spectator. The Herald of the same city took a different position, and took the Spectator to task for its position, and sought to point out the danger and impracticability of excluding persons because of their opinions. I take the following from an editorial:—
“We need not repeat the reasons already advanced to show why the principle supported by the Spectator is foolish, dangerous, and impracticable. A few pointed questions will perhaps help the Spectator to see the force of those reasons.
“Who is to decide as to what beliefs are so ‘undesirable’ that those who hold them can not be permitted to enter Canada as settlers?
“Should these ‘undesirable’ beliefs be of the nature of religious or moral beliefs only? If so, why? Are there not also undesirable social and political beliefs, not to mention undesirable beliefs with regard to science, art, and economics?
“By what method would those immigrants who hold undesirable beliefs be distinguished from those whose beliefs are desirable? And in cases of doubt as to the desirability or undesirability of immigrants’ beliefs (there would be many such cases), who would be the final arbiter?
“The Spectator says that all Mormons, even those of them who do not practise polygamy, should be excluded from Canada because they believe that polygamy is permissible under the divine law. They should be excluded because that belief makes them undesirable. Undesirable to whom?—Why, to the vast majority of the Canadian people. And why?—Because their belief is repugnant to the belief of the majority of the Canadian people. Therefore any person whose belief is repugnant to that of the majority of the Canadian people should not be admitted into Canada. That is the Spectator’s position. But—
“The vast majority of the Canadian people believe in the existence of God, and atheism is repugnant to them. Would it be right therefore to exclude atheists from Canada? And if not, why not?
“The majority of Canadians believe that it is wrong under any circumstances to lie and commit perjury. There are men who believe it is permissible to commit perjury in a good cause—for instance, to ‘lie like a gentleman’ in the witness-box in a case involving the honor of a woman. Should such persons be excluded from Canada as ‘undesirables’? And if not, why not?
“The majority of the Canadian people believe in observing the first day of the week as the Sabbath day, and in recognizing its sanctity more or less. The Seventh-day Adventists believe in observing the seventh day as the Sabbath and in working on Sunday. Should therefore all Seventh-day Adventists be excluded from Canada? If not, why not?
“Many similar questions will occur to the reader. It should not require much reflection to convince any sensible person that to exclude people from Canada because their mere opinions—apart altogether from practise—are repugnant to the majority of Canadian people, would be a foolish, unjust, and dangerous exercise of power.”
It is not without its significance that the press of the country is discussing whether or not those who hold to religious beliefs contrary to that of the majority shall be allowed to remain in the country. Russia sends such persons into exile amid the cold snows of Siberia; and let the principle once be adopted that persons, simply because of their opinions, regardless of practise, are undesirable, and we shall have the Inquisition in all its glory. It was for holding ‘undesirable’ religious beliefs that so many were banished, strangled, and burned during the Dark Ages. That an “image” will exercise this frightful power does not seem to be a very remote probability. It is Mormonism now that the discussion is over, but it will be other beliefs later. These statements were made by the spirit of prophecy several years ago:—
“If God has ever spoken by me, the time will come when you will be brought before councils, and every position of truth which you hold will be severely criticized. The time that so many are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge that God has given us, of preparing for the approaching crisis.”—Testimony for the Church, No. 33, page 245.
“The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone.”—Id., No. 32, page 219.
But more sad, if possible, than all this is the following:—
“I have been shown that many who profess to have a knowledge of present truth know not what they believe. They do not understand the evidences of their faith. They have no just appreciation of the work for the present time. When the time of trial shall come, there are men now preaching to others, who will find, upon examining the positions they hold, that there are many things for which they can give no satisfactory reason. Until thus tested, they know not their great ignorance. And there are many in the church who take it for granted that they understand what they believe, but until controversy arises, they do not know their own weakness. When separated from those of like faith, and compelled to stand singly and alone to explain their belief, they will be surprised to see how confused are their ideas of what they had accepted as truth.”—Id., No. 33, page 235.
It is no time now to have our minds filled with worldly matters, or to allow any philosophical mysteries to divert our minds from the plain truths of the message that God has sent to condemn or save the world. At this time we need, as never before, to study the plain, simple truths of this message, that when asked to give a reason of our faith, we can do it, and not be put to shame because of our ignorance of what we believe.
A Most Encouraging Experience
A NEW ENGLAND WORKER
“WHEREFORE . . . I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts 27:25.
There have always been times in the history of God’s work, from Adam’s day to the present, when faith was peculiarly needed in God’s plans, for the circumstances seemed altogether impossible for their fulfilment. But when we remember that God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, is the One who speaks, whatever the means used for the conveying of that message, this ought to be sufficient for every true and devoted follower of the Lord Jesus, and faith in that message ought to be direct and receptive. Such a time is surely the present, especially as related to “Christ’s Object Lessons.”
As we all know, about three years ago there came a message from the Lord, through the spirit of prophecy, telling us that he had a way whereby our schools should be relieved from the burden of indebtedness. This is the word: “The Lord’s institutions are in peril. Because of the terrible burden of debt under which our schools are struggling, the work is hindered on every side. In our great necessity, God has made a way through the difficulty, and has invited us to co-operate with him in accomplishing his purpose. It was his plan that the book, ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’10should be given for the relief of our schools, and he calls upon his people to do their part in placing this book before the world. In this he is testing his people and his institutions, to see if they will work together and be of one mind in self-denial and self-sacrifice.”
The word at that time further stated: “The present is an opportunity which we can not afford to lose. We call upon all our people to help to the utmost of their ability just now.” “Let us do our best at this time.” “There are, in the divine providence, particular periods when we must arise in response to the call of God, and make use of our means, our time, our intellect, our whole being, body, soul, and spirit, in fulfilling his requirements. The present is such a time as this.” “Every branch of God’s cause is worthy of diligence; but nothing could be more deserving than this enterprise at this time.”
It no doubt seemed strange to many that God should take such a method as this to relieve the indebtedness of his educational institutions, and possibly some are still questioning it, because of their surroundings and circumstances. But the writer wishes to testify of the truthfulness of this Testimony, and of the results.
When the Testimony was first read, I was deeply impressed by it, not merely because it was what God said, but because of one special statement it contained; and if there are those who have not yet accepted this word of the Lord and acted upon it, they would do well to hasten to obey his word. This was the statement: “In this he is testing his people and his institutions.” It seemed strangely impressive to hear that this book, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” should come to the people of God as a test. Naturally the first thought was, Why a test with a book? The answer quickly came, “God knows why.” Recognizing therefore that this was God’s test, and knowing the blessedness which must result in obeying God’s tests, it was a pleasure to enter upon a campaign to do God’s bidding.
Carrying on the work of the ministry as heretofore, with Bible readings and visiting, orders were taken and delivered for nearly fifty copies during the first three weeks. They were sold on the sidewalks, in corridors, in the main roads, in offices, in stores, in private residences, and in public buildings. The steam cars and trolleys were not forgotten, and everywhere opportunities were found to dispose of this book. It was evident that God was in the work most marvelously, and certainly blessed results were to be seen everywhere.
On one occasion, while riding on the train, there sat in the opposite seat of the car a very interesting man. He was an insurance agent. He soon made himself very companionable, and called my attention to certain things which interested him. He remained in the car for some time. In my satchel I had a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons” (I never went anywhere without one or more copies), and I felt that it was only fair to him as well as to myself that his kindness and sociability be reciprocated. I then called his attention to a very interesting work I had, and he said he would look at it. In less than three minutes after this he paid me for the book, requested me to send it to him, as I could not let him have the one I had. This was the first time we ever met, and it certainly was wonderful to see the confidence which was manifested, and the willingness to fall in line with God’s plan.
At another time, while riding on a trolley-car, I sat beside a young man, with whom I entered into conversation on the subject of religion. On the opposite side of the car sat another young man who seemed to listen with a great deal of interest. After the one to my left had gone, this other young man rose from his seat, holding on to the strap of the car, leaned toward me, and said, “I was much impressed with what you said to that man. It touched me.” An interesting talk followed, and before we were through, I opened my valise, and called his attention to “Christ’s Object Lessons.” He sat and read for a while, then he took out the money, and paid me for a copy, giving me his address. Many such experiences might be recited, which demonstrate what the Lord had said would come to pass.
A large number of ministers were interviewed with most marked success. I received invitations to speak in their churches, and they advertised the book before hundreds of their people, gave testimonials for the work, did all in their power to aid it. One minister secured a team to carry us around to his parishioners, he caring for the team while I went into the houses to sell the books. The words were fulfilled: “Angels are commissioned to go forth with those who take up this work in true humility.”
Hundreds of the books were placed in the homes of the people, as well as many copies in the hands of ministers and Christian workers, and it has been a great blessing, bringing light and truth to them.
In interviewing many of our own dear people, occasionally it would be remarked that the books could not be sold. Failures in handling other books were cited, and everything that could be suggested was brought forward as an excuse for not doing this work. But here was the word of the Lord. Here was the test that God had given. Like Israel, shall we fail of entering into the rest which awaits the people of God? One dear brother who had insisted that nothing could be done, was finally induced to believe God, and take him at his word. He started out, and in a short time wrote that he had disposed of about twelve copies. This brother sold, in all, between forty and fifty copies. Thus it was demonstrated that despite environment and circumstances, God will fulfil his word to every one who believes him.
And how about the results? God said it would accomplish a fourfold purpose; and we know this has been done. What a blessing it has brought to the schools thus far in partially relieving them of indebtedness. What a blessing it has brought to the world in giving such precious light and instruction from God’s Word. What a blessing has come to every church that has taken up this work, in bringing them light and power and experience, as well as increasing the membership. What precious blessings it has brought to those workers who have entered into it soul and body. Nothing else could have done for them what the experience with this book has done. This is what the Lord said would happen.
In addition to this the Lord said it would unify the believers. The writer wishes to bear testimony to this point. At a certain church where for thirty years there had been division and bitter feeling, and where it seemed impossible for harmony to come, the Spirit of God came in one Sabbath day, as this work was talked over, and hearts were knit together again in love and brotherhood; and the breach that had existed for years was healed, brethren and sisters all entering into the work with one heart and one soul. All this the Lord said would happen; and it was so.
Thus it has been the writer’s privilege to have a small share in this most blessed work, and to dispose of nearly two thousand copies of this most precious book, “Christ’s Object Lessons.” It has brought many blessed experiences and many precious victories. It has confirmed faith in the word of the Lord, and brought added zeal to continue in this most blessed truth. And this will be the privilege of each one, if all will take hold and do this work.
And why should the work not be finished? Why should not our schools be released from all their debts? Why should not the world get more blessing than it already has? It certainly needs it. Why should not more workers receive a precious experience by participating in this work? Whatever our work, we are told that this is the most deserving enterprise in all the various branches of God’s work. Why not, then, give it the attention it deserves? Three years have now come and gone; and still this work is not done. The schools are not yet able to sing their jubilee song of freedom. Thousands of dollars have yet to be paid annually for interest, as well as toward the principal. Why not believe God, and do his will? Let us clean this thing up, as far as the school debt is concerned; then we can do more for other schools, or continue to assist the needy schools. Those conferences that have not yet disposed of their quota should take hold with earnestness, from the highest official to the laity of the church, and by the grace of God, have this work completed before this year shall half terminate. It can be done with God’s help.
It would be well for all who have begun the work, and have not finished their quota, to read 2 Kings 4:1-7, and note God’s plan to relieve the poor widow of debt. She was told to fill the vessels with oil, and to fill enough so that she11could get out of debt, and have a surplus for future sustenance. She did not stop with pouring in oil into a few vessels that would be sufficient to pay part of her debt; but she gathered vessels to hold enough oil to pay all her debt, as the Lord’s prophet told her, and then she had enough left to start life anew, without contracting any more debts. And by the way, the debt that she had to pay was not one she created; her husband incurred it; but she was a true wife, and desired to pay it, as well as to keep her children with her.
Even so, though we did not contract the debts that we are now called upon to pay, let us remember that we are partners in this great firm of God’s saving truth; and therefore we are glad and willing to do our part in paying this debt, as well as in keeping these children of ours, these educational institutions, from being taken away. Let us believe God, be loyal to his cause, be firm to his truth, and stand the test which he has given to us, thus showing our loyalty to him.
The World on Fire
By C. H. Spurgeon
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10.
We gather from our text what will happen at a time when it will be little expected. The dread hour will come as a thief in the night. It was not expected in Noah’s day that the world would be destroyed. That was not from any want of warning, but because men could not conceive it possible. They argued against Noah, that all things had continued as they were from the days of their first father Adam, and that so they would be. They thought Noah a fool for going up and down the world proclaiming an absurdity, and frightening people with a bugbear. Thus speak they now, when God’s Word declares that the whole world will be destroyed by fire. They reject the testimony, and continue in sin, in worldliness, and in rebellion against God; and so will they do to the very moment when the shrill sound of the trump shall convince them that the Lord has come, and that the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men has arrived. No preaching will of itself avail to make ungodly men expect the coming of Christ, however clear, bold, consistent, and long continued it may be. The world is mad upon its idols, its ears are too dull to hear the truth; charm we never so wisely, this adder will never listen to warning. Men’s eyes are blinded, they will not see, and so they hurry on to their doom, and “when they say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.”
God now waits that men may be saved. He tarries that in his long time of waiting hundreds everywhere may believe in Jesus, and enter into eternal life; and while we may consistently desire to hasten the coming of the Lord, we may be equally content that mercy’s day should be lengthened. While I have prayed, “Come quickly,” I have often felt inclined to contradict myself and cry, “Yet tarry for a while, good Lord; let mercy’s day be lengthened, let the heathen yet receive the Saviour.” We may desire the coming of the Lord, but we ought to be in sympathy with the tarrying of the Most High, to which his loving heart inclines him.
Although we read of the world being burned with fire, we are not told that it will be annihilated thereby.
We know that nothing has been annihilated yet. This world, so far as we know, will not cease to be; it will pass through the purifying flame, and then it may be the soft and gentle breath of Almighty love will blow upon it and cool it rapidly, and the divine hand will shape it as it cools into a paradise more fair than that which bloomed upon the banks of Hiddekel. We believe from various things which are hinted at in Scripture, that this world will be renovated, and in that sense we expect “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
Luther used to say that the world was now in its working clothes, and that by and by it would be arrayed in its Easter garments of joy. One likes to think that the trail of the old serpent will not always remain upon the globe, and it is a cheering thought that where sin has abounded, God’s glory shall yet more abound. I can not believe in that world being annihilated upon which Jesus was born, and lived, and died. . . . It has groaned and travailed with mankind, being made subject to vanity for our sake; surely it is to have its joyful redemption, and keep its Sabbaths after the fire has burned out every trace of sin and sorrow. — C. H. Spurgeon.