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MAN'S NATURE AND DESTINY.—Assorted tract package No. 5. Six subjects or chapters in one; price, 10 cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
THE DEDICATION OF OUR FIRST POLYNESIAN CHURCH.
By Cora Chapman
THE 29th of November, the long looked for day of the dedication of our church at Arue, Tahiti, will always be remembered, we believe, as one of the waymarks pointing to a new era in our missionary work for this people.
Great preparation had been made by men, women, and children learning new hymns and verses for the occasion. We had also taken great pains to teach them some of the songs translated from “Hymns and Tunes,” to sing at that time, some of which were, “Wait and Murmur Not,” “Galilee,” “Shall We Meet?” “Give Me the Bible,” and “Hear the Conclusion.”
At about 10:30 A.M. the people, having gathered at Brother Dean’s house, stood in groups on either side of the path leading to the church door, and sang the opening hymn. The prince then opened the double doors and all walked in, taking seats for the first time in their own little church. We felt to lift our hearts in praise to our Heavenly Father that we were at last permitted to worship him in a church all our own; we had met so long in the room of a private house, where dogs had free access and children ran about at will. To teach them reverence for the house of God was then almost impossible.
The first on the program was a song by our schoolchildren, “Something to Do,” followed by a short prayer. A great many hymns were sung, among which were some we taught them. They sounded very nice indeed. Psalms 118 was read, and Brother Dean spoke to the people, having for his text Gen. 28: 17: “And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
The meeting being dismissed, we were called to breakfast. It is a universal custom with the natives to have a feast connected with all such occasions. With the word “feast” is usually conveyed the idea of revelry and gormandizing; but this was simply a twelve o’clock breakfast, without which I think we would have suffered great inconvenience.
The natives ate their food from leaves spread on the ground, real native style; but for the Europeans, Americans, and leading Tahitians, a long table was spread under the shade of a roof thatched with palm leaves and supported by bamboo poles, each of which was wrapped with cocoanut leaves. The same kind of leaves, split in two through the center, were artistically draped between each pole. Green and yellow tea leaves hung in bunches here and there, and bright flowers found their places among the green leaves wherever the eye would turn. Two French flags waved gracefully over the roof. It was altogether a very inviting spot, and especially so to one who had not yet breakfasted. There were a few vacant chairs, as some of the invited guests were not able to be present, on account of the recent death of the ex-governor’s wife. The seat of honor was filled by the prince of Tahiti, nephew of the late King Pomare. Two hours were spent at the table, as the meal consisted of ten courses and was served in French style.
Most of the afternoon the natives lay around asleep on mats, preparing themselves for the evening meeting, or I might more properly call it the night session.
Seven o’clock found us all in the church again. The first hour was occupied by Brother Read, who delivered an address on “The Rise and Progress of the Third Angel’s Message.” The rest of the time was spent singing and repeating verses from the Bible, all of which were on the life of Christ. It was very interesting. The whole thing was something like a dialogue. One would rise, repeat some verses, and another would give the explanation of them. Sometimes one would ask questions bearing on the subject, and another would answer with verses of Scripture. Each seemed to know just when his turn came. I believe about eighty passages from the Bible were taken up. The hands of the clock pointed to ten—eleven—twelve—and one—and still they seemed no nearer the end than when they began.
When the eyes of some would begin to droop, they would soon be awakened by a vigorous shake from the one nearest by, or by a lively native song from some one of the divisions, the nature of which is not such as would soon lull one to sleep. It was well that we had to assist in the singing occasionally to overcome the somnolence that was getting such a strong hold on us. At half past one, however, “Hear the Conclusion,” or, as it is called in Tahitian, “Faaroo na Tatou,” was sung, and we were excused. They continued the meeting until six o’clock in the morning, and at half past seven all went to their homes, as they expressed it, “satisfied.”
CORA CHAPMAN.
Papeete, Tahiti, Dec. 7, 1893.
LATER NEWS FROM PITCAIRN.
By Editor
WE have received the following letter from Brother E. C. Chapman, of Tahiti. Our readers will remember that the first of Elder Gates’ communications was dated Pitcairn Island, September 4; the latter bore date of September 17. This letter of Brother Chapman’s seems to give later news. The fact that Captain Machelli was on the island so short a time would account for the omission of the names of Brother and Sister Gates and Sister Andre.
About the first of last September, Captain Machelli sailed from Tahiti for Pitcairn Island to get a little child of his that was on the island. His wife remained here in Papeete, and received from him a letter November 14, which was mailed at Mangareva, in the Gambier Group, in the month of October. It is from this letter, which Mrs. Machelli kindly showed us, that we gather the following, which we fear is all too true:—
In the latter part of April, a large vessel was wrecked on the little island of Oeno, which lies about 75 miles from Pitcairn. The crew escaped to Pitcairn Island. From this vessel the Pitcairn islanders took a fever, which gradually spread among the people, so that this fair spot was transformed into a place of suffering and sorrow such as the people had never experienced before. Old and young, one by one, fell victims to the malady, and as a result of the plague, the wife of our brother J. R. McCoy lies sleeping in the graveyard, and his much loved daughter Ella May has also passed away. Simon Young, for so long the beloved pastor, who has been a father of his children to the third generation, and a blessing to all who came his way, has fallen asleep to rise no more till the resurrection morning. One of his sons was also reported as dead, and also his daughter Rosa, with whom we are all somewhat acquainted, was dangerously sick at the time of Mr. Machelli’s visit. The family of Elias Christian was bereft of a father and the mother was also very sick. Many others were suffering, and others had died whom Mr. Machelli did not know. As he was on the island but twenty-four hours he could render but little assistance. He wrote that the people were dying for want of knowledge, as they had no medicine nor anyone who knew how to give it if they had. Brother and Sister Read made every possible effort to go to Pitcairn, but by some unknown influence the way was hedged up. Neither the love of money nor the cause of humanity could secure a passage for them on a vessel which sailed to Mangareva.
We received no word from anyone on the island, which is a little strange, as several had promised to write every time there was opportunity. Not a word was said concerning Elder Gates’ family nor Sister Hattie Andre. We hope that in some way this report may prove untrue, and anxiously await some word from there.
This sad experience makes us wish that there was a medical missionary stationed in these islands, and a little cutter that could run here and there in the good work. These little boats of about 25 tons’ burden run back and forth among these islands trading with the natives; and could not one do excellent work for the King of kings?
FIELD NOTES.
By Editor
AT the last quarterly meeting at Green Top, Mo., six members were added to the church.
A SABBATH school of thirty members has been organized near Downing, Wis., by Brother J. B. Scott.
THE address of Dr. M. G. Kellogg is George’s Terrace, St. Kilda Row, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
THE church at Nashville, Tenn., has increased from a dozen members to fifty-seven during the past year.
AS A result of meetings held at Oelrichs, S. Dakota, Brother L. M. Crowther reports sixteen obeying the truth.
ACCORDING to a notice in the Review, the Haskell Home for Orphans at Battle Creek, Mich., was to have been dedicated on the 25th inst.
BROTHER E. HAMPTON, formerly a canvasser in California Conference, is now laboring among the Quakers in the vicinity of Springville, Iowa.
AT meetings held in a schoolhouse near Guthrie, Ok. T., by Brother Wm. H. White, four accepted the faith, and a Sabbath school was organized.
ANOTHER remarkable baptismal service was held in the Battle Creek Tabernacle, on the 13th inst., when fifty-five were baptized by Elder H. Nicola.
ELDER J. F. HANSEN reports encouragingly of the work among the Danish-Norwegians in Chicago, three of whom united with the church on the 6th inst.
ELDER G. B. TRIPP reports many calls for laborers in the Virginia Conference. Elder Roberts had held a successful meeting at Stanley, where thirty-four were added to the church. Brother T. H. Painter was holding meetings at Battle Creek, Page County, with encouraging interest, and Brother C. A. Watkins was in the midst of a good interest at Dayton.205
THE camp meeting in Wellington, New Zealand, is reported by Elder Olsen to have been a success. There were twenty-six tents, and eighty persons were camped on the ground. He arrived there November 29, while the meeting was in progress.
IN the Iowa Conference a new house of worship has been completed at Urbana, Benton County. A new house is about completed by the church at Audubon, Audubon County; and arrangements are made for the erection of still another building at West Grove, Davis County.
A NOTE from Brother H. C. Griffin, secretary of the Arkansas Tract Society, dated Springdale, January 14, notes the encouraging progress of an institute at that place, with Elder A. J. Breed in charge. He remarks that the interest is good and the instruction timely.
THE Bible Echo notes the distribution of laborers in the Australian field for the week of prayer, as follows: Elders Steed, Hare, and Hickox in New South Wales; Elder W. L. H. Baker in South Australia; Elders Starr, Rousseau, and Daniells in Victoria, and Dr. M. G. Kellogg in Tasmania.
"I have baptized eighteen since coming to this field in June. Several more are awaiting baptism. I have the use of the Disciple Church house in Star, where I am now engaged in a series of meetings with a good attendance and an increasing interest."
BROTHER R. W. ROBERSON, for some years a resident of Dallas, Texas, removed last fall to San Antonio in order to hold up the light of truth where there were no representatives of the faith. He reports to the Review that there are now twenty-one Sabbath keepers there, and regular meetings. This is the kind of work the Lord would have his people do. It is high time to be going forth to the world, carrying the light of the last message, accompanied by Christian example.
IN politics it is the work of the rather obscure ward politicians that counts at the polls. These men look after the individuals, get them interested, and get them out to cast their votes. Thus by getting individuals to vote, the ward politician enlists everyone so influenced to become practically a worker in the cause which he advocates. Brethren, don't try to cover too large a field; look after the individuals, and when you have gained their conviction, do not stop till you have enlisted their services in some way for the good cause.
AN AGED BELIEVER’S BLESSED HOPE.
By James Lunney
BY JAMES LUNNEY (AGED 82).
I know that my Redeemer lives,
Who died and rose for me;
And I, who in his name believe,
Shall live eternally.
I know my sins are all forgiven,
Through virtue of his blood,
And that I am an heir of heaven,
A prince, a child of God.
Though this frail body soon may be
Laid in the grave to rot,
And though my flesh corruption see,
And I seem quite forgot,
Mine eyes my Saviour shall behold,
Who comes to take his own
To mansions bright for them prepared,
And seats upon his throne.
I then shall join in praising him,
My Jesus, my best friend.
In that eternity of love,
My praise shall never end.
International S. S. Lessons.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8
LESSON VI.—SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1894.
[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face; and God talked with him, saying,
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations.
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.
And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
And God said unto Abraham, And as for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee throughout their generations.
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; every male among you shall be circumcised.
Golden Text.—"And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness." Gen. 15:6.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
Give a brief synopsis of the intervening events between this and the last lesson. Note 1.
At what time in Abram's life did the Lord next appear to him? Verse 1.
What did he say to him? Same verse. Note 2.
What did the Lord promise to make with Abram and to do for him? Verse 2.
What then took place? Verse 3.
What did the Lord promise Abram? Verse 4. Note 3.
What change was made in the name of this man of faith? Note 4.
What further promises did the Lord make? Verses 6-8.
What did he say that he and his seed would do? Verse 9.
What was the token of that covenant to be? Verse 10.
Of what was that circumcision a seal?
"And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision." Rom. 4:11, first part.
12. Why was the covenant made to Abraham while he was uncircumcised?
"That he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them." Rom. 4:11, last part.
13. How much did the promise of his heirship include? Note 5.
"For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith." Rom. 4:13.
14. How much does the seed of Abraham include?
"And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise." Gal. 3:29.
15. Does this heirship come through our own works of the law?
"For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect; for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all." Rom. 4:14-16.
How did Abraham become righteous and an heir of the inheritance? Golden text.
Was this written for his sake alone?
"Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned206unto him; but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on Him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." Rom. 4:23, 24.
18. To what conclusion may we then come, if we simply believe God?
"So then they which be of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham." Gal. 3:9.
NOTES.
1. Our last lesson closed with Abram's journey in the south of Palestine, from which place he went down into Egypt to sojourn. Tradition tells us that he taught the Egyptians their knowledge of astronomy. After the famine was over, he went up out of Egypt into Palestine, again, Lot being with him, and dwelt where he had builded an altar, between Bethel and Ai. Here the unselfishness of Abram's character was shown by giving Lot his choice of all the land. Lot chose Sodom and the plain of Jordan, with all its wicked associations. Because of Abram's faith and unselfishness, the Lord comes to him again and promises him that land and a seed as innumerable as the dust of the earth. Shortly after this Lot was taken prisoner, and would, no doubt, have become a slave had it not been for his rescue by Abram. The account of this is given in the fourteenth chapter. In this chapter, also, we have brought before us Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God—the type of the priesthood of our Lord. To him Abram paid tithes. In chapter fifteen God renews his promise to Abram, and tells him that his seed should not be one by adoption, but his own literal seed. And there the Lord makes a covenant with him that his seed should possess that land, which Nehemiah, in his ninth chapter, says was performed. Here, also, we are told that Abram believed God, and the Lord counted it to him for righteousness. In the sixteenth chapter we have an account of the birth of Ishmael, Sarai's jealousy, and the sending away of Hagar and her son; this brings us to our lesson of to-day.
2. Be thou perfect.—In every word of God there is an implied promise. The Lord had already made Abram righteous, or accounted him as just. The same power which could account Abram righteous, or perfect, could keep him perfect. The faith which is exercised to obtain the blessing of justification should be constantly exercised to hold that blessing, by walking in Christ and above sin. God is able to keep us from falling and to preserve us blameless unto his coming. See Jude 24.
3. Multitude of nations.—This was literally fulfilled in the literal seed of Abraham. From him sprang the Israelites, with their various tribes, afterward divided into two powerful nations, and also the Arabians, the Midianites, the Dedanites, and others. It will be more gloriously fulfilled when the great company of the faithful, the nations of the redeemed, shall inherit the new earth.
4. Thy name shall be Abraham.—'Abram' means high or exalted father. It was changed to 'Abraham,' meaning father of a multitude. So Sarai's name was changed from 'Sarai,' my princess, to 'Sarah,' princess, not Abraham's princess alone, but princess for the world. Says Peloubet: 'In both cases the change is made in the original by the addition of the letter 'h,' the chief letter of the word 'Jehovah.'' God himself was in the promise. Every time these two used their new names, they had a renewal and memorial of God's promise.
5. Heir of the world.—The promise to Abraham was not simply concerning the land of Canaan and this earthly life. If he and his seed had had faith sufficient, God would doubtless have fulfilled the promise through him and his seed when Israel first entered Canaan, but they disbelieved, and Stephen says, in Acts 7, that 'the Lord gave Abraham no inheritance in the land, no, not so much as to set his foot on.' But the apostle Paul tells us, and the same thing is taught in Gen. 22: 17, 18, that the promise included the world. Paul says that it comes to us through Abraham's seed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. 3: 16. Jesus says, 'The meek shall inherit the earth.' And the Lord pledges by his own existence that it shall be inherited by the true heirs of God. Isa. 45: 18. So when Jesus calls home his people to receive their reward, he says, 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' Matt. 25: 34. The kingdom was prepared when the world came from the hand of its Creator, and was pronounced good. The giving of that kingdom to Christ and his people will be but the restoration of the first dominion which was given to Adam. Compare Gen. 1: 28 with Micah 4: 8.
CHURCH SERVICES.
By Editor
All of our churches, especially on this coast, who desire their regular weekly services announced in this column, may have it done by reporting through the proper officers.
Oakland.—Church at corner of Twelfth and Brush Streets. Regular preaching services or Bible study. Sunday at 7:30 P.M., Friday at 7 P.M., and Sabbath at 11 A.M. Sabbath school at 9:30 A.M. Sabbath. Prayer and missionary meeting Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. All are cordially invited.
San Francisco.—Church at 914 Laguna Street. Regular preaching services at 7:30 P.M. Sunday and 11 A.M. Sabbath. Sabbath school at 9:45 A.M. Prayer meeting Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Missionary meeting Thursday 7:30 P.M. Seats free.
Los Angeles.—Church at 143 Carr Street. Preaching service Sunday evening 7:30. Missionary meeting Wednesday evening 7:30. Sabbath school on Sabbath at 9:45, and preaching service at 11 A.M. All are welcome.
East Portland, Oregon.—Church, No. 507 East Ankeny St. Services every Sabbath 11:30 A.M. Sabbath school 10 A.M. Missionary meeting evening after Sabbath 7 P.M. Prayer meeting every Wednesday evening 7 o'clock. All welcome. Seats free.
Washington, D. C.—Church on Eighth Street between F and G Streets, N. E. Regular preaching service at 11 A.M. Sabbaths. Sabbath school 9:30 A.M. Sunday, 7:30 P.M., Bible study. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 P.M. All are welcome.
H. W. HERRELL, Clerk.
DANISH AND SWEDISH EARLY WRITINGS.—Plain at $1.00, red edge at 1.25. For sale by the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Please call the attention of the S. D. A. brethren and sisters of those nationalities to this book printed in their language.
BOUND VOLUMES OF "SENTINEL."
By Editor
VOLUME 1, 1886, monthly edition of the American Sentinel, bound in strong manilla covers, will be sent, postpaid, for 80 cents.
Volume 4, 1889, weekly American Sentinel, in heavy paper binding; price, postpaid, $1.50. Only a few of these left; now is the time to order. Address Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
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THE ATONEMENT.
The author, in a book of 368 pages, takes up this great central doctrine of the gospel, and treats it in two parts. Part first,
An Atonement Consistent with Reason.
In this he shows that the doctrine of an atonement through the medium of a voluntary substitute is consistent with reason. Part second,
The Atonement as Revealed in the Bible.
In this is discussed the plan of redemption through Christ, by which every sinner who accepts Christ will be justified; sin will be turned back upon the head of its originator; the earth will be cleansed from the curse; God's righteous government will be restored over the entire universe; and all who will not become loyal subjects of that government will be destroyed.
The book presents a CRITICAL AND EXHAUSTIVE TREATISE on this interesting subject, by a thorough Bible student, and wholly from a Bible standpoint, and cannot fail to be of great value to everyone who reads it.
Third edition, bound in cloth, embossed in black, with gold title on back and front cover.
Price, postpaid, $1.00.
Address, Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 Bond St., New York City.
Our last lesson left Jesus in the temple, in the arms of Simeon, closing with Simeon's thanksgiving to God. Joseph and Mary marveled, and Simeon turned and blessed them, addressing to them a prophecy concerning Jesus. At that moment Anna, an aged prophetess, came in, and, recognizing Jesus as the Saviour, gave thanks to the Lord, and went and spoke of him "to all them that looked for redemption in Israel." Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth, where Jesus remained until he was twelve years old, when he went up to Jerusalem to the passover, with his parents. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to relating the losing of Jesus, and how he was found in the temple, questioning the learned doctors of the law, and amazing them with his answers to their questions.
The words "Simeon and Anna," and "Jesus among the doctors," will furnish a good outline upon which to build the details of the lesson.
34. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and rising up of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
35. Yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.
36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
37. And she had been a widow even for fourscore and four years), which departed not from the temple, worshiping with fastings and supplications night and day.
38. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39. And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40. And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41. And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.
42. And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast:
43. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;
44. But supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance;
45. And when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.
46. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions:
47. And all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48. And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.
49. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be in my Father's house?
50. And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51. And he went down with them to Nazareth; and was subject unto them; and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
1. What did Simeon say to Mary after his thanksgiving to God? See also note 1.
2. In what words did he foretell the crucifixion? See also note 2.
3. Who came in at that instant?
4. How did Anna occupy her time?
5. How did she show that she recognized Jesus?
6. To whom did she speak of him?
7. When Joseph and Mary had performed the prescribed ceremonies, where did they go?
8. What is said of the growth of Jesus?
9. Where did his parents go every year?
10. How old was Jesus when he went with them?
11. When they started to return home, what did Jesus do?
12. How long was it before they found out that he was not with them?
13. What did they then do?
14. How long was it before they found him? See also note 3.
15. What was he doing? See also note 4.
16. What caused the people astonishment?
17. What did Mary say to Jesus?
18. What reply did he make?
19. How did he regard his parents, notwithstanding his wisdom?
20. In what did Jesus increase? See also note 5.
NOTES.
1. In verses 34 and 35 we have a brief prophecy of the earthly ministry and the death of Jesus. Christ was sent for the fall and rising of many in Jerusalem. While he was, according to the prophet, to be a sanctuary, he was also to be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. Isa. 8: 14. That over which some stumble, lifts others up. All might find up-building in him if they would.
2. "That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."—The thoughts that rule in men's hearts are revealed by the various ways in which they regard Jesus. Simeon and Anna had no difficulty in recognizing who Jesus was; it was because their hearts were continually open to receive instruction from God. They knew the voice of God when he spoke to them. God speaks to men now just as surely and as plainly as he did to them, but few recognize the voice. In the Bible we have God's word. Christ dwells in the word; for he is the Word. Yet how many read and hear the burning words of inspiration, and do not recognize Christ in them. Are not such as culpable as the priests and doctors of old, who did not see in the child before them the Son of God, the Lord of all? We are apt to think that people in those days were very blind, and can hardly have patience with them for their unbelief, and then we go and act over again their very failings. Why do we not learn from the unbelief as well as from the faith of the men of old? What blessedness would come to us if we would receive the "consolation of Israel" as readily as did Simeon.
3. After three days, etc.—That was an exhibition of divine wisdom, for Christ in his humanity was never separated from divinity. Why was that recorded? Was it simply to show us the wonderful wisdom of Jesus, that we may admire it?—No, for Christ was an example for men. It was written that we may know that the same heavenly wisdom may be ours if Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. Christ is declared to be "the power of God and the wisdom of God." 1 Cor. 1: 24. And God has made him unto us wisdom. Verse 30. He is to us wisdom and righteousness. Now, just as all the righteousness of Christ may be ours by faith, so with wisdom, when we have the Spirit of Christ, so that we can use it with his humility, and not be puffed up. This is really too wonderful a thought to be grasped, but we know that God is able to do for us "exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or think." Eph. 3: 20.
4. "And he went down with them . . . and was subject unto them."—Two things may be learned from this: First, the simplicity of Jesus. He did not "put on airs" because of his great wisdom. There was not a doctor in Jerusalem whose knowledge exceeded that of this twelve-year-old-child, yet he was as void of self-consciousness, and as obedient, as it was possible for a child to be. What wonders may be wrought even in children, if Christ dwells in them! He lived the life of a child that he might give his life to children, and live in them the Christ life while yet they remain little children. All who are saved, both old and young, are "saved by his life" (Rom. 5: 10), that is, by his life in us instead of our life of self (see Gal. 2: 20). And so we may learn, as far at least as the fifth commandment is concerned, that Christ is made unto us righteousness, that is, the law of God. Christ is the same "yesterday, and to-day, and forever." Heb. 13: 8. He lives the same life now that he always did,—the same that he did on earth. So when Christ lives in any soul, there will be manifest obedience to parents, and reverence for authority. He in whose heart Christ dwells, has the law of God in his heart, and its righteousness manifested in his life.
5. "And Jesus increased," etc.—Here is an illustration of the mystery of divine perfection and divine growth. Jesus was no less the Son of God when he lay in the manger in Bethlehem, or when he was subject to Joseph and Mary at Nazareth, than he was at his baptism or on the mount of transfiguration. When he was brought into the world, the command went forth, "Let all the angels of God worship him." Heb. 1: 6. Yet he increased in wisdom and in favor with God, even as he increased in stature. He was perfect all the time, yet he grew in grace. So we, if we believe in him, are "complete in him" (Col. 2: 10), yet we are to "grow up into him in all things" (Eph. 4: 15), to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3: 18). As Christ is infinite, so if we are in him we207have possibilities of infinite growth. The Christian is to be perfect, even as his Father in heaven is perfect, yet he will never get to the place where there is no more opportunity for growth, where there is nothing more for him beyond. Perfection is found only in growth, not in cessation of growth. The plant may be a perfect plant every day, yet it is far different at the close of the year from what it was at the beginning. A perfect specimen of a plant one month after planting, will be very far from perfect if it presents exactly the same appearance six months later. When a tree stops growing, it dies. Its perfection consists in its living and growing. "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Ps. 92: 12.
