February 15, 1894

“When to Be Discouraged” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

When to Be Discouraged.-When in your study of the word of God, you can find where He has spoken a single word of discouragement to you.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.1

“The Objects of Love” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The Objects of Love.-When did the Lord love us? “But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Then can we ever let the fact that we have sinned be an obstacle to our trusting in the Lord? That is the great cause for trusting in Him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.2

“Behold Your God” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Behold Your God.-The message preparatory to the coming of the Lord is, “Behold your God.” See Him. Those who do not look upon the Lord now, will not be able to look upon Him when He comes. It is only by fastening the eyes upon Jesus daily, becoming acquainted with His looks and His glory, that we shall be able to endure the sight when His glory is revealed without a cloud.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.3

“Yokefellows” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Yokefellows.-Acknowledging that we are weak and without strength makes us yokefellows with Christ; for He took upon Him our sins, and is now “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” He tasted death for every man. “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Then He says to us, “That is not your sin any more, it is Mine;” for He gave Himself for our sins. If you believe Him, that weakness, that infirmity that binds you down is not your yoke; it is His, and He bears it for you, while you walk at liberty. He says, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.4

“What Hinders?” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

What Hinders?-God will not force us to separate from iniquity. He will not force us to give up our own ideas and thoughts, and therefore if we cling to our own purposes and ways we simply refuse to take what He said. That is the only thing that can keep us from having the fulness of the Spirit. If there is a soul that is not rejoicing in the peace and joy of the Holy Ghost, it is because that soul is hanging on to something and is not willing to give up.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.5

“Power and Freedom” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Power belongs to the Lord alone. It is not safe to trust men with power. When men have power and use it they always become tyrants. The Lord has all power, and in the thought of that is the most wonderful revelation of love, and kindness, and longsuffering, and freedom.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.6

With absolutely all power, with the hearts of men in His hands, the Creator of men, living in the flesh and giving His life to us, so that we live upon His life, has never exercised His power over us against our wills. Such is the Lord. Then no one who knows the Lord, and who yields to Him and His power, will have anything of arbitrariness; there will be nothing savouring of force or compulsion in him. No man who knows the power of God, which is love, will try to compel others to agree with him; and of course nobody of men who know the Lord will do so.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.7

It is the Lord’s power that is to work in men. That power we see in all the visible creation. There is a mighty power there, as in vegetation; but no arbitrariness. That power will work its way out wherever there is an opening; but it works in quietness. That power has dwelt in us, yet never has it been exercised against our will. Can we conceive of any freedom greater than that? It is the freedom the Lord has guaranteed to men, and He Himself will maintain it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.8

The very fact that the Lord has never compelled us to do anything, should show us that His will is not something against man. The Lord has revealed His will to us that we may choose it. His will is life and righteousness. When we choose that His will shall be done in us, then He will do it; for He has all power to work it. He “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. And when we give Him the privilege, yielding our way to His way, our judgment to His judgment, although He works in us, yet we are still free.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.9

This is religious liberty, the liberty that is to be proclaimed to man. There are many who profess to know the Lord, who are zealous and sincere, who yet do not know the Lord, because they think He is pleased to have them dictate as to how people shall serve Him. The only way this can be counteracted, as far as it ever will be, is to proclaim the Lord, and the freedom of the Lord, to everybody.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.10

Those only can proclaim the freedom of the Lord, who know it. When we recognise the fact that the Lord has been with us all the years, and yet waiting, having all power, and yet refusing to use one particle of it against our will, we shall know what it is that the Lord wants to be proclaimed to men. And this message will be proclaimed in love, for that is the power of the Lord.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.11

It is His power alone that is to be manifested. We stand where Christ stood. “I can of mine own self do nothing.” We can say, “His power is dwelling in me, because I am willing it shall. I am zealous of good works. I know His power is sufficient to work them. I have tried to manufacture them, and could not; now I yield to Him, that He may work in me that which is good through Christ Jesus.” Then it His power working in us mightily, and that power will work only that which is persuasive and gentle. There will be no compulsion of others, and the man who knows the Lord will always be a free man. “With freedom hath the Lord made us free.” The Gospel proclaims liberty to the captives; let us exercise it, and enjoy it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 97.12

“The Coming of the Lord” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

We often hear about warning the world of the coming of the Lord. It is true that men must be warned of the coming of the day of God, but there has been in the preaching of the coming of the Lord too much of simply warning. It is a message of joy. We are not to warn the world to look out for the Lord, and be afraid of Him. But we are to carry such a knowledge of Him that it will be joy. People are to have such an acquaintance with the Lord that the news of His coming will be to them a joyful message. That makes it glad tidings of great joy.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.1

As we hold Christ by faith in the heart continually, we know the joy of the Lord, and then we can proclaim to any man that the Lord is God, that He is a mighty Saviour, that He has all power in heaven and in earth, and that this power is not exercised in harshness, but in love and righteousness; and that this Being is near at hand. Take Him, receive Him, and you will live with Him now.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.2

Begin to live with Him now, and then you will go right on living with Him when He comes. There will be no break in the Christian experience. It will be simply a progressive acquaintance with the Lord. While we are looking, the heavens part as a scroll, and the Lord of glory bursts upon our sight. “Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.” We look up at the brightness of His glory, and that changes us as we are looking.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.3

The change takes place unconsciously to ourselves. We are conscious only of the greater glory. As we look, suddenly the glory is brighter, and we see Him in person, and the change goes on. “We shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” The first glance perfects the change. And we go on looking and living, for our life is in looking. To all eternity we will simply be looking. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; and they that look shall live. There is life in a look, and looking at the Lord, and not at self, will be our life throughout eternity.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.4

“The Will of God” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Some people never think of the will of God except when some disaster comes. Somebody dies, and they say that is the will of God, and we must bow to it. They attribute only that which is terrible or sorrowful to the will of the Lord. When anything comes that we can rejoice in, they seem to think that that is something that slipped in when the Lord was not watching. That is heathenism. Moloch, the god of the heathen, was made to represent the idea of God always watching in anger over the people, and they offered their children as sacrifices to appease his anger. The Lord is good. His tender mercy is over all His works. He sends joy and peace; and even the sorrows which come as the result of the curse and sin, He turns to our good, and those who love Him will get good in them. “All things work together for good to them that love God.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.5

We like to do everything we can for our children. We like to have them enjoy themselves. Sometimes they ask something that we know is not best, and we have to deny them. Suppose they should go away grumbling, and say that we never tried to do anything for them. “It is his will; and I suppose we must yield to it.” They know better. They know that we plan enjoyments for them, and desire their happiness; and when something comes up that is contrary to their minds, they feel it is all right. They thought it was the best thing, but they have confidence in our judgment, and so give it up. In that way they get the good out of that very thing that is denied them.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.6

Sometimes things may look very dubious. The way seems dark, and there are troubles and difficulties on every side. Now shall we groan over it and mourn and get all the hardness out of it? Some people seem to think that we must be duly solemn and mournful about a trial, because the Lord wants to make us miserable, and we must make it as hard as possible. No; there is good in it, and we get the good if we believe what the Lord says. We may not be able to see how there can be good in it; but He is the one who is to make it work for good. We do not have to make it work for good, and so we need not worry if we cannot see how it will be done. We cannot understand how the Lord will turn a temptation of the devil into strength for us. If He should tell us how He does it, we could not do it nor comprehend it. As it is His power alone that does it, we need not be troubled about how it is done.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.7

What a blessed thing it would be if men would recognise the will of God in prosperity, as well as in the adversity that they suffer. It is the will of God that men should be saved. Why do not men submit to that? If they should, they would find more pleasure in God’s will.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.8

It is the will of God that we should be delivered from this present evil world. Galatians 1:4. It is the “good pleasure of His will,” that He has made us accepted in the Beloved. It is the will of God that Christ should save us, and raise us up at the last day. John 6:39. Paul expected “a prosperous journey by the will of God,” to visit the church in Rome. And he had it too, although he was shipwrecked on the way; for he knew that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.9

If people who talk so solemnly about submitting to the will of God, whenever some affliction occurs, would talk also about submitting to His will in the sunshine, the showers, the air, the food, the flowers, and the fruits of the earth, they would soon learn that God is not always trying to make it unpleasant for His children; and they would soon be able to say, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.10

“Wonderful Assurance” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Wonderful Assurance.-Jeremiah prayed: “We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee. Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.” Jeremiah 14:20, 21.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.11

We come to the throne of glory. The apostle prays that “according to the riches of His glory,” we might be strengthened with might. And so Jeremiah prays that the Lord will not disgrace the throne of His glory. If it were possible to conceive of such a thing as are coming to the Lord acknowledging ourselves sinners, cast down by a sense of the sinfulness, and claiming His righteousness, and yet He neglect to give it, the glory would depart from His throne. God’s word, which word upholds all things, would be broken, and the universe would come to an end. Therefore in our sinfulness we may come boldly to the throne of grace and glory, knowing that it will not be disgraced; the glory will not depart from it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 98.12

“Speculation and Faith” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Speculation is uncertainty. It is always a risk. A man ventures something, not knowing what the result will be. He thinks that a certain investment will be a safe one, and will yield large returns, but he is not sure. He has no means of being sure. If he could be sure of the result, it would not be speculation. Very often the man who feels the most confident of the good results of his investment is most sorely disappointed.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.1

This element of uncertainty is that which wears out the speculator, and makes him prematurely old. His nerves are always in tension. He may have all his fortune at stake, and it is impossible for him to rest in perfect ease when he knows that a very little thing may dash it from him in a moment. No wonder that a man in such a condition often finds it impossible to sleep.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.2

Faith is altogether different from this. Faith knows. It runs no risks. There is no element of uncertainty in it. Christ is the only object of faith, and He is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.” He never fails. His power is almighty, and He loses nothing that is intrusted to Him; no one can snatch anything from His hands. See John 10:28, 29; 17:12.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.3

Christ is the “tried stone,” the “precious corner stone,” the “sure foundation;” and “he that believeth in Him shall not be confounded.” His ability to keep is shown in the fact that He upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:3. When the Lord would encourage us to put our trust in Him, He says, “Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these, that bringeth them all by name; by the greatness of His might, and for that He is strong in power, but not one is lacking.” Isaiah 40:26.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.4

So it is as unto “a faithful Creator” that we are to commit the keeping of our souls to Him. That which may be known of Him, even “His eternal power and Godhead,” are clearly revealed in the things that He has made, so that all have ample opportunity to become acquainted with Him. Therefore the language of faith is, “I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have trusted, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.5

Faith knows nothing of worry. There is no straining of the nerves to the utmost pitch of anxiety, for fear of what may happen in the future. He who knows the Lord would as soon think of worrying lest a comet should strike the earth, or lest the earth should come into collision with some other planet, and thus be wrecked, as to worry lest at some future time the Lord might allow him to fall. His strength is in quietness and confidence. Under the shadow of the Almighty he abides secure, and is not afraid, knowing that nothing present or to come can separate the soul from that “everlasting love.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.6

“Asking a Sign” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

It is only unbelief that asks for a sign; faith never asks for anything more than God’s word. The Jews were constantly asking a sign of Christ; but the Saviour said to them, “a wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.” Matthew 16:4. It is no more creditable to be seeking for a sign now than it was then. When God has spoken, all the evidence has been given that anybody needs; and to ask for a sign in addition is only an evidence of unbelief and an evil state of the heart.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.7

Not only has all needed evidence been given when God has spoken, but all the evidence has been given that could be given; for there is nothing greater and more powerful than the word of God. No sign can add anything to the word, though the word can add to the evidence of the sign. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made.” “He spake and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9. Thus the creation of heaven and earth is itself but a sign of the power of God’s word; and therefore the word itself is a greater sign than any sign that has been given since. In other words, the evidence of God’s word in confirmation of a thing is just as great as would be furnished by such a sign as the creation of heaven and earth.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.8

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the former is represented as asking of Abraham that Lazarus be sent to the house of the rich man to warn his brothers of the fate which had overtaken him, and saying, “If one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” But Abraham replied, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.” If one believes not the word, the greatest sign is powerless to convince him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.9

But who is asking for a sign? This is a question which each one should ask themselves. Let no one depend upon the integrity of his own heart, for “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” The deceitfulness of the heart is often acting and bearing fruit when we do not know it; and thus it may be with reference to what God has spoken. God has given to us “exceeding great and precious promises,” and has “blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ;” and if His word is sufficient for us, if we ask no more evidence than that, we have these blessings, and they are manifested in our lives. By them we are “made partakers of the Divine nature.” We have all that any man has ever had; for God has given His Son, and with Him freely given all things, to every individual one on the earth. Romans 8:32. “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are.” James 5:17. The difference between him and ourselves is not a difference in nature or in the amount that he had from God, but in the amount that he appropriated by faith. He believed God’s word and asked no further evidence. If we are waiting for some greater evidence, some special experience, some “sign” that what God has promised and says He has given us, is ours, we are simply in the position of the Pharisees. The trouble is not in God’s not giving, but in our not taking. We are manifesting unbelief, and depriving ourselves of the greatest blessings.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.10

No miracle was ever done by God to convince the person who doubted His word; and no miracle ever did convince such a person. Unbelief cannot be overcome in that way. And for God to deal thus with unbelief would be contrary to the principles on which He works. It would be to belittle His word. Of one place where our Saviour went it is recorded that “He did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” Christ could not do anything to put a premium on unbelief. He could not do anything to tempt men to disbelieve until they had seen a miracle. They might no doubt have been pleased, as Herod would have been, to have seen some mighty miracles done by Him, but He could not work miracles to gratify the desires of the flesh. And as has been said, it would have had no good effect had He performed them. The example of Pharaoh stands out as an example for all ages of the inability of miracles to overcome unbelief.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 99.11

When doubting Thomas had beheld his Lord and touched with his hands the wounds made by the nails and the spear at the crucifixion, and said “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” The faith that does not require sight is the faith that will stand the test. We do not need a sign; all we need is to believe His word. We do not need something more than God has given. We only need to appropriate by faith what we already have.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.1

“The Knowledge of Want” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The word says, “There is no want to them that fear Him.” That is because that when we know the Lord, we no sooner had a knowledge of want then the want is supplied. The revelation or sense of want comes from Him. So when we feel the want in our soul, it is God’s way of saying He has that thing to give us.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.2

You want righteousness, do you? That is, you feel the lack of it. How did you find out that you wanted it? who told you your need? The Lord let you know that want. How did He make you know it? Simply by the revelation of the thing which will supply the want.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.3

If we were to go into the wilds of Africa, out of this track of civilisation entirely, where the people know absolutely nothing of the conveniences of modern life, should we find the people begging for watches, for instance? Of course not; they would know nothing about such things. But in our cities a boy doesn’t get very old before he wants a watch. The knowledge of that thing, and the possibility of it, create the want.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.4

Why is it that you want righteousness? It is only because the Lord has revealed righteousness to you, the knowledge of right; for there can be no knowledge of wrong without a corresponding knowledge of right. We know a thing is wrong because it is contrary to the right.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.5

In every heart there are desires, greater or less, for a better life. We do not know how many discouraged souls there are longing to be delivered from the degradation into which they have fallen. They do not know how to get deliverance; and the reason is that they do not know love. They have not learned that God is love, and have not seen God’s love manifested in those with whom they have associated, and so they do not know how to have their longings supplied. But every desire of the human heart for anything better, every longing for righteousness, has been created by the Lord, and created in order that the soul might look to Him for the supply of the want.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.6

Whenever we want to be better than we are, the very moment that want comes, it is the plain language of God to us, saying, “Here is something that you lack; take it.” This is why there is no want to them that fear God; for every want is supplied and the very knowledge of it, if we but know it. In Christ there is everything, even the fulness of God. He is the “Desire of all nations,” and in Him is all that men can desire.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.7

ILLEGITIMATE DESIRE

Men may, it is true, desire many things that are not in Christ. But we can all testify from our own experience that the receiving of those things did not satisfy the desire. There was still a want there. Then that was not the real thing that we wanted, after all. We thought it would satisfy us, but a trial of it showed that there was no satisfaction in it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.8

It is as if we should sit at a table, hungry, and should try first one thing and then another, without finding the hunger satisfied. At last we find just the thing which the taste seemed to be calling for and which satisfies. There are longings as of the intemperate man for drink. He drinks; but he is not satisfied. The more he drinks, the more the longing is cultivated. There is this and that pleasure that men desire and indulge in, which do not satisfy. The Lord says, “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” Isaiah 55:2.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.9

There is not a longing in man that is not, unconsciously to himself it may be, really a drawing out after God, and for something which God can supply. So David says, “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Psalm 84:2. The nature of the flesh is sinful, and always sinful. But all this longing of the flesh is dissatisfaction. There is only one thing that can satisfy, and that is God. He is the Desire of all nations, and He satisfies “the desire of every living thing.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.10

If you do really want to be better, if you want God’s righteousness, stop and thank Him that He has given it to you. “His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.11

“Christ’s Trust in Adversity” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

There is no time when one would naturally feel less that the Lord is with him than when being sorely tempted. But that is the very time when we must know it and confess it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.12

The tempted one says, I am bad; is the Lord in me now? I believe He was there in that good meeting, when every one was happy. But here I am alone, and feeling depressed, and everything goes wrong, and the enemy is tempting me, and I feel as though the Lord had left me. By and by when this temptation passes, and I feel better, and as though the Lord is with me, I will confess it then.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.13

But it is in the trial that we need Him with us. It was in the trial that the Saviour confessed the Father. “The Lord God hath opened Mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not winds My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth Me; who will contend with Me? ... Behold, the Lord God will help Me; who is he that shall condemn Me?” Isaiah 50:5-9.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.14

When Jesus was in the Judgment Hall, and every one of His disciples had forsaken Him, and the soldiers were mocking Him and heaping upon Him the refinement of insult, who saw in Him the Son of God? Not even His own disciples. There was no outward evidence. The priests and soldiers saw no sign that He was the Son of God. “If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” What evidence had He Himself? What fruit of all His labours was there? He had chosen twelve disciples, and one of them had betrayed Him, one had denied Him with cursing, and all had fled. Of course His enemies would throw this in His face. They doubtless said, “You came making great professions; but where are your followers?” We know that they did mock at His claim to be the Son of God. See Matthew 26:68; 27:39-44. Even the face of God was hidden from Him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 100.15

What evidence did the Saviour have?—The word of God. “I know I shall not be ashamed. He is near.” It was the same in the temptation in the wilderness. Weakened by fasting, His visage “marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men,” a wanderer in the desert, the devil comes to Him and says, “You do not look much like the Son of God.” Himself coming as an angel of light, he tries to make out that Christ is an imposter. He says, If you are the Son of God, you created all things. Why don’t you take the stones and satisfy your hunger?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.1

And Christ knew that He could have done it. He knew that He was the Son of God in the wilderness, just as well as when at the supper, He washed the feet of the disciples as an humble One, He knew “that He was coming from God, and went to God.” He held to the word of God all through His temptation. He confessed, and declared the name of the Lord, witnessing a good confession.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.2

That is what it means to confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. It does not mean simply on certain occasions when there seems to be a wave of glory sweeping over the congregation, and we are moved in spite of ourselves. It is so just as much when we are physically helpless. It is just as true when the enemy is pressing us with temptations. It is as much so when afflictions are pressing about us, as when all is pleasant and clear. To confess is to hold the word of God as true continually. And the value of confession is confessing it in the heart. “Believe in thine heart.” “This word shall be in thine heart.” Let not the enemy snatch it away.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.3

It is only by the fixed knowledge, through His word, that God is with us, that we can ever resist any temptation. So when the enemy comes in like a flood, let the Spirit of the Lord lift up the standard against him in your heart. “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Keep “the faith of Jesus,” and victory is yours.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.4

“The Papacy and the Schools” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

For over twenty years the Board of Schools of London have been conducted according to a “compromise,” to the effect that “religion” shall be taught, but that the children shall not be instructed in any distinctive doctrines. Of course this resulted practically in no religious teaching at all, and thus satisfied many Nonconformists who thought that religious instruction is the work of the church, and not of the Government. But as it was only a compromise, trouble must necessarily result from it. There are now two distinct parties on the School Board, and among the people. One party wishes to have the teaching of definite dogmas, while the other party wishes to have the compromise maintained. There are none on the Board, and none to speak of among the people, who dare advocate no religious instruction whatever in the public schools.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.5

It is obvious that the party which stands for definite religious instruction has the stronger position, and it is also the stronger in numbers. For any thoughtful person can see the inconsistency of trying to maintain “religious” teaching while insisting that nothing definite shall be taught.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.6

Quite recently the party which is determined to force definite religious instruction upon the school children, has scored a victory. This party may be styled the “church party,” since its leaders are very “high” churchmen. The victory consists in the passage of an amendment to the effect that the “Christian religion” is to be taught. Of the value of this amendment the Catholic Times and Catholic Opinion speaks thus:—PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.7

The denominational party in the London School Board have scored a triumph. Mr. Athelstan Riley and his friends had carried an amendment which is of vast importance for the future of religious instruction in Board Schools. To some easy-going people there may not appear much in the resolution which substitutes the words “Christian religion and morality” for “religion and morality.” But there is a deep, underlying principle in the change.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.8

Indeed there is, and that “deep, underlying principle” is the principle of the Papacy. In the fourth century, when Constantine was manipulating the church for political ends, he first issued an edict granting freedom of worship to all. Then he commanded that all church buildings should be restored to the Christians. But this was not definite enough, because there were divisions among the professed Christians; and therefore Constantine issued another decree specifying that the property must be given only to the “Catholic” Christians, as distinct from the Arians. But this was not sufficient, as there were parties in the so-called “Catholic” church; therefore Constantine had to specify which party of the Catholic church He meant to favour.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.9

So we see that the Catholic Times has good reason to be pleased with this triumph of the denominational party in the School Board. It knows that the logical outcome is the specification of what the “Christian religion” is, and that means eventually the complete Romanising of the schools.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.10

This next step is already being taken. A few days ago there was a contest in the Board, of over nine hours’ duration, over the proposed issue of a circular to the teachers defining exactly what they should teach as the Christian religion. The matter was not settled before adjournment, although the church party had a majority. It might be a matter of interest to know that in this struggle the spirits of the church party were kept up by a liberal supply of beer and oysters, while the members of the opposing party regaled themselves with oranges and buns.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.11

We have space for only the two following paragraphs of the circular which the church party propose to send to all the teachers:—PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.12

The Board have never intended their teachers to diverge from the presentation of the Christian religion which is revealed in the Bible. While following the Syllabus which is suggested to you yearly, you are at liberty to refer to other parts of the Bible by which the principles of the Christian religion may be elucidated and enforced. But in the course of the lessons as opportunity occurs you will impress upon the children the relation in which they stand to God the Father as their Creator; to God the Son as their Redeemer; and to God the Holy Ghost as their Sanctifier.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.13

The Board cannot approve of any teaching which denies either the Divine or the Human Nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, or which leaves on the minds of the children any other impression than that they are bound to trust and serve Him as their God and Lord.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.14

In moving the adoption of this circular, Canon Bristow congratulated the Board on the stage at which it had arrived on this difficult and important question. He said that they had settled that the religious instruction was to be in the Christian religion. “The further question now came, What did they mean by the Christian religion? The circular explained exactly what they meant.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 101.15

Still further, the Rev. J. J. Coxhead, who is the author of the circular, in replying to a speaker who asked “that there should be left in the hands of the teachers absolute liberty to explain according to their private judgment the doctrines of the Bible,” said that “they had no right to give that amount of liberty to the teacher.” Therefore we are assured that the religion to be taught in the schools is not merely the Christian religion, but is to be the Christian religion as defined by the majority of the School Board.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.1

It is useless to raise the cry of bigotry, or to charge the promoters of this scheme with being hypocrites. We cannot allow that they are thoroughly honest in their convictions, and that there is no more bigotry in their composition than there is in those who are opposed to the circular. Hard words will not affect the matter in the least.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.2

Neither will we at this time speak particularly of the manifest injustice of taking the money raised by taxation of the entire body of the people, for the purpose of teaching what is believed by only a portion. The precept, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them,” should be honoured by all who profess to be Christians. Therefore if a Christian would object to being taxed to support the teaching of infidelity, he should be as unwilling to tax an infidel to support the preaching of the Gospel. The fact that the Gospel is right, and that infidelity is wrong, has nothing to do with it. Christ who is the Truth, says, “If any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not.” John 12:47. That course which is contrary to the teaching of Christ, is not Christian, no matter what it may be called.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.3

The ground on which we base our dissent from such a course as is proposed, is the ground that the Christian religion cannot be taught in the way that is proposed; it cannot be made a matter for examination, as is arithmetic and grammar. We believe in God; we believe in Jesus Christ as the Word is God, and who was made flesh; and we believe in the Holy Spirit as the Divine revealer of both the Father and the Son,—a Being so wonderfully sacred as not to admit of description even by Inspiration. But the truth about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit cannot be taught in Board Schools. The teaching will at best be but a form of godliness, without the power, and that is the Papacy, or Paganism veneered with seeming Christianity.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.4

The Scripture says: “No man can say that Jesus Christ is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Corinthians 12:3. When Peter made his clear confession of faith to the Saviour, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus replied, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 16:16, 17. And again Jesus said: “All things are delivered unto Me of My Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.5

From these Scriptures it is evident that any amount of teaching about God will not make people acquainted with Him, unless the Holy Spirit prompts and accompanies the teaching. No man knows of the Lord, unless he knows Him as His own, personal Saviour. No one knows Jesus Christ, except he in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. Therefore the only way in which the children can be taught the things which the circular requires, is for the teachers to turn the schools into missions, and to labour in earnest for their genuine conversion. We strongly suspect that the churchmen who are clamouring for religious instruction, would be the first to object if such teaching were given as would lead the children really to know the Lord.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.6

This movement is wholly Papal. There is in it none of the religion of Jesus. It is essentially Papal, in that it requires teachers to take their religious ideas from the School Board, which thus occupies the position of pope.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.7

It is Papal, in that it makes religion to consist of dogmas, instead of being only the life of Christ. Pure and undefiled religion is nothing less than the life of Jesus Christ personally lived by Himself in an individual. The life of Christ can never be put into a formula nor a creed. No man can comprehend God; and so no man can describe Him. Therefore no man, nor any body of men, can frame any propositions that will set forth the true religion. The life of God is “broader than the measure of man’s mind.” Personal yielding to God, for Him to live His own life in us in His own way, is the only true religion.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.8

We pass by the fact that an inquisition would be demanded to decide upon the ability of men and women to teach religion. The main point is that at the very best the form of godliness would be taught, without the power. It would be religion without life, which is Paganism. But it would be Paganism under the name of the church of Christ, and that is Papacy.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.9

We call no man hard names, and have nothing to do with the controversy. Our part is to set forth the religion of Jesus Christ, and that leaves no time for controversy. And we wish that all who profess to love the Lord, might be so well acquainted with Him that they would know that it is hollow mockery to profess to make either adults or children acquainted with Him, by familiarising them with a form of words.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.10

“God’s Word to You” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1, 2. “Us” means each one, each individual, to whom the words that are spoken come. The same thought is presented in the language of Paul’s discourse in the synagogue at Antioch: “Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.” Acts 13:26.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.11

God’s word, therefore, comes directly from Him to us as individuals; and in this way we should receive it. There are two things that we should note in connection with the word of salvation; first, that it is God who speaks; and second, that we are the ones to whom He speaks. If we fail in either of these points, the word is not, to us, the word of salvation.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.12

The word of man is nothing, and whatever word we receive as from man, amounts to nothing to us. If we do not hear the voice of God, the words spoken can do us no good. And if, hearing the voice of God, we do not take it to ourselves so that we receive it into our hearts, we likewise derive no benefit.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.13

Paul and his letter to the Thessalonians, expresses his thanks to God, that “when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” When it is received as the word of God, it effectually works in the believer’s heart; and this is the benefit that it brings to us. If we receive it not as the word of God, or receive it not in our own hearts, it cannot work in us, and it is in vain that we have heard it at all.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 102.14

It is a fatal mistake to let anything come between us and the word of God, for thereby we debar the word from entering into our hearts. The Psalmist said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” The word of God in the heart, keeps the individual from sin, and this is the greatest good that can come to any one of the children of Adam. But when something comes between us and the word, the safeguard against sin is not there.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.1

No pope, no church, nor any man or invention of man, should stand between the individual and the word of the Lord. He who receives the light of God’s word through the traditions or opinions of men, whether ecclesiastical or not, will receive it so darkened that he will be unable to discern by it the way of life. He who lets priest or minister explain to him the word of God, and depends upon that rather than on the word itself, is not standing on a foundation that cannot be removed. First receive the word in truth, whether it be understood or not; and then look to God to make His meaning clear. Then whatever means God uses to do this, will be recognised as but a means, all the attention will be drawn alone to God.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.2

Let it be ever remembered that the word of God is Jesus Christ. “God ... hath spoken unto us by His Son.” And we read also that “In the beginning was Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:1, 14. That Word is Christ. Therefore if Christ be in us, God’s word is innocent; and if His word be not in us, neither is His Son, and we are with those “having no hope and without God in the world.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.3

In Christ, who has identified Himself with sinful flesh, the word of God is veiled, so that its glory and power do not destroy us. There was a time when God spoke His word directly to men with an audible voice, as we read in Exodus 20., which describes the giving of the law from Mount Sinai; but the Israelites could not endure the words, and removed in terror and stood afar off, and said to Moses, “Speak thou with us and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” Exodus 20:19; Hebrews 12:19. And the Lord said that their words were well spoken; for He knew that they could not endure His words. Deuteronomy 5:28; 18:17. So God spoke to them through Moses and “by the prophets;” and in “these last days” He speaks to us “by His Son,” “in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14. In Christ we have the life of the word of God, but not that which speaks death to sinners, and struck such terror to the hearts of the listeners around Mount Sinai. When Christ’s intercession for man is ended, when His work as High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary is done, then the Word of God will come forth again to men in unveiled majesty; and the result will be that described in Revelation 19:13-15.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.4

If we receive not that word now, we must receive it then, when its effect will be destruction. Therefore let us receive the word now, by faith, by believing it, while it is veiled in the flesh of Christ. Christ is the Word; and that word is now to us, if we but take it, “wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.5

“Defining Religion” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

In one course of the discussion upon the question of teaching religion in the London Board Schools, a point was recently reached where it seemed to devolve upon the School Management Committee to define religion which it is proposed to have taught, which is doubtless meant to be the Christian religion. Some definition will of course be necessary if religion is to be placed in the catalogue with other well-defined subjects which pertain to school education, and made, as they are, a matter of Board supervision; for the only way in which a School Board or Committee can know whether religion is being taught or not in the schools is to ascertain whether the teacher is conforming to some standard of religious teaching which has been previously determined for his guidance.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.6

Wherever religion is made a subject of law or school regulation, a definition of religion becomes necessary in order to know whether the regulation is being carried out or infringed. Without it, the regulation would become inoperative. We may draw an illustration from the National and State Constitutions in America. The United States Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” yet this did not prevent the National Congress in the summer of 1892 from enacting that the gift of $2,500,000 in aid of the World’s Fair at Chicago should be conditional upon the observance of Sunday in all things that pertain to the Fair. And the State Constitutions, most, if not all of which guaranteed to all citizens entire freedom in religious belief and practice, are not considered to be violated by laws which compel those same citizens to keep Sunday by refraining from all work except works of necessity and charity. These provisions might and probably would be more or less evaded even were they accompanied with a definition of what the term “religion” includes; but without it there is practically no restriction at all, since the law is left to become operative in as many different ways as there are different conceptions of “religion” in the minds of members of Congress or of State legislatures, or of the courts. Nor is this diversity of opinion any less among people here than it is across the Atlantic.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.7

We have not yet seen any definition of religion purporting to come from the authorities having charge of the Board Schools and do not know whether they have yet attempted to produce one; but we are certain that whatever definition of religion they may produce will not be a correct one. It cannot be; for religion, as a belief, cannot be defined. Why not? Because it is not a belief, or system of doctrines, but a life. It is something a person can receive, but not something that he can learn. It cannot be given him by man, but must be imparted to him by God, through the experience of death (to sin) and the resurrection.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.8

Only God Himself can define religion, and He has never seen fit to do so. But the man, whose thoughts and knowledge are as much below God’s as the earth is below the heavens, thinks himself competent for the task! The work which men have done in making creeds and “Confessions of faith” in past times, affords no lesson to the wise men of this generation. But did not the Apostle James define religion? Yes; James said, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1. 27. But this is a life, and not a creed. It can be lived, by Christ dwelling in the heart; but it cannot be defined. It cannot be separated into different precepts and put piecemeal into the youthful minds. It can never be made available for any such purpose as that now agitating the authorities of the Board Schools.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 103.9

Solomon says, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. The ten commandments are, indeed, a definition of religion, but not one that is available for us. The sin-darkened mind cannot understand the law of God; it must be enlightened by the Spirit of God in order to discern that which the law forbids. The law itself does not enlighten the sinner. It only condemns him. Christ is the source of enlightenment, for He is “the light of the world;” so that it is useless to try to teach people religion by teaching them the law; for until they first have Christ, they can neither understand the law or keep it. Without Christ, the law is a yoke of bondage, speaking only death; and all ceremonies, observances, and doctrines become but the works of the flesh.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.1

Religion-the Christian religion-is Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, living His life and working His works. When Christ and His life can be defined, religion can be defined, and not before. And until Christ can be put into the heart by a course of instruction, as history and mathematics can be put into the mind, it will be useless to try to teach the Christian religion in the schools. All that any person can do is to let Christ live the Christian religion in him, so that it will attract those around him, and teach them the language of the word of God. Then they can get the Christian religion by believing that word, and this is the only way that any person can ever get it. The knowledge of the Christian religion comes not through man, but through faith in the word of God.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.2

“Sitting in Heavenly Places” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The Christian, though on earth, sits in heavenly places; for we read that “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.3

Sitting in heavenly places, we have a view of heavenly things. We have not been raised to heavenly places to continue still looking at earth, but in order that our themes of contemplation may be the exalted themes of the life immortal. This is our privilege, now, even while still here in the flesh. We have been as it were taken out of this world, and lifted above into the glorious realm of eternal joy and light and peace; and the Lord now wants us to realise the fact, and open our eyes and ears to take in the glories which this realm affords. Though still on earth, we have been translated, as it were, to heaven itself, that our thoughts may be the thoughts of heaven and our language the language of heaven. The Lord does not compel us to wait till the last work is done before knowing and seeing something of the celestial Canaan. He is willing that we should know something of it here. He is anxious that we should see and experience now the joys of the life to come.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.4

God shut man out of the literal paradise, lest he should as a sinner put forth his hand and eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and live for ever; but He has never shut man out of the spiritual heaven. He has never withheld from man anything that was for his good. He has never shut away from him the light and joy and peace which heaven knows. On the contrary, He has at infinite cost kept these still within man’s reach, and invited and pleaded with him to take them. Though confined bodily to this world of darkness and sin, God never designed that man should give himself up to the influence of its darkness and see nothing but its misery and sin. Enoch the seventh from Adam, walked with God. He had the society of God, the thoughts of God, and all the joys that companionship with God affords. He experienced heaven below; and it is just this that we may do and must do before we know it above.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.5

We have been made to “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” and all we have to do is to open our eyes and behold what is around us. But we may keep our eyes shut, and still not know where we are; and how pitiable is the condition of the one who has been exalted to heaven, but refuses to open his eyes, and so imagines himself still on earth! No person will know anything of heaven until he is willing to open his eyes. Until he does that, he will never see anything more than he has seen, and his thoughts will never rise above the same low level.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.6

The mission of Jesus Christ is “to open the blind eyes.” Isaiah 42:7. He opens the eyes that are blind to spiritual things. He is the light of the world; and in Him we see. We cannot see when we are not in the light. So likewise we cannot see heavenly things outside of Him. We “sit together in heavenly places” not without Him, but in Him. To be in Him and abide in Him, we must believe. So in order to see, we must have faith. People commonly reverse this and think they must first see in order to have faith; but such is not the scriptural way. By faith we abide in Him, and then, being in the light, we see.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 104.7

If we try to see first, we shall not be able to do it; for we are in the blackness of darkness before we have faith. What we have to do is to believe, and then He will take care of the seeing. Believe His word, believe all His promises, believe that He has given you all that He says He has, that He has blessed you with “all spiritual blessings in Christ,”—believe them strongly enough to claim them, and you will know that you are raised up to sit in heavenly places in Him, and that henceforth heavenly views and heavenly joys are yours.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.1

“Boldness to Enter In” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

“Having therefore, brethren, boldest to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, .. let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:19, 22. “That we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.” Luke 1:74, 75. As we have access by Christ unto the Father, of what need we be afraid?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.2

One who has free access to the palace and the table of royalty will not tremble with fear in the presence of some lower officer of State. Such an one enters the presence of the highest in the kingdom, and it is only a light matter to come before ordinary people.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.3

How can it be that one who has boldness to enter into the presence of the King of kings, even into His secret chamber, not merely into the outer court, but into the “secret place of the Most High,” and not only to enter there, but to abide, as a friend who has a right there,—how can such an one be afraid of anything else in the universe? We have that privilege, and the Lord desires us to use it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.4

How would any parent feel, who has a parent’s heart, if his children should start with fear when he came into the room? if when they wanted something they should come cringing in a fearful manner, as though they did not know whether or not they had a right to live? We like them to have that confidence in us that they will come with boldness and ask for that which they want, knowing that it will be given them if it is for the best.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.5

So we can imagine how God must feel to have those for whom He has done everything, for whom He has given His life to bring all things to them, and has given them all things before they ask, fearing to come to Him to claim anything, almost apologising for their very existence. He does not want us to be afraid of Him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.6

The Lord came down to earth to show us how gentle He is. He lived and talked with people. He sat down by the wayside with them. He took children in His arms and blessed them, and they were not afraid of Him. Whosoever will receive the kingdom of God must receive it as a child, with trusting confidence. He is goodness, and mercy, and tender-heartedness itself. He is pleased that our very boldness.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.7

The boldness is not presumption; it is not arrogance. No one who is puffed up with pride, who is haughty, can ever come into the presence of the Lord with boldness. The pride and arrogance of men is simply the result of their separation from Him. When they put him far off, and hide Him from them, they can be very bold. But when they come into the presence of God, every mouth will be stopped. It is impossible for one to come into the presence of the Lord with arrogance, knowing that he is in His presence.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.8

But the believer may come with boldness, lifting up the head. It shows that we believe that He is a God who keeps His word, that He is just what He is, a God of tenderness and infinite lovingkindness. And dwelling in the secret place, and abiding under His shadow there is no fear. “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” “Thine heart shall meditate terror,” but there will be no fear in it.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.9

If we can endure the time of greatest trouble, such as is here described, when destruction shall be over all the land, then we can have no fear now. No matter what persecution might be stirred up, we are free in the Lord, without fear, because we are walking and talking with the Lord; enduring as seeing Him who is invisible. We can stand in the presence of authorities and kings, if need be, to answer for the faith, and not be afraid; because we are living in the presence of the King of kings.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.10

“The Faith of Jesus” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The Faith of Jesus.—“Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” In the twenty-second Psalm it is said, “He trusted on the Lord.” He had faith, and was made to hope even from His mother’s breast. How are we going to get that faith? We have it. “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which we preach.” The only thing we have to do is to keep the faith, as Paul did. “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3. “One Lord, one faith, when baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” One faith, and that only the faith of Jesus, and God has dealt it to every man. Only recognise it, and thank God for it. “Hold fast that thou hast.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 105.11

“The First Week” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The air that we breathe, the water that we drink, the food that we eat, the light that we enjoy, is full of life, wonderful life. The grass and herbs and trees live and grow. Multitudes of creatures great and small live in the sea; beasts and creeping things live on the dry land; and birds and insects live in the air. Besides all these, men, women, and children live and move and have there being in nearly all parts of the earth.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.1

Where does all this power and life come from? Not from the creatures themselves, for they cannot keep themselves alive one moment; not from men, for he cannot cause so much as one little blade of grass or wonderful insect to live. Man can take life, but he cannot give life; he can kill, but he cannot cause to live; he has not more life than he needs for himself.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.2

But there is One with whom is the fountain of all this life, from whom flows the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. In Him we live and move and have our being, for it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We read that in six days He created the heavens and the earth, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day. Can you tell, now, who it is?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.3

The Lord needs not that anyone should give Him life, for He has life in Himself, a never-ceasing fountain of life, so that there is enough for Him and for all the creatures that He has made. As He is the only fountain of life in all the universe, it must be that every person and every thing that has life receives it from Him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.4

Is He not good to be willing to share His life with us who have never done anything for Him? How it must grieve Him when we use it to dishonour Him and take His name in vain, and to do contrary to His will! Oh, let us not do it anymore. Since it is His own life, let us allow Him to live it in us just as He wants to. He wants His life to work out goodness and eternal life in us, but it cannot as long as we hold onto it ourselves and do our own wicked ways with it. When we give it up to Him and let Him use it just as He wishes, we shall become new creatures, not hateful and full of sin, but lovely and good like Him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.5

He whose life had power in the beginning to create man and all things perfect and good, can by that life now create us anew, if we allow Him to. His life has power to drive out all sin and to bring in all righteousness.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.6

Look around you and above you at all the wonderful things that God created. See the starry worlds on high, more than you can count. They are hung upon nothing, and travel faster than the fastest train that you ever saw, and yet they never fall, and never run into one another. Who holds them and keeps them where they belong? See the tiny spires of grass pushing their way up through the hard ground every spring. What gives them such power? Why do they not forget to come up some year? See the birds and all the creatures so full of life and beauty. Who is it that gives them life now, and tends to all their wants? Who keeps us alive through the night as well as through the day? We read that the same One who created all things changes not and does not slumber nor sleep, but that He keeps and cares for the smallest creatures that He has made.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.7

Since God is still alive and still as powerful to create and uphold as He was in the beginning, can we not trust Him to care for us? When He says that He is able to keep us, to keep us from falling into sinful ways, and is able to present us without fault before the throne of God, can we not believe Him and trust ourselves to Him to let Him live His own way in us? It is no more difficult for Him to keep us in the right way than it is for Him to keep the stars in the right place, that is, if we allow Him to have His way with us as fully as the stars do.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.8

As you look at the beautiful light, and remember that on the first day God said, “Let there be light; and there was light,” remember also that He is able to put the light of His life in your sin-darkened heart, that you may all the time be like the shining light.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.9

As you see the wondrous workings of the unseen air, and remember that God created it on the second day, remember also that although God’s Spirit and life is unseen, it can work wondrous things in you if you will allow it to.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.10

You drink of the crystal water, and remember that God gathered the waters together on the third day, remember also that He invites you to drink just as freely of the “living water,” which is His Holy Spirit.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.11

When you see the grass and flowers and vines and trees and think of how they sprang up on the third day at God’s word, think also of how you are like the grass, perfectly helpless without God; of how you may trust in God and grow as the lily; of how Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches; of how you may bear fruit for God and be rooted in His love.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.12

As you look at the sun, moon, and stars and remember how God on the fourth day, made them His light-bearers, do not forget that you may be His light-bearer too. Do not put this off, for the sun and moon have darkened and the stars have fallen from heaven, and that is a sign that Jesus is coming very soon to take His light-bearers to shine with Him in heaven.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.13

When you see the water animals and birds and insects, remember that God created them on the fifth day, think of the wisdom and love shown in making such multitudes of beings in one day, all perfect, and provided with just the clothing and tools that they need! Remember that your heavenly Father feedeth the birds, and therefore will not forget you,—also that God says that you may learn useful lessons even from little insects.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.14

When you look at the noble horse and friendly dog, and remember how all the beasts were created on the sixth day, remember that the Lord has promised to create a new heaven where all the animals will again be so friendly that a little child can lead them.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 109.15

When you remember that man was created on the sixth day in the image of God, do not forget that God is your Creator too, and that if you remember Him now in the days of your youth, and let Him live as He wills in you, He will change you into His own image, and at His coming will give you even a body like unto His glorious body.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.1

As the seventh day returns to you week after week, to remind you of God, and you remember how He created all things and rested on the seventh day and blessed it, and made it holy with His presence; remember also that the Sabbath is a sign between Him and you that you may know that He is the God that has power to sanctify you and make you holy in the same way in which He made the Sabbath holy. And then, oh, let Him in, and you will indeed find rest from your sins.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.2

1. Name some of the things in this world that have life.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.3

2. Where only is the fountain of life? Psalm 36:9.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.4

3. Then from whom has every living thing received the life that it has? Job 12:10.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.5

4. Why cannot men make things live?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.6

5. Why is the Lord called the fountain of life?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.7

6. Since every living thing has received life from God, who must have given life to you?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.8

7. Is He not good to share His life with you?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.9

8. How must He feel when you never thank Him for it, and when you use it to please yourself and dishonour Him?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.10

9. What had His life power to do in the beginning?—To create all things perfect.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.11

10. What has it power to do now if you will allow it to live in you in God’s own way?—To create you anew and make you perfect. Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.12

11. Will God be able to keep you in the right way after He is created you anew?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.13

12. What makes you think so? Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3; Jude 24.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.14

13. Will He take time to help a little child like you?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.15

14. What makes you think that He will? Matthew 6:26; 19:14.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.16

15. When are you going to ask Him to do it?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.17

16. What did God create on the first day? Genesis 1:1-3.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.18

17. Then is He not able to put the light of His life into your heart?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.19

18. What did God make on the second day? Verses 6-8.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.20

19. Although unseen, like the air, what can God’s Spirit do if you allow it to have its way in your heart?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.21

20. What did God gather together on the third day? Verses 9, 10.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.22

21. Of what does He want us all to drink as freely as we drink of the water? John 7:37, 39; Revelation 22:17.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.23

22. On the third day what sprung up at the word of God? Genesis 1:11, 12.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.24

23. In what way are you like the grass? Psalm 103:15; 1 Peter 1:24.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.25

24. Who cares for the lily, and clothes it with all its purity? Matthew 6:28-30.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.26

25. If you drink in His Spirit, and feed on His word, what does God promise?—That you shall grow as the lily. Hosea 14:4, 5.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.27

26. What can a branch do without the vine?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.28

27. What can you do without Jesus, the True Vine? John 15:4, 5.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.29

28. In what way may you be like a good fruit-tree? Romans 7:4.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.30

29. What did God cause to appear on the fourth day? Genesis 1:14-19.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.31

30. How may you be a light-bearer for Jesus? John 8:12; Ephesians 3:17.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.32

31. How do we know that Christ’s coming is near, even at the doors? Matthew 24:29-33.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.33

32. What did God create on the fifth day? Genesis 1:20-23.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.34

33. Who feeds the birds? Matthew 6:26.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.35

34. Then do you need to fear that He will forget you?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.36

35. What was created on the sixth day? Genesis 1:24-31.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.37

36. What promise has God made about the beasts? Isaiah 11:6, 7.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.38

37. Who is your Creator? Psalm 100:3.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.39

38. If you remember Him now what will He do for you?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.40

39. What does the Lord call the seventh day? Exodus 20:10.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.41

40. Of what is it a sign? Exodus 20:12.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.42

41. What does God say we shall do if we allow Him to live His life in us? Exodus 20:8-11.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 110.43

“Interesting Facts” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

-There are 350,000 unemployed persons in Austria, and 100,000 in Vienna alone.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.1

-A number of Balmacedists have been arrested at Santiago de Chile, and a state of siege has been proclaimed.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.2

-The United Kingdom’s annual imports of foreign fruit are valued at something like ?10,000,000.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.3

-A London magistrate has decided that a divorce granted by Jewish rabbis does not dissolve the marriage tie.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.4

-A rich Jewish family, with their servants, numbering thirteen in all, have been poisoned at Minsk, in West Russia.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.5

-Serious religious riots between Mohammedans and Hindus have occurred at Ycola about a hundred miles from Bombay.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.6

-The execution of the anarchist Valliant took place In Paris on the morning of Feb. 5, unattended by any disturbance.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.7

A serious riot occurred Jan. 26 at the iron-works at Nishni-Tagil, in the Ural, Russia, where some 5,000 workmen are employed. Soldiers were called in, and in the conflict which ensued many were killed on both sides.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.8

-A second encounter has taken place between British and French native forces in West Africa, resulting in some loss on both sides.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.9

-A new submarine boat has been tried in the Gulf of Spezia, and is said to have proved a complete success. The boat belongs to the Italian navy.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.10

-M. Nielsson, a well-known Swedish hunter, starts in a fortnight’s time for Greenland in search of the members of the Björling Arctic Expedition.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.11

-Wolves are said to be unusually fierce this winter in the Russian province of Sarstoff. Several peasants have been attacked by them and devoured.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.12

-The French Government has proposed an increase of import duty on wheat, in consequence of which immense quantities of wheat are being landed at Havre.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.13

-Father Castaneda, a priest who was accused of conspiring against the Mexican Government, has been shot by the authorities near Tenancingo, in the State of Mexico. The event has produced a deep impression on public opinion.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.14

-An official report has been received at Berlin respecting the flogging of women by Germane in the Cameroons, which led to the recent revolt of the natives. It is probable that the officers responsible for the flogging will be punished.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.15

-The Police Department of New York has just completed the census of the unemployed in that city. The report states that there are 68,000 people at the present moment out of employment, while 80 per cent. of these are actually suffering from want.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.16

-An instance of the depreciation in the value of estates is afforded by the fact that Lord Iveagh has practically completed the purchase of Elvedon for ?150,000. In the year 1876 the Maharajah Duleep Singh refused an offer of ?500,000 for this estate.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.17

-News has reached Liverpool to the effect that the French have hoisted their flag at Half Cavally and practically annexed it. Half Cavally adjoins the Liberian coast, and it was captured by the Liberian troops from the natives a few months ago and occupied by them.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.18

-Intelligence has reached Paris of the destruction of a French column near Timbuctoo by Touaregs. Several French officers are said to have been killed. It is supposed that the attack was made owing to the irritation of the Touaregs at the hoisting of the French flag. Details are wanting.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.19

-The Sikkim-Thibet Convention has fixed the trade mart where the Indian and Thibetan traders can meet at Yatung, on the Thibetan side of the frontier. From May 1 British subjects will be free to reside at this place. Trade will be unrestricted, all goods except arms, salt and liquors being exempt from duty for five years.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.20

-A telegram from Rome gives several instances of the persecution of Roman Catholics in Russia, whose position is said to have become intolerable. Among other matters, it is mentioned that no bishop is allowed to write to Rome except though the intermediary of the Russian Imperial Chancellery, and any priest who baptises a child born of a mixed marriage, or hears the confession of a Uniate, is exiled to Siberia.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.21

-According to the Figaro, a Corsican engineer living in Paris has invented a magazine rifle of surpassing deadliness. Its chief peculiarity is that it can discharge two different sizes of bullets, the lighter being used for long distances, and the other at ranges up to 800 yards. Each magazine consists of 100 shots, which can be discharged with the utmost rapidity, without causing the barrel to become unduly heated. Both rifle and ammunition are very light, 100 cartridges weighing only 2lb. 9oz., whereas 100 of those used in the Label, or German military rifle, weigh 6lb. 3oz.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.22

-Stirring events are likely to occur at Rio Janeiro in the course of the next few days. Admiral da Gama, the commander of the insurgent fleet, has given forty-eight hours’ notice that he intends to establish a blockade of Rio de Janeiro. He has already drawn up the vessels composing the insurgent fleet under his orders, and is prepared to carry out his threat. This step is equivalent to a claim of belligerent rights on the part of the insurgents, and the action of the various foreign admirals is looked forward to with great anxiety. Meanwhile it is stated that the Brazilian Government fleet has again sailed for Rio, and a naval conflict is expected.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.23

“Back Page” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

In the Glasgow Herald a writer states that “two-thirds of the priests in England, Wales, and Scotland, whose names are contained in this year’s (Roman) Catholic Directory, are either ex-Anglican ministers or the sons of converts.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.24

The Vatican is deeply stirred by the persecution of Catholics in Russia. Priests are severely punished for receiving members of the Greek Church, or for sprinkling the children of a mixed marriage between Roman and Greek Catholic parents. But this same question has long existed in Austro-Hungary, where Protestants have similarly suffered at the hands of Roman Catholics.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.25

In the circular which it was proposed to send to the teachers of the Board Schools, we can see an expression of the popular idea of the Christian religion, and of the relation of the Bible to it. The circular says: “While following the Syllabus that is presented to you yearly, you are at liberty to refer to other parts of the Bible, by which the principles of the Christian religion may be elucidated and enforced.” The idea is that the Christian religion consists in certain statements of doctrine, and that the Bible is useful as a book which by judicious manipulation by a skilful “exegete,” may be made to furnish texts in support of those statements. That the Bible itself is the only possible statement of the Christian religion, and that religion itself is a life, is what the people need to learn.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.26

The Catholic Times states that several correspondents have written complaining of the difficulty that they find in keeping Lent properly, on account of not being able to get good fish. One correspondent says that the fish is “dressed with some liquid taking away all the taste so delightful in fresh fish, but which has the quality, so welcome to the fishmonger, of preventing decay being so readily perceived.” We learn that at Billingsgate market alone, eighty-nine tons of fish were seized by the inspectors last month, and condemned as unfit for food. That was of fish already decayed. How many tons of fish that had not reached that stage, but reached it while in the hands of the retail dealers, thus finding its way into the hands, and stomachs, of consumers, no one knows. We know of only one sure remedy against this evil, and that is to leave the fish alone; how such a course would affect the church regulations concerning Lent, we do not know.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.27

The Rev. H. Hensley Henson, vicar of Barking, writing to yesterday’s Times on the religious instruction question, says that Sunday schools cannot do the work of day schools because, among other reasons, “the time is insufficient, and the children who most need religious instruction do not, and apart from compulsion will not, attend Sunday schools.” Mr. Henson thus confesses that in his opinion the Church is incapable of doing the work for which it exists, namely, the teaching of religion, unless the help of the secular arm is given in order to compel people to receive the Church’s instruction. The founder of the religion which Mr. Henson professes did not require the aid of the governor of Judea to induce children or anyone else to listen to his teaching.-London Daily Chronicle, Feb. 7.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.28

In closing a lengthy review of a new and striking monograph on “The Great Pestilence (A.D. 1348-9), now commonly known as the Black Death,” the Daily Chronicle shows that we are by no means now insured against such visitations. He says:—PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.29

One reflection is forced upon us as we read these dreadful stories with their shocking details, and that reflection is not a little disquieting. There seems to be no reason why a similar outbreak of deadly pestilence should not burst upon the nations again and play its fearful havoc. The science of medicine has not advanced so rapidly but that even now the medical profession can do little to avert or to cope with such epidemics as have prevailed among us during our own times. The origin of the black death is still a crux to the profession-the nature of the poison is unknown. If the scourge should visit us again with the old violence, who shall say whether the number of its victims would be incomparably less in the nineteenth century than they were in the fourteenth?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.30

“Only a Shadow” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Only a Shadow.-Every shadow of darkness, every cloud of gloom, every fear of whatever kind is simply the shadow of death and of the devil. He has cast his hellish shadow over the world. Now, as Zacharias prophesied by the Holy Ghost at the birth of his son, the Lord has visited us and delivered us out of the hand of our enemies that we “might serve Him without fear.”PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.31

He has delivered us from every tremor of fear, and hath sent the Day-spring from on high “to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.” If you have His life you have His light. What is there to be afraid of? To the one in Christ death itself is only a shadow. The sting is gone. Satan can cast a shadow over him, but there is nothing in a shadow to be afraid of. He is delivered from the power of darkness. He is going through an enemy’s land, whose weapons are all broken. He is going into a nest of scorpions, whose stings have been removed. He is going into a prison house, the key of which is held by One who loves him.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.32

“Sacrifices” The Present Truth 10, 7.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Sacrifices.-There is only one sacrifice in the Christian religion, and that was made by Christ. We have never made a sacrifice. God does not call us to make sacrifices, but to accept the sacrifice that He has made. True, we have to give up all things that pertain to self, but giving up self is simply taking Christ. Suppose a poor beggar comes to us, with ragged clothing, and a few coppers in his pocket, and we say to him, “Take off these rags and we will give you a new suit, and give up the coppers and we will fill your pockets with sovereigns.” Would he begin to mourn, or talk about the great sacrifice he was called upon to make in giving up his rags and the coppers he had in them?PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.33

Of course we give up something, but what sacrifice is it, when we get ten thousand times as much, and infinitely more? God wants us to give up our miserable ways, and take His ways; our narrow, circumscribed thoughts, and take His thoughts; our poverty, and get His riches; our gross ignorance, and get His wisdom; our wickedness, and get His righteousness.PTUK February 15, 1894, page 112.34