Earlier text: Isles of CalmEducation in Lawlessness
By L. A. S.
THE present epidemic of strikes with which this country is afflicted affords food for serious thought. There can be no doubt that these disturbances are sowing seed for a future harvest, which will be of the same nature as the seed sown, and much more abundant. The immediate inconvenience, financial loss, and paralysis of trade due to the strikes, great as these are, do not constitute the gravest feature of the situation. The country is now in the midst of a period of prosperity, of which the strikes, strange to say, are one of the foremost evidences. We have reached a time in the country's history when prosperity itself brings strife and confusion, riot and distress. Business men are afraid to engage in new enterprises or to enlarge those already begun. A late telegram from Chicago states that “business interests of the city have become alarmed at the constant strikes and labor controversies that have marked the last three months, and are refusing to enlarge their local plants, as many of them planned to do a year ago.” A one-million-dollar improvement which was intended for the Frazer-Chalmers plant in that city has been definitely abandoned for this cause. If this is prosperity, what will adversity be? What fruit will be borne then by the present education in lawlessness which the strikers and their sympathizers are receiving? It is here that the worst feature of the situation lies. For it is true that members of the labor unions are being educated in lawlessness, in the idea that their own will is paramount to the law, and the interests of their unions are paramount to all other interests. In the great Pennsylvania coal strike the law, both in that State and in the national government, was set aside as a thing of no power in the adjustment of proper relations between employers and the working men. In effect that was to teach the labor unions the dangerous doctrine that they can raise issues which can not be settled by an appeal to law; and the point is one which they will not be likely to lose sight of. The whole tendency of strikes, great and small, is toward lawlessness; and the more numerous they become, and the more familiar men become with their accompanying scenes of riot and crime, the more are they educated to hold the law in light esteem. The strength of the labor unions enables their members to foster the spirit of lawlessness without being subject to the risk taken by the individual criminal. As an example of this it may be mentioned that a member of the Pennsylvania militia was prosecuted as a criminal for having performed his duty at one scene of riot during the strike, and only a decision of the supreme court saved him from being sentenced to prison for manslaughter. The influence of the labor unions against this guardian of the law carried everything before it up to the court of last resort. There is prosperity now; but the day of adversity is coming. When hard times come again, when multitudes are out of work, when the struggle for existence becomes more fierce, and men are thrown into trying conditions which test the soul, will the country then see an exhibition of self-restraint on the part of the working classes? or will it see an outburst of the spirit of lawlessness which will darken the land with scenes of strife and crime? Is it not for the latter result that the working men are to-day being educated? Time will answer the question, and a most unwelcome answer it will be, if we may judge from appearances. The Prudent Man Foreseeth the Evil
“THE prudent man foreseeth the evil.” A Song of Hope
By M. T. H.
LORD, every little sparrow finds its crumb
to eat from thee,
And chirps its little chirp of praise
To thee, the Giver of its days,
And bids to-morrow “go its ways;”
And so will I. Lord, every little daisy lifts its face up
to the sun,
And drinks in of its warmth and light,
And revels in its day so bright,
Without a fear of coming night;
And so will I. Lord, every little nightingale warbles its
love-song sweet,
Choosing the night to sing to thee
A tender, heaven-born melody,
Sung in the darkness hopefully;
And so will I. “Songs in the night he giveth,” and
listens to hear them sung—
Songs of a tender Father’s love,
Songs of a fairer home above,
Songs whispered by that Holy Dove
Who broods o’er all. —M. T. H., in The Christian. Repent, and Do the First Works
By Ellen G. White
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” The words fall from the lips of One who can not lie. The picture reveals eternal vigilance. Christ is in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, walking from church to church, from congregation to congregation, from heart to heart. He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. If the candlesticks were left to the care of human beings, how often the light would flicker and go out! But God has not given his church into the hands of men. Christ, the One who gave his life for the world, that all who believe in him may not perish but have everlasting life, is the Watchman of the house. He is the Warder, faithful and true, of the temple courts of the Lord. “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand.” The words are spoken to the teachers in the church,—those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with God’s ministers, who are to reveal the precious love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under his control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If he did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with his ministers. They are but instruments in his hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through his power. Through them his light is to shine forth. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to him as he looked to his Father, they will do his work. As they make God their dependence, he will give them his brightness to reflect to the world. Christ walks in the midst of his churches through the length and breadth of the earth. He looks with intense interest to see whether his people are in such a condition spiritually that they can advance his kingdom. He is present in every assembly of the church. He knows those whose hearts he can fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others. Those who faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing in word and deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord’s purpose for them, and Christ takes pleasure in them. “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience.” Christ is acquainted with the history and experience of every one who has accepted him. To his people he says, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” He cherishes carefully every act of love and endurance performed by them. “And how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” While we should not find fault and accuse, we should never give encouragement to evil. There are those who are vain talkers. Their influence is misleading. Unless they repent, they will be weighed in the balances, and found wanting. Faithful reproof may save them. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” At the first, the experience of the church at Ephesus was marked by childlike fervor and simplicity. An ardent, heartfelt love for Christ controlled the believers. They rejoiced in the love of God because Christ was an abiding presence in their hearts. In sentiment and action they were united. Love for Christ was the golden chain that bound them together. They followed on to know the Lord more and still more perfectly, and brightness and comfort and peace came into their lives. They trusted in the Lord. They did not think of hoarding the precious treasures of the grace of Christ. Their highest aim was to win souls to the Saviour. They felt the importance of their calling; and weighted with the precious message of the gospel,—peace on earth and good will toward men,—they called upon all to come to Christ. Visiting the fatherless and the widow was part of their daily experience. They kept themselves unspotted from the world. They knew that a failure to do this would be a denial of the Redeemer. In every city the work was carried forward. Warm, inspired appeals were made, and sinners were brought to the cross. In their turn they felt that they must tell of the inexhaustible treasure they had found. They could not rest until the beams of light which had illumined their minds were shining into the minds of others. Multitudes of believers were made acquainted with the reason of the hope held by the Christians. Precious light was flashed into minds darkened by error. After a time coldness crept into the church. Differences unworthy of notice sprang up, and the eyes of the believers were taken from beholding Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith. Their love for one another began to wane. The multitudes that might have been convicted and converted by a faithful practice of the truth were left unwarned. How is it with the church of to-day, which has received such great light? God sees that its members have lost the love for souls which Christ revealed to them when first they saw his unspeakable mercy for the fallen race. Then they could not keep silent. They were filled with desire to give to others the blessings they had received. Thus it is with all who are truly converted. Those who love sinners with the love of God will work the works of God. Let the church arise and shine; for their light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them. Let them understand that Christ expects them to do the work that he did while on this earth. The leaven of truth needs to be introduced into society. The means of God’s people should be used to carry forward his work in new fields. But many have selfishly grasped for themselves all the means they dared, and have coveted more. Grave evils have sapped the life and zeal and virtue of the church. Let us change quickly, or he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, will say to us, as he said to the church of Ephesus, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” The work that God desires to see done by Seventh-day Adventists is not done. Unless there is a decided change, the people will accept as truth that which is not truth. A Call to Activity and Zeal
Nigh and afar off the laws of God’s kingdom are to be proclaimed. Let the churches arouse. Let the ministers clothe themselves with zeal as with a garment. God says to them, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Anything less than active, earnest service for the Master gives the lie8 to our profession of Christianity. Only the Christianity that results in practical work will make an impression upon those who are dead in trespasses and sins. Praying, humble, believing Christians, who show by their actions that their greatest desire is to make known the saving truth that is to test all people, will gather a rich harvest of souls for the Master. We need to break up the monotony of our religious labor. We are doing a work in the world, but we are not showing enough activity and zeal. If we were more in earnest, men would be convinced of the truth of our message. The tameness and monotony of our service for God repels many who are looking to see in us a deep, earnest, sanctified zeal. Legal religion will not answer for this age. We may perform all the outward acts of service, and yet be as destitute of the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain. We need spiritual moisture; and we need also the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness to soften and subdue our hearts. In times past there were those who fastened their minds upon one soul after another, saying, “Lord, help me to save this soul.” But now such instances are very rare. How many act as if they realized the peril of sinners? How many take to God in prayer those they know to be in danger, pleading with him to save them? Remember that there are those who will perish unless we as God’s instrumentalities work with a determination which will not fail or become discouraged. The Lord will provide ways and means for those who will seek him with all the heart. He has in readiness the most precious revelations of his grace to strengthen and encourage the sincere, humble worker. There is no excuse for the faith of our churches being so feeble. “Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope.” There is strength for us in Christ. He is our Advocate. He dispatches his messengers to every part of his dominion to communicate his will to his creatures. He walks in the midst of his churches. He desires to sanctify, elevate, and ennoble his followers. The influence of those who truly believe in him will be a savor of life in the world. Christ holds the stars in his right hand, and it is his purpose to let his light shine forth through them to the world. Thus he desires to prepare his people for higher service in the church above. He has given us a great work to do. Let us do it faithfully. Let us show forth in our lives what divine grace can do for humanity. The Glories That Do Not Fade
By C. M. Snow
Through all the accomplishments of the human there runs the sad minor strain of continual decay. True it is that all the glory of man is as the flower of the grass. The grass decays, and the winds toy with its fragile fragments. So the glory of man fades and withers, and the tireless winds of time bury it in the débris of other things. Time is busy from dawn till twilight, from twilight till dawn, finding sepulcher for the faded glories of human greatness. Not a state is reared nor a king enthroned but adds to this occupation of the great leveler, Time. There is an enduring substance; there is a name that will not pass away; there is a glory which shall never grow dim nor wither in the blasts of the ages. These are the things upon which God has placed the seal of righteousness, because they partake of the nature of the divine, and have in them none of the disintegrating elements of the unregenerate human. Everything that partakes of sin, of selfishness, of the purely human, will be cleansed out of the imperishable eternal as the dross from the gold, and the royal seal stamps it to endure. That process makes a man more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir; for even gold is not imperishable, but a man may be. Humanity in harmony with divinity, in tune with the Infinite, by the irrevocable decree of God, must stand forever. That does not mean the human race en masse; but as individuals. Each separate particle of gold must give up every particle of dross that has been clinging to it, or the product is not pure. The gold which can not be separated from the crushed ore to which it clings, goes with the worthless refuse of the grinding. So it is with man. He who can not be separated from his sin must go down with it in the wreck of Satan’s conspiracy against God. In mercy to us God is holding before our very eyes to-day evidences of the transitory, perishable nature of the very best that man has to bequeath to his posterity. Children of to-day clamber over the crumbling ruins of the men of yesterday, ruins of the work of the greatest genius of the past, and are bound to read in them the fact that nothing visible has yet withstood the impartial test of time. All that has depended upon the human has gone down into dust as the touch of the alchemist of age. The fragments of Egypt’s glory are whirling to-day in the dust-storms of the desert. The remnants of her idol temples totter and tumble in sight of the children of those who reared them. So with Babylon; so with Greece; and so with Rome. The palace of the Cæsars is glorious no more. Once its polished sides were glorious to look upon; its marble halls were resplendent with ivory and bronze and gold; the wealth of a universal nation was lavished upon its splendid maintenance; in its polished niches stood vases, tripods, and statues of gold and silver; on each side of the porticus was a large library, one Latin and the other Greek; in one of its spacious halls the Roman senate met from time to time, and there stood the bronze colossus of Augustus Cæsar himself, fifty feet high; between its marble columns were statues of the fifty Danaides and fifty bridegrooms in marble on marble steeds; here was a temple of Vesta, dedicated when this Cæsar was made pontifex maximus; and this was but one of the mighty and magnificent buildings that crowned the Palatine Hill. Where is it all to-day?—Slumbering in the same dust that binds the hands and the hearts of the men who planned and reared these time-harrowed testaments to human glory. The same Tiber, Nile, and Euphrates run by these ruins to the sea, and the same God is waiting still for man to recognize his need of him if he would have that glory which fadeth not away. The Lord has not only taught us this lesson in the crumbling ruins of human glory; he has taught it in his written Word as well. Christ himself tells us, “Without me ye can do nothing.” “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth; but the word of the Lord abideth forever.” “The fashion of this world passeth away.” Satan offered Christ the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them if he would worship him. Christ knew that any glory outside of God was a glory that could not endure, and he brushed aside the flattering temptation. Would you know the same thing? Then imitate his choice and take the glory that brightens and widens and deepens while the ages roll on. Having made that choice, even though you should be laid away in death, you have the assurance that you will be “raised in glory,” bearing “the image of the heavenly.” “The God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” 1 Peter 5:10. That is a glory worthy the most ardent seeking, a glory as enduring as eternity, a glory to which the fleeting evanescent glories of this world are not worthy to be compared, a glory as free to the peasant as the prince. Share in it—it is your privilege. God is holding out the gift to-day—take it and learn to know the joys of that better world.—C. M. Snow, in the Signs of the Times. WHY should not Christ receive sinners? Will a man not receive that which belongs to him, whenever he can get it? Indeed, there is really no question as to receiving; that is shut out by the fact that he will seek for his own. Even so Christ showed how natural it was that he should receive the sinners who flocked to hear him. He was God's representative. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,” “The Lord he is God: it is he that made us, and his we are; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Ps. 100:3. Christ is “that great Shepherd of the sheep,” “the good Shepherd.”9 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” How then could it be otherwise than that he should come to seek the wandering sheep? No man having a hundred sheep would say, if one wandered away, “No matter, it is only one,” and so make no effort to recover it. If he did so with one, then he would do the same with another one, and still another one, until he would not have one left. Indifference with regard to one shows indifference for all. It is by looking after and guarding the single ones, that he keeps the whole. Therefore by the natural action of a man with his sheep, or of a woman with that which is her dowry, Jesus justified his course in welcoming sinners to himself.—Selected. ACHAN’S love of gold was greater than his love of God. His covetousness exceeded his patriotism. If the boastful public-spiritedness of many a patriot were investigated, the wedge of gold would be found under the tent floor, and the goodly Babylonish garment in the wardrobe.—The United Presbyterian. The World's Crisis Imminent
By WM. PENNIMAN
ADVENTISTS are not the only ones who take the position that the world is not growing better or ripening for the millennium. General Nelson A. Miles says: “There never was a time in the history of the world when so much ingenuity and wealth were devoted to war purposes, and what I have seen does not indicate that the millennium is at hand, when swords will be beaten into plowshares.” Even Talmage, who was a noted optimist, said, a few years ago, that “for the past twenty-five years there had been two conversions, and four backsliders.” There are many accessions to the churches, but how many of them are truly converted? Profession is cheap, possession is dear. Many in the different churches, including preachers and learned writers, are compelled to admit the truthfulness of the Word of God that the wicked “shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” We read of “epidemics of murder” not only in the United States, but in other parts of the world. The following we copy from the Peoria, Ill., Star, with the heading, “Murders Common in Chicago:” “Chicago, February 21.—States Attorney Deneen last night told a committee of prominent citizens that murders have become so common in Chicago that the public regards them as little more important than fist fights. There is now on an average about one murder for every week day and two or three for Sunday.” Mr. Deneen says further, “So common have they become that the public conscience is becoming dulled, and murders are coming to be regarded with little more importance than fist fights.” It seems that theater going and pleasure seeking are increasing not only in the world, but also in the churches. In a recent issue of a Chicago daily paper (reported from New York, April 4) is a notice of a prize fight at an early hour, not known to officials, in a church altar, witnessed by one hundred and fifty sports who sat in the pews, and when the contest increased in interest, they stood upon the backs of the pews and cheered the fighters on, who “sprang at each other like bulldogs.” The spirit of lawlessness and of lynching is not dead yet, and more especially when the colored man is concerned; and so great is the antipathy in the minds of some toward this race, that they will burn or lynch a negro, and let a white man (?) go scot-free who has committed the same crime. Only a few days ago a negro was lynched, notwithstanding all the earnest protestations of the officials against it, in Joplin, Mo., and the lynchers vented their spite on the whole colored population of the city, burning their houses and driving them from the city. A recent issue of The Tribune, of Oakland, Cal., in an editorial entitled “A Carnival of Crime,” says (we quote briefly): “A madness of greed seems to be upon the country. A passion for display and extravagance has flamed up and created a lust for quickly gained wealth. This passion is corrupting womanhood and manhood. . . . We are living too fast, living too loud and luxuriously, and the murders in pursuit of robbery are but incident to sexual demoralization, and other vices peculiar to an age given over to license and materiality.” It is no wonder this is called “the age of murder,” when “carnivals of crime” and “epidemics of murder” have been so numerous all over the world. The “public conscience” of both the church and the world are becoming dulled or callous, not only to crime, but also to great and shocking calamities and loss of life. This is one of the most alarming signs of the times. When the murders and calamities are near at home, they have a little more effect, but in either case they are soon forgotten. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” The Scriptures also say: “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” But alas! few give heed to God’s warnings. It is said that one reason for the increase of crime is that the population is increasing. But according to a writer in the Central Christian Advocate, of St. Louis, crime is far in excess of the population,—that is, the per cent of increase is far greater,—and one with his eyes half open can see it. Again, it is said we have greater facilities of conveyance and of bringing crime to light than in the past. This is true, yet no doubt very much criminality never comes to light, except to the all-seeing Eye. The same objection is brought up in regard to cyclones,—that now we have the telegraph, which reports these things. The truth of the matter is, twenty-five years ago there were no such calamities as we are now having. But we must not omit to notice that the cities of our land, and of the world, are becoming more and more like Sodom and Gomorrah. This is doubtless due in a great measure to the flood of intemperance. In the United States there are 140,000 saloons, 150,000 drunkards, 128,000 schools, and 54,000 churches. Intemperance, or the use of whisky, etc., costs the nation $1,500,000,000 annually. In a November, 1902, issue of the St. Paul Globe, we find the following statements: “Only a little more than ten months of the twelve are gone, and yet close to a million persons have been swept across the Styx by epidemics, floods, and volcanoes. Early in May a series of eruptions in Martinique and neighboring islands in the Caribbean Sea snuffed out countless thousands of lives. Somewhat later the Yellow River of China overflowed its banks, and tens of thousands of Celestials were drowned like rats in a trap.” It is reported that from Jan. 1-7, 1903, the loss by disease, including the Philippine Archipelago, amounts to 600,000 persons. The editor of the Christian Standard alluded to the “Burden of Martinique.” What will he say now if he knows that there were earthquakes more or less every month in 1902, excepting March? Eighteen of them were destructive of life and property, many thousands of lives being destroyed besides the thirty thousand at Martinique. But such is the wealth of the world, that if a great city is destroyed, some one of the many millionaires could alleviate the suffering and build it up again better than it was, and not feel the loss. Again: when we look at the increase of the war spirit, the gigantic guns and other war implements, preparations for war, which are preliminary to the great and final Armageddon battle, is it any wonder that we can look for almost anything to happen in the near future, for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tidal waves, storms, floods, fires, famines, pestilences, railroad and mine disasters, and numberless calamities to sweep away the lives and property of the people? This gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world. “It must be done in this generation.” “There must be delay no longer.” God’s people must heed the spirit of prophecy, seek for a true conversion, and when they obtain it, they will have the “indwelling presence,” and will then watch and pray, work and give, as never before. We can not better close this article than to quote the following words of Mrs. E. G. White:— “We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of the earth will be swept away in the flames. Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent. Confusion, collision, and death without a moment’s warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation is closing. Let us seek God while he may be found, call upon him while he is near! The prophet says: ‘Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgments; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.’” The Sabbath and the State
By C. P. Whitford
A MUCH agitated subject in religious, political, judicial, and legislative circles to-day is that of the Sabbath question. A large number of well-meaning Christian people sincerely believe that Sabbath legislation is necessary to protect and advance the cause of Christ. Within the past few years eight prominent organizations in this country have committed themselves to the principle that God's will ought to be promoted by civil enactments. For more than a century all classes have felt secure in the enjoyment of religious freedom,—a heritage from our fathers, firmly grounded, as we supposed, in the Magna Charta of these United States. But what is seen at the present time?—A number of large and influential organizations clamoring loudly at our legislative halls for laws for the enforcement of religious institutions, and especially a day of rest. The principles wisely framed in the interests of civil and religious liberty, and embodied in our national constitution, are now so lightly regarded that persecution for conscience’ sake is already manifesting itself in some parts of our country. Shall the principles of religious liberty on which our government is founded be overthrown? Is the Sabbath purely a Biblical institution? If so, then apart from the Word of God could there be a Sabbath? Has God committed authority to the state to enact laws compelling people to do religiously that in which they have no faith? Has Congress the right to invade the freedom of religious worship by assuming control of the right of conscience, thereby requiring all to worship according to the dictates of the state? This movement is no new departure. It is the same old spirit of persecution which deluged the olden countries with blood in the effort to make the civil subservient to the ecclesiastical power. It is a spirit which every true lover of civil and religious liberty should uncompromisingly oppose. It seems marvelously strange that with the facts of history before the world concerning the evils of religious legislation, any man, much less a body of Christians, should so far depart from the principles enunciated by Christ in Matt. 7:12—“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”—as to compel others to do that religiously in which they have no faith, and which they have an inalienable right not to do if they choose. By so doing, professed Christians assume control of the rights of conscience, and thenceforth all are required to worship according to the dictates of the state. It is the divine and the human right, the moral and the civil right, of every person to “worship God according to the dictates of his conscience.” All that pertains to the worship of God must be rendered according to the dictates of conscience. Conscience itself is of God, and relates solely to God. Sabbath observance is due only to God; because the Sabbath is the Lord’s—it is the Lord’s day. It must be rendered according to the dictates of one’s own conscience: indeed, only thus can it be truly rendered at all. But when there is civil law on this subject, Sabbath observance must then be rendered according to the dictates of the state, and not according to the dictates of conscience. For the state, then, to enact a law respecting the Sabbath observance is to destroy the inalienable right of worship according to the dictates of conscience. Sabbath means “rest.” The Sabbath is the Lord’s. It is the Lord’s rest. Sabbath observance is “rest” observance, it is the observance of the Lord’s rest. “God is a spirit,” therefore his rest is only spiritual. Sabbath observance is, therefore, altogether spiritual. But the state is not spiritual; therefore, it can not possibly have to do with spiritual things. The church of Christ is spiritual. It is the church, then, and not the state, to which is committed the conservation of spiritual things in the world. To the church, therefore, and to the church alone, is committed and belongs the promotion and preservation of Sabbath observance. And clearly, therefore, to invite or even admit the state into the realms of Sabbath observance is to invite or admit a union of church and state. The Song of Moses and the Lamb
By Harry G. Lucas
The song of Moses was a song of victory sung by Israel because God delivered them from the hand of their enemies. Through faith in the living God, that great multitude passed through the Red Sea without the loss of one, and stood together on the other shore, peaceful and happy. The Lord seemed nearer to them than he had ever been before; and they marveled at his works and glorified his name. Their enemies utterly perished in the hour of Israel’s triumph. Israel’s dilemma in being hemmed in from escape by the sea and the mountains, was, through their faith, turned into a glorious victory, while Egypt’s momentary triumph ended in total disaster and defeat. Israel saw and acknowledged the great work which the Lord performed upon their oppressors, and they believed him and sang his praises. The song of Moses and the Lamb will be sung as a song of experience and victory by the one hundred and forty-four thousand who obtain “the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.” Rev. 15:2. The nations of earth will array themselves against the people of God at the end, just as Egypt opposed Israel. A decree will go forth utterly to destroy all “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” At the last moment, God will interpose to save his people, but every soul will be sternly tried, his faith in the living God thoroughly tested, and, through trials and persecutions, he will be prepared to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb in the kingdom of God. May all who read the song which is here given sing it with the author in that great day:— We come as victors, Lord, to seek
Thy throne of wondrous grace;
The song of Moses and the Lamb
To sing before thy face. Thy works, O God, are marvelous,
And great beyond compare;
Thy ways, O King, are glorious,
And just and true they are. Who shall not fear thee here, dear Lord,
And glorify thy name;
When saints, and men, and angels’ word
Thy holiness proclaim? All nations saw thy judgments great;
Thy face they now behold;
They come to worship at thy feet,
To walk the streets of gold. The Unreached Millions of China
“How can we gain an adequate impression as to the numbers of people on the earth now unreached by the message of the gospel? We talk of millions and hundreds of millions, but the figures mean very little to us. They are too vast for us to conceive of them. We are much more impressed by a crowd of twenty thousand which we see with our own eyes. How little conception we have as to the population of China, for instance. Will it aid any one to consider that if its four hundred millions of people should march in single file by a given point, at the rate of three miles an hour, it would take over thirty-four years for the procession to pass? And would it come to an end then?—No! for by the time it had passed, another generation of people would have come on to the stage to continue the endless march. Among these myriads of souls what are the few hundreds of missionaries now sent to them?” Pray When You Feel Least Like Praying
HAVE you noticed that when you have been overtaken in a fault, or have been indulging in some sinful pleasure, you feel less like praying than at any other time? It doesn’t seem to you then as if you dared to pray; you feel ashamed to come into the presence of the Lord. Well, fix it in your minds that when you feel least like praying is when you most need to pray. Do not let Satan keep you back from it, by any feeling of shame or unworthiness. You are in the presence of God anyhow, because you can not possibly go from the presence of his Spirit. You can not hide from him; why not then freely confess the sin, and receive forgiveness, that you may stand clear before him, and not with the shamefulness of sin? Our need is our recommendation to mercy. “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” Ps. 25:11. “Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.” “I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.” Ps. 69:29.—Selected. Naboth’s Vineyard and Covetousness
“Naboth’s vineyard has been the undoing of many a covetous Ahab.”