MANY years ago we took our position on the ground that intoxicating wine should not be used at the Lord's Supper; and with all that we have known to be urged in favor of its use, we have seen no reason to change our opinion. At this time we wish to examine what is urged on 1 Cor. 11:20, 21, in favor of fermented wine.
1. It is not denied that intoxicating wine was known and used even from very early times; and, further, that it was used by the church of Corinth on the occasions referred to by the apostle.
2. We claim, also, that they knew how to preserve the juice of the grape, pure and free from intoxicating properties. Of this we have the most indisputable evidence. But we do not enter upon this field of argument at this time, because it is not material to an examination of 1 Cor:11.
3. It is urged that the word "drunken," in 1 Cor. 11:21, signifies intoxicated, which is proof that intoxicating wine was used, in apostolic times, at the Lord's Supper. We do not accept this conclusion, because there are important considerations brought to view in the text which are not noticed in that argument.
4. And it is further argued that the apostle is opposing, not the use of wine, which was allowed, but the abuse of it. And such, they say, was the intention of all those Scripture expressions where the use of wine is spoken against.
5. But this statement has not in it the least semblance of the truth, according to the words of the apostle. He was not trying to correct the abuse of wine; he was denouncing the perversion and abuse of the Lord's Supper. Our question here is not, What kind of wine were they using? but, Whose supper were they eating? And to this question Paul attends in this letter. He emphatically stated that, in their practice, when they came together, it was not to eat the Lord's Supper. We may appeal to all if there was any likeness to a proper preparation for the Lord's Supper in preparing for an occasion of drunkenness and gross feeding.
6. It is evident that there were very wide divisions in the Corinthian church; this the apostle directly declares and deplores. While part of the church was worthy of high commendation, for he highly commended them, another part had fallen into great depravity, and carried the greatest abuses under the Christian name. And this latter part was not a small part, as is proved by the chapter under consideration, and by chapter 5, where Paul speaks of the most shameful practices which had not only entered the church, but were practiced openly and without shame, which would not have been the case if the wrong were confined to a few. From all this we must conclude that we may draw nothing concerning our duty, or what is permissible in the church, from the practice of the church of Corinth; but we must learn all from the sacred word.
7. In explaining the true intention of the Lord's Supper, Paul simply said that the Lord Jesus "took the cup," saying, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood." Verse 25. And the evangelists used the same language. He does not here inform us what the cup contained; for that we must look to the institution of the supper.
8. Three evangelists give the explanation in the same words. Matt. 26:29; Mark 14:25; and Luke 22:18, all record that Jesus said he would no more "drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come." And now the query arises, What is the fruit of the vine? The fruit of the vine is simply and only grapes; and to drink of the fruit of the vine is to drink of the juice of grapes. But we affirm with all confidence that there is no wine in the market, either in Europe or America, that can truthfully be called the fruit of the vine. The wine of the markets is a mixture of grape juice, or some other vegetable juice, with certain proportions of water and sugar, converted, in part, into alcohol by fermentation. Alcohol is not the fruit of the vine. It is a dangerous, a deadly evil, that is every year destroying the human family by hundreds of thousands, producing more misery than any other cause; misery, not only to those who use it, and are often thereby sunk below the ordinary level of the brute creation, but misery, untold and indescribable suffering, to multitudes of helpless women and innocent children. And, horrible thought! alcoholic wine at what was called the Lord's Supper has proved the ruin of many souls, by arousing their appetites beyond their power to control them. "This is not the Lord's Supper."
9. We affirm that it is no more just to call alcoholic wine "the fruit of the vine" than it is to call whisky the fruit of the corn-field. Brandy, as well as wine, is made from grapes; shall we therefore call it the fruit of the vine? Shall it be used at the Lord's Supper because it is made of grapes? And if not, why not? The alcohol in brandy is exactly like the alcohol in wine. True, there is about four times as much alcohol in brandy as there is in wine, of the same quantity of each. But what of that? There is more alcohol in some kinds of wine than there is in others. If alcohol is to be taken in mixture at the Lord's Supper, who is to prescribe what the quantity shall be? If one chooses fourteen per cent., about the proportion in what would be called "good wine," who shall deny another the privilege of choosing fifty per cent., the average quantity in brandy? Both are made from grapes.521We might go further and notice that much that passes for wine in the markets is made of the juices of other fruits besides grapes; and the shocking idea of taking an alcoholic mixture, that is bringing multitudes to destruction, preparing them for the hopeless graves of drunkards, and making it represent the sacred blood of the everlasting covenant of peace and good-will to man! But we think that we have presented enough to lead anyone to pause before he brings such an element to the holy communion; before he presents to the lips of a brother that which may prove a snare to his soul. Let "no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." Rom. 14:13. J. H. W.
THE FIRST DEPARTURE OF BIBLE WORKERS TO REGIONS BEYOND.
By Stephen N. Haskell
It is now nine months since the house in Tufnell Park was opened for the reception of those who wished to fit themselves for Bible work. It is one year since the work commenced in London, and nine years since it commenced in England. We would not convey the idea that the London Training School is not a part of the English Mission, but it is a branch of the work that did not develop until a year ago. And while there has been much valuable missionary instruction given in England, as well as elsewhere, there never has been a specialty made of educating Bible workers, as is done in the United States, until the establishment of the work in London.
At first we hoped to be able to gather in individuals from the various churches, as in America, who would engage in the work. We have reason to believe there are quite a number who would be successful could they have a proper training for this phase of the work. But for various reasons we did not succeed in this. Our only hope, therefore, for immediate help, seemed to be to secure workers among those who embraced the truth as the result of the labors put forth in this city. Our work therefore has been of a twofold nature: first, to lead individuals to embrace the truth; and second, from them to develop laborers to go forth to other places, and carry the truth they here received. Our friends will at once perceive a vast difference, therefore, between our labor in this direction, in London and in America, where they have thousands of experienced believers to select from.
There is a general impression with some that if we have the truth we are at once prepared to give it to others. There are many who sincerely love God and the truth and are willing to sacrifice for the same that do not perceive the difference in "the word of wisdom" and "the word of knowledge." These are two distinct gifts from the same Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:8. Solomon clearly indicates the difference when he says, "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright." Prov. 15:2. Indiscretion in the manner of presenting the truth, and what portion of the truth is proper under the circumstances, and the amount of truth which should be presented, has often closed the door which the providence of God had opened before us.
We are instructed by our divine Lord and Saviour to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." Among the last words our Saviour spoke to the disciples before his crucifixion were, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." John 16:12. There is nothing strange in this when we consider that, after repeatedly telling them he must be crucified and rise the third day, they had questioned "one with another what the rising from the dead should mean." Mark 9:10. The same principle is taught in almost every page of inspiration. In the epistle to the Hebrews the apostle says, "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing." See Heb. 5:11-14. He writes to the Corinthians, "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." 1 Cor. 3:2.
If after the apostle had preached one year and a half at Corinth and the same church had had five years experience in the gospel; if the Hebrews at Jerusalem, after thirty years' instruction from those who had been with Christ; and if even the disciples of Christ, after being with him three and a half years, could not bear certain truths, it is no marvel that much instruction and experience are needed to become a successful worker; but it is the greatest marvel that more importance is not attached to properly educating others by experienced laborers, as to the best method of presenting the truth to others.
It was in view of these things that the training school has been opened in London, where daily instruction is given in the Bible truths and the Bible work. There are also opportunities for canvassing and holding Bible-readings.
For over three months there has been a class exercise each day at "Chaloners," with a regular attendance of four who have embraced the truth here, and some others also. For some time past these have been successfully holding readings. Two ladies who have thus been engaged sailed, July 25, on ship Medway, from Southampton for the island Antigua, to their home, with a burden of labor for their friends. The island contains 4,000 inhabitants, more than one-half of which are English and Americans. The love of these ladies for the truth, and their devotion to it, so precious to us, has endeared them to the hearts of all connected with the training school. They will be followed with the prayers of their former associates, that the planting of the truth in those islands of the West Indies where as yet no knowledge of it has gone, may be successful. These are the first-fruits of what we confidently believe will be a bountiful harvest, in due time. I need not add that tears of joy for this token of God's goodness in giving them a love for the truth and a burden for their friends, and tears of sadness at their separation from the school, were freely shed.
Three others take their places in the class and a number more are expected to do so shortly. Those who have freely contributed to this work, have the privilege of believing "the administration of this service not only suppleth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; while by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for this unspeakable gift."
The prayers of God's people for the work in this kingdom have been heard, and these are the first-fruits, who, at their own expense, carry the truth into "regions beyond."
THE CAUSE IN CALIFORNIA.
By John Norton Loughborough
THERE has been but little reporting in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES of labor performed in the State during the past summer, and it will doubtless be of interest to our readers to learn something of the situation. Brother and Sister White have aided much in counsel and labor at different places, for which we have been very grateful. The testimony of Sister White has been such as was very timely to our people. May the Lord help us to heed the instruction given.
In our spring meeting it was decided to send seven tents into the field, in this Conference, during the present season. This program has been carried out with one exception, it was expected that Brother R. S. Owen and Brother H. F. Courter, with Brother Bliven as tent-master, would use a tent in Santa Barbara County. Owing to the sickness of his wife, however, Brother Owen was unable to go with the tent, so, instead, Brother Courter has held Bible-readings with families, and meetings in school-houses, in the vicinity of Paso Robles, where some souls have accepted the truth. Brother Bliven has spent the summer in canvassing.
Brethren Healey and Hope, with Brother Brighouse as tent-master, have held a tent-meeting in San Diego. As the result a number have been added to the company there. At last report they had just erected their tent, for the second time, in another part of the city, and were favored with some attentive listeners.
Brother Briggs, with Brother Merrill as tent-master, has had the Los Angeles County tent in Monrovia, and is now in Pasadena. He reports thirteen as having signed the covenant, and others about ready to obey the truth.
Brother G. K. and Sister J. A. Owen have given a few discourses at the tent with Brother Briggs, but most of their time has been spent either at the Los Angeles City Mission, where a meeting-house is being erected, and where new ones are continually becoming interested in present truth, or in laboring among the churches in other parts of the county.
Brother E. P. Daniels, with Brother Rollo Morton as tent-master, and Brother and Sister A. J. Morton as assistants in missionary and colporter work, has had a tent most of the summer at Grangeville, Tulare County. A number have signed the covenant to obey the truth, and at the time of this writing Brother A. T. Jones is conducting a debate at Grangeville on the questions of the Sabbath and immortality, with A. Johnson, Disciple.
Brother Jasper Smith, Brother Kent, and Brother Bartlett, with Brother Osborn as tent-master, have spent the summer with a tent in Vacaville. This has not only been a source of encouragement to the church, but a few souls have been added to their number. Money has been pledged, and sufficient paid to secure a lot and erect a house of worship 24x36 feet. The brethren continue meetings in the tent while the house is being erected. Brother Kent has gone to Lodi to hold some meetings there.
Brethren Hickox and Derrick, with Frank Hutchins as tent-master, have the Nevada tent at Greenville, Plumas County, Cal. At last reports they had an excellent interest. A number had already decided to obey the truth, and there was a fair prospect of a good church being raised up. One or the other of the ministers occasionally visits the companies in Susanville and Willow Creek.
Brother Frank Lamb, Brother George Hollister, and Brother Frank Thorp have had the Humboldt County tent at Rohnerville, where a few have accepted the truth, and where preparations are being made for the annual camp-meeting of the county to be held. Brother Hollister has also had some meetings at a school-house a few miles up Eel River, where about half a dozen have already accepted the message.
Besides these tent-meetings other work has been carried on in various parts. Brother St. John has been doing a good work for the church in San Francisco. Brother St. John has conducted a Scandinavian mission in the city, with good results. Not only several hundred dollars' worth of periodicals have been disposed of, but several souls have accepted the522truth. Brother St. John spent about ten days at Little River, Mendocino County, and organized a Scandinavian church of thirteen members, and a Sabbath-school and missionary society.
Brother McClure has been kept very busy in general work in connection with the city missions and correspondence as corresponding secretary of the California Conference. Brother William Hutchinson has been holding meetings and Bible-readings in Stockton with favorable results.
Beginning with July, Brethren E. R. Jones, J. H. Cook, and Wm. Ings have been laboring at different points among the churches, and otherwise. Brother Cook's labors have been mostly in the Fresno church. Brother Ings's labors have been with the Santa Rosa church. He also held a few meetings at Penn's Grove, where three signed the covenant to obey the truth. Brother Jones was a few days with the Napa church and then went to Round Valley, Mendocino County, to conduct a series of meetings in a new field. Brother L. A. Scott has spent the summer in the State of Nevada in mission and colporter work from church to church, and from house to house. Such labor is very important, and, with God's blessing, will accomplish much good.
The writer has been exceedingly busy in Conference work, in camp-meetings, in labor with some of the churches, and in labor in connection with the Health Retreat, and editing the Health Journal.
Looking over the field I see much reason for encouragement, and more than ever the necessity of unity of effort to speed the truth. Our cause is one everywhere, and while it is natural that we should desire to see it move just where we live, yet souls are just as precious anywhere else. Let us rejoice that the Lord has wrought for souls, if not just where we live. Those who have had lengthy protracted efforts in their own vicinity will doubtless desire to see others share a like benefit, while they shall go on laboring for themselves by the aid of light and courage they have received.
It must be apparent to all, even from what has been said, that the California Conference has a large force of laborers to settle with in the soon-coming Conference. Besides those mentioned above there are many whose names are not mentioned who are laboring in the different city missions. To make these settlements it is essential that the tithes of our people should be promptly paid into the treasury. I am glad to report a coming up of our people in this respect. A large number are paying a conscientious tithe of their income, and God is blessing them. Would that all would do this; not simply that the treasury might not lack, but "the tithe is the Lord's." Certainly we may claim his blessing (Rev. 3:10), if we bring in the tithes, while we may expect leanness in our affairs. See Prov. 3:10. Pray prayerfully for duty, and perform it in the fear of the Lord.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SABBATH IN THE MESSAGE.
(Lesson 10, Sabbath, September 8.)
1. WHAT warning does the Lord send to the world, against the worship of the beast and his image?
"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, 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." Rev. 14:9-11.
2. How widely was the first message of this chapter announced?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Verse 6.
3. What is said of the second?—It followed. Verse 8.
4. And what is said of the third?—The third angel followed them. Verse 9.
5. If, then, the first one went to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, and the third one follows, what must be the extent to which the Third Angel's Message will go?
6. What does the first angel have to preach?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Verse 6.
7. What does this angel proclaim?—The hour of God's judgment is come. Verse 7.
8. What does he call upon all people to do?—"Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
9. What results from the rejection of this message?
"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Verse 8.
10. What came of the first falling away from the everlasting gospel?—"That man of sin," "the mystery of iniquity," "the beast." 2 Thess. 2:2-8; Dan. 7:11; Rev. 19:19, 20.
11. What comes of this second falling away from the everlasting gospel?—"The image of the beast," and the enforced worship of the beast.
12. When men refuse to worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water, what are they led to do?—To worship the beast and his image.Rev. 13:12, 13.
13. What then do the three messages of Rev. 14:6-12 form?—One threefold message rather than three distinct messages. See note.
14. When the first in order tells men that the hour of God's judgment is come, what does the third tell them to do, to be prepared for the judgment?
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Verse 12.
15. What is to be the rule in the judgment?
"For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." Rom. 2:12, 16.
16. When the first angel calls upon all men to worship Him that made heaven and earth, etc., what does the third tell them to do that their worship may be acceptable to Him, and also that they may avoid the worship of the beast and his image?
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12.
17. Is a man's worship acceptable to God if he does not keep the commandments of God?
"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov. 28:9.
18. Is it possible to keep the commandments of God without faith in Jesus?
"For whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Rom. 14:23, last part.
19. Is there any part of the commandments of God that points especially to Him that made heaven and earth?
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20:8-11.52320. Therefore in the time of the preaching of the Third Angel's Message, what will be done?—Every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people will be called upon particularly to keep the fourth commandment.
21. What day is the Sabbath of the Lord?
"But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates." Ex. 20:10.
22. Of what is it a sign?
"A sign . . . that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Eze. 20:20.
23. Why is it such a sign?
"For [because] in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed." Ex. 31:17.
24. Then of what is the keeping of the seventh day a sign?—It is a sign that those who do so worship the true God—"him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
25. What is the one great question under the Third Angel's Message?—Whether men will worship Him that made heaven and earth, or worship the beast and his image?
26. What is the keeping of the seventh day—the Sabbath of the Lord?—It is the God-given sign that those who do so are worshipers of Him that made heaven and earth.
27. Therefore what is the inevitable conclusion?—That the keeping of the Sabbath of the Lord—the seventh day—is the one point above every other that distinguishes the worshipers of Him that made heaven and earth from the worshipers of the beast and his image.
NORTHWEST NEBRASKA CAMP-MEETING.
By G. E. Langdon
THE camp-meeting for Northwestern Nebraska was held at Ainsworth, Brown County, beginning July 19 and continuing one week. The tents were erected on a pleasant site in the north part of the city near Bone Creek. The surroundings were pleasing and attractive. The meeting was a very successful one, considering the busy season of the year, and was a real blessing to all who attended. Some came two hundred miles to attend this meeting.
The Spirit of God seemed to rest upon the entire camp, leading many from the road of indifference and sin to the Saviour; while others who had grown cold were brought closer to their divine Lord. The interest continued good from the very beginning.
On the Sabbath the meeting was especially solemn. When an opportunity was given a large number came forward for prayers. Broken testimonies were given and the love of God came into all hearts. The services on Sunday were quite well attended from town and surrounding country.
The subjects discoursed upon during the meetings were doctrinal intermingled with practical religion. The subject of health and temperance received considerable attention. On Monday afternoon a Tract and Missionary meeting was held, which proved to be a very profitable meeting indeed. The State secretary was present and gave some very pointed instructions on, "What is Missionary Work?" All were privileged to ask information on all points, and to give short personal experiences in work done.
Monday afternoon eight persons showed their faith in the Saviour by baptism.
The good meetings held here seemed to inspire all to attend the coming State Conference at Grand Island if possible.
G. E. LANGDON.
NOTES.
By Editor
THE word rendered "followed," in Rev. 14:8, 9, is akoloutheō, which means, in constructions like that in this text, "to go with." Liddell and Scott render the word thus: "To follow one, go after or with him." Robinson says: "To follow, to go with, to accompany anyone." It is the same word that is used in Mark 5:24: "And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him." It is also used of the redeemed one hundred and forty-four thousand, where it is said: "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." Rev. 14:4. In both these places it is evident that the idea intended to be conveyed is that of going together, in company with. So in 1 Cor. 10:4, where we read of the children of Israel that "they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them," the word "followed" is translated from the same Greek word, and the margin has it, "went with them." From this we learn that the idea in Rev. 14:8, 9 is not simply that the second and third angels followed the first in point of time, but that they went with it. Therefore the second and third messages must necessarily be as widespread as the first. As a matter of fact, they are now inseparable; it is impossible properly to preach one without preaching the other two.
QUESTION 13.—It is the rejection of the first message that causes the falling away referred to in the second message. From this falling away the image of the beast and his worship are developed. And the third message warns against the worship of the beast and his image. From this it is evident that these three messages are inseparably connected, and form one threefold message.
AGAIN: The first message calls upon all men to "worship Him that made heaven and earth," etc. Those who refuse to do this are led to worship the beast and his image. The third angel follows, warning against the worship of the beast and his image, and calls upon all men to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The fourth commandment points directly to the worship of Him who made heaven and earth; and this is the very thing which the first message calls upon men to do. Therefore it is certain that these three messages are but one threefold message. They are three only in the order of their rise. But having risen, they go on together and are inseparable.
THE Lord commanded Moses to send men to search the land of Canaan, which he would give unto the children of Israel. A ruler of each tribe was to be selected for this purpose. They went, and, after forty days, returned from their search, and came before Moses and Aaron, and all the congregation of Israel, and showed them the fruit of the land. All agreed that it was a good land, and they exhibited the rich fruit which they had brought as evidence. One cluster of the grapes was so large that two men carried it between them on a staff. They also brought of the figs, and the pomegranates, which grew there in abundance. After they had spoken of the fertility of the land, all but two spoke very discouragingly of their being able to possess it. They said that the people were very strong that dwelt in the land, and the cities were surrounded with great and high walls; and, more than all this, they saw the children of the giant Anak there. They then described how the people were situated around Canaan, and the impossibility of their ever being able to possess it.
As the people listened to this report, they gave vent to their disappointment with bitter reproaches and wailing. They did not wait, and reflect, and reason, that God, who had brought them out thus far, would certainly give them the land. But they yielded to discouragement at once. They limited the power of the Holy One, and trusted not in God, who had hitherto led them. They reproached Moses, and murmuringly said to one another, This, then, is the end of all our hopes. This is the land that we have been traveling from Egypt to obtain. Caleb and Joshua sought to obtain a hearing; but the people were so excited that they could not command themselves to listen to these two men. After they were calmed a little, Caleb ventured to speak. He said to the people, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." But the men that went up with him said, "We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." And they continued to repeat their evil report, and declared that all the men were of great stature.
THE Israelites not only gave vent to their complaints against Moses, but accused God himself of dealing deceitfully with them, by promising them a land which they were unable to possess. Their rebellious spirit here rose so high that, forgetful of the strong arm of Omnipotence which had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and had thus far conducted them by a series of miracles, they resolved to choose a commander to lead them back to Egypt, where they had been slaves, and had suffered so many hardships. They actually appointed them a captain, thus discarding Moses, their patient, suffering leader; and they murmured bitterly against God.
Moses and Aaron fell upon their faces before the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation, to implore the mercy of God in favor of a rebellious people. But their distress and grief were too great for utterance. They remained upon their faces in utter silence. Caleb and Joshua rent their clothes, as an expression of the greatest sorrow. "And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us. Their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Fear them not."
"THEIR defense is departed from them." That is, the Canaanites had filled up the measure of their iniquity, and the divine protection was withdrawn from them, and they felt perfectly secure, and were unprepared for battle; and, by the covenant of God, the land is insured to us. Instead of these words having the designed effect upon the people, they increased their determined rebellion. They became in a rage, and cried out with a loud and angry cry, that Caleb and Joshua should be stoned, which would have been done had not the Lord interposed by a most signal display of his terrible glory in the tabernacle of the congregation, before all the children of Israel.
"AND the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me." The Lord told Moses and Aaron to say to the people that he would do to them as they had spoken. They had said, "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness." Now God will take them at their word. He tells his servants to say to them that they should fall in the wilderness, from twenty years old and upward, because of their rebellion and murmurings against the Lord. Only Caleb and Joshua should go unto the land of Canaan. "But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised."
THE Lord declared that the children of the Hebrews should wander in the wilderness forty years, reckoning from the time they left Egypt, because of the rebellion of their parents, until their parents should all die. Thus should they bear and suffer the consequence of their iniquity forty years, according to the number of days they were searching the land, a day for a year. "And ye shall know my breach of promise." They should fully realize that it was the punishment for their idolatry, and rebellious murmurings, which obliged the Lord to change his purpose concerning them. Caleb and Joshua were spared in preference to all Israel, because the latter had lost their claim to God's favor and promise.
THE Lord sent fire from the sanctuary, and consumed the men that brought the evil report, which made the people still more rebellious, and they murmured against Moses.