Your ShelfYour Projects

Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 5.

THE CREATIVE POWER OF GOD
Earlier text: A TRUE REFORM ON THE SABBATH

THE BEAST.—WHAT IT IS

“Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
Lesson VII.—Sabbath, February 15, 1896.

THE BEAST.—WHAT IT IS.

Review Questions.—(a) What is the origin of the term Babylon? (b) What did it mean to the worldly wise? (c) By what means did the church become Babylon? (d) To what, then, did she seek for succor? (e) What did this act constitute? Rev. 14:8.
1. What relation does the third angel of Rev. 14:9 bear to the angel of verses 6, 7?
Ans.—He “followed them,” or went with them. That the word “follow” means to go with, see Matt. 4:20, 22; Mark 2:14, and many others. The first message leads out, the others follow with, as the disciples followed Jesus. The first message is positive; the second and third, negative. Every positive truth is embraced in the first message.
2. Against what does the third angel warn us?
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.” Rev. 14:9.
3. What fearful penalty shows the importance of heeding this warning?
“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Verses 10, 11.
4. Where is the beast, against which we are warned, brought to view? Rev. 13:1–10.
5. What prophetic symbol is parallel to this?
Ans.—The little horn of Daniel 7. They arise in the same territory, do the same work, possess the same character, and continue the same length of time. They are, therefore, identical.
6. What four kingdoms are symbolized in Daniel previous to the rise of the little horn? Dan. 7:1–7. See note .
7. How were these symbols represented in the beast of Revelation 13?
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” Verse 2.
8. What eleven distinct specifications are given in the prophecy of Daniel 7 concerning the little horn?
Ans.—(1) It was to arise in a ten-divisioned kingdom. Verse 8. (2) It was to be different in nature and character from the others. Verse 24. (3) It would cause the overthrow of three kings. Verses 8, 20, 24. (4) It would possess great shrewdness and foresight (eyes like those of man). Verses 8, 20. (5) It would be strong and vigorous (stout). Verse 20. (6) It would be a blaspheming, assuming power. Verses 8, 11, 20, 25. (7) It would be a persecuting power. Verses 21, 25. (8) It would presume to change God’s law. Verse 25, R. V. (9) It would be a persecuting power for three and one-half prophetic years, or 1,260 literal years. Verse 25. (10) It would then lose its persecuting power, and shortly after, its own temporal dominion. Verses 25, 26. (11) Its power to persecute would be restored, for it would make war on the saints till the end. Verses 21, 22.
9. How many of these specifications do we find in connection with the beast of Rev. 13:1–10?
Ans.—Specification 1 (ten horns), 6 (blasphemous), 7 (persecuting), 8 (causing false worship through a changed law), 9 (42 months), 10 (deadly wound), 11 (deadly wound healed).
10. In what power or system alone are all these specifications met? Ans.—In that system known as the Papacy. See note .
11. What is represented by all these beast kingdoms? Ans.—Church and state governments, or persecuting powers.
12. What constitutes a persecuting power?
Ans.—There must in some way be a union of church and state, or of religion with the state. A religious organization apart from civil power can not persecute; and a civil power apart from religion will not persecute. The union of the two in active operation always results in injustice and oppression.
13. When did the Papacy secure the power to persecute?
Ans.—A.D. 538, when the last kingdom which opposed Rome’s assumptions was plucked up, and the bishop of Rome was made, by decree of Justinian, head of all the churches and true and only corrector of heretics. By this twofold means was it established. The emperor had decreed it in A.D. 533 (see “Croly on the Apocalypse,” pp. 167–171); and when the last of the three opposers, the Ostrogoths, was overthrown, the Papacy began its career as a persecuting power.
14. Beginning in A.D. 538, when would the 1,260 days, or years, end? Ans.—In 1798.
15. What event marked their close?
Ans.—Under General Berthier, an officer acting under the French directory, the Papacy was abolished in 1798. Rome was proclaimed a republic, and Pope Pius VI. was taken captive, dying at Valence, France, Aug. 29, 1799.
16. What scripture was thus fulfilled?
“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.” “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Rev. 13:3, 10.
17. Did this act of France affect the ecclesiastical religious organization of the Papacy?
Ans.—No; it removed the head for a while; but soon after the death of Pius VI. the cardinals met and elected, March 14, 1800, Barnabas Chiaramonti to the papal see, and, under the name of Pius VII., “within a few months of his election, he entered his capital as a sovereign prince.” See “Murdock’s Mosheim,” sketch of nineteenth century, par. 1. But papal rule over other countries was broken. The blow took away his power to persecute. He was no longer acknowledged by the powers of Europe “head over all the churches and corrector of heretics.”

NOTES

INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

“Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;” “that thy profiting may appear to all.”

LESSON VII.—SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1896.

THE GREAT HELPER

Lesson Scripture, Luke 7:2-16.
2. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this.
5. For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof;
7. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee; but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
11. And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
12. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and much people of the city was with her.
13. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14. And he came and touched the bier; and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
16. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
(Memorize verses 14-16.)
Golden Text: “They glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us.” Luke 7:16.
NOTE.—The lesson section includes the whole seventh chapter of Luke. Parallel passages are Matt. 8:5-13; 11:2-19. In this chapter are illustrated four methods in which Jesus helped men,—help in sickness, shown by healing the centurion’s servant; help in death, illustrated by raising the widow’s son; help in spiritual depression, his message to John in prison; and salvation to all classes of sinners, shown by his remarks and acts at the feast given by a Pharisee. The subject of miracles is still dwelt upon. Capernaum was situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and Nain was twenty-five miles southwest, about seven miles from Nazareth.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Who was sick? Verse 2. Note . (2) What did the centurion do when he heard of Jesus? Verse 3. (3) How faithfully was his errand carried out? Verses 4, 5. Note . (4) What effect did this message have? Verse 6. (5) Who met Jesus on the way? Same verse. (6) What message did they bear? Same verse. (7) How did the centurion manifest his faith? Verse 7. (8) What reason did he give for this remarkable message? Verse 8. Note . (9) How did this episode affect Jesus? Verse 8. Note . (10) What did the messengers find on returning home? Verse 10. Note . (11) Where did Jesus next go, and who accompanied him? Verse 11. (12) What sad company did he meet near the gate of the city? Verse 12. Note . (13) How did the sight of such sorrow affect Jesus? Verse 13. Note . (14) What did he then do and say? Verse 14. Note . (15) What immediately took place? Verse 15. (16) How did this scene affect the witnesses, and what did they say? Verse 16. Note .

NOTES.

TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS.

By Editor

Upon examining our mailing list, we see that many subscriptions expire during the month of February. Please look at the date on the address label of your paper and see if yours is one of them. If so, it will be necessary to send in your renewal at once to save missing any numbers.
We feel sure that none of our subscribers want to miss any of the valuable instruction that is being printed in the SIGNS from week to week; therefore we ask all to notice the date on their address label, that they may be sure to renew in time to save any break in the subscription.
Early renewals save us trouble as well as yourselves.
Can you not send us one or more new subscriptions with your own? To any one sending us three new subscriptions, with $3.00 to pay for the same, we will send the SIGNS for one year free. This offer applies to yearly subscriptions only.

HOW TO GET GOOD BOOKS CHEAP

Special Offers to “Signs” Subscribers.

Steps to Christ.—By Mrs. E. G. White. This most valuable work has been published in six different languages in the United States alone, while chapters from it have been issued in tract form in some countries. Only those who have carefully read its contents can estimate its great worth. Neatly bound in cloth, 75c.
The Rights of the People.—An up-to-date pamphlet on religious liberty, and of permanent value for reference and study. Paper covers, 40c.
Testimony of History to Truth of the Scriptures.—By Geo. Rawlinson, M.D. An excellent and instructive pamphlet on recent archæological discoveries. Paper binding, 35c.
Dictionary of the Bible.—By Wm. Smith, LL.D. A very complete dictionary of the Bible, although small. 467 pages of closely written matter, well and attractively bound, Jewish calendar, map of Palestine, and other valuable features. Price, 85c.

Special Combination Offers.

The Signs of the Times one year, and “Steps to Christ” or “Bible Dictionary,” $1.50.
The Signs of the Times one year, and “Rights of the People,” or “Testimony of History to the Truth of the Scriptures,” $1.25.
Address
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Ca.

PUBLICATIONS WANTED.

CLEAN papers—Signs, Sentinel, and Little Friend—to be used in ship and distributer work. Send to Arthur Lister, librarian, 2917 South K Street, Tacoma, Wash.
LATE papers for city missionary work are solicited by Mrs. C. B. Webb, Box 290, Mountain Grove, Mo. Please send postpaid.

TO THOSE DESIRING PAPERS.

By Editor

Much as we dislike to refuse to insert requests for our periodicals, we feel compelled to do so unless the parties are personally known to us, or are indorsed by our state tract society officers, or ministers. If we insert the request of one unknown person, in justice we should all requests, and then advantages are taken which do not make for the good of the cause. This will be obvious to most of our readers, and we are sure none will take offense.

Publications on the Sabbath

THE LORD'S DAY, THE TEST OF THE AGES

Presents in the briefest, simplest manner a part of the Bible evidence concerning both sides of the Sabbath question. The subject is treated in a new and interesting way. Fully illustrated with diagrams and original illustrations. 128 pages, paper covers, just out, price 15 cents.

ABIDING SABBATH AND LORD'S DAY

A pointed review of two of the best recent productions for the defense of the Sunday sabbath. The best arguments in support of Sunday are undoubtedly presented in this book. 173 pages, paper covers. Price 20 cents.

CHANGE OF THE SABBATH

A brief treatise answering the question so often asked, “Who Changed the Sabbath?” 218 pages, paper covers. Price 20 cents.

NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

A candid and thoroughly scriptural treatise on this important question. 96 pages, paper covers. Price 10 cents.

THE SABBATH AND THE LAW

This work covers the Sabbath institution from Eden created to Eden restored, and its arguments are clear and forcible and convincing. 192 pages, paper covers. Price 20 cents.

THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH

An exhaustive treatise on the Sabbath question, in which every passage in the Bible which has any connection with the Sabbath, either in the Old or New Testament, is examined at length. It is a veritable mine of information, both Biblical and Historical, on this subject. Three volumes, paper covers. Price $1.00 per set.
… Send for Catalogue containing Price List of other … Publications on this Subject.
Pacific Press Publishing Co.
Oakland, Cal.
Kansas City, Mo.  N. Y. City, N. Y.

Christ or Diana: Enameled Picture Offer for Homes

By F. E. Belden

SEVEN 2-cent stamps secures (postpaid) the beautiful and pathetic picture . . . printed on velvet enameled paper, CHRIST OR DIANA

9½x12½ inches, with crimson bordered background tint, and descriptive corner lettering. This masterpiece of art, representing eternal interests suspended by a single thread of principle which the individual may never in a moment, ought to adorn the walls of every home, as a forcible object lesson for children, friends and neighbors. “Silence seals the assembly. Again the gray-haired priest repeats the conditions: ‘Let her cast the incense, one grain, and she is free.’” When ordering, state if you are parents or teachers of young children, and a beautiful picture will be sent for them, free of charge, with “Christ or Diana.” F. E. BELDEN, 6034 Wharton Ave., Chicago, Ill.

The Testimony of History to the Truth of Scripture.

By Rev. George Rawlinson, M.A., author of “Seven Great Monarchies.” This is a pamphlet of 240 pages, takes up the most recent archæological discoveries, and shows how thoroughly they agree with the Bible record. “The religion of the Bible, unlike almost all other religions, has its roots in the region of facts,” are his opening words in this valuable work, and the whole book is just as forcible and to the point as this opening sentence. We say again, it is a valuable aid to those who wish to briefly study the subject. Price, paper covers, 35 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.

Illustrated Tract.

One of the late issues of the Bible Students' Library, entitled “The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast.” Contains 4 original illustrations. The subject is one of vital interest to all, and now is an opportune time to circulate this tract widely. Order B. S. L. No. 130. Address your State Tract Society, or PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; New York City, N. Y.

A Living Witness.

In the fourth century of the Christian era the rapidly apostatizing church, which yet possessed a little strength, observed both Sabbath and Sunday, the former as a fast to some extent, the latter as a festival day. During this period missionaries were sent to Abyssinia, and the Abyssinians were converted—nominally and otherwise—to the Christian religion as it was brought them, even to the observance of the two days. Ever since that time they have observed them as they received them. They are living witnesses to the perpetuity and truth of God’s Sabbath and that it was observed by the early church. Centuries after their conversion the Roman Church endeavored to crush out Sabbath-keeping, but failed. Will it be accomplished in these latter days by crushing the nation?

News and Notes

FOREIGN.

—Despatches from China state that that government is ordering war ships of all classes on a large scale.
—On January 18 Germany, and Germans elsewhere, celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the proclamation of the German Empire.
—Madagascar has been declared a French possession—by treaty, it is said. But all the world knows how France has been bringing about a treaty in that island.
—The Italian invasion of Abyssinia has thus far proved rather disastrous, the invaders being severely cut to pieces by King Menelek’s warriors. It is now announced that 6,000 additional troops have been ordered from Italy.
—The great ordnance survey map of England, containing over 108,000 sheets, and costing during the last twenty years about $9,000,000 a year, is nearly completed. The scale for the towns is ten feet to the mile. The details are so minute that the largest scale maps show every hedge, fence, ditch, wall, building, and even every isolated tree in the country. The plans show not only the exact shapes of the building, but every porch, area, doorstep, lamp-post, railway, and hydrant.
—A new set of Spanish officers has taken charge in Cuba. Camilo Polavieja is the new governor general, and General Weyler, the captain general. Campos has resigned under pressure, as it is intimated that his plan of campaign was not vigorous enough. Generals Pando and Marin are to figure from now on in the Spanish moves. During the week past the tide of victory has seemed to favor the Spanish, and a late despatch states that Gomez, the insurgent leader, has been severely wounded.
—The United States has also taken a hand in the troubles in the Transvaal, in the line of demanding courteous treatment for the Americans imprisoned by the Boer Government on charges of conspiracy in the late Jameson raid. The principal prisoner is John Hammond, a prominent mining engineer, who is accused of extending an invitation to Jameson to come to Johannesburg. Inasmuch as Jameson has been released to the English, it is a very pertinent inquiry why Hammond, whose offense is small compared to the raiders, should not be released from confinement on bail.
—It is widely reported that an offensive and defensive alliance has been effected between Russia and Turkey. This of course raises speculation to an intense pitch in European countries, especially in England. It would mean that Turkey is practically the vassal of Russia, and that the latter power could march her troops where she pleased, and move her fleet into the Mediterranean at will. The way would then be open for France and Russia to demand British evacuation of Egypt. England at present appears to be standing alone and on the defensive. The troublesome report is not yet confirmed.
—A new and marvelous photography, the discovery or invention of Professor Roentgen, of the Wurzburg University, is receiving wide notice in the press and scientific journals. By this process, which employs a peculiar and powerful light, bones are photographed through the flesh, and objects are pictured through boards. Even metals yield up to view their fiber and internal texture. These are only a few of the wonders ascribed to the invention, whose utility in various ways, perhaps chiefly in the medical profession in the case of fractured bones, can not fail to be well-nigh measureless.
—Miss Clara Barton, president of the American Red Cross Society, with a number of associates, has left this country to interview the sultan of Turkey, and obtain permission, if possible, to distribute funds and relief supplies in Armenia. It is stated that the sultan refuses to allow this work to be done in the name of the Red Cross Society, but will permit private individuals to do so. A despatch from Arabekir reports 2,000 more Armenians slain in a recent riot. Considerable time has been occupied in the Senate the past week in the discussion of the Armenian massacres, and what steps shall be taken to protect American interests in Turkey and her possessions.
—All England is now in mourning over the death of Prince Henry of Battenberg, son-in-law of Queen Victoria, who accompanied the expedition that recently marched into Ashantee. The prince was not the only one, however, of the English who succumbed to the West Coast fever. The expedition, from the English point of view, was successful. Coomassie, the capital, was entered without a battle. King Prempeh has vowed allegiance to Great Britain, and promises to stand by the former treaties, grant commercial advantages to English traders, and discontinue his head hunting and human sacrifices. Then there is the indemnity that England demands of him to pay the expenses of the expedition, 50,000 ounces of gold. The golden salve heals many a wound.

DOMESTIC.

—The large American wooden ship Roanoke, just in harbor at San Francisco, reports three men killed and sixteen wounded by accident on her trip from New York.
—A despatch from Long Branch, N. J., states that the large new American liner, St. Paul, is ashore at this point in the sand. The 700 passengers were taken ashore, and it is hoped to save the ship.
—Detroit is doing its own electric lighting, at a saving of $17,000 for every three months. Besides this improvement, owing to municipal control, the city has a farm scheme for the unemployed, and has inaugurated a three-cent fare on street railways.
—Chicago’s Board of Education has decided to discontinue the departments of singing, drawing, and physical culture. This does away with special teachers. Grade teachers will become instructors in these lines. It is calculated that $100,000 a year will be saved by this action.
—Mr. Allen, Dr. Talmage’s associate in the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, has resigned, thus opening the way for Mr. Talmage to occupy the pulpit in the morning, which it seems was his desire to do. The resignation also gives to the remaining preacher an increased salary.
—The Postmaster General has issued an order providing for house collection of mail in cities having the free delivery system. In order to give the plan thorough trial, only about twenty-five cities will at present adopt the new scheme. The plan where tried shows a real saving of time to the carrier.

(Continued from page 16.)

By Editor

Editorial.

(Continued from page 16.)

The Ensign of the Holy One.—The distinguishing characteristic of the true God is creative power. The ensign of his power is the Sabbath, around which cluster the great facts of a completed creation. It is the only commandment in God’s holy law which reveals him for what he is, Creator and Redeemer, mighty to save, the Holy One of Israel. And yet when the badge of God’s authority is lifted before the people, many ridicule, despise, and reject it. This the Lord himself foretold in Isa. 30: 8-11: “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever [marginal, Hebrew, “the latter day”]; that this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord; which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits; get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Men may hide God now, and may hide his truth from their eyes, but they will sometime meet it all in the judgment. They will then also meet their own delusions, which they have chosen, ripened to their own destruction. See verses 11, 12. Now the Lord says, “Turn and live.”

What Is the Lord’s Day?

The expression occurs but once in all the Bible, but the passage in question does not reveal the day of the week. It reads as follows: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.” Rev. 1: 10. Now, according to God’s word, for this alone is authority upon this question, what day is the Lord’s day? Three scriptures will answer this most conclusively:—
“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day.” Isa. 58: 13.
“The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Ex. 20: 10.
“The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Mark 2: 28.
These texts conclusively show that his holy day is the Sabbath, and that the Sabbath is the seventh day, and that the seventh-day Sabbath is the day of which Jesus Christ is Lord. Therefore, according to the Lord’s word, the Lord’s day is the seventh-day Sabbath. Could we ask clearer evidence?

A Sabbath Reform Predicted.

In Isa. 56: 1-7 is a prophecy of a reform on the Sabbath just before the second coming of Christ, when his “salvation is near to come” (see Luke 21: 28; Isa. 25: 9). He pleads with the stranger, the eunuch, the outcast, to take hold of his everlasting covenant, and live, and he pronounces a blessing upon the man who will do that, and who will keep the Sabbath from polluting it. Reader, do you not want God’s blessing? He says, “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” This is paralleled by our Lord’s words, “Blessed are they that do his [God’s] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22: 14. Reader, do you not want this blessing?

Not Proportion of Time, but the Day.

The day of the Sabbath law is definite. It is not remember a Sabbath day, nor a seventh part of time, but the Sabbath day, the day of the rest. What right has man to change the day of the law any more than he has the proportion of time? If infidel France is to be condemned for making every tenth day a day of cessation from work, is not apostate Christianity equally to be condemned for substituting the first day for the day expressly commanded of God? The commandment only implies the proportion of time; it expressly enjoins the particular day. The proportion of time is incidental. The definite day is positively commanded. But we are not responsible for the blasphemy of infidelity or the sin of apostate Christianity unless we make the error our own by adopting it in the face of truth to the contrary.

Is Your Foot on the Sabbath?

In Isa. 58:13 the Lord thus speaks to his people: “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.” And then follow God’s promises of rich inheritance to his returning people. Verses 13, 14. Do you not wish to inherit these promises? Is your foot on the Sabbath of the Lord? Would it not be well to honor the Lord by doing as he says?

THE ATONEMENT.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

AN EXAMINATION OF
A REMEDIAL SYSTEM, IN THE LIGHT OF NATURE AND OF REVELATION.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
THIRD EDITION, REVISED AND GREATLY ENLARGED.
This work is a critical and exhaustive treatise on the plan of salvation as revealed in the Scriptures, showing its harmony with the principles of justice and mercy, its consistency with reason, and its final results as affecting the destiny of the human race. 368 pp.; cloth, $1.00.
Address. PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING MAN.

By Alonzo T. Jones

By Alonzo T. Jones. Bible Students’ Library, No. 78. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 16 pp.; 2 cents.

Is It, and Is It Not, Strange?

Is it strange that men should believe God in respect to the Sabbath day? Is it strange that they should turn from past teachings and practices to keep the seventh day, when they know from his word that God has enjoined the day? Is it strange that the word of God should be considered of higher authority than the teachings of men? Is it strange that Christians should regard God’s law as of more authority than the laws of state or the dogmas of church? Is it strange that they should follow the example of their Lord in the observance of the seventh day? Certainly these things should not be strange to the child of God.
But is it not strange that men who have been purchased with the blood of Christ should reject his allegiance? Is it not strange that men whose life has been filled with blessings from God, who have been preserved by God’s love, redeemed by the sufferings of his Son, should refuse to obey his law of love, and keep his Sabbath that was made for man, for man’s good? Is it not strange that Christians should refuse to walk in the footsteps of Christ? Is it not strange that they should refuse to observe the Sabbath observed by Christ and the good of past ages when it is expressly commanded of God? Is it not even more strange that “Christians” should prosecute Christians for working and resting on the same day that Jesus did? It is strange indeed, but all this we see in these our days. Says Jesus, “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Says John, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.”
Continue reading: May We Know the Day?—Why not?