Earlier text: PRAISE DUE TO THE CREATORA LESSON ON GRATITUDE.
By G. C. Tenney
There can be no doubt that God is displeased with that spirit which causes us to murmur and complain at our lot. An appreciation of divine goodness, of which we are all partakers, awakens in the heart a continual offering of praise which glorifies God. A moment's thought will convince almost any one that he has more blessings than he could justly claim, and that there are many others around him whose adversities and sufferings are greater than his own. A lesson upon this point made a deep impression on my mind. I once formed the acquaintance of an aged lady who had journeyed from England to spend her last years with a brother in Wisconsin. I was at once impressed by the sense of gratitude which was expressed in her looks, in all she said and did, and in apparent love for every object around her. This was so prominent that I allowed myself to suppose it might be put on before company for appearance's sake. After a brief acquaintance, I did not see her again for perhaps two years. Upon visiting that community again, I learned that the lady was suffering great affliction and wished to see me. A scrofulous disease had appeared in her system, attacking her feet and hands. One of the former was consumed, and the other nearly so. She was quite deaf, and had lost the sight of one eye. The nature of her disease was such that she could not associate with the family, and she did not receive that attention which her sufferings demanded. It was with a heavy heart that I went to see her, realizing somewhat the feelings of Job's comforters who sat for seven days speechless when they witnessed the unmitigated distress of their friend, and felt themselves incapable of assuaging his grief or explaining the reason for his affliction. But upon entering her room, I was gladly surprised to see the happiness of a peaceful heart expressed on her countenance, accompanied by an exclamation of praise and gratitude to God. I then had the privilege of listening, not to a long recital of woes and complaints, but to an experience full of the blessing of God without a word of repining. True, she longed for rest, but with a patient resignation to the will and time of the Lord. She thanked the Lord that he had permitted her to retain the use of one eye, with which she could read the Bible. The book being placed before her, she could spend the weary hours reading its precious pages. It was not long, however, before she found rest in the quiet grave. I learned from friends that throughout all her sufferings she did not utter one word of complaint or impatience. That interview was a blessing to me. The grace of God had sweetened that nature and life, and the savor was a sacrifice pleasing to God and men. I went out from her presence a humbled and, I trust, a thankful man, ashamed of my complaints, and thrilled with a sense of that grace which enables the true child of God to “glory in tribulation also.” THE ARCHANGEL.
By N. J. Bowers
Who is the archangel? Ans.: Michael. Proof: Jude 9. Who is Michael? Ans.: The Lord Jesus Christ. Proof:— 2. Michael is a great prince. Dan. 12:1. So is Christ. Rev. 1:5; Acts 5:31. He is “the prince of the kings of the earth,” and an “exalted” prince. 3. Michael is over angels, is their commander. Rev. 12:7. So is Christ. Matt. 13:41. He sends forth his angels. So he commands them. 1 Pet. 3:22. Angels are subject unto him. 5. Michael was an angel, a chief angel—Archangel. So was Christ. Ex. 23:20, 21. The angel that went before Israel had God’s name in him, and the power to pardon transgressions. Ib. Christ has his Father’s name (Isa. 9:6; Heb. 1:8), and the power to forgive sins. Mark 2:10. The apostle says (1 Cor. 10:9) that some in the wilderness tempted Christ and were destroyed. Was not this the angel with God’s name whom the people were warned not to provoke, because he would not pardon their transgressions? Ex. 23:21. 6. When Christ comes again, it is with the voice of the Archangel. 1 Thess. 4:16. The voice of Christ awakes the dead. John 5:28, 29. Therefore the Archangel and the Lord Jesus Christ are the same. LAY UP YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN.
By A. L. Hollenbeck
“LAY not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where they do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” According to the divine plan, the work of converting sinners is to be performed through the instrumentality of those who are in harmony with the character of Christ. Those who feel the necessity of giving their hearts wholly to the Lord, who are willing to sacrifice everything of a worldly nature, always considering how they can best honor and glorify God, will be instruments through whom the Lord can work mightily for the salvation of souls. A disposition to covet earthly possessions will never be entertained by those in whom the Spirit of God dwells. Instead of seeking earthly happiness, their aspirations will tend toward things of a heavenly nature, and by willingness to sacrifice all they possess for the building of Christ’s kingdom, they declare that they are strangers and pilgrims on earth, seeking a better country, that is, an heavenly. We are standing upon the very verge of the eternal world. Earthly treasures are heaped around many, and they are nearly buried in the rubbish of this world. Soon they may be off as cumberers of the ground. Those who are transferring their treasures to the kingdom of God will be free from the blood of souls, and when the Son of man shall appear, they will receive the reward of eternal life, and enjoy the society of heaven, which will be regarded by them as a prize of greater value than all the riches which they can bestow. “WELL DONE.”
By George Thompson
“Well done” are the most welcome that could greet our ear, if uttered by the God when he comes to gather his people. But none will be blessed with hearing it but those who have done well. We all have something to do if we inherit eternal life. We are to a certain extent responsible for it. Those who have great light have great responsibilities. Souls are going down to ruin while living in darkness, and it is our duty to let our light shine so that others, seeing our good works, will be constrained to glorify God. But says one, I have no talent that I can do any good. Perhaps not. But has the Lord trusted you with any of this world’s goods? If he has, you are responsible to him for the use made of it; for a part is “holy unto the Lord” (Lev. 27:30), and to withhold it is to rob God. Mal. 3:8. Perhaps some brother has talent that could be used to the honor of God and the good of his fellow-men, but has not the means to enable him to do so. You furnish the means, and talent, and another voice will be raised to advocate unpopular truth. God has promised those who honor him with their substance abundance in this life. Prov. 3:9, 10; 10. If we fail to do so, they will be as witnesses against us in the Judgment. James 5:3. Where our treasure is, there our heart is also. Shall we hoard our money? The time is not far when those who keep all the commandments of God will not be allowed to either buy or sell. Rev. 13:17. The conflict which is going to convulse Christendom to the center is already begun. Distant thunder is heard; the dark border cloud is far above the horizon. The tempest soon be upon us; and only those who have made a covenant with God by sacrifice will stand. The call is being made for means to carry the message. Now our means may be used to the glory of God. Soon they will be of no value, but will be a cause of lamentation. James 5:3. Ere long the fiat will go forth, “He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; . . . he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev. 22:11. Shall we suffer for what it is in our power to give? Why? INFLUENCE
By James Buckham
If all the blooms in earthly bowers
Should die, and never bloom again,
Would not more sweetness yet remain
Than if there never had been flowers? How many gentle, lovely lives,
And fragrant deeds that earth has known,
Were never writ in ink or stone;
And yet, their sweetness still survives!
—James Buckham. District No. 4, Minnesota: Missionary Work and Librarians
By Hattie E. Harris
I AM deeply interested to see the cause prosper in this district. This is a large district, comprising several counties; but with one exception there is only one society in each county. There are doubtless many here who have never heard the sound of the third angel’s message. And for this reason earnest labor should be performed by the librarians and missionary workers. There is plenty of room for all to work. The first quarter of this year has already closed, and the second quarter is swiftly passing. Shall we not redeem the time which may have been wasted in the past, by doubling our diligence and laboring more earnestly and unselfishly the remainder of this new year? It has been said that this might be the most favorable year we would have in which to work. If this be the case, how great the responsibility resting upon us as laborers in the Master’s vineyard to improve every opportunity given us to place the truth before our fellow-men! Our means for disseminating the light of present truth surely are not limited. The Signs is furnished at very reasonable club rates; and our publications in the form of books, tracts, and pamphlets, are both numerous and easily obtained. To the librarians and all workers here in the district, I would say that we have a large supply of our denominational publications in the district depository, as well as other interesting works, which it would be well to place before our young people. These will be furnished to all the workers at the same discount at which you can get them at the State office. They are paid for, and the workers should use them instead of getting publications at the State office, thus causing the district to run in debt while these publications which are paid for are lying idle. It does not take as long to make a debt as to pay one. We are very anxious to see the district in all respects placed on a firm financial basis; and if one and all labor unitedly with this object in view, we shall soon see this accomplished. Then it is that we shall be able to do much more in the cause than we can now. We hope and expect to see the interest in the missionary work increase all through the district during the coming quarter. There is a responsibility resting upon the librarians, and there is much for them to do in their respective societies to increase the interest and enlarge the work. How important that we improve the present time, for our Saviour says, “The night cometh when no man can work.” Never did these words apply more forcibly than they do at the present to our time and our work. Shall we not heed the divine command? that when Jesus comes we may hear from his lips the welcome applaudit, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” A LITTLE HINDRANCE.
By A. Weeks
Years ago, while passing along a certain road, I saw in the beaten track a few rods ahead a little bird that would rise a few inches as I approached, its efforts were more frequent. I saw nothing that prevented its flying. Close observation, however, revealed a tiny horse-hair, one end of which was firmly imbedded in the dried mud of the road, and in the other end the bird had become entangled. A little thing, surely, but it prevented the flight of the prisoner. I severed the hair and set the captive free. This illustrates our condition somewhat. A little thing may impede our progress in the life. What may seem to be a small thing may be a sin that grieves the Spirit of God and effectually hinders our spiritual advancement. One duty, little though it may seem to be, that we refuse or neglect to perform, may be the one that cripples us, the cord that holds us down. An imperfection of character that still adheres to us, some vice of habit, impedes our course heavenward. Our dear Saviour stands ready to sever the chain that binds us, when we fully submit to him, and learn of him, taking his yoke upon us, and his burden. We must fall upon the Rock and be broken. Then can this wicked heart that has been bound so long by sin be free. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23, 24. BE PATIENT.
By J. M. Hopkins
It is not profitable for us to fret and chafe under unfavorable circumstances in which we are placed. The secret of true happiness and peace is to make the best of life as it comes to us to-day. Look on the bright side. Almost any difficulty may in some way be turned to good. Make the least of every sorrow. Make the most of every joy and blessing. It may be that the kind heavenly Father who “knoweth our frame,” who seeth the “end from the beginning,” is ordering all for our good. Perhaps we need adversities, just the trials and temptations, the circumstances and surroundings, which may seem so unpleasant and uncongenial, to show our weakness and to develop in us character which may shine in the kingdom of heaven. They are calculated to wean us from earth, its riches, its vain pleasures, its idols; and to look above and contemplate the worth of life and joy. The most beautiful, the truly Christian life, is that which shines brightest when the storms of adversity and affliction are most severe. We should remember that the world is not the Christian’s home. It is only a place of discipline, a training-school to prepare a character for the bliss and joy above. The world is opposed to those higher joys which have their birthplace near the throne of love. Christ left us an example of self-denial, meekness, patience, and sweet submission, which we all should strive earnestly to follow. God is with us; angels of light, love, and peace, will minister unto us. Look up, and trust in God. Make the best possible use of every blessing and be thankful, and hope for the glory to be revealed at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour. Love of God and Friendship in God
Blessed is he who loveth God, and his friend in God, and his enemies for God.—St. Augustine. Faith and Love as Compasses
Faith and love are like a pair of compasses; faith, as one point, fastens on Christ as the center; love, like the other, goes the round in all the paths of holiness and righteousness. NEW ORLEANS MISSION.
By H. W. Cottrell
Our efforts to spread the light of present truth in New Orleans have thus far been a success. Hundreds of persons call at our exhibit stand daily, many of whom become interested before leaving the stand, and so call the second time, to secure reading matter. One man who is agent of an exhibit from Europe became interested in the Sabbath question by reading an article in the Signs, and came back to learn something more about it. He said: “I am seeking for truth. If the seventh day is the Sabbath, I want to know it and keep it.” He is now reading “History of the Sabbath.” A lady came to the stand and said: “I would like to take some of those tracts; I want to do missionary work with friends who do not have church privileges.” A passenger conductor on the M. S. Railroad said: “I would like some of all kinds of your tracts; I want to scatter them all along my line.” Many similar circumstances might be mentioned. I think there could not be a more favorable opportunity to get the truth before the people than is furnished by this exposition. Our place of worship was not such as would recommend the truth, until Bro. , of Washington, D. C., came. Seeing the needs of the mission, he secured a good house in a very pleasant part of the city. This he did at no small expense to himself. May the Lord reward him “in that day.” We know of eight persons in this city who have embraced the Sabbath, and we know the good work is onward. Our mission house is now No. 1270 St. Charles Street. WORKERS FOR THE MASTER.
By A. Trogan
Are you a worker for the Master? If so, you have a noble calling. If you are a laborer for God, you ought to feel what a solemn privilege you have,—the privilege of helping to promote a cause in which all the holy beings of heaven are interested,—a cause which the God of the universe is so interested in that he gave his only begotten Son as an offering for those who by faith would look up to him as their Saviour. You have a noble calling. Think what a joy there will be by and by if you have been the means of turning one sinner from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of Christ. And if faithful, you may be the means of saving more than one. An entire consecration to God, and a full determination to work when and where opportunity offers, will surely be blessed of God. If you are faithful, you will finally enter the earth made new, with Christ as chief. Should you there find those whom you have been the means of bringing to the light, and see their countenances beaming with heavenly radiance, enjoying eternal life with its endless privileges, will not your own souls be refreshed, and the petty trials of this life sink into insignificance! Then, weary worker, cheer up. Work while the day lasts, and that with all the energy and might God has given you. It will not last long. Soon the “Captain of our faith” will appear to relieve the weary and foot-sore pilgrim, and to give to him an inheritance among beings that have no sorrow, where weary limbs and aching hearts will never be known. Let us take courage; for we can now see tokens of the dawning of the eternal day. A. TROGAN. Some one has said, “Knowing, giving, praying, are the three strands of the rope by which the car of missions is drawn.” Much is contained in the remark, and, following out the figure, we find that each strand is indispensable to the successful twining of the other two strands of the cable. Without knowing, the giving will be constrained and meager; without knowing and giving, the praying will lack earnestness and definiteness. We cannot take an interest in the subjects of which we are ignorant, and we cannot expect believing prayer where there is lack of interest in the subjects for which prayer is offered. Information must always precede enthusiastic work. Giving will follow when the mind has been informed, the conscience enlightened, and the heart interested; and prayer, earnest prayer, will follow knowing and giving, prayer being the golden strand that will twine into strength and beauty the other cords of the cable, and give them a permanence and power without which they will be useless. All the knowledge we can obtain, all the gifts we can bestow, all the service we may render, will fail in their purpose unless the whole be interwoven with the strand of prayer. It is said that “through every fathom of cordage manufactured for the British government, there runs a scarlet thread, so that every fragment of it, whether found among the icebergs of the North or on the beach of some coral island in the tropics, may speak of the ‘Sovereign of the Seas.’” Shall we not give to our work that prayer, that faith, that consecration of self, that shall be the scarlet thread that marks it indeed the King’s cordage? And the heathen shall know the sign, and shall say, “These be the King’s messengers.”—Rel. Intelligencer. Doing Kindnesses and Showing Christ to the World
Find out men's wants and will,
And meet them there. All worldly joys go less
To the one joy of doing kindnesses. Christ in us? Be ours the glorious dower,
To show the Saviour shining in our face,
Through our eyes forth-putting his sweet power,
To help the weak and wayward with his grace;
Let not sin in us those windows dim,
Through which the world might catch some glimpse of him. Bro. A. Smith, of Grandville, Mich., sends us the record of a little incident which shows to what condition some of the churches of our land have fallen. A church not a hundred miles from his place, threw wide open its doors for an entertainment by a sleight of hand performer, magician, mesmerist, ventriloquist, spirit medium, slate writer, etc. The entertainment was to be a roaring scene of fun and frolic for old and young, according to the handbill advertising it, a copy of which he has sent us. According to the bill it must have been a mixture of reality and fraud, truth and deception, human cunning and diabolical agency. But viewed from any stand-point, and in any aspect, it must have been an abomination in a place of worship. This entertainment came off the latter part of last February. But a few months before, Bro. S. had made application for the same church for a funeral service for one of our brethren, and was refused except on condition that nothing should be said derogatory of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul! Fun, frolic, mesmerism, psychology, spiritualism, may come freely in; but in that house none may be permitted to express, even in the burial service of their friends, the Christian hope that consoles them, if it chances to impinge upon a pet dogma of their theology. These facts tell their own story. We are happy to know that there are many in the churches who love God and his pure worship, to whom these things are a grief, and who will yet, in due time, feel impelled to bear testimony against wrongs and corruptions which they cannot arrest, by separating themselves therefrom. Abandoned Hulks and Shipwrecked Faith
—The attention of seamen is being called to an increasing peril in ocean navigation, namely, the abandoned hulks of shipwrecked vessels drifting about in the lines of most frequent transit. We have found a similar peril in the way of religious progress, namely, the influence of men who, once known as Christians, have made shipwreck of their faith. We heard a man once proclaim in a public place that he was a Universalist after having made a trial of orthodoxy. “I was a Baptist,” he said, “but I left ’em; couldn’t swallow their doctrine.” An examination of the church records at the place where he had formerly lived, showed that he had been a member of the Baptist church, and also that he had been excluded for opening and maintaining a liquor saloon. So this dismantled hulk was drifting about to the peril of the unwary. Righteousness Before Joy in the Holy Ghost
—Righteousness always comes before joy: “Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” NEW CESSION OF TURKISH TERRITORY.
By D. H. Lamson
Says the Detroit Evening News of March 30: “Overtures to Turkey for an alliance with Russia are still pending. Diplomatic advices from Athens and Constantinople concur in corroborating the report that secret negotiations have been for some time in progress with Austria, Greece, and Russia, for a new territorial arrangement with Turkey. Under this, Russia is to obtain the annexation of East Roumelia to Bulgaria, with the extension of the principality east to Roumelia and the Ægean Sea; Greece to get a part of Macedonia, with a frontier line to the Gulf of Salonica; Austria to obtain a new frontier from the plains of Kassova to the Ægean Sea, the center of the Austrian territory to be a part of Salonica. Russia also asks the right to occupy forts on the Black Sea at the entrance to the Bosporus.” Eastern Roumelia is at present a province of the Ottoman empire, lying immediately south of the Balkan Mountains. It is inhabited by Bulgarians and Greeks; and though under the military and political authority of the Sultan, had administrative autonomy given to it by the Berlin Congress of 1878. The Governor-General must be a Christian, and the constitution is settled by a European commission. It has an area of 13,500 square miles, and a population of 817,513. Roumelia proper includes all the north of Turkey except Eastern Roumelia, extending from the Black Sea to the Pindus Mountains on the west, and southward to the Ægean Sea. All this territory it is proposed shall be absorbed by Russia and Austria, the latter getting the western part of Roumelia and southward to the Gulf of Salonica. Who can help but call to mind again the wonderful Will of Peter the Great, that said: “Interest the House of Austria in the expulsion of the Turks from Europe, and quiet their dissensions at the moment of the conquest of Constantinople (having excited war among the old States of Europe), by giving to Austria a portion of the conquest, which afterwards will or can be reclaimed.” Greece is to get a generous slice of Macedonia, probably all east of the Pindus Mountains, with a coast line on the Gulf of Salonica to meet Austria. Should this treaty be brought about, and Russia man some forts on the Bosporus at Scutari, Turkey will be in about the same condition as was the Eastern Roman Empire from the days of John Palaeologus till Mohammed took possession; i. e., from July 27, 1449, till May 29, 1453. If all of Roumelia were given up to Russia and Austria, it would include Philippopolis and Adrianople, and a further coast line on the Black Sea. Surely the lines are tightening around the “star and crescent,” and the word of God is being fulfilled. The peace of Europe may for a little while be preserved by such astute diplomacy on the part of Russia, and at such a cost the wrath of England may be appeased. The Indies for a time may be secure from the embrace of the Russian bear, while the four angels still hold the four winds, till the ascending angel shall reach the zenith of his power and the earth is lightened with the glory of the last message to men. D. H. LAMSON. THE advance of the gospel in Japan is one of the most remarkable facts in the missionary records of modern times. Striking testimony to this is borne by Dr. Hepburn, of the Presbyterian mission, who is translating the Old Testament into Japanese, and who, during the ten years of his residence in that country, has built up a self-supporting native church, which has just elected a pastor of its own, relieving him of the work of preaching. He says: “Fifteen or twenty years hence I doubt whether a foreign missionary will be needed in this country. We have already a synod, three presbyteries, twenty-nine ardent native ministers, one hundred and seventeen young men in our colleges, and a thousand church members and Sabbath-school scholars. And I have lived to see all this! Japan is merging rapidly from heathenism; it can never go back. If all the foreign missionaries were expelled to-morrow, the work would be carried on by the natives.” Gazing Upon Christ Rather Than Self
By Dean Vaughan
—One earnest gaze upon Christ is worth a thousand scrutinies of self. The man who beholds the cross, and beholding it weeps, cannot be really blind nor perilously self-ignorant.—Dean Vaughan. MORE SWORDS THAN PLOWSHARES.
The first quarter of the year 1885 has been occupied with events which do not encourage the belief that civilization is outgrowing the military spirit. The stir of military preparation, or the outbreak of actual conflict, is to be heard to-day over the area of the inhabited earth. England, France, Italy, Russia, Turkey, India, Australia, South Africa, Arabia, China, Madagascar, Central America, Canada, and even to a slight extent the United States, feel the influence of the violent combative tendency. And if the extent to which the warlike spirit is manifested seems to contradict the theories of cloud philosophers with regard to the pacific effect of modern civilization, an inquiry into the causes of these wars and rumors of wars may well provoke a doubt as to the ethical advance of the age. For in most instances weak powers are being preyed upon by stronger ones, and with as cynical a disregard for justice and right as ever was shown by our piratical ancestors; they issued forth to harry and slay. England in the Soudan, France in Madagascar, and Russia in Afghanistan, are each proceeding on the principle that “might makes right;” while two-thirds of the military preparation going on in these countries is caused indirectly by aggressions and invasions. An abnormally large proportion of the capital is being thus invested in destructive agencies, and while certain trades and lines of business will undoubtedly profit by the movement, its general tendency must be to hamper progress. It may indeed be possible that the world is on the eve of one of those periods of war which may be ordained for the purpose, among others, of settling certain social and economic problems which mankind cannot solve themselves. But if it is necessary that such rough methods of adjustment of balance be applied at intervals, what is to be said for the mollifying effects of civilization? It is found that in countries where the increase of population presses upon the means of subsistence, in China and India, when left to the normal influences, native wars keep down the population; when peaceful conditions are established, the rate rises so that in a few years the pressure becomes intolerable, and then famines occur and depopulate whole provinces. At present the world's chief drawback is rather to excess of capital than of population. But war destroys capital quickly, and in these days more completely than ever; so that balance may perhaps be re-adjusted to some extent in this way. The persistence of old principles of State views, and old policies of iniquity, deserves to be studied more carefully than has been heretofore. Can the individuals constituting a State advance in ethical development, while a State itself, which is supposed to be the expression of their aggregated tendencies, yet retains pagan ways and views? That would seem to be the fact, however it be explained, and certainly is a curious fact. The recent mania for expansion which has seized so many European powers has already led to acts of high-handed usurpation and deliberate injustice such as history affords few stronger examples of, and the tendencies are increasing instead of declining. In fact, there seems to be more prospect of world-war than of a great world-peace, if conditions count for any thing; and in the rapacity that underlies all this aggressive movement there is little hint of any gain for those higher elements which we are so apt to vaunt when speaking of nineteenth century civilization.—N. Y. SPIRITUALISM AND THE PRESS.
WHATEVER is to be the ultimate success of what is called Spiritualism, it would seem as if it should not in any sense be the result of the use of the powers of the press. There are spiritualistic organs in France, four in Belgium, one in Holland, eight in Spain, two in Italy, and one in Germany. In England and the United States the press is extensively used, and in various ways. For good or for evil, it is the product, to an extent, of the English-speaking people. With them, certainly, it has been most successful. It is said that Spiritualism has one organ each in Austria, Russia, Mexico, the Antilles, Chile, Uruguay, the Argentine Republic, Australia, and Cape Colony.—N. Y. World. Under the title of “The Concord Philosophers,” the Washington Hatchet publishes the following lively bit of poetry. There are men who will go into ecstasy over the clear light that shines, and the great fields of knowledge they can easily explore through the “Not,” “When,” and “What,” the “Ergo,” “Think-bees,” “Thusness,” and “Over-Soul,” who claim that they cannot possibly tell what the Lord means when he says, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work.” Across the moorlands of the Not
We chase the gruesome When,
And hunt the Itness of the What
Through forests of the Then. Into the inner consciousness
We track the crafty Where;
We spear the Ergo tough, and beard
The Ego in his lair. With lassos of the brain we catch
The Isness of the Was,
And in the copses of the Whence
We hear the Think-bees buzz. We climb the slippery Which-bark tree
To watch the Thusness roll,
And pause betimes in gnostic rhymes
To woo the Over-Soul. 1. The Circumstances. Abraham had just endured that test of faith in the command of God to offer as a sacrifice his beloved and only begotten son Isaac, “of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called.” Heb. 11 : 18. The faith of the patriarch had triumphed under the most difficult circumstances that could have been brought to bear upon him; for he believed that God could, and if necessary would, raise his son from the dead that the promise might not fail. The Lord had sent an angel to stay the obedient hand of his servant, and to provide a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son. The sacrifice thus provided had been offered; and the Lord, well pleased, had again sent his angel to announce the oath which he had made concerning the promise before given to Abraham. 2. The Oath of Jehovah. This is said to be the only instance of God’s swearing by himself in his intercourse with the patriarchs,—a fact which shows the importance of the matter concerning which the oath was made. This oath made the promises, if possible, more secure, placing them beyond the possibility of a failure. “An oath, with God,” says a writer quoted in Lange’s commentary, “is a solemn pledging of himself in all the unchangeableness of his faithfulness and truth to the fulfilment of the promise.” As Paul says, “Because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself.” Abraham and his descendants were wont to refer to this oath as the most positive evidence of the certainty of the promise. See Gen. 24 : 7; 26 : 3; 26 : 24, etc. 3. The Promise. This is but the renewal of that already given. The same promise of God’s blessing, the same promise of an innumerable progeny, the same figures to denote the number of his offspring, the same promise that through his seed all nations of the earth should be blessed,—all these points are renewed in the promise to which Jehovah now makes oath; and in addition it is declared that Abraham’s seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. To possess the gate of one’s enemies is to overcome them, and bring them into subjection. Gen. 24 : 60. The term “seed” must here denote the literal seed of Abraham, the children of Israel, or the spiritual seed, the people of God universally (Gal. 3 : 29), or Christ, according to Paul’s interpretation in Gal. 3 : 16. If the former is intended, the promise was fulfilled in the conquest of Canaan by the children of Israel; if either or both of the latter be meant, the fulfilment will be reached when death, the last enemy, shall be destroyed, and Christ with his redeemed people shall stand victorious upon Mount Zion. The last two meanings may not be separated; for if Christ be meant, the promise includes Christ’s people; and if Christ’s people be intended, the promise also embraces Christ, through whom his people receive the promise. Gal. 3 : 29. The promise may have had a temporary application and fulfilment at the time of the conquest of Canaan; but its final, principal, and eternal application and fulfilment will be reached in the glorious triumph of Christ and his saints. 4. The Reason. The reason why God gave to Abraham these glorious promises is stated in verse 18 to be because he had obeyed the voice of God. The same thought appears in Gen. 18 : 19, only then Abraham had not been tested; but God foresaw that Abraham would not only obey the Lord himself, but that he would also bring his family up to obey the Lord. Those who plead the liberty of the gospel as an excuse for disobedience to the commandments of God, would do well to remember that the very blessings of the gospel which they enjoy were pronounced upon Abraham and his seed as a reward for obedience.