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The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 61, No. 47

NOTES OF TRAVEL
Earlier text: NOTES OF TRAVEL

TEMPER AT HOME.

By John Hall, D. D.

I HAVE peeped into quiet “parlors,” where the carpet is clean and not old, and the furniture polished and bright; into “rooms,” where the chairs are deal, and the floor carpetless; into “kitchens,” where the family live, and the meals are cooked and eaten, and where the boys and girls are as blithe as the sparrows in the hatch overhead; and I see that it is not so much wealth, nor learning, nor clothing, nor servants, nor toil, nor idleness, nor town, nor country, nor station, as it is tone and temper, that makes life joyous or miserable, that renders homes happy or wretched. And I see, too, that in town or country, good sense and God’s grace makes life what no teachers or accomplishments, or means or society, can make it,—the opening stave of an everlasting psalm, the fair beginning of an endless existence, the goodly, modest, well proportioned vestibule to a temple of God’s building, that shall never decay, wax old, or vanish away.—John Hall, D. D.

ILLINOIS TRACT SOCIETY.

By Lizzie S. Campbell

Report for Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 1884.
No. of members, ........................................ 347 “ “ reports returned, .................................... 147 “ “ missionary visits, .................................... 679 “ “ letters written, ......................................... 521 “ “ signs taken in clubs, ................................. 148 “ “ subscriptions obtained, .............................. 40 “ “ pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, .... 42,758 “ “ periodicals distributed, .............................. 3,452
Received on membership and donations, $31.49; on sales, $262.21; on periodicals, $340.28.
LIZZIE S. CAMPBELL, Sec.

REV. W. F. CRAFTS ON THE DECALOGUE.

By E. P. Saunders

Sunday evening, Oct. 26, the writer attended the services of the Yorkville Presbyterian church, at Lexington Ave. and 86th St. The pastor, Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts, occupied the pulpit.
The theme of the evening was the decalogue. The Scripture read in the opening services was a collection of New Testament passages showing the perpetuity of the law.
The sermon was an analysis of the ten commandments with a practical application of them, as rules of Christian living for the church of the day.
By way of introduction, the preacher defined the law figuratively by saying that it was a mirror, which, when held up before the transgressor, would reveal the stains of sin upon him; but which could not be employed to wash them away. “The blood of Christ,” he said, “is the only means of their removal.”
The sermon progressed beautifully and logically through the first, second, and third commandments, condemning the varied and multitudinous forms of idolatry and profanity. But when the fourth came up for treatment, logic and consistency took their flight. Said the speaker, “How many professed Christians when they hold that holy Sabbath law, ‘Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy,’ up before them, and examine their conduct in its reflections, are obliged to drop their eyes in shame and condemnation!” Very true; but his reference was to Sunday desecration and not to Sabbath desecration, as his subsequent remarks clearly indicated. He ignored entirely the remainder of the command, “six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” etc.
After listening with somewhat of impatience to the subsequent part of his discourse, I came home determined to address certain questions to the worthy brother at my earliest convenience. Consequently, on the following morning I wrote him a letter, which was in substance as follows:—
“Rev. W. F. Crafts, Dear Sir: I too believe in the perpetuity of the decalogue, the fourth commandment with the rest. The Sabbath is an Edenic institution, and not a Jewish. It was started on its mission at the birth of the race, and its mission cannot be fulfilled until the end of time; hence it cannot be abrogated. Thus far we seem to agree, but I desire to ask a few questions:—
“1. Was not the Sabbath law given with exclusive reference to a particular day of the week—the seventh?”
“2. What right, then, have we to quote that law as a command to remember and keep a day which it does not recognize as holy?”
“3. Can an institution, designed to commemorate an event which occurred on the last of a given series of days, be consistently transferred to the first, or any other of the series?”
“4. Since Jehovah founded the Sabbath, and made it holy, can any being other than God change it?”
“5. Was the day of the Sabbath changed by either Christ or his disciples? on the contrary, did not both he and they keep the Sabbath of Jehovah?”
“6. Did not the Christian Church keep the Bible Sabbath for more than 200 years after the death of the apostles?”
“7. Is not Sunday observance the child of Romanism?”
On the next day I received the following unsatisfactory reply:—
“Dear Sir: The points to which you refer are fully treated in my forthcoming book on the Sabbath, to be issued Nov. 29. See circular inclosed.
“Cordially yours,
“W. F. CRAFTS.”
The circular referred to is from the publishing house of Funk and Wagnalls, 10 and 12 Dey St., N. Y. It contains a list of six books on various topics, either written or edited by Rev. Mr. Crafts. Among them is the book referred to in his letter. The mention of it in the circular runs as follows:—
“The Sabbath for Man, a study of the obligations and advantages of the Day of Rest, based on Scripture, Literature, and especially upon a symposium of correspondence with persons of all nations and denominations. By Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts. 12 mo, 640 pp. $1.50.”
So I am patiently waiting to see a full treatment of the Sabbath question from the anti-Sabbatarian standpoint. When the book appears I hope, and expect, that our brethren of the Outlook will review it thoroughly and give the public the result of their investigation.
When will men learn their proper attitude toward God’s word? When will they cease to go to it for arguments to defend their traditions and notions? When will they enter upon its study with minds and hearts open to conviction? with feet ready and anxious to follow where it leads?
May the day hasten when the precious book shall be acknowledged, not only in creed but in practice, as the only rule of faith and conduct.—E. P. Saunders, in Sabbath Recorder.

INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY.

By S. N. Haskell; M. L. Huntley

(Continued.)
FOURTH MEETING, Nov. 9, at 9:30 A. M.—Prayer by W. C. Sisley. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved, followed by the consideration of resolutions presented by the committee at the previous meeting. This discussion embraced many points of interest, and all present seemed impressed with the necessity of urging forward the work in all departments by every means in our power. The good that it is possible for local societies to accomplish by thoroughly canvassing their several localities with our publications, was set forth. We as individuals owe a greater duty to our friends and neighbors than to those farther away. The idea entertained by many that nothing can be accomplished in their immediate neighborhoods is not true. The experience of the Battle Creek church, in the vicinity of which, more than in other places, people are supposed to be acquainted with our people and work, was related. Three years ago about fifty persons volunteered to canvass the city with our publications. The territory was divided among the workers so that the burden was not heavy on any one. This work has been carried on until the present time. The result outside was not great at first, but the church was much benefited. The workers frequently met together for prayer and consultation, and by this means maintained a lively interest in the work. The fruit of this labor has now become apparent in the city. Quite a large number have embraced the truth, fifteen the past year, and some Sabbaths as many as one hundred persons from outside attend meetings at the Tabernacle. The plan set forth in the resolution was highly commended. After carefully considering the work, local societies should organize their forces, divide up their territory, and make an earnest and continued effort to carry the truth to as many as they can reach. Many present expressed the opinion that a work of this kind properly conducted, would give life to many churches which are now in a languishing condition.
The second resolution had special reference to towns and villages not in the vicinity of local societies, and not sufficiently large to sustain city missions. In several Conferences the experience of two or more persons who have made a thorough canvass of small cities, doing colporter work and holding Bible-readings, has been very encouraging, in some instances from ten to twenty having embraced the Sabbath as the result.
The discussion on the third resolution involved important considerations. Several present related their experience in holding tent-meetings immediately after the locality had been canvassed for the Signs, from which it appeared that the Signs canvass was productive of evil rather than good. In other instances the results were different. In one Conference five series of tent-meetings had been held during the summer, three of which were preceded by colporter work and were successful; the other two were not preceded by this kind of labor and they were failures. In those cases in which the effort was successful, the colporters did their work quietly without reference to the tent-meetings which were to follow. When the time came for lectures, the tent was pitched, notices circulated, and the meetings commenced as quickly as possible. The opinion was expressed that some time should elapse between the effort of the colporter and the tent-meeting, and also that the work is not injured by the opposition, or even abuse, which the colporter often receives from the ministers in the place. These resolutions were adopted, also the balance of the report, with the exception of the tenth resolution. During the consideration of this resolution the meeting adjourned to call of Chair.
FIFTH MEETING, Nov. 10, at 9:30 A. M.—Prayer was offered by Eld. Waggoner. The sum of $100 was subscribed to the society. The whole number of life members was stated to be over six hundred and sixty. The consideration of resolution ten was resumed, and after some slight alterations by the committee, it was adopted.
At this point remarks were made by Elds. Haskell, Whitney, Starr, and others, concerning city missions. The plan of holding Bible-readings with families was highly recommended. Persons connected with reading-rooms were unanimous in the opinion that while they are indispensable auxiliaries in the city mission work, they are not a success independent of outside personal labor. Interesting remarks were made by Bro. W. C. Sisley and others respecting the utility of city missions as training schools for inexperienced workers. The experiment of sending students from the Battle Creek College to the Chicago mission, for the purpose of gaining an experience in the missionary work, the past summer, has been highly satisfactory. In speaking of the wants of this mission, it was suggested that donations of bedding, fruit, flour, potatoes, etc., would be very acceptable, and it was recommended that persons desiring to make donations of this kind, should send them together as much as possible, so as to avoid the expense of transportation in Chicago. It was also recommended that the donors should pay the freight. These suggestions are equally applicable to other city missions, and it was thought that most of them might be largely sustained in this way. Many persons, especially farmers, could make donations from their large supplies, and never feel it, excepting in the way that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The plan of having registers in our city missions was commended. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
Whereas, We desire uniformity in all our work, and believe that the use of a uniform name in our advertising, etc., in the various State Societies would tend to bring our work more prominently and effectually before the public; therefore—
12. Resolved, That our State societies adopt the use of such expressions in advertising, etc., as will represent them as branches of the International Society.
Whereas, It has been shown by experience that “Sunshine at Home” is a book that sells readily, and that creates a favorable impression, which assists in introducing other reading matter, such as the Signs of the Times and other periodicals, “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” etc.; therefore—
13. Resolved, That in our judgment “Sunshine at Home” should be sold by our canvassers in connection with our books and periodicals, as a means of defraying expenses and aiding in other directions.
After remarks, resolution twelve was adopted. Discussion on the thirteenth called out the experience gained in the canvassing work in different States, particularly with respect to “Sunshine at Home,” in which both the advantages and disadvantages of its use were set forth. This resolution was rejected.
The Committee on Nominations recommended the following persons as officers for the ensuing year: President, S. N. Haskell; Vice-President, W. C. White; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss M. L. Huntley; Assistant Secretaries, Miss Anna L. Ingels, Oakland, Cal.; Mrs. F. H. Sisley, Battle Creek, Mich.; Miss Jennie Thayer, Great Grimsby, Eng.; Mrs. B. L. Whitney, Bâle, Switzerland; Executive Committee, S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, Geo. I. Butler, O. A. Olsen, M. H. Brown, W. C. Sisley, and M. L. Huntley. On motion the report was accepted as a whole.
On motion, the presidents of our Conferences and State societies, also representatives from each of our institutions, were appointed a committee to make arrangements for representing our work at the New Orleans Exposition, and also to devise means for increasing the circulation of our pioneer sheet.
Meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
SIXTH MEETING, Nov. 14, at 2:30 P. M.—Prayer by Eld. Van Horn. The question of getting out new large certificates bearing the present name of the Society, was introduced, and after some remarks, it was voted to retain and use the old large certificate.
It was moved and carried to resolve the meeting into a committee of the whole, to discuss the circulation of our periodicals. Bro. W. C. White spoke in behalf of the Signs, presenting a new Signs circular, offering three premiums,—“History of the Waldenses,” “Sketches from the Life of Paul,” by Mrs. White, and “Sunshine Series.” Terms to subscribers and State Societies the same as last year. Several reasons were given for selecting the “History of the Waldenses” as a premium with the Signs. It is a book that will be acceptable and also beneficial to all Protestants. For our own people, whose experience will be similar in some respects to that of the Waldenses, it is a book that every one should read. Remarks were made by Elds. Haskell, White, Lane, Kilgore, Starr, Boyd, Daniels, and Ballou, after which it was moved and carried that we as a committee of the whole recommend the use of the premiums as presented in the Signs circular for the coming year.
Brn. Butler and Henry spoke in behalf of the REVIEW, but no definite plan was suggested. Remarks were made respecting the duty of ministers to obtain for the REVIEW the subscription of persons embracing the truth. Those who can take but one paper should have the REVIEW in preference to the Signs.
Moved and carried that the Committee rise.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
M. L. HUNTLEY, Sec.
(Concluded next week.)

POPULAR PREACHING.

By F. J. Dye

As indicating the kind of gospel that is heard from many modern pulpits, the following list of subjects is taken from the announcements of the various churches of this city on a recent Sunday: “Open Wide the Gates,” “Taking in Coal,” “Simon Peter Saith, ‘I Go a Fishing,’” “The Foolishness of the first Chapter of Genesis,” “Gospel Bells,” and “The Geological Search for Adam.”
Evidently we have reached a time when the words of the prophet are strikingly fulfilled. How applicable is his description to the popular, ease-loving professors of these last days! “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come [margin, the latter day], for ever and ever: 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, Prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” Isa. 30: 8–10. The apostle Paul, in his charge to Timothy says, “The time will surely come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables.”
What observer of the signs of the times can doubt that the time of which Paul spoke has fully come? F. J. DYE.
Minneapolis, Minn.

A RAINSTORM OF STONES.

The Battle Creek Republican recently contained the following:—
“The Kalamazoo (Mich.) Telegraph is authority for the statement that on Monday night of last week a rainstorm of stones commenced in Castleton township, Barry County, and continued at intervals up to Friday. They began to fall on the farm of Sylvester Osborne, and so thickly that men engaged in husking corn upon Osborne’s place were compelled to suspend work. Charles Osborne was hit by several of the falling missiles, but not seriously injured. The people are greatly excited, and many have visited the spot and witnessed the phenomenon. The stones are of a dark, volcanic nature, and are not said to fall with great velocity. They are undoubtedly aerolites.”

On Good Temper and Its Brightness

—Good temper is like a sunny day; it sheds its brightness everywhere.—Sir Philip Sidney.

Tears as Pearls in Heaven

—Dews of the night are diamonds at morn, so the tears we weep here may be pearls in heaven.

Look at the Stone You Stumbled Over

—Look at a stone over which you have stumbled only long enough to recognize it quickly when you come to it again.

Hidden Work Like a Hidden Vein of Water

—The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden under ground, secretly making the ground green.—Carlyle.

Consistency in Talk About Theories

—Some people will talk their theory for half an hour, and then close up by saying that theory is a very poor thing. They doubtless mean some other person's theory. Such talk lacks consistency.

MISSOURI TRACT SOCIETY.

By CLARA E. LOW

Report for Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 1884.
No. of members, .................................... 161 “ “ reports returned, ................................. 90 “ “ members added, .................................... 3 “ “ “ dismissed, ...................................... 2 “ “ missionary visits, ............................... 1040 “ “ letters written, .................................. 457 “ “ Signs taken in clubs, ............................. 180 “ “ new subscriptions obtained, ....................... 59 “ “ pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, .... 132,206 “ “ periodicals distributed, ........................ 1,728
Received on membership and donations, $9.50; on periodicals, $20.60; on reserve fund, $82.50; on other funds, $190.00.
The Societies at New Boston, Green Top, and Avilla, failed to report. CLARA E. LOW, Sec.

MINUTES OF MISSOURI TRACT SOCIETY.

By D. T. Jones; Clara E. Low

The ninth annual session of this Society was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Independence, Oct. 3–14. The first meeting was called Oct. 6, at 5:30 A. M. The president, D. T. Jones, in the chair. Prayer by Eld. Farnsworth. Minutes of last annual meeting read and approved. Reports of labor for the first three quarters of this year were read.
The President spoke of the encouraging increase of the work, of the establishment of a depository at Sedalia, and the advantages gained thereby. He also called attention to the fact that a copy of the Sentinel had been sent to every editor in the State, and that many had given favorable notices of it in their papers. Eld. Farnsworth made interesting remarks on the importance of tract and missionary work.
On motion, the Chair was authorized to appoint the usual committees, which were named at a subsequent meeting as follows: On Nominations, N. W. Allee, Eli Wick, Wm. Evans; on Resolutions, N. W. Allen, J. M. Gallemore, and Wesley Hoff. Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND MEETING, OCT. 9, AT 9 A. M.—Prayer by N. W. Allen. Secretary’s report read. Report of labor for past quarter was read, also the summary of labor for the past year ending Sept. 30, which is as follows:—
No of members 184
“ “ reports returned 315
“ “ members added 19
“ “ “ dismissed 8
“ “ missionary visits 1,688
“ “ letters written 761
“ “ Signs taken in clubs 254
“ “ new subscriptions obtained 304
“ “ pages tracts and pamphlets distributed 259,699
“ “ periodicals distributed 7,572
“ “ trial subscriptions obtained for Signs 312
The Committee on Nominations presented their report as follows: For President, D. T. Jones; Secretary and Treasurer, Clara E. Low; Directors: Dist. No. 1, Marcus Adams; No. 2, C. J. Dasher; No. 3, Rufus Low; No. 4, J. F. Klostermyer; No. 5, Eli Wick; No. 6, E. C. Slawson; No. 7, J. M. Gallemore.
The report was found to be incomplete, the committee having failed to nominate any one for Vice-President. This part of the report was referred back to the committee.
Remarks were made by Brn. Butler and Allee about the change of Treasurer, it having been the custom for the last four years to have the office of Secretary and Treasurer separate. The report was adopted, after which stirring remarks were made by Bro. Butler, urging all to engage in the missionary work.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD MEETING, OCT. 12, AT 9 A. M.—Prayer by Eld. D. T. Jones. The Committee on Nominations finished reporting by presenting the name of J. G. Wood for Vice-President. He was unanimously elected.
The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:—
Whereas, We believe that the greater part of the third angel’s message is to go to the world through the medium of the tract and missionary work,—a work in which every believer in the soon coming of the Lord can bear some humble part; therefore—
Resolved, That the directors of our several districts and the librarians of our societies exert themselves in getting every consistent Sabbath-keeper to become a member of the tract society, at the same time placing tracts in their hands and instructing them as to the most judicious way of using them.
Resolved, That we urge our ministers, when organizing churches, not to fail to organize tract societies at the same time, and to instruct the members in this part of the message, that they may at once become active workers in the cause.
Resolved, That the officers of the tract societies be furnished with a supply of our printed envelopes, filled with assorted tracts at our depository.
Resolved, That our ministers be requested to give some attention to the keeping of librarian’s and district secretary’s books, that they may be the better prepared to give instruction in this part of the work as they visit our churches.
On motion, the resolutions were considered separately. The first and second were adopted after remarks by Elds. Butler, Wood, and Chaffee. Resolution three was spoken to by Eld. Jones, who explained the printed envelopes, and mentioned the work that had been done with them. On motion, this resolution was amended to read as follows:—
Resolved, That it is the judgment of this society that all our church societies supply themselves with our printed envelopes, filled with tracts at our depository.
Adopted as amended.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
FOURTH MEETING, OCT. 13, AT 9 P. M.—Prayer by Eld. Jones. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Amendment to resolution three again discussed by Brn. Allen, Hobbs, Jones, and others.
On motion, the resolution was amended to read as follows:—
Resolved, That it is the judgment of this society that all our church societies supply themselves with our printed envelopes, to be used in missionary work.
Adopted as amended. The financial statement of the society was read as follows:—
Balance due REVIEW AND HERALD $1,828.69
“ “ Signs Office 130.48
“ “ Dist. No. 2, on periodicals 5.60
“ “ individuals 6.00
Total liabilities $1,970.77
Value of publications on hand $1,418.98
Cash on hand on T. and M. and periodical fund 326.89
“ “ “ reserve 271.50
Due from ministers and agents 933.71
“ “ districts on periodicals 226.06
“ “ ministers and agents on periodicals 78.99
Total assets $3,256.13
Balance in favor of Society 1,285.36
Adjourned sine die.
D. T. JONES, Pres.
CLARA E. LOW, Sec.

On the Folly of Saying Needless Things

—A desire to say things which no one ever said, makes some people say things nobody ought to say.

LESSON FOR THE SECOND SABBATH IN DECEMBER.

(See Instructor of November 26, 1884.)

IMMORTALITY.—THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS.

The following extracts are from Eld. J. N. Andrews’ tract, “The Rich Man and Lazarus:”—
1. “The account of the rich man stands at the conclusion of a discourse made up of parables. Thus Luke 15 presents us with the parable of the sheep, the ten pieces of silver, and the prodigal son. The sixteenth chapter is made up of two parables; the unjust steward, and the rich man and Lazarus. It is true that the account of the rich man and Lazarus is not called a parable by the sacred penman; but the fact is the same with respect to the two cases which precede this; and the three are introduced in the same manner: ‘A certain man had two sons;’ ‘There was a certain rich man which had a steward;’ ‘There was a certain rich man which was clothed in purple and fine linen.’”
2. “It is generally admitted that a parable cannot be made the foundation of any doctrine, or be used to disprove doctrines established by plain and literal testimony. But the doctrine of the present punishment of the wicked dead rests upon a single parable, and that parable the case of a single individual.”
3. “The proper interpretation of any portion of the Sacred Record will show that it is in divine harmony with the general tenor and plain facts of the whole book.”
4. “Three of the dead are here introduced,—Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man,—and all represented as in hades. ‘In hell [Greek, hades] he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.’ Luke 16:23. Hades is the place of all the dead, the righteous as well as the wicked. Thus, at the resurrection of the just, they shout victory over death and hades, from whose power they are then delivered. ‘O death, where is thy sting? O grave [Greek, hades], where is thy victory?’ 1 Cor. 15:55. The wicked dead are in hades; for at the resurrection to damnation hades delivers them up. Rev. 20:13. The resurrection of Christ did not leave his soul in hades; i. e., he then came forth from the place of the dead. Hades, therefore, is the common receptacle of the dead. Those who are in hades are not alive, but dead. ‘DEATH and HADES delivered up the DEAD which were in them.’ Rev. 20:13. Even the language of Abraham implies that all the party were then dead. To Dives he says, ‘Thou in thy lifetime [now past] receivedst thy good things; . . . but now he [Lazarus] is comforted, and thou art tormented.’ Classing himself with dead Lazarus, he adds: ‘Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed.’ The rich man then begs that Lazarus may be sent to his brethren, declaring that if one went unto them from the dead, they would repent. And Abraham, denying his request, said that they would not ‘be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.’ This scene transpires in hades, the place of the dead; and those who are in it are three dead persons.”
5. “A clue to the proper interpretation of this parable is found in verses 29 and 31: ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. . . . If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.’ This language directs the living to Moses and the prophets for instruction concerning man’s condition in hades. In their testimony will be found adequate warning to the living wicked, and facts of great importance bearing upon the proper interpretation of this peculiar passage.”
6. “The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek. Here an important fact is to be noticed: The Old Testament uses the word sheol to designate that place which in the New Testament is called hades. Thus the sixteenth Psalm, written in Hebrew, says, ‘Thou wilt not leave my soul in sheol.’ Verse 10. The New Testament, quoting this text, and expressing the words in Greek, says, ‘Thou wilt not leave my soul in hades.’ Acts 2:27. The Hebrew term sheol, as used in the Old Testament, is, therefore, the same in meaning with the Greek word hades as used in the New. In other words, the hades of Christ and the apostles is the sheol of Moses and the prophets.”
7. “It is well here to observe that the Hebrew word sheol is used in the Old Testament sixty-five times. It is rendered grave thirty-one times. It is rendered pit three times. It is also rendered hell in thirty-one instances.”
“Hades, the New-Testament term for the sheol of the Old Testament, is used eleven times, and in ten of these it is rendered hell: Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27, 31; Rev. 1:18; 6:8; 20:13, 14. It is once rendered grave: 1 Cor. 15:55.”
8. “Moses and the prophets were indeed divinely inspired on every point concerning which they wrote; but on the point respecting which we seek light, they have the special indorsement of our Lord. We may, therefore, confide in their teaching concerning hades, or sheol, assured that the great facts revealed through them by the Spirit of God, will be found in divine harmony with the teachings of Christ and the apostles.”
9. “The texts quoted above, relating to hades, or sheol, reveal to us many important facts. We learn that sheol is the common receptacle of the dead, whether they are righteous or wicked. Thus Jacob expressed his faith in what should be his state in death when he said, ‘I will go down into sheol unto my son mourning.’ Gen. 37:35; 42:38; 44:28, 31. Korah and his company went down into sheol. Num. 16:30, 33. Joab went down into sheol. 1 Kings 2:6, 9. Job was to be hid in sheol, and wait there till the resurrection. Job 14:13; 17:13. All the wicked go into sheol. Ps. 9:17; 31:17; 49:14. All mankind go there. Ps. 89:48; Eccl. 9:10.”
10. “Sheol, or hades, receives the whole man at death. Jacob expected to go down with his gray hairs to sheol. Gen. 42:38. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram went into sheol bodily. Num. 16:30, 33. The soul of the Saviour left sheol at his resurrection. Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27, 31. The psalmist, being restored from dangerous sickness, testified that his soul was saved from going into sheol. Thus he says, ‘O Lord, my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave [Hebrew, sheol]; thou hast kept me alive that I should not go down to the pit.’ Ps. 30:2, 3; see also 86:13; Prov. 23:14. He also shows that all men must die, and that no man can deliver his soul from sheol. Ps. 89:48.”
11. “The sorrows of hell, three times mentioned by the psalmist, are, as shown by the connection, the pangs which precede or lead to death. 2 Sam. 22:5–7; Ps. 18:4–6; 116:1–9. They are, in each case, experienced by the righteous. The cruelty of sheol is the remorseless power with which it swallows up all mankind. Cant. 8:6; Ps. 89:48.”
12. “Those who go down to sheol must remain there till their resurrection. At the coming of Christ all the righteous are delivered from sheol. All the living wicked are then ‘turned into sheol,’ and for one thousand years sheol holds all wicked men in its dread embrace. Then death and sheol, or hades, deliver up the wicked dead, and the Judgment is executed upon them in the lake of fire. Compare Job 7:9, 10; 14:12–14; 17:13; 19:25–27; Rev. 20:4–6; 1 Cor. 15:51–55; Ps. 9:17; Rev. 20:11–15.”
But for want of space, abundance of proof could be advanced to support the following propositions in addition to those already proven:—
1. “Sheol, the invisible place or state of the dead, is IN THE EARTH BENEATH. Eze. 32:18–32.”
2. “The righteous do not praise God in sheol. Ps. 6:5.”
3. “The wicked in sheol are silent in death. Thus David prays: ‘Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in sheol.’ Ps. 31:17.”
4. “Sheol is a place of silence, secrecy, sleep, rest, darkness, corruption, and worms. Job 14:12–15; 17:13–16; 4:11–19; Ps. 88:10–12.”
5. “There is no knowledge in sheol. Eccl. 9:4–6, 10.”
“Such are the great facts concerning sheol, or hades, as revealed to us in the books of ‘Moses and the prophets.’”

THE QUESTION CORNER.

By C. C. L.

“WHAT can be done with unconverted members of the Sabbath-school who will not get their lessons, and who resist as impertinent all friendly efforts of teacher and classmates to help them understand the importance of Bible study?”
A. The difficulties here mentioned are three: (1) The pupil is unconverted; (2) He does not learn the lesson; (3) He resists friendly efforts in his behalf from his teacher. This is an extreme case. The mind of such an individual is not cast in a fine mold. Most persons who attend the Sabbath-school, even though they be unconverted, would from personal pride try to get the lesson; they would be ashamed to do otherwise: and no person of refinement would resist friendly efforts for his good on the part of the teacher. But still it is true that in nearly every school there are individuals to whom the above description is applicable, in a measure at least. They may be unconverted and have poor lessons; they may profess to be converted, and still have poor lessons; while there are comparatively few, converted or unconverted, who fully appreciate or understand the importance of Bible study. What shall be done, then, in cases of this kind?
Do this: Pray every day for the conversion of that pupil. Pray that the Holy Spirit may soften his heart. Pray that your own heart may be tender. See to it that you never manifest impatience or coldness toward your unappreciative scholar. Remember that many persons who were discouragingly bad before conversion have made excellent Christians afterward, and that it is an important part of the teacher’s duty to labor for the conversion of his pupils. Remember that it is the part of a good teacher to arouse an indifferent scholar, and make the lessons so interesting that he will desire to study them. Remember that unconverted people cannot be expected to understand the importance of Bible study, and that you must inspire them with a sense of that importance.
“Yes, yes,” perhaps some are thinking, almost impatiently, “we understand all about that; but the question is, How shall the matter be accomplished?” That is a most difficult, but at the same time a most important, question to answer. The writer cannot certainly say how the teacher should proceed in every case; the circumstances must in a measure determine his course. But the following general thoughts may assist some:—
1. The teacher should be in an eminent degree all that he desires his scholars to be. He should be thoroughly, soundly converted himself, else he cannot lead them to Christ. He must have perfect lessons if he would secure reasonably good lessons from them. He must be alive to the importance of Bible study himself if he would inspire them with a sense of its importance.
2. Be uniformly kind and patient with the erring ones. You must win their confidence and love if you would benefit them. Take particular pains to show your interest in them. Go out of your way to speak to them.
3. You will be as likely to accomplish your object by means of private conversations as in any other way. Do not reproach the individual; indeed, it might be well not to talk about the Sabbath-school at first. Get acquainted with your pupil, and secure his confidence. Then at the proper time you can talk about the school, Bible study, and other religious matters.
4. Secure the co-operation of the best members of your class. They may be able to approach the unconverted ones successfully from their own standpoint.
5. Lastly, never become discouraged in your efforts; they cannot always “resist as impertinent” your efforts in their behalf, if you approach them in the right spirit. “A continual dropping will wear away a stone.” So, continued kindness will touch their hearts. If not, the patient exercise of kindness will still have done you good.
C. C. L.

Question Corner: Call for Sabbath School Contributions

Send in your contributions for the “Question Corner.” Questions, plans, methods, suggestions, experiences, concerning Sabbath-school work, from officers, teachers, or scholars, will be thankfully received, and will be studied, classified, condensed, and, if possible, answered, in such a manner as to be of interest and profit to Sabbath-school workers.
Continue reading: THE CLOSE OF THE MEETINGS