March 21, 1895

“Front Page” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

We are told concerning our Lord that “in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest.” Hebrews 2:17.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.1

It is impossible therefore that any man should ever find himself in any condition where he may not also find the Lord; for wherever humanity has gone, there is “the man Christ Jesus.” He is “not far from every one of us.” Acts 17:27.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.2

But the Lord became man-partook of flesh and blood-for no other purpose than that He might destroy the adversary of mankind, and “deliver them who... were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14, 15. And He gained a perfect victory. Therefore whoever finds Christ finds deliverance and victory.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.3

Of Jesus and His work it was said by the Holy Spirit, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth.” Isaiah 42:4. And this, notwithstanding that “the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 52:6. That is, the whole burden of humanity, with all its weakness and sin and shame, could not and cannot discourage our Saviour, who voluntarily assumed it.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.4

The lesson to be learned from these facts is that there is no condition of sinfulness and failure that warrants anybody in being discouraged. Not merely so, but every man, no matter how weak and fallen, may find in those very circumstances cause for abundant courage and rejoicing. Looking at himself and his own resources, he could find ground for nothing but despair; but looking at his weakness and failures together with Jesus Christ as He is, he finds ground for nothing but joy and hope.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.5

“Clothed with our nature still, He knows
The weakness of our frame,
And how to shield us from the foes
Which He Himself o’ercame.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.6

“Nor time nor distance e’er shall quench
The fervour of His love:
For us He died in kindness here.
For us He lives above.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.7

Read the following, and see if any man could find himself in more abject case: “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see Me laugh Me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him.” Psalm 22:6-8, margin.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.8

And now read this: “I will declare Thy name unto My brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him; all ye seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel. For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard.” Verses 22-24.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.9

“But,” some desponding soul may say, “I have brought my low state upon myself, by my own acts, and deserve all the reproach I receive, while Christ did not.” True; but “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; and rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103:10. He took what He did not deserve, in order that we might be saved from what we do deserve. He became poor, that we might be made rich. He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us, “that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. “For the transgression of My people was He smitten:” and “with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5, 8.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.10

Then “Thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.11

“The Witness of Faith” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” Hebrews 11:4. In the same way the witness of righteousness must be obtained to-day. Not on some feeling that comes to us we know not how, and then is gone again, not by our works, but by faith, we obtain the evidence of our acceptance with God. We are “accepted in the Beloved,” which is Christ. Ephesians 1:6. God does not accept anything that is not perfect, or that has upon it the least stain of sin; and only as we are “in Him” can we be made perfect and without sin, as He is who “knew no sin.” We are made thus in Him by being created new, through the power of Him who is the Creator. Ephesians 2:10. Thus we are not simply “counted” righteous and perfect without being so, but are righteous in reality, by a new creation in Christ. God never deals with unrealities.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.12

The testimony of faith is the testimony of the word of God. Its testimony is therefore reliable; and in this question of our righteousness or unrighteousness we want only such testimony as is reliable. The testimony of mere feeling will never do; and the subject is too deep for human reasoning. We cannot feel our righteousness; we cannot see it; but faith is “the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Christ is righteous,—perfect and without spot; and faith says, “The Lord our righteousness.” And thus, if we have faith, we know that we are righteous; but without faith we have no evidence, for there is then no righteousness in us. And faith is not mere assent to the truth of God’s word, but it is our “Amen” to it.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 177.13

“It Cannot Be Shaken” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

At a time when it is so generally believed that religion must be protected, and when even ardent Nonconformists who want to disestablish the Church of England are as zealously working to establish by law religious institutions in which they themselves are interested, it is refreshing to hear on a public platform words which indicate that the speaker fully believes that that which is Divine does not need the protection of puny human strength. In a recent speech Mr. George Russell, M.P., said of the church:—PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.1

It is a religious body. It was created-with all reverence be it spoken-at the beginning of the church’s history, by the sacred breath and command of the Divine Master Himself, and it is perpetuated by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit; and when men, by their sins and hardness of heart, have driven Him away, and when the church has become untrue to the Gospel of her Master, she is “destroyed” and her candlestick taken away. But no power on earth, neither parliament, nor democracy, nor bishop, nor king, can create or destroy a church. It was created by God, and it is destroyed, if destroyed at all, only by its own faithless acts.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.2

“Setting Up Christ’s Kingdom” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The Saviour said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is My kingdom not from hence.” John 18:36.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.3

The possession of earthly power is attained as well by votes as by fighting. The power is the same; the only difference is in the manner of getting it. In the one case it is given; in the other it is forcibly taken. Political leadership makes use to-day of both the sword and the ballot; they are but different means of attaining the same end.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.4

Therefore if Christ had spoken these words before an earthly ruler to-day, He might have appropriately said, If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants vote, that I should hold the power of this world, and not be delivered into the power of others. In that case they would actively engage in every political campaign, in order that the kingdom of Christ might be established through the only peaceful means by which earthly leadership is attained.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.5

And therefore any effort that is made to establish the kingdom of Christ by such means, is based upon the idea that His kingdom is of this world. But to this His own words are directly contrary. His kingdom is “not from hence.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.6

The kingdom of Christ is not in any way dependent upon or connected with the exercise of earthly power. It was not power that was wanted for its establishment; the Saviour had an abundance of that. He said in the hour of His betrayal, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53. When the unseen presence that went with Jesus moved between Him and the murderous mob, “they went backward, and fell to the ground.” John 18:6. And when He was brought before Pilate, He said, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee above.” John 19:11. It was by permission of that power that Christ was “delivered to the Jews.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.7

Nor did the Saviour lack popularity. He might have been made a ruler by popular choice; for we read that on one occasion the people had planned to come by force and make Him a king. But He defeated their purpose by departing alone into a mountain. John 6:15. The Saviour thus deliberately refused to have His kingdom established by force of arms, or by the choice of the people.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.8

There was one other notable occasion upon which Christ refused to be invested with earthly power. When He was tempted of the devil, the latter carried Him up into an “exceeding high mountain,” and showed Him “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,” and said to Jesus, “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto Me, and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine.” Matthew 4:8; Luke 4:6, 7. Nor did the devil speak falsely in claiming the ownership of the kingdoms of earth; for in overcoming Adam, he came into possession of that which Adam had, which was the earth,—a fact which earth’s history has abundantly testified. Jesus refused the offer; and had He consented afterward to be made a king, either by force of arms or by popular choice, He would have done tacitly what the devil asked Him to do in the mountain; for to accept a gift, is to acknowledge the authority and right of the giver. Christ could except no gift from “the god of this world.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.9

Had Christ consented to be made an earthly king, it would have defeated the setting up of His kingdom on earth. And every effort made to establish His kingdom by an earthly means, is an effort against His kingdom. Christ will not take the kingdoms of earth as a gift from Satan, He will take them as a Conqueror. And it was through death that He conquered. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. It was by entering into the “strong man’s house”—the grave-that Christ conquered and bound the adversary, and spoiled him of his goods,—the mortals whom he had laid therein.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.10

Jesus says to His servants, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.... And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20. It is not power, therefore, that is lacking to-day for the setting up of Christ’s kingdom. “All power in heaven and in earth” was not given them to be used in overthrowing any of the kingdoms of this earth, but that they might go “into all the earth, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. And that Gospel operates by the power of the cross, upon which believers are crucified with Christ. Galatians 2:20. The suffering, humiliation, and death to which Christ obtained all power in heaven and in earth, is not yet finished, but is still endured in the persons of His followers. But the “Gospel of the kingdom” is going to-day to every nation, tongue, and people, to hasten the glorious day when all this shall be ended, and when He who has all power in earth shall exercise it as earth’s acknowledged King.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.11

But this can never be upon the world that now is, for this world is “reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:7. The earth must be prepared for the setting up of Christ’s kingdom by the purification of fire, which will rid it for ever of sin and sinners. When the kingdom of Christ is set up, all earthly kingdoms will be utterly swept away, as chaff before the wind. See Daniel 2:44, 45. It has nothing in common with them, nor assimilates any part of them into its self, but simply sweeps them all away, and takes their place. And then will the will of God be done on earth as it is in heaven.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 178.12

It is the Gospel, and that only, that is working to-day, or can work, for the setting up of the kingdom of Christ.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.1

“Studies in Romans. Christians and the State. Romans 13:1-14” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

We come now to the second of the purely hortatory chapters of Romans, the thirteenth. This chapter contains matter that is of the greatest importance, and which is perhaps the least regarded of any chapter in the book. Without any review we will proceed to read:—PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.2

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same; for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to wake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.3

In studying this chapter it is necessary to remember that the Epistle is addressed to professed followers of the Lord. “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest His will,” etc. Romans 2:17, 18. And again, “Know ye not, brethren for I speak to them that know the law,” etc. Romans 7:1. The last part of the chapter also shows the same thing. It is a mistake, therefore, to suppose that this chapter was designed to set forth the duties of earthly rulers, or as a treatise on civil government, or on the relation that the State should occupy to the church. Since it is addressed to professed Christians, it is evident that its object is simply to tell them how they ought to behave towards the governments under which they live.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.4

All Power from God.—“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” Psalm 62:11. “There is no power but of God.” This is absolutely true, without any exception. The Roman power, even in the days of the infamous and brutal Nero, was as much derived from God as was the Jewish power in the days of David. When Pilate told Christ that He had power to crucify Him or to let Him go, Christ replied, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above.” John 19:11. This fact does not, however, prove that the acts of that power were right, or that God sanctioned them.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.5

This will be the more apparent if we take the cases of individuals. All human power comes from God. It is as true of the heathen as of Christians, that “in Him we live, and move, and have our being;” “for we are also His offspring.” Acts 17:28. It can as truly be said of every individual as of governments, that they are ordained, or appointed, of God. He has a plan for every one’s life. But that does not make God responsible for all their actions, because they are free to do as they choose, and they rebel against God’s plan, and pervert His gifts. The power with which the scoffer blasphemes God is as much from God as is the power with which the Christian serves Him. Yet no one can suppose that God approves of blasphemy. Even so we are not to suppose that He necessarily approves the acts of governments, simply because the powers that be are ordained of Him.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.6

“Ordained.”-Let no one entertain the idea that this word necessarily implies the imparting of some spiritual power. It means nothing more than appointed or ordered, which we find in the margin. The Greek word from which it is rendered is found in Acts 28:23, where we read that the Jews in Rome appointed a day for Paul to tell them about the Gospel. It could as well be said that they “ordained” a day for him.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.7

God over All.—“The higher powers” are not above the Most High. “Wisdom and might are His; and He changeth the times and the seasons; He removeth kings, and setteth up kings.” Daniel 2:20, 21. He set Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, over all the kingdoms of earth (see Jeremiah 27:5-8; Daniel 2:37, 38); but when Nebuchadnezzar arrogated to himself divine power, he was driven out among the beasts, that he might know that “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” Daniel 4:32.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.8

Resisting God.-Since there is no power but of God, “he that resisteth the power withstandeth the ordinance of God; and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.” This is a warning against rebellion and insurrection. It is God who removes kings as well as sets them up. Therefore whoever presumes to remove a king is assuming God’s prerogative. It is as though he knew better than God when the government should be altered. Unless those who rise up against any earthly government can show a direct revelation to them from heaven appointing them to that work, they are setting themselves against God, by seeking to overthrow His order. They are putting themselves ahead of God.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.9

Resisting or Overthrowing.-To resist the civil authority is in the same line as seeking to overthrow it. He who opposes a power with force would overthrow it if the contest were continued and he had the power. This the followers of Christ are strictly forbidden to do.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 179.10

Christ’s Example.-Christ suffered, “leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:21-23. It is worth while to remember that Christ was condemned on a political charge, and for political reasons, yet he made no resistance, although He showed that He had power to do so. See John 18:5-11; Matthew 26:51-53. It may be said that Christ knew that His hour had come. True; but He did not resist at previous times. He continually committed Himself into the hands of the Father. That is an example for His followers. If they are submissive in God’s hands, they can suffer no indignity nor oppression that God does not appoint or allow; no injury can be done them before their hour comes. It is easier to profess faith in Christ than to show real faith by following his example.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.1

Another Striking Example.-Saul had been anointed king of Israel by command of God; but had afterwards been rejected because of his reckless course. Then David was anointed king in his stead. Saul was jealous of David’s preferment, and sought his life. David did not resist, but fled. More than once Saul was within David’s power, but David would not lift up a hand against him. If there is any excuse for resisting a ruler, David had it. In the first place, if he had done so, it would have been only in self-defence; and, in the second place, he had already been anointed king in Saul’s stead. Yet when urged even to consent to allow another to kill Saul, David said: “Destroy him not; for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless? ... As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:9-11. And yet Saul was a wicked man, who had cast off allegiance to God, and was not fit to rule.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.2

Subject to God.-God’s word admonishes us to be subject to the powers that be, but it never countenances disobedience to God. God has never ordained any power to be above Himself. It is the height of folly for us to argue from this chapter that it is the duty of Christians to obey human laws when they conflict with the law of God. God does not grant indulgence to sin; much less does He command us to sin. We are not to be subject to the powers that be instead of to God, but because we are subject to God. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.3

Subjection and Obedience.-Ordinarily subjection implies obedience. When we read that Jesus was subject to His parents, we are sure that He was obedient to them. So when we are exhorted to be subject to the powers that be, the natural conclusion is that we are to be obedient to the laws. But it must never be forgotten that God is above all; that both individual and national power comes from Him; and that He has a right to the undivided service of every soul. We are to obey God all the time, and to be subject to human power as well, but always so that it does not involve disobedience to God.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.4

Cannot Serve Two Masters.—“No man can serve two masters.... Ye can not serve God and mammon.” The reason is that God and mammon are opposite in their demands. Now everybody knows that there have often been human laws that conflicted with God’s commandments. There was once a law in America in the days of slavery requiring every man to do all in his power to return fugitive slaves to their masters. But God’s word said, “Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee.” Deuteronomy 23:15. In that case it was impossible to obey the law of the land without disobeying God; and obedience to God made disobedience to the human law absolutely necessary. Men had to make their choice as to whom they would obey. The Christian can not hesitate a moment in his choice. The law that contradicts God’s law is nothing. “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.” Proverbs 21:30.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.5

“Every Ordinance of Man.”—“Some reader may quote 1 Peter 2:13 as opposed to this. It says, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.” Others may say that we are to submit to every ordinance except when it is opposed to God’s law. No exception, however, is implied, nor is any necessary. Neither does the text teach obedience to human laws that contradict God’s law. The error arises from a misapprehension of the word “ordinance.” It is supposed that this word means “law,” but a careful reading will show anybody that this supposition is a mistake. Let us read the 13th and 14th verses carefully: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance [Greek, creation] of man for the Lord’s sake.” Well, what are these ordinances or creations to which we are to be subject? It makes no difference; to all, “whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him.” It is very clear that the text says nothing whatever about laws, but only about rulers. The exhortation is precisely the same as that in the 13th of Romans.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.6

Submissive yet Disobedient.-Let the reader follow on in the chapter last quoted from, and he will see that the submission enjoined does not involve obedience to wicked laws. We are exhorted: “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” We are to be subject to rightful authority, whether the exerciser of that authority be good and gentle, or froward. Then come the words, “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” 1 Peter 2:17-19. Now a man could not for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully, unless conscience toward God had compelled him to disobey some command laid upon him. This statement, immediately following the exhortation to be submissive, plainly shows that disobedience is contemplated as a probability when those in authority are “froward.” This is emphasised by the reference to Christ, who suffered wrongfully, yet made no resistance. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7. He was condemned for His loyalty to the truth, which He would not compromise in the least, and yet He was submissive to the authority of the rulers. The apostle says that in this He left us an example, that we should follow in His steps.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.7

Christians and Civil Government.—“For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20. Those who through Christ have access by one Spirit unto the Father “are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19. Let every man concern himself with the affairs of his own country, and not with those of another. For an American to come to England and presume to lecture Parliament for the way in which it conducts the business of Government, or for an Englishman to go to America and distinguish himself by his advice to the authorities, would be the height of impertinence. But if they should begin actively to interfere in the conduct of public affairs, or should stand for office, they would speedily be shown that they had no business there. Let them become naturalised, and then they may speak and act as much as they please; but then they must hold their peace if they return to the country to which they once owned allegiance. No man can be active in the affairs of two governments at the same time.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 180.8

This applies to the Government of heaven as related to earthly governments, as well as to different countries on earth. The one who is a citizen of the heavenly country has no business to meddle with the affairs of earthly governments. He must leave that business to those who acknowledge this earth to be their home. If earthly rulers think to regulate the affairs pertaining to the kingdom of God, they are guilty of gross presumption, to say the least. But if they may not of right presume to regulate the affairs of the kingdom of heaven, much less may the citizens of heaven interfere in the affairs of earthly kingdoms.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.1

Making Earth Heaven.-Many Christians and ministers of the Gospel seek to justify their dealing in politics by saying that it is their duty to make this earth the kingdom of heaven. In a recent campaign we have heard much about “the regeneration of London,” and “making London the city of God.” Such language shows a grave misapprehension of what the Gospel is. “It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Romans 1:16. Regeneration is accomplished only by the Holy Spirit working upon individual hearts, and can not be controlled by men. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of Christ, but only “the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Revelation 11:15; Isaiah 9:7. There will be a new earth, in which only righteousness will dwell, but it will be only after the coming of the day of the Lord, in which the elements shall melt, and ungodly men shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10-13. It will not be brought about by political action, even though ministers of the Gospel be the politicians. The minister of the Gospel has but one commission, namely, “Preach the word.” In no other way in the world can men be made better. Therefore the minister who turns his attention to politics is denying his calling.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.2

Keeping the Peace.-We must needs be subject to earthly governments, for conscience’ sake; and for this cause also we must pay tribute and perform every duty of that nature that is laid upon us. Taxes may be heavy, and even unjust, but that does not warrant us in rebelling. The apostle James speaks to rich men who oppress the poor, and his language applies as well when they are in public office as when in private life. He says: “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.” James 5:5, 6. Mark this, the just do not resist. Why not? Because of the injunction: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:18, 19. As subjects of the King of Peace, and citizens of His kingdom, they are bound to live peaceably with all men. Hence they can not fight even in self-defence. In this, Christ the Prince of peace is their example.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.3

To Whom a Terror.-Only the evil workers are afraid of rulers. Well-doers have no fear. This is not because all rulers are good; for we know that many are not. “The broad empire of Rome filled the world,” and the one who ruled it when Paul wrote to the Romans was the most vile and cruel of all the monsters who governed it. Nero put men to death for the mere pleasure of killing them. Well might he strike terror to the hearts of men; yet the Christians could be calm, because their trust was in God. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid.” Isaiah 12:2.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.4

The Whole Duty of Man.—“Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” “Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” 1 John 5:3. To fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13. Therefore, since he who loves his neighbour from the heart must also love God, and love is the keeping of His commandments, it is evident that the apostle has set forth in this exhortation the whole duty of man. He who heeds this exhortation can never do anything for which earthly governments can justly condemn him, even though he be ignorant of their laws. He who fulfils the law of love will never come in conflict with the powers that be. If they oppress him, they are fighting not against him but against the King whom he serves.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.5

For Christians, not for the Powers.-Some have supposed that verses 8-10 define the limit of civil authority, and show that men may legislate concerning “the second table of the law,” but concerning no other portion of the law of God. Two things kept in mind will show the fallacy of this. 1. The epistle is not addressed to rulers, but to individual Christians, as a guide for their private conduct. If the duty of rulers were here laid down, they, and not the brethren, would have been addressed. 2. “The law is spiritual,” and consequently none of it is within the power of human legislation. Take the commandment, “Thou shalt not covet;” no human power could enforce that, or tell if it was violated. But that commandment is no more spiritual than the other nine. The language is addressed to the brethren, and the sum of it is this: Live in love, and you will wrong no man, and need have no fear of any rulers.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.6

The End Approaches.-The remainder of the chapter is devoted to exhortations that need no comment. Their special force is derived from the fact that “the end of all things is at hand.” Therefore we should “be sober, and watch unto prayer.” Although living in the night, when darkness covers the earth (Isaiah 60:2), Christians are children of the light and of the day, leaving off works of darkness.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 181.7

Clothed with Christ.-Those who put on the Lord Jesus Christ will not themselves be seen. Christ alone will appear. To make provision for the lusts of the flesh is most unnecessary, since the flesh ever seeks to have its lusts gratified. The Christian has need rather to take heed that it does not assert its own power, and assume control. Only in Christ can the flesh be subdued. He who is crucified with Christ, can say, “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.” Galatians 2:20. And in that case he will conduct himself towards rulers and private persons just as Christ did, “because as He is, so are we in this world.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 182.1

“News of the Week” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

-The palm house at Kew Gardens requires four and a third miles of hot-water piping to warm it.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.1

-A new epidemic has broken out in Berlin, being a human form of foot and mouth disease, thought to be caused by drinking the milk of diseased cows.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.2

-A Bill has been read a second time in the New South Wales Legislature imposing penalties on both masters and men who work more than eight hours a day.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.3

-Insurrection is the order of the week in Cuba, fighting between troops and bands of rebels resulting sometimes in favour of the government and sometimes of the insurgents.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.4

-Probably no man over profited more by the vanity of the feminine mind than Mr. Worth, the famous Paris costume-maker, who died last week. His costumes commanded prices ranging from ?30 to ?5,000.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.5

-The prospective figures for the Chancellor’s budget of expenditure for the ensuing financial year are ?96,000,000, said to be “the largest sum for which a government has over had to make provision in time of peace.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.6

-General unrest continues is South America. There have been reports of armed risings in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Peru during the past week. It is the usual South American way of conducting political campaigns.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.7

-An Indian chief having invaded the frontier province of Chitral, the Government has begun collecting troops in readiness to expel the invader. The force amounts to 15,000 men, and another “little war” is believed to be imminent.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.8

-It is not uncommon for mothers in China to turn their girl babies over to hucksters, who hawk them about the streets in a basket, selling them for about the price of a spring chicken. Mothers of infant sons buy these girl babies, and rear them as future daughters-in-law.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.9

-A project is now under consideration whereby Russia, France, Japan and Hawaii will join an American company in constructing a telegraph cable from San Francisco to Hawaii, and thence to Japan and the French islands in the Pacific. The negotiations are almost concluded.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.10

-Fears are entertained that the Spanish ship of war, Reina Regente, foundered on Sunday last in the cyclone which ravaged the Spanish coast and did much damage at Cadiz. Some wreckage has been washed ashore. The missing cruiser, it is said, had on board 420 officers and men.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.11

-The great strike in the boot trade has brought out thousands of operatives in Leicester, Northampton, Leeds, Rushden, Kettering, London, and other centres. It is said the factories have accumulated enormous stocks in view of the crisis, and there is likelihood of a prolonged struggle.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.12

-The news which Turkish correspondents continue to send about the Armenian massacres make the story of torture and pillage more and more horrible each week. And the general impression is that the truth has not all been told yet. Apologists of Mohammedanism should note the fact that it was zeal against heretics that urged to the bloody deeds.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.13

-The “Meteorological Office” seems to be an institution of much practical importance, judging from the figures pertaining to its yearly report of work, in giving warning of coming storms on sea and land. The raising of the storm cone in 1893-4 was justified by subsequent gales in sixty per cent. of the cases and by high winds in a further twenty-eight per cent. These signals doubtless averted many marine disasters. The telegrams dispatched during the hay season and exhibited outside the village post-office in nearly 200 selected rural districts in Essex and Northumberland were largely relied on by farmers, and proved a very valuable aid in agricultural business.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 190.14

“Back Page” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

By a majority of one only-13 votes to 12-the Committee of the German Reichstag threw out the clause making it a criminal offence to speak against religion-that is, religion as the State and ecclesiastical authorities define it.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.1

The Swedish Mission Association has just entered a field hitherto untouched by missionary societies. They have established headquarters in Kashgar, from which they will branch out into the populous regions of Chinese Turkistan.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.2

It is stated that a commission of officials from the Synod of the Russian Church will shortly proceed to the South-eastern provinces to inquire into the beliefs and organisation of the numerous sects which have sprung into being in that region. Of course renewed persecution may be expected to follow.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.3

The Roman organ of the Jesuits urges the German Government to repeal utterly all anti-Jesuit laws, promising that the Catholic party will join the government in all anti-Socialist measures, and support its policy of militarism. “The Jesuits alone,” they say, “can effectively penetrate the whole internal politics of Germany with a mighty conservative influence.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.4

We have received a pamphlet containing a report of the proceedings of the third annual session of the South African Seventh-day Adventist Conference. The report shows progress in all departments of the work. Two new schools have been established during the year, for the benefit of the youth. These schools together with the Claremont Union College, built two and a half years ago, represent ?6,000 invested in buildings for educational work by our brethren in South Africa.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.5

Another item in the South African report shows that contributions amounting to ?13,000 have been made to the Medical Missionary Benevolent Association, being merely a branch of the Conference, the special work of which is to take charge of institutions designed to extend the Gospel of health and helpfulness. An Orphans’ Home has been built during the year at a cost of ?1,700, and a well-equipped health institution is under process of construction in Claremont, a suburb of Cape Town. It is expected to be completed the next year. Its aim will be not merely to make sick people well, but to teach the importance of healthful living in order to keep well, and it will also seek to train nurses and medical missionaries for work in South Africa and the interior.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.6

A Baptist journal has for the subject of its leading article, “Undoing the Reformation,” beginning with the statement that “the Vatican has resolved upon taking some vigorous steps to undo the Reformation in Great Britain,” against which it enters a protest. Yet in the course of the article the Pope of Rome is referred to in the most matter-of-course way as “the Holy Father,” a title which nearly all Protestant journals give him. That very thing shows most clearly that the “undoing” of the Reformation has already made great progress. No one in whom the principles of true Protestantism are firmly and intelligently fixed could ever, even in a moment of forgetfulness, refer to the Pope as “Holy Father” or “His Holiness.”PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.7

The New York Independent of March 7 contains a brief report of the visit which Rev. Dr. Lunn, editor of the Review of the Churches has just made to America, and especially of his last address to “the clergy” of New York. Of course the theme was Christian unity, which it seems is to be worked for on the basis that each great denomination stands for some peculiar doctrine and teaches some great lesson which enriches the faith of the Church of Christ. Though many of us reject the doctrine of Mariolatry, yet without it some people would fail to know that Divine, almost feminine tenderness of our Lord. If any Roman Catholic order is hated more than another by Protestants, it is probably the Society of the Jesuits, and yet no one organisation represents submission in a more marked degree. We object to the Franciscans, but they teach us the much-needed lesson of poverty. Calvinism stands for the sovereignty of God, Lutheranism for religious liberty, and Methodism for zeal and spirituality. We must recognise the great service each religious body has rendered, and allow to all the honest sincerity we claim for ourselves.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.8

How the Papal prelates must chuckle as they see the Protestant leaders planning to undo all that was accomplished by the Reformation. Christian union is a blessed thing, and will always exist wherever there are Christians; but union of the churches means simply the strengthening of the Papacy.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.9

“Socialists and Sunday” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Socialists and Sunday.-When the Scriptures are presented showing that the world-wide movement for the enforcement of Sunday laws is in fulfilment of the Word which predicts the temporary triumph of the principles of the Papacy in all nations before the coming of the Lord, many people argue that the great mass of men are irreligious or indifferent, and therefore is unlikely that such laws will be enforced. A significant despatch from Berlin came last week reporting that the Socialist deputy, Bebel, drew from the Postmaster-General of Germany a promise that Sunday labour would be restricted as far as practicable. The demand for holidays and short hours will very naturally fall into line with the Sunday law movement, and from the irreligious as well as the religious will come the demand that no man may buy or sell save those that acknowledge the mark of Papal authority.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.10

“The Second Call” The Present Truth 11, 12.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Our readers will remember the correspondence that was published in the PRESENT TRUTH three weeks ago, concerning the payment of the fines and costs imposed on the International Tract Society for Sunday work; and they will also remember the reason that was given in that and the succeeding number why the fines could not be paid. They will therefore be interested in hearing that the Factory Inspector has sent to the Society a second call for payment, as follows:—PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.11

FACTORY DEPARTMENT, HOME OFFICE,

March 13, 1895.

GENTLEMEN:—

I am directed by H. M. Chief Inspector of Factories to inform you that if the penalties and costs incurred by you in the cases heard on the 13th of February last at the Clerkenwell Police Court, amounting in all two ?8 18s., be not paid before or on Tuesday next, the 19th of March, I have been instructed to take steps to enforce the payment.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.12

Further developments will be noted as they occur.PTUK March 21, 1895, page 192.13