HAVE THEY BEEN MANIFESTED AMONG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
(Continued.)
We next notice the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and its connection with the prophecy of Joel. Acts 2: 15–21. The prophecy of Joel is here quoted by the apostle Peter. When the Spirit of God was poured out in such a wonderful manner, some of these gifts, which were manifested by means of its agency, began at once to be seen, and ever will be seen where it is powerfully present. Like many of those living at the present day when witnessing exhibitions of the Spirit’s presence, the bystanders began to mock. But Peter stood up at once, and said, “These are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke; the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come; and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
We have no question but this is a plain prophecy of the whole Christian dispensation. In the Scriptures, the Mosaic age is compared to the light of the moon while the gospel age is compared to that of the sun, Rev. 12: 1; 2 Cor. 3: 8;—the latter greatly exceeding that of the former. In the former, spiritual gifts certainly existed at intervals throughout its duration. It would be very illogical, to say the least, to suppose that God would only grant these for a very limited portion of the latter.
In what did the glory of either dispensation consist? We answer, In the special and gracious manifestations of God’s Spirit, showing his love to fallen man and his readiness to enlighten and save them. The prophet informs us here that this age is to be honored by an outpouring of the Spirit greatly exceeding any ordinary manifestation. He brings in the signs of the end in connection with this statement, speaking of the darkening of the sun and moon and falling of the stars, events which the Scriptures plainly inform us will take place just before the second coming of Christ (Matt. 24: 29; Rev. 6: 12, 13; Isa. 13: 10), showing that this prophecy embraces the whole Christian dispensation.
Some undertake to confine this promise of the outpouring of the Spirit to the day of Pentecost because the apostle says, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel,” referring to the exhibition witnessed upon that particular occasion. Does the apostle mean to say that what the prophet Joel says was all fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, or only that the exhibition given then was a part of it? In either case, Peter’s words would be true. Was it a fact that Joel’s prophecy was entirely fulfilled on the day of Pentecost? It could not be so. There is not the slightest hint that anybody had visions that day or that old men dreamed dreams in the midst of the confusion there. And we know there was no darkening of the sun there, nor of the moon, and no wonders in heaven; blood, fire, or vapour of smoke. It must extend further, for the prophecy could not have been confined there when it is said that “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This refers to the whole Christian dispensation.
Again, the prophecy relates to the “last days.” In no true sense could the day of Pentecost be called the “last days.” The last days must include more than that one day. And if the expression “this is that” could be applied to any other exhibition of spiritual gifts than that particular instance, it might with equal propriety be referred to others in any age after. Neither could the term “last days” be confined to the apostolic age if we exclude the days which have come since that time; for the last days must include the last day, just as the last leaves of a book must include the very last in order to be a correct expression. We are therefore forced to the conclusion that this prophecy relates to the whole Christian dispensation and contains a glorious promise of great spiritual blessings all through it. And we are therefore authorized to believe that “daughters” as well as “sons” will prophesy or have visions when the proper conditions are met, even till the time when the signs of the last day are given.
Having now fully proved that spiritual gifts were designed to continue through the whole Christian dispensation we will next prove that they will be manifested in the last church just previous to Christ’s second coming.
The twelfth chapter of Revelation is generally admitted to be a prophecy of the true church of Jesus Christ during the gospel age. The chapter commences with the symbol of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars, about to be delivered of a man child who was to rule all nations. The child when born was caught up to God and to his throne. A dragon stood before the woman to devour the child. The woman after this fled into the wilderness, where she remained twelve hundred and sixty prophetic days, or literal years.
This woman must evidently be a symbol of the gospel church. This was a symbol often used by the prophets in the old dispensation—a pure woman representing a pure church, and a corrupt woman, an impure church. This symbol is used in other places in this manner in this same book of Revelation. The light of the sun with which this woman was clothed doubtless means the gospel light while that of the moon refers to that dispensation which had just passed; viz., the Mosaic. The twelve stars symbolize the twelve apostles. The great dragon represents the Roman Empire, which, in the person of Herod, a Roman governor, stood ready to put Jesus to death upon his birth. The child caught up to God plainly refers to our Lord Jesus Christ. The fleeing into the wilderness signifies the withdrawal of the true church away from public gaze, into a retired, obscure position, where it was largely lost sight of, while the man of sin, the Catholic power, reared itself up in its place apparently in the very temple of God, claiming to be the only true church of Christ, persecuting those whom it was pleased to call heretics with sword and fagot.
This state of things continued through the Dark Ages till the Reformation was reached, the devil sending forth a flood of persecution to destroy the woman—the true church, but the “earth helped the woman.” That doubtless refers to the aid received by the reformers from the governments of the earth which enabled the reformation to increase until the papacy was humbled. Verse 17 reads as follows: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
In this verse, we evidently have a prophecy of the last church that will be on the earth when Christ comes.
The expression, “remnant of her seed,” is positive proof of this. And as the Bible plainly teaches that God’s people will be looking for Christ when his coming is due, we necessarily conclude that these will be Adventists.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
(To be Continued.)
To the Friends of the Cause in Illinois.
By George I. Butler
As the time appointed for your camp-meeting draws near, I wish to address you a few lines, hoping it may be for the good of the cause we love. Your State Conference, by unanimous vote, resolved last season to have a camp-meeting this year. I am very anxious to see a general attendance of the brethren and sisters, as well as of those who do not believe with us, when it is held in a few weeks at Serena. I desire this because I fully believe it is for the good of the cause in your State. It certainly is for no personal benefit to myself. But I do know that in those States where there is a general interest to attend the camp-meeting, there we see far greater prosperity in the cause.
In my opinion, you have suffered a very great loss in the past, for I do not believe there has ever been such an interest manifested to attend these meetings in Illinois as there should have been. Your meetings have always been small in proportion to your numbers, while the one last fall was a disgrace to your Conference. I cannot in truth call it anything else. I shall not soon forget the appearance of that camp-meeting in the suburbs of Pontiac. Five tents up, and some of them such tents, and this the camp-meeting for the great State of Illinois.
This State is everywhere famous for its enterprise, wealth, and the wide-awake character of its people. It is covered with a net-work of railroads, making attendance easy. I am not yet prepared to believe that the present truth has found a place in the hearts of only the shiftless and sleepy ones, or that the believers will compare unfavorably with the bulk of the State’s population. From what I have seen of them I feel sure that many of them are wide awake enough when considering the things of this world. You have men of wealth and enterprise among you. Our Sabbath-keepers there are generally better off than they are in many other States.
The trouble is, they have been laboring under a wrong impression in the past. They have thought because they were somewhat scattered and because there were few large churches in the State, that therefore they could not be to the trouble of attending the camp-meetings. Now while I readily grant that you labor under some disadvantages in this respect, yet I claim that for this very reason you especially need the benefit of the camp-meetings. By neglecting these privileges you deprive yourselves of nearly all labor. Were you situated in large churches, and had much labor in your midst, you might not need this help as much. But deprived of both, you will be nearly sure to sink into sloth and indifference . And here is your great, your terrible danger.
There are none of the western Conferences which need help more than you do—none where there is less of life and spirituality—none where there have been less additions to their membership. And yet you have had more laborers among you than some others and those of longer experience. There are no great trials or causes of trouble in your midst, that I am aware of, to mar your peace. There seems to be a fair state of union existing among you.
It seems to me there is a slow sinking down, a gradual backsliding, a spiritual drought coming over you, sapping your spirituality. Many of you seem to be drying up spiritually. There is no lack of good conscientious people among you. You need rousing up, not merely in giving of your means; for I do not think you come behind in that so much as in personal effort and sacrifice.
It is said in those countries which are very rich and productive, where it is comparatively easy to obtain all the necessaries, and even luxuries, of life, that the spirit of enterprise dies out of the people, so that after a few generations the descendants of even the most thrifty will become sluggish and shiftless, while countries where the people have to work the very hardest to obtain barely a living will go ahead of them even in wealth, because of their greater energy. As they cultivate energy from necessity, it increases. I think this is a true principle. I have found that the rich soil of Illinois and the readiness with which a sufficiency could be obtained would have some such an effect upon your spiritual energies.
Doubtless some of you will not thank me for writing what I have. I know it will not sound as pleasant to you as praise and commendation. But the only reason why I so speak is to help bring about a good result. I want to see the largest turnout in Illinois, by far, that there has ever been at any camp-meeting in the State. And the only reason why I want to see this is that you may be benefited.
I want not that the faithful ones who do come should be saddened in their hearts at seeing a mere handful of Sabbath-keepers there when hundreds ought to be in attendance. I want to talk to you now at your homes beforehand when it may do some good, and not feel obliged to say anything on these points to those who are at the meeting. I cannot make promises of any great and wonderful speakers to be at your meeting. I know not whether Bro. and Sister White will be there or not, or who will attend. I wish indeed that they might. I can warrant you one thing, however, that there will be those to speak to you who will tell you truths, which, if you will obey, will result in your eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. And I can further promise you if you will make a grand rally and come up to this feast with the first purpose of your hearts to gain God’s blessing, you will find Him present who is more precious than all the ministers of the land. His presence is the main thing. It is his absence from your hearts which leaves you barren and unfruitful. His presence will bring joy and love and true spiritual prosperity.
Brethren and sisters of Illinois, you cannot afford to let this meeting be a failure. If you do you will discourage the hearts of your ministers, and sink deeper into darkness. You have reached a point in your history when you must strike for higher attainments. You want to go out into the harvest work the coming tent season with more life and strength than you ever had in the past. You must get above the worldly grovelling level on which you have been too long traveling. If you make the effort and sacrifice on your part, and bring yourselves under favorable influences you will see better days. Many of your wealthiest men have thought they could not afford time to leave their farms. Their crops might suffer. So for a few more bushels of grain in their earthly granaries, they have neglected to garner eternal riches in the kingdom of God. The whole membership of the Illinois Conference need spiritualizing, rousing, and energizing. To accomplish this you first need to act your part. Place yourself under favorable influences. Leave the world at home. Devote one week to God’s service. The prairies of Illinois, beautiful and rich as they are, will not compare with the glories of the new earth. Your riches gathered there will pale before those of the eternal world. Take a little time to redeem the past. You have hitherto nearly lost the benefit of the camp-meetings simply because you have not attended them. They have been offered to you, but you have not accepted them. Spiritual dearth has been increasing among you. The Lord has not seemed to be moving upon the hearts of the people in your midst as in other States. Now try another plan. Turn out, and make God’s work primary. If you do not, I for one shall have little hope of soon seeing a better state of things in your midst. I shall expect to see things drag on heavily, and but little accomplished. Let Illinois become the most enterprising Conference in the West, in spiritual things, as it is the most enterprising State now in worldly things, in proportion to its strength. God will be pleased with this. Your ministers will go forth with greater hope and courage. Souls will be added to your number. Your own hearts will be gladdened. And through the eternal years, you will have occasion to rejoice. We want to see at least twenty tents up at your camp-meeting the present season. And in conclusion, we say, We expect a large attendance.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Blue Valley, Neb., May 20, 1874.
Truth Crushed Will Rise Again.
By M. E. Cornell
How often we see this illustrated at the present day. Ministers and editors when under a pressure, impelled by a sectarian spirit, will drive away against whatever comes in conflict with their preconceived opinions, and, for the time, they seem to talk like men who are crazy or drunk. They either cannot or will not see the plainest proof. But at another time, when the pressure is off, they will talk and write sensibly. They will then admit the very things they before denied. So very plain and self-evident is the truth that even its worst opponents are compelled at times to acknowledge it.
Especially is this the case with that great fundamental truth of the Bible, the moral law. The first-day Adventist and Disciple papers are the most bitter opponents of the law of God, yet we often see in the same papers the strongest admissions in favor of the law.
As an illustration of this principle, take the following from B. Franklin's paper, the Standard (Disciple). It shows how men will plead for the law of God when they forget that the Sabbath is one of the commandments.
“No one who believes the Bible doubts that if he obeys its commands he will be saved. He believes that if he obeys, his salvation is as certain as that God and his word are true.
“But the difficult query is, Can I not be saved, and neglect obedience to one or more of the things that God has commanded me to do? How many of God's commandments can I reject and be saved? If one or more, may I not refuse obedience to all, and be saved?”
“If God has not told us that some of his commandments are less essential than others, how are we to determine which we may refuse obedience to and yet be saved?”
“We know that Christ says, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments,’ and, ‘blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.’”
“O sinner, does it not show a rebellious spirit for you to endeavor to shirk obedience to any of God's commandments? Do you think he will forgive and save you while you are rebellious to his authority?”
M. E. CORNELL.
The Pacific Coast.
By James White
THERE is a decided advance in the cause on the Pacific. Besides the new tent sent to the Walla Walla Valley, now being used by Bro. and sister Van Horn, the California Conference Committee have ordered a second double-top tent for this State. The plan is to send one of these tents forward into a new place each month, so that each tent can remain two months in a place, and send forward the leading lecturers each month, leaving others to spend the second month in each place, to finish the work, organize, and build a meeting-house.
It is the general impression with our people on this coast that the time has come to act their faith in the message, and take hold of saving the people in the best way that sanctified judgment and the Spirit of God may dictate. They feel assured that God is giving us the field. Recent aggressive movements on the part of the opposition have been turned to the glory of God, the unity of his people, and the exposure of the weakness of the law-abolished heresy.
We immediately issue the first number of a weekly paper, “The Signs of the Times.” Terms,gratis, as long as the paper can be sustained by the donations of the liberal. As we pen this line, we hold in our left hand the first number of “The Present Truth,” a very small sheet published on the Atlantic, in 1849, twenty-five years since. The terms of that sheet were gratis. We then ventured out with only a handful of friends to establish a paper in the East. God has helped. And we now, twenty-five years later, venture out to establish the press in the West, with many more friends here than we had twenty-five years since, and a host of old, tried friends in the East.
There is a great work to be done on the Pacific Coast, and it is absurd to suppose that it can be carried on with no press nearer than Michigan. It requires from three to eight weeks to communicate with our people in these States and Territories through the Battle Creek press. It is very important sometimes to give appointments of meetings on short notice. We have just received a cheering note from Eld. J. D. Van Horn from the North Pacific Mission. He writes from Walla Walla:—
“REVIEW No. 19, of April 21, reached us to-day, two weeks after it was printed. It takes this time for the REVIEW to get here. I see in it your statement about publishing a paper on the Pacific Coast, and I heartily concur in the project. You may hold me good for $10. I will lay this matter before our brethren here at the earliest opportunity, and report the result to you.”
BRO. Van Horn adds: “Our tent-meeting in this place is the all-absorbing theme of conversation. The interest is good. Some of the most influential citizens are interested.”
We call on all our friends, old and new, to assist us in putting the Signs into the hands of those who will read with interest. Neither we nor our friends have money to throw away in casting pearls before swine. What we ask of our numerous friends who are able to donate, is a liberal donation to our new enterprise, accompanied by the names and addresses of the Lord’s poor, and all candid persons who would read our paper with interest. Let the names and the means come in. We expect to hear from a host of friends who will remember “after a godly sort” the North Pacific Mission.
Our new paper is not designed to take the place of the REVIEW, on the Pacific Coast, or anywhere else. Again we call on the friends of the cause everywhere, but especially those on the Pacific, to help sustain the enterprise. This is a new and extensive field, and will justify the appropriation of means for the advancement of the cause. Remember our address is
ELD. JAMES WHITE,
Oakland, Cal.
The Cause is Onward.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.
There is no cause that men can engage in with so much certainty of success as they can engage in the cause of God. There is no enterprise that brings such certain returns as that enterprise which brings its recompense at the resurrection of the just. The truth may be unpopular, its friends may be few, its resources may be limited; yet its success and final triumph are ordained of God in Heaven. “It is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6. Those therefore that engage in disseminating the light of truth and make sacrifices for its advancement, are insuring to themselves a reward in Heaven; for the work itself is of God, and he rewards every man as his work shall be.
The result of scattering those publications which teach the truth is seen wherever it has been judiciously done. In territories which the living preacher has never entered the truth has found its way by the silent messengers, tracts, and pamphlets, and, as the result, individuals and small companies are observing the Sabbath of the Lord. In Dakota, we have learned of three small companies, the least numbering six, now observing the Bible Sabbath, which have never heard a sermon nor seen the face of a person of like faith except of their own number.
One man in Western Kansas, who found in his post-office box three REVIEWS, read them with interest and, finally, as the result of reading them, embraced the truth. He has never heard a sermon upon present truth. But by letting his light shine, others have also embraced the Sabbath in the vicinity where he lives. And, although he is a poor man, he offers $100 toward purchasing a tent, if some one will come and labor with it. He also proposes to give a portion of his time as tent-master.
About a year since, a young man in the State of New York called upon some of our brethren and was received so kindly that he became favorably impressed with the truth. And when he left he was furnished with reading matter. Letters recently received from him show that since his return to his friends in England he has embraced the Sabbath of the Lord and other kindred truths. He is a minister of the gospel.
Within the last six months, quite an intelligent colored man from Florida, who was a preacher there among his own people, came North with a view of remaining. He was prevailed upon to investigate the claims of the seventh-day Sabbath, and the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. He saw the harmony of the Scriptures upon these points, embraced these truths, and then felt that he must immediately return to his people with them.
The present truth has, within the past nine months, through an interesting series of providential circumstances, found its way to Washington, D. C., and has been received into honest hearts at that place. An interest has been awakened to read our publications among others.
A few weeks since, there appeared in the REVIEW a communication from Bro. Ademar Vuilleumier showing the fact that a minister in Italy had embraced the Sabbath and was laboring ardently to teach it to others in connection with the doctrine of the near coming of Christ, and already there had been a few gathered around him holding the same views.
Last autumn, while a brother was conversing upon the subject of present truth with a friend of his in Western New York, a stranger stepped up and listened. After learning the nature of the conversation, he remarked, “I have seen some of your sort of folks in Russia.” He was asked if they kept the seventh day and believed in the near coming of Christ. He answered in the affirmative.
I have been informed by brethren and sisters who have friends living in many of the Southern States, and at least seven different nations in Europe, that there are those who have embraced the Sabbath in each of these places during the last year.
To those who have no faith in these truths, these facts may be uninteresting; but those who believe that the message of Rev. 14:9–12 applies to this time, and that it is to be world-wide in its warning, can clearly understand why, although the truth is unpopular, it is making rapid strides in gathering souls from many nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.
It has also found its way to the royal family of Sweden. Publications upon present truth are called for by individuals in almost every nation under heaven where civilization exists. In this country, nearly if not all nations are represented. Here is the burden of this work. And through these men and women of other tongues, other nations are being reached. The people of God are placed here as minute men and should so educate themselves that they can always understand the opening providence of God, and work successfully for the spread of the truth. Now is the time to become rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store a good foundation against the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. 6:18, 19.
“Cast thy bread upon the waters,” says Solomon, “for thou shalt find it after many days.” Eccl. 10:1. And the prophet Isaiah says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Chap. 32:20. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand.” Prosperity will attend the work of God; and our labors will be blessed if we sustain the right relation to God and his cause. Our interests should be undivided in the cause of Christ. It has been purchased by his own blood. Christ is not dependent upon man, but he permits man to be a co-worker with him in the salvation of those for whom he died.
The cause of God should be taken directly into the heart and made the first great business of life, and worldly interests should be made subservient to it. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added.” Matt. 6:33.
We have to do with the world while we are in it, but it should be used as a means and not an end. Man is only a steward of the talents God has committed to him; and these talents God will require with usury. The usury is the influence of our life as it tells upon the salvation of others.
Who would not venture all in so glorious a cause? No individual who loves our Lord Jesus Christ, and professes union with him, should fail to make a special effort to help forward the work of God. All should take an active interest in imparting light to others. The rays of light, tracts and pamphlets, should be sent to all our friends far and near. And when this is done, earnest prayer should be offered for the Spirit of God to accompany them to the heart. A lively, active interest should be taken in every branch of the work of God. All our influence should tell upon the right side and thus we be found gathering with Christ. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matt. 12:30.
One brother in Indiana felt that he must take our publications and visit families and pray with them where it was proper. In his first four days’ experience he found many interested to read, and one that embraced the Sabbath.
Brother and sister Sawyer’s experience, near Potterville, Mich., shows what can be done with the blessing of God. About one year since, they commenced to visit and pray with families in a neighborhood where they had but a few religious privileges. They commenced a Sabbath-school for the children. As the result, over twenty, including parents and children, have conscientiously turned their feet to keep the statutes of the Lord, and more than forty meet on the Sabbath.
A circumstance of interest occurred in Chelsea, Mass., not long since. A stranger chanced to meet with the brethren in one of their social meetings. While in conversation with him upon the subject of the Sabbath, he remarked, “I believe every word of it. I have a sermon in my pocket which treats upon that subject.” Upon examination, it was found to be one of our Sabbath tracts, which had providentially fallen into his hands.
There is force to the Saviour’s words at the present time: “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” But where are the unselfish, sacrificing laborers that will go forth and labor in any sphere which the providence of God may assign them? Where are those that love the cause more than their own interests, and manifest it in their lives by a willingness to sacrifice for its advancement?
It does not require faith to believe this cause is onward, and that there are souls everywhere ready to embrace the truth. Facts show this. And to the above facts might be added the increasing demand for reading matter.
One year ago last February, the most that had ever been sent out from the Office of publication in one week was 160 bushels. Last February it had increased to 210 bushels in one week (compare REVIEW of Feb. 4, 1873, with REVIEW of Feb. 10, 1874), being 50 bushels more than was sent out in one week a year ago. Those who remember when the entire edition of our works of one week was carried to the post-office in a carpet bag, which was only about twenty-five years since, cannot fail to recognize the hand of God in this; and more especially so when we realize that not one unpopular feature of the truth has been laid aside. Those who have had long experience in this cause, and possess talents of usefulness, and have withheld their influence in the advancement of this truth, and now take no especial interest in its advancement, will soon find that others have their places in the cause, and will eventually wear the crown they failed to secure. With earnestness all should feel it their privilege now to lift in this important work. The time will soon come when no man can work.
S. N. Haskell.
Atonement.—No. 16.
By John H. Waggoner
Having shown the distinction between the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries, Paul proceeds to set forth the relation which the ministrations in each sustain to the other, saying of the priests on earth: “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” Heb. 8:5. As the earthly is the shadow and example, we may compare it with the heavenly, the substance, by which we may gain a clearer idea of the latter than is afforded us by any other means. Indeed, the comparison is made to our hand by the apostle. Note the following text, in which the distinction I claim between the death of Christ and his work as priest to make atonement, is clearly recognized. “For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” Heb. 13:11, 12. Thus we learn definitely that, as priest, he makes atonement; but his priesthood is not on earth, but in the sanctuary in Heaven; and that he did not suffer in the sanctuary where atonement is made. It was not necessary, in the type, for the priest to slay the offering; see Lev. 1:4, 5; but it was necessary for the priest to take the blood and with it enter the sanctuary of the Lord to make an atonement. Jesus did not shed his blood as priest, it was shed by sinners; but he did191by “his own blood” enter “into the holy places” not made with hands, of which the earthly were figures, “to appear in the presence of God for us.” Heb. 9:12, 24.
A work entitled, Manual of the Atonement, speaking of the death of Christ says:—
“When he had completed his mediatorial work, he meekly yielded himself up into the hands of his Heavenly Father, saying, “Into thy hands, I commit my spirit.”
So far from his mediatorial work being completed at his death, it was not then commenced. This shows how men run into error by losing sight of the distinction between the death of Christ and the atonement. By confounding these, the atonement has been supposed to be general in its application made for all mankind. But this is not the scriptural view of the subject.
That Christ died for all, is distinctly stated, but we have seen that that was only preparatory to the atonement, and it is in the atonement that application is made of the blood to the full removal of sin. This is shown also in the type. The goat of the sin-offering was slain for the people, and, of course, was offered to meet the wants of all; but while the priest made the atonement, they were required to “afflict their souls,” or come as humble penitents before the Lord, and whosoever did not should be cut off from among the people. Lev. 16:29; 23:27–29. This, then, was required of them individually, in that day, in order that their sins might be atoned for by the priest; for we cannot suppose that they would be cut off whose sins were actually blotted out, or removed from the presence of the judge, by the blood of the offering with which the sanctuary was cleansed from sin.
The same is also taught by Peter, who says that God exalted Jesus, who was slain, to be a prince and Saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30, 31. Now that “he died for all” there can be no question; and his death is absolute and without condition. But not so the atonement; for Peter says again, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,” &c. Acts 3:19. We have found that, when the priest made the atonement, he took the blood and cleansed the sanctuary of God from the sins wherewith it had been defiled; and this is the only act which will answer to the expression of blotting out the sins, for blood was the only thing that would remove them. Hence while the blood of Christ was shed for all, the actual benefit to be derived from that blood in atoning for, or blotting out, sin, is contingent, it availing only for those who will repent and be converted. He died for the world—he died for all; and he is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him. Heb. 7:25.
Another cause of confusion is this, that reconciliation and the atonement are often supposed to be the same; and where the distinction is recognized their relation is not always observed, a disregard of which tends to about the same result as a denial of the distinction. Thus it has been said: “The atonement may exist without reconciliation, but reconciliation cannot exist without the atonement.” This is exactly the reverse of the true order, and the error is the result of confounding the death of the offering with the atonement. It is quite true that reconciliation has the atonement in view, but it must precede the atonement. The death of Christ opens the way for the reconciliation of all who will accept it, but no one can have his sins actually atoned for or blotted out who rejects the offering of Christ, or who is not reconciled to God.
And yet, clear as is the distinction, there is a very close relation between them. Thus, the death of Christ, the offering of his blood, opens the way for reconciliation. Reconciliation secures an interest in the atonement; and this is made with the blood previously shed. The offering of Christ is the corner-stone of the whole work, for “without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” It is for this reason we are so constantly directed to the cross of Christ. Without this, there could be neither reconciliation nor atonement. But that the relation and order of the work is as we here state, that his death, and reconciliation through his blood, look forward to his priestly work of atonement, is proved by the words of Paul in Rom. 5:10. “For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
J. H. WAGGONER.
CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY.
Come, labor on :
Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain,
While all around him waves the golden grain,
And every servant hears the Master say,
“Go, work to-day”?
Come, labor on :
The laborers are few, the field is wide.
New stations must be filled, and blanks supplied :
From voices distant far, or near at home,
The call is, “Come.”
Come, labor on :
The enemy is watching, night and day,
To sow the tares, to snatch the seed away ;
While we in sleep our duty have forgot,
He slumbereth not.
Come, labor on :
Away with gloomy doubt and faithless fear !
No arm so weak but may do service here ;
By feeblest agents can our God fulfill
His righteous will.
Come, labor on :
No time for rest, till glows the western sky,
While the long shadows o’er our pathway lie,
And a glad sound comes with the setting sun,
“Servants, well done !”
Come, labor on :
The toil is pleasant, the reward is sure ;
Blessed are those who to the end endure ;
How full their joy, how deep their rest shall be,
O Lord, with thee.