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Bible Standard.
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VOL. 26.

No. 9

AUCKLAND,

N.Z.,

SEPTEMBER,

1906.

TWOPENCE.

There is a closer relation between sin and disaster than is usually recognised, even though we may not be able to trace the immediate links in these recent sad events. Following hard upon the action of the Czar in dismissing the Duma-popular assembly-and flouting the people, who had believed they had entered upon the path that leac1sto constitutional liberty, comes the news of the awful bomb outrage on the Ube 1Russian new Premier. It is a very difficult thing for people who live in a ~utrage. totally different environment to unc1erstanc1 the logic that supposes the destruction of individual rulers and high officials will secure political freedom. But that which we can understand is that such outrages are an evidence of the terrible sincerity of those who use such means to express their views. No thoughtful man, living in happier surroundings, can sympathise with so dastardly an act, but there must be sympathy for those who writhe under oppression and feel that their newly-formed hopes are destroyed beneath the iron heel of despotism. In free countries such an outrage could only be perpetrated by a madman, but this was intended as the issue of the plans of an organisation working for freedom, and seeing no hope of securing it save by striking terror into the bosoms of the rulers. What a fearful commentary this upon the boasted progress of humanity. We look upon our own environment, choosing our theme, to the exclusion of anything that might cause discord, and sing our optimistic ode of progress. Alas for human hopes! Even if we are blind to the dark, and deaf to the discordant features of our immediate surroundings, such an event as this should open our eyes and hush our song. The Expository Times for July raises the question, "Is it no longer possible to preach on Future Punishment?" and affirms "that the doctrine of Future Retribution has lost its power, there seems to be no doubt ... because it has lost its certainty. We are no longer sure if it is true. ls it We are not sure if there is any lPossible 1 truth in it." This is an open acknowledgment of a position long ascribed to orthodox theology by the leac1ers on our side

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NOTHER great earthquake horror! With blanched faces men look at each other and I ask, "What does it mean?" Scientists ! are busily guessing, and giving forth their l~-' theories as to the physical causes of these '9~O} tremors, but that which the people note "/.W is that these destructive shocks have affected great cities crowded with human beings, and the evidences of their skill and labour. We have learned of the brave spirit with which the dwellers in California have set to work to rebuild their Ube JEartbquahe ruined cities, but hardly have they at IDalparaiso. commenced than in South America Valparaiso and its neighbours are cast into ruins, and the sufferings of California are repeated in the cities of the South. Again is human sympathy called forth, but with it goes the feeling of our own helplessness to prevent such disasters. Behind these arc forces beyond our power to curb or even know, and the utmost that science can hope to achieve is by comparison anc1 experience, and by the recorc1s of c1elicate instruments, to some day be able to forewarn concerning the coming shock. But it is doubtful if this can be attained, and meanwhile we are left to look at these great disasters, not merely to consider their present results, but, if we would learn the full lesson, from comparison try to understand what the issue will be when Goc1arises to shake terribly the earth. 'I'he word has gone forth, "Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven"-not one locality and a few cities, but the earth in its vast extent, so that the cities of the nations shall fall, and the shaking shall reach to the heavens. Why will He do this? The answer is clear, because on earth men repented not, and in the heavens is the Prince of the power of the air.

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1908.

of the question. When Edward White opened his attack on the popular view, and showed how hopelessly opposed to the Scripture was the fearful teaching of eternal misery, his view was fiercely resented, and he and those who thought with him were the objects of scorn and opprobrium. But the evidence presented was overwhelming, and, resisting the emphatic evidence lying in the fact of man's present mortality, the orthodox were compelled to concede that the dogma of eternal torment was not Scriptural. In yielrling that, and not accepting the safe ground afforded by the Bible view of man's nature, they were cast adrift without any anchorage ground; and so it has come to pass that in late years the popular teachings on the grave question of Future Retri bution are vaguc and unsatisfactory, and, indeed, thc whole matter is seldom referred to. "It has lost its ccrtaintv." "'ill it ever be regained? 'Ve can answer with an emphatic assertion that it will never be again in tho possession of the Church until it agrees to accept that which can alone give it. When the Church will accept Bible language on man's nature and destiny, the whole field becomes luminous, a11l1 certainty will banish doubt and ignorance as sunlight dispels the darkness.

But the Expository Times has its own way of answering the question, and commends a sermon on "Future Retribution," by Professor Gwatkin, who is said to possess "a wealth of erudition and depth of thought." His first "certainty" is that, "as we Some interest has been recently evinced by readers of leave this world, so must we enter @Ile (I~et"Ol) the N.Z. Outlook on the question of "The Second Comthat." "If fit for the blessing of of 'ElIl5wer. ing," and a letter appeared recently in its columns askthe righteous, we shall stand with ing for literature on post-millenniarianism. A reply to them before the throne. If we are fit to be with the that was given in the issue for devil and his angels, with the devil and his angels must August 4th, from H. L. Blamires, Ube Secon~ our position be." If erein lies an evidence of the crudecommending certain books. Some ccnunc. ness of the Professor's thought. There lies the assumpof these are rather out of date, and tion of the possibility of man's conseious continuance in are not of much value in this controversy. The comdeath, and there is an implied ignorance as to the fact. mendation giYen to Dr. Beet's "incisive criticisms" can of the judgment, for no man who has studied the d.isonlv call up a smile from those who know something pensational place of the parable in Matthew (xxv. 31-+6) of this question, and know that the Doctor evinces little would thus apply it. But he has another step to take. real knowledge of the question. We do not think that Can certainty be carried so far as to say what the punishany pre-Millennarian deems the "criticisms" worthy of ment of the wicked will be? "The words of Scripture a published reply. We should like to commend to the are full of terror, a terror heightened by their studied study of Methodists the very simple and handy work vagueness." We are positive that no man who will patiwritten by Mr. Waugh, the well-known Wesleyan evanently collate the Bible terms on this dread subjeet will gelist. It is entitled "When Jesus Comes." We believe ever dare to accuse them of vagueness. They are com that a perusal of this, with a careful comparison of the mon words and images, and they are clear and expressive. Scriptures cited, would furnish any reader against the They are only vague because, being terms relating to specious arguments in the works commended by Mr. destruction, a false view of man's nature makes them Blamires. They could all be read, and no harm would apply to an indestructible thing, namely, the immortal follow to the doctrine of Pre-Millennarianism. soul. Given that man is mortal, then the terms suit his state and definitely assert his destruction. But there are two statements in that letter which should be noted. The first is, "This question (the Second, Comin~) is not a live one in 0111' Church, probably

heaven are paved with gold; and if it were, it could not harm our spiri tual bodies." But, we ask, where does Scripture assign a spiritual bod "lAo <tertaint}] to an unbeliever? and what, "hen, arrer :all. is the hell threatened? He answers, "The torments of consciencethese are the fires of hell!" But if so, we would say that this is but little improvement on the view formerly helc1. The change is simply from physical to mental suffering, and th isis no gain. But there is a further alleviation suggested, and. that is that the suffering is not endless. That "eternal punishment" does not mean more than a punishment which belongs to the age. That "i t is not retribution, but remedy," designed to cure men of their evil ways, and cannot last longer than the sinful temper which has to be cured. So, then, the "certainty" lp}ll~3 to Hestorationism. Is there any Scripture for t;li~;' No; but the Professor's conclusion is, "God's purpORt: "j to have mercy on all men, and we cannot imagine awt purpose finally defeated by sin." And this is the i'O,.I!<:' reached! What a commentary it is, not only upon the learned ignorance regarding mall's nature, and regarding the purposes of God as these are graciously and clearly given in His Word. Truly, the wisdom of men is but folly, and when it sets aside the "plain meaning" and gives reins to its imagination, its findings are a mockery of the Word which, spi te of them, "abideth for ever," unchanged and unchangeable.

of

"Get rid," says the Professor, "of the common ideas hell, It is no more full of fire than the streets of

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from the 'blessed hope' as held by the Christian Church of the early centuries. That people are (enthroned' at death may be good Platonism, but it is not Christian, and does not savour of New Testament teaching. The return of Christ and the literal resurrection of the dead were the hope of the early Church, and may well be retained by the Church of the last days." - TV orld' s Orisis.

because the Church is too much employed with practical work to be very greatly concerned UWO 1Rotable about speculative matters." Not a Statements. live question! How different, then, is the Methodist Church from the Primitive Church. No one can fail to see the vitality of this theme as the epistles are read. How urgent the practical exhortations, and how firmly these are linked to the Lord's Return. "Then they were turned from idols . to wait for His Son from heaven." From that initial attitude they never swerved, and they linked all important present practical teaching to the expected Advent. There may be matters relating to that Advent which can be fairly termed "speculative," but that term should not be applied to the fact itself by any reader of the New Testament, The other statement is: "In my work among young men I am rarely questioned on this subject. It scarcely ever finds a place in a Bible Class syllabus, and is regarded as a question outside practical twentieth century Christianity." This fact may be said to be the natural product of the Church's neglect. If excluded from the Church's teaching, then it can hardly be expected to find a place in a class syllabus, or to be encouraged amongst young men. What sympathy would it meet from those who hold it is not a live questionthat it is "speculative" only? It is an instance of the sad neglect of important Bible teaching, so characteristic of large Church organisations, and also of the manner in which the attitude of the human founders of Methodism is departed from. A people that can enthusiastically sing the Advent hymns of the Wesleys', whilst regarding their teaching as "speculative," offer themselves as a curious problem to the student.

Here is a new word. An American magazine introduces it as fairly descriptive of the latest form of faddism now dominating many theologians. It is defined as "a blind faith in, a servile deference to, and an obsequious acceptance of the Germanolatr}? notions and opinions of German Rationalists." It is thus acquired: Young American and British theological students go to the Continental Universities to "finish their education," and return home feeling they must have something extraordinary to show for their sojourn abroad. Too often that showing will consist of a disrespect for the religious beliefs of their own countrymen, and copious references to German authorities. 'I'he theology they adopt and teach is the kind which may be truthfully labelled "Made in Germany," and it certainly does not commend itself .to the honest workman who seeks to be "approved of God." We do not favour this imported article.

With this Methodist view of the speculative character of the doctrine of the Second Advent may well go the following item from an exchange :-"A few months ago, at the funeral of a Christian woman widely known among Methodists, a leading bishop of that Church pronounced the eulogy, opening with the following words :-'We are assembled to-day to celebrate a coronation. For seventy-eight years the King of kings has had in training for a crown and a throne the richly endowed, greatly beloved, and deeply lamented friend round whose silent form we are now gathered. We are here to celebrate her victory and her enthronement.' It is a well-known fact that the Methodist Church, as such, does not look with favour upon the preaching of the second advent of Christ, or the doctrine of resurrection. If death is victory and 'enthronement,' then there is no higher good, and the New Testament doctrines may well be considered obsolete. The 'waiting,' then, should be for death, and not for the return of Christ. That may be good Methodist doctrine as endorsed by the standards of that Church, but it is a long remove from New Testament revelation, and

5s lDeatb J5ntbt'onement 1:

Chicago is a wonderful city, but it has recently surpassed itself, or, to speak more accurately, it has had a new claim to fame thrust upon it. A Congress of Religions was recently held there, and a leading Professor took occasion to speak of the inade:a 1Rew lDelt}? quacy of our conception of God, and held that "0UI' idea of a god must be revised," and something constructed better suited to the modern mind. He held that the popular theological view of an unchanging god was absurd, and that we must have a new god, "and that the true God of science and the higher criticism" must be, as it were, unfinished, because "we cannot have an unfinished existence with a finished god." God must be regarded not as a Being but a Becoming. What next? Such twaddle may be regarded as "scholarly," and serve as the pabulum which satisfies these professors and divinity students whose growth is on the plane of self-satisfaction, but we require something more substantial, and believe that those who make the Bible the source of their food supply, and have felt its power in their own experience, will say that its God satisfies every desire and fills every aspiration, and is not likely to be replaced by the "unfinished god" of a university professor, be that professor never so eminent and erudite.

In communities where Protestantism holds sway, it is a fact that Roman Catholicism tempers itself to suit the surroundings, but in lands where it is dominant it is a

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19011.

In South America, for example, it retains its mediawal character, and manifests the signification to be 1Raffle for given to its own boast, "Semper Souls. eadem." What can be more revolting to the religious sense of a Protestant, and what more contrary to Scripture, than the following advertisement, quoted in The Christian from a Brazilian paper :"RAFFLE FOB SouLs.-At the last raffle for souls, the following numbers obtained the prize, and the lucky holders may be assured that their loved ones are for ever released from the flames of purgatory . . . "NoTE.-Another raffle for souls will be held at this same blessed Church of the Redeemer on January 1, at which four bleeding and tortured souls will be released from purgatory to heaven according to the number of the highest tickets, in this most holy lottery. Tickets to be had from the Father in charge. Will you for the poor sum of 1 milreis [equal to ;rd.] permit that your loved ones burn in purgatory for ages?"

What the ignorance and superstition must be where such an announcement is possible is only dimly conceivable to those who live in the midst of influences which, whilst hated by Rome, are powerful enough to prevent this open robbery of the people.

IPropbetic {tbings to come."

IT is important to distinguish the two stages of Christ's advent. The Lord has given us light on this subject, and multitudes now understand the difference between the "Paronsia" and the "Epiphania;" that is, between the earlier coming of the Lord to take up His saints and His manifest coming with His saints-His coming for us and with us. But what is to happen between these two remarkable events? After the translation of the saints the world will be left to itself and its own wisdom and way; and then it will consider itself us free as the prodigal son. who gathered together all his goods, and intended in future to be his own master, and to do his own will. It will prosper and flourish abundantly for a time, put forth its energies in all directions, and draw largely on its manifold resources. And while men are thus prospering and rejoicing in their freedom from holy restraint, and from the striving of God with their consciences, they will think that the reins of government are in their own hands. We can easily understand that this state of things will not continue, for men never have their own way long without being heartily tired of it. The apostle Paul tells us that in the end of this dispensation men shall be "lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof." Here i~ a group of moral, or,

rather, immoral, attributes which are all declared to be the characteristics of the latter-day generation to which they refer. This will prepare the way for the fall of moral virtues. Accordingly, we find it predicted that gluttony, wantonness, and drunkenness will become general, like the time which preceded the flood in N oah's day, and the time before the destruction of Sodom. Sad prospect for believers in human progress and the perfectibility of man! But there will be feuds, religious and social, which will embitter the minds of men. "Take heed," said the Lord, "that no man deceive you; for many shall come in My Name and deceive many;" and religious fanaticism shall know no toleration, but shall lay waste and destroy all who will not embrace their delusion. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, despotism seek to overthrow democracy, and democracy to overthrow despotism. The conflict of political principle between the oppressors and the oppressed shall make a desperate struggle for ascendency. And with war will come famine and pestilence. Before or during these things we suppose the ten kingdoms of the restored Roman empire will be formed, illustrated in the book of Daniel by the image's ten toes of iron and clay-i1'on representing despotism and military power, olay representing democracy. These .ten kings will give their power to one, the little horn, who will become the king of fierce countenance, the Antichrist, the man of sins and son of perdition, who could not be revealed until the Church was taken away, and also the Holy Ghost, which has been hindering him hitherto (2 Thess. ii. 7'; Dan. ii. 31-45; vii. 7). He will be the great monarch of the world-the greatest king which the worlel ever knew up to this time, and one with vast influence over the nations. During these times we have traversed, the Jews will have returned to their own land and rebuilt their city and temple, and shall have restored the daily sacrifice, and increased and prospered in a way which shall have raised them to a position of power and influence in the world. To such a height they will have risen, with their gold and their silver, their chariots and their horses (Isaiah ii.), that Antichrist will think it worth his while to make a covenant with them, which he will succeed in doing. He will come in his own name, and be received, and they will regard him as their Messiah (though some will doubt), and make the covenant of seven years which shall complete the seventy weeks of Daniel (Daniel ix. 27). At the expiration of three and a-half years Antichrist will be revealed in his own character as the Man of sin (2 Thess. ii.). He will stop the daily sacrifice, which had been resumed, and have his own image set up in the holy place. Upon this they will begin to rebel against him, which will provoke a terrible persecution, not only of Jews, but others to whom we have not yet referred. Besides the Jews thus busily engaged in their own land, there will be another set of people in all lands who have

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not gone with the worldly multitude into all their excesses and follies of pride and conceit. No doubt they will be taken by surprise and disappointment when the saints of God are translated and they left behind. This evcnt will have been a cause of solemn awakening to them, and it is .to them that "the Gospel of the kingdom" will then be preached (Matt. xxiv. 14). 'Ye are led to believe that multitudes will be saved under this preaching, after the Ohurch has been taken up to be with the Lord; but they will have to go through the tribulation, and eventually, on refusing to receive the mark of the beast on their hands, and on their refusing to worship Antichrist, they will be put to death. These arc the palm-bearing multitude, who shall come out of the great tribulation, having washed their robes white in the blood of the Lanib ; and they will be associated with the white-robed ones mentioned in Rev. vi. 9-14. The tribulation of these days, the Lord tells us, shall be great, such as was not from the beginning of the world unto this time; no, nor ever shall be. The wrath of Goel will be poured out on the earth at this time, and a series of woes and calamities upon the children of men to which there has been no parallel. See Rev. xii., xiii., etc. '1'0 sum up, now let us group togcther the events we have mentioned, and we shall see what is the character of the interval between the advent of Christ in the air and His advent upon the earth. After anti-tribulation translation, worldly prosperity will prevail; then social and moral disorganisation will follow, produced by the carelessness and selfishness of prosperous men; then the wild rage of human passions, religious and political strife growing out of the antagonism of opposite principles, and the deadly hatred of the oppressor and oppressed-horrid war, dragging her death-dealing artillery through every land-fearful pestilence, spreading her death-pall through every city and country-squalid famine, imprinting her ghastly features on famished multitudes-terrible earthquakes, whirlwinds, tempests, spreading devastation everywhere -bodily diseases, noisome and grievous sores-the heat of the earth intensified by the solar rays-the most necessary clement of water turned into blood. The heart aches at a further recital of these things. But it is no fancy picture; it is a copy of the terrible original, which prophetic seers drew upon the inspired page many hnndred years ago. Imagine these things, and see a summary of them given by our blessed Lord in the 24th chapter of Matthew. Sce the same things, in the same order, figured in the opening of the seals in the 6th chapter of Revelation. When the first seal is opened, the Lord Himself goes forth (after the Ohurch is safe in heaven) to see what the sons of men are doing on the earth. Then follows a trinity of evil-the red, black, and pale horses representing war, pestilence, and famine. Then the next three seals refer to the persecutions and troubles on the earth, and the physical changes which are to take place. The trumpets, and

sores, and vials of wrath tell of the awful things which shall come to pass (Hev. viii, to xvi.). The last act of this tremendous drama will be the mustering of armies to the great battle of Armageddon, which shall be a gathering together of all the armies of all the kings, under Antichrist himself, to besiege and take J erusalcm. So important and great will this city be, that the wrath and jealousy of all the world shall be against her, and it will attempt her destruction. But the Lord will appear in a moment of time when the besiegers will be triumphing, and the besieged come to their extremity. 'I'he Lord's opportunity will be then, and His great and wonderful deliverance; and they will say to Him-"Thisi;; our God. Blessed is J-Je that cometh in the name or the Lord." May this bare outline, such as it is, be the means of guiding hearts to a more particular study of this marvellous subject!

REST

POH. THE

WEARY.
arc heavy laden,

"COllie unto Me, all ye Lhat labour and and I will give you resi."-llJA'l'l'. xi. 28.

'l'IUS passage has been the basis of thousands or di courses, delivered by earnest preachers, Ior the purpose of winning weary-burdened sinners to rest and safety in Christ. The words have always bad a charm Ior those who have seen in Jesus the Saviour for men. How simple they arc, and yet their posi tion in the context, and the Person who invite,', make them full of wonderful meaning. I cannot add to their charm, but r desire to show you the setting in which they occur, tha t, il possible, J may lead you to appreciate their teaching more, and that some may be led to accept the invitation and the rest that is proffered. ; The chapter presents succinctly the manner in wh ieh the message brought by Christ and His forerunner had been received. It is a saddening record. The general attitude of present-day hearers of the Gospel is a suggesti ve commentary upon that story, as showing that the human heart is still the same. Yet, when we remember that wonderful history of the Isruelitish people, and follow the line of covenant awl prophecy which led on towards the restoration of the Kingdom of God to them, it will ever be a canse for marvel why that people should have refused to accept their Messiah. They hoard, and were astonished, but the rousing of curiosity by the marvels wrought did not necessarily mean the c-onversion of those who beheld. The general want of belief, together with the imprisonment then being en-

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before Him which called forth His utterance of praise. The ultimate fulfilment of the "unchangeable counsel" was in sight, for the earnests were paid down. What mattered it, then, that there were many doubters, and that the cities repented not. The loss was theirs. The callous indifference, the open opposition could not stop the incoming of the great purpose, and the evidence ('1 its certain advent was present in the faith and adhesion of His humble band of disciples, and in the powers the) were able to exercise against the forces of evil. This was the earnest of the joy before Him. The movement had begun, and nothing could stop its final manifestation. Listen to the striking claim, "All things have been delivered unto Me of My Father." 'I'he circumstances just cited make this assertion to stand out prominently. He, the rejected one, soon to be nationally cast off, claims lordship over all things. That claim is made by Him on more than one occasion, and it is stamped with God's own seal of approval by the resurrection of Christ from the dead. What are the "all things?" It is at this point where a closer study of the 'W ord is needed. The hazy and incomplete ideas held on this matter prevent an adequate appreciation of the position really held by the Messiah. It is enough, it is thought, to preach Christ as the Saviour from sin and from the grave. He is supposed to grant an entrance to heaven and to save from hell. But such ideas fall far short of the true position and work of Christ, as set forth in this gospel of Matthew. There, He is the heir to the Kingdom of God to be set up on the earth, and it is this fact which yields the key to the expression "all things," and which gives the true value to the invitation given. In one breath the Lord claims the possession of "all things," and in the other He says, "Come unto Me." It is not only as a tender and compassionate Saviour desirous of being helpful to weak and burdened men that He speaks, but it is as the Lord of all, rejoicing at the prospect before Him, and at the effects which are to hand as testimonies of what shall be when His authority is in full and universal exercise that He says, "Come unto Me." If the meaning of that invitation is to be determined from an estimate of the assertion of verse 27, then we can say, "He has inexhaustible wealth and can supply, and He has control of the forces of omnipotence, and nothing can hinder the operations of His gifts." "Come unto Me." What is involved in the coming? vVe reply there must be faith. Faith in what? The passage clearly shows what. It is a recognition of the claims of the Christ. When the Lord spake, this was His gospel. After His ascension, the disciples heralded the same gospel, and presented the claims of the risen Christ to the heirship of the world, and showed that these claims were vindicated by the power of God in the resurreetion from the dead. To what does your faith reach out? If not to the Gospel as here set forth, see to it that your heart opens to the gladsome news of the Christ of God, and believe and confess Him as Lord. In

durcd by him, compelled John to send messengers to the Lord to ask; "Art Thou H that cometh P" The answer that is given is of a nature which must satisfy the imprisoned herald. But the people do not seem to be impressed. Like children sitting in the market place, and not able to agree upon the game to be played, they resolved, in fact, to reject every proffer. So the Lord mourns failure, not for His own sake, but for the inevitable judgment that must follow the rejection of the abundant and complete testimony granted. That people turned away from the grandest message that ever sounded in human ears, and commented upon the personal characteristics of the preacher, exaggerated them, in fact, and then made their exaggerations the excuse for passing the message by. Is there anything like this to-day? The dress, style, pronunciation of the preacher are criticised; the failings and peculiarities of church members are noted, and are allowed to shut out the message of divine grace which is on offer to men. Is that your case? I beseech yon to stay and think whether or not you are allowing little things that are near to blot out the glorious news of redemption. The view of the country around you, from some suitable height, may be very lovely, but you can blot it out by a sixpence close to your eye. There was individual failure to accept the Saviour's message, but there was more. His was also a national message, containing a splendid proffer. How was it received? Take a few of the cities where it was on offer. It is as if the vote of the municipality went against it. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are named. In them marvellous works were wrought, the purpose being to substantiate the message. and to verify the claims; but "they repented not." Later, Jerusalem, the metropolis, has the public proffer of the Messiah, and He is rejected. Over all may be written the same sentence, "They repented not." To-day the gospel of grace comes to us, but it makes the same demand, "Repent." If it did not so imperiously require that he who believes it should conform to it, there would be the,usands of believers where now there are units. Well, that chapter records failure, yet the Saviour is not cast down. He has yet a source of joy. Joy? What, in face of almost universal rejection! What was it that could buoy Him up in such experiences? 'I'hat He speaks in verse 25 in a spirit of exultation is evident. On turning to Luke x. 21, you find a connection which helps to explain this utterance of gladness. The Seventy have returned, and given their report. It is one of victory over evil persons and influences. The powers of evil are compelled to yield to the gifts granted to the disciples, and this is a pledge of the ultimate conquest which shall more than fill the original covenanted mercies and predicted blessings. It is the future which causes Him joy. He rejoiced. Had riches been left to Him? Had He escaped the Cross? Did great men fawn upon Him and acknowledge His claims? No; none of these things came His way. "I'was the joy that was set

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that confession lies everything that God has promised concerning Him. What will He give? He will give "rest." The blessing is designed to meet the need. Whatever that need may be, be assured that in the resources of Him who has "all things" under control there will be the bestowment which will meet thy need. Who can put a limit to it? When all individual and immediate needs are satisfied, it reaches out and takes in the accomplishment of God's great design to "bless all families of the earth." Indeed, it is because of its great extent that it can so fully satisfy the needs of the individual Strike out your line of thought or desire on any conceivable line of human need, and the word of Christ will meet you, "I will give you rest." Yes, we are coming to the source of perfect satisfaction when we come to Him, and for our encouragement and assurance we are informed that all things are deIivered unto Him; therefore He can give rest. Are any restless because of sin? Take yourself to Him. "I'is such He invites, and within the circle of "all things" is the prerogative of pardon and the assurance of acceptance, and of the bestowment of eternal life. The grip by faith of this promise enables you to say, "N ow being made free from sin." He offers the only true rest. There is a tradition of an Indian chief, who, with his tribe, fled before the prairie fires till they had crossed the broad river which gave safety, and then he stuck his tent-pole into the ground and cried, "Alabama" ("Here we may rest"). He was no prophet, for hostile tribes overpowered him and his people, and they found graves where they sought a home.' This may be a parable for us. Some there are, like the man in the Gospel who would build his barns bigger, and they look forward to rest as the result of present effort, and when the point is attained are ready to cry "Alabama." Alas! no. Here is no rest. The garnered wealth of the world will not ease an unquiet heart. Some seek to stifle conviction by pleasure, but with ceaseless energy the cry will arise, "Here is no rest." But perfect rest is attainable. The forgiveness of sins, with the assurance of a share in rest which will be eternal and complete is proffered, and with these "the rest that remaineth for the people of God." There is an old legend that one day Rabbi J udah and his brethren, the seven pillars of wisdom, sat down disputing about rest, and one said "that it was to have attained sufficient wealth, yet without sin." The second, "That it was fame and praise of men;" the third, "That it was the possession of power to rule the State;" the fourth, "That it consists in a happy home;" the fifth, "T'hat it must be in the old age of one who is rich, powerful, famous, and surrounded by children's children." The sixth said "That all was vain unless a man kept all the ritual of the law." And Rabbi Judah, the tallest and the most venerable of the brethren, said, "Ye have all spoken wisely, but one thing is yet necessary. He only can rest who to all these things addeth this, that he keepeth the tradition of the elders." 'I'here

sat in the court a fair-haired boy playing with lilies in his lap, and, hearing the talk, he dropped them from his hands with astonishment, and, looking up, said, "Nay, nay, fathers; he only loveth rest who loves his brother as himself and God with his whole heart and soul. He is greater than wealth, and fame, and power, happier than a happy home without it, better than an honoured old age; he is a law to himself, and better and above tradition." The rabbis were astonished, and they said, "When Christ cometh will He tell us greater things?" And they thanked God, and said, "Old men are not always wise." See how the promise is joined to the invitation, "I will give you rest." The munificent Saviour will give to all who will have it. He will not, cannot break His word, and whosoever will can put the strain of his faith upon that, and it will not fail. There is another word, "Take My yoke." The place to whi~h you are called is one of service. The rest is not one of sleep and inactivity. As it was the Son's good pleasure to do the Father's will, so must it be yours to do His will: To take His yoke, to bear the burden He may see fit for you to bear. 'Twill not be too heavy, for the strength of omnipotence is yours to draw upon. The two things must go together-faith and obedience. The Saviour 1inked them, and woe betide the man who would sever the bond. Believe and obey. He who thus yields will prove to full satisfaction that the yoke of the Lord is easy, and His service is a delightful labour. Listen once again to the sweet chime of bells, "I will give you rest." He is pledged to it, and 'tis joy to Him for the sinner to put Him to the test. Prove Him, and find that He cannot fail of His good word. [Address given in West Street by the Editor.]

"1be (tometb."
"He cometh." Who ? The "same" adored dear Lord (Acts i. 11.) Who rose from Olivet, By the few friends who saw Him rise (Heb. ix. 24.)

To His fair home above the skies. "He cometh." Why ? To call His own From earth, and graves, to share His throne, His own sweet promise to fulfil; And carry out His blessed "will." "He cometh." ""'hen? "Ve cannot But on God's mm appointed day. say,

(John xiv, 3.) (John xvii. 24.)

(Heb. x. 37.) (l\Iark xiii. 20, 35.)

'Ye in His rapturous joy shall share, Rising to meet Him in the air. "He cometh." How? In glorious Enfolded in a robe of light, might,

(Titus

ii. 13, 14.)

To meet the bride He died to win, Saved from a world of death and sin. "He cometh." 'Yhere? To upper skies, Concealed by clouds from sinners' eyes. May we be watching, and prepare With holy joy to meet Him there!

(Songs ii. 8, 10.)

(I Thes. iv. 17.) (1 John ii. 28.)

BETA.

Ti-LE BIBLE TABLE OF OONTENT&

PAGE

STANbARb.
The textual problem put before our readers in last issue has been solved by our Bro. Christy, who :finds the passage in Job xxxii. 9., A.V. He goes on to say that it has no obvious connection with the idea of going to heaven, but states a clear truth. To this we would add that its connection gives a further truth, that true wisdom is from God, for "the breath of the Almighty giveth understanding."

'I'u a MONTH
H

.. THINGS WEST NOTES .. TO COME" STREET

PROPHETIC FROM

.. ..

ECHOES

HI~ COMETII ASSOCIATION DEBATE HER WORK

AT \\" AIHI MISSIONARIES ARTICLES NEWS .. O~ TRUTH

.. .

MILLENNIAL GREAT THE

THINGS CIRCLE-IN BAND CORNER OF' PHOO~' ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .. QUES'l'

129-132 132 133 133-135 135 136 136-137 137 138--139 139

MISCELLANEOUS HOME CHURCH CHRISTIAN ~UNSHlNE THE

HO
.. lU-H2 142 143 143 144 It!

AND MISSION

'!Debate at UUlaibi.
NOT very long ago the town of Waihi was experiencing a revival, and was cited by lllany church people as the place where a work of grace was beginning that it was hoped would sweep through the colony. That period of excitement, however, passed away, and now that town is exhibiting a great interest in I:)piritism The advent of a young man, formerly an Anglican minister, who, after some personal experiences, took the platform and lectured in its favour, prepared the way for a lady "missionary" from the States, who speedily filled the largest hall in the town, charming the people by her oratory, and astonishing them by her familiarity with the spirits, who simply thronged her in their eagerness to send spirit-messages to their friends; Before she arrived, however, a debate on "Spiritualism" was under arrangement. After some addresses and rejoinders by Bro. Foster and Mr. Hicks, the ex-clergyman aforesaid, the parties had agreed to spend three nights (August 20, 21, 23) in debate. The programme set out that Mr. Foster would affirm for two nights :(a)" That the Bible teaches that man is by nature mortal. (b) That in death he is unconscious. ( c) That a future life depends on the resurrection of man from the dead. There were to be negatived by Mr. Glanville Hicks, who, on the third night, would make affirmation:(a) That modern Spiritualism is thoroughly Biblical and consistent with Christianity. (b) That it tends to moral advancement and an uplifting of humanity. 1\1r. Fitzherbert, solicitor, consented to preside. The discussion was held in the Academy of Music. On the first evening Mr. Foster kept closely to his proposition, and spent the forty minutes of his opening address in citing Biblical evidence in support of his thesis. It was a surprise to many, when Mr. Hicks rose to reply, to hear him devoting time to showing that Genesis was unreliable, and the Old Testament generally a book containing many contradictions, thus undermining the book accepted by both disputants as the court of appeal. He contended, however, that the Bible contained abundant evidence in favour of SOl11Immortality, and asserted that Moses, Samuel, Elijah, and Enoch, though dead, had continuity of life assigned to them. The answer to the thief on the Cross, the parable of Dives Lazarus, taught conscious and intelligent existence beyond the

ARMOUR

TUEASUHER'S

~ (b~ 6ibl~ Standard. ~

/ ~}.Y

MONTHTLY
0" THE

ORGAN

ntw Zealand Eoangtlistlt a!ld Publitatlon Jls$oclatlon.

EDITED BY GEORGE ALDRIDGE.
ASSISTED BY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

TIle Editor wishes it to be understood that, while he exercises a I::"l:neral supervinion over the articles and Correspondence appearing in the STANDUD, reaponslLility for sentiments expressed rests upon the individual writer.

ttssociation 1Rotes.
In accordance with custom, the Association held its annual midwinter meeting in the course of the month. A change in the form of the meeting was adopted, and instead of the decorations and refreshments inseparably connected with a social, it was thought wise to have an ordinary meeting at which the story of our work could be told "without the distractions necessarily attendant upon the more diversified gathering. As it was decided there should be no collection taken, it was felt that there was no reason that anyone should be disappointed. A fair company assembled, and, under the leadership of the President (Bro. Wilcock), the prc,;ramme was gone through in satisfactory manner. Brethren White and Aldridge were the speakers, and these gave interesting items in connection with our work. Bro. Cameron, of Helensville, gave testimony to the valuable services rendered bv the Association to the cause in hi" township. Others ;vitnessed to the value of the work, and urged that all should feel the importance of assisting as active partners in the concern to forward its interests. In the course of the evening the choir, under the leadership of Bro. L. E. Falkner, largely contributed by their music to the pleasure of the occasion, and the 8010 by Bro. C. B. King was much appreciated. The Executive feels enC'011r::lge(1, a result of this meeting, at the evidence of as interest taken in the work assigned to it, and hopes that it will not be long before there will be tangible testimony that our work has received new impetus, and is producing more abundant fruit.

SEPTEMBER,

i906.

THE

BIBLE STANbARb.
methods and quotations, but all to no purpose. At one time the meeting was a scene of confusion, but eventually there was quiet, and Mr. Foster resumed his address, again to be interrupted by the over-zealous occupant of the chair. Even when Mr. Foster was allowed to proceed he had spoken but a short time, when the chairman rang him down without allowing the speaker the time taken up by the interruptions. The Waihi Telegraph, in its report, said: Thus concluded the most exciting passage-at-arms since the historic public meeting held by the Borough Council, when a section refuted charges brought against them by fellow-members just after the formation of the borough." Till that point the debate had proceeded with good temper and genial speech, and had been followed with close interest, and it was a thousand pities that it should be spoiled by the injudicious action of the chairman. It cannot be said that very hearty support was given by the local churches, but those who did attend freely conceded that Bro. Foster kept closest to the terms of the propositions, and clearly showed that Scripture supported his contentions. So much local interest having been taken in the discussion, the Editor gave an address on Spiritualism 11e1'SUS Christianity" at a combined meeting of the churches on the following Sunday evening in the Miners' Hall. At the request of a few interested persons, he also lectured on the Monday evening in the Academy of Music to an attentive audience on Impressions of the Debate." At the close several questions were asked and answered. Thus closed an interesting week, in which the 'I'ruth had an opportunity of coming into close warfare with error, and we are quite satisfied that Spiritism has not made a good showing in the battle. EDITOR.

grave. 'I'hese fairly established the doctrine of natural immortality. Mr. Foster insisted that his opponent had not adduced one text that gave clear evidence in favour of his position, and then proceeded to show how some of the passages quoted taught the exact opposite to Mr. Hick's inference. On the second evening the discussion was continued by Mr. Hicks, who asserted that science had its testimony to bear on this important matter. He then adduced certain arguments, which, he claimed, clearly established all his contention on man's present immortality. Further, the Bible was literally soaked with it. True, there was no text which definitely asserted it, but neither was there any passage that forbade polygamy or slavery. In his reply Mr. Foster called attention to the manner in which his opponent had left the Bible that he might wander through ancient philosophy and so-called modern science. Why was this? Because Mr. Hicks could not find his contention supported in Scripture. 'I'he Book did not teach the doctrine, and ought not to be laden with it. He challenged the production of the name of a single Hebrew scholar of repute who assigned the meaning of natural immortality to any Hebrew wore referring to man's present nature. Mr. Hick's cause was lost because he appealed to heathen mythology and science, and could not rest it upon the Bible, the book of. reference for that debate. On the Thursday evening the disputants faced a larger audience, showing that there was more interest in the topic for discussion that night. The opening address of 1\11'. Hicks, who affirmed, was wholly given to the citation of arguments and proofs" to establish the contention that mind could exist without matter. Local cerebral disturbances, dreams, delusions, etc., were proofs, as shown by authorities on cerebral physiology. He denounced vehemently the duplicity and fraud practised under the name of Spiritualism, but contended there were no counterfeits without real coins. When Mr. Foster rose he said he had nothing to answer. No attempt had been made to show that his friend's view was Biblical, and no evidence was forthcoming to show its uplifting power. He must therefore now show that modern Spiritualism was neither Biblical nor good. He was proceeding to cite the history of the origin of this modern phase, when there occurred a most extraordinary incident. 'I'he chairman suddenly interposed, and asserted that Mr. Foster must follow the arguments of his opponent. Mr. Foster contended that there was nothing to answer, and he would stick to the proposition under discussion. But the chairman was obstinate. Mr. Hicks stated that, as far as he was concerned, Mr. Foster could proceed his own way. Then the chairman demanded to see the book quoted by Mr. Foster ("Spiritualism Unveiled"), and said that as it was not a standard Spiritualistic book it was not relevant, and could not be used. Mr. Foster pointed out that no objection had been taken to his opponent's

1ber \rolork.
A J\lOTHER once said to a popular teacher who had been adored by her pupils for a score of years: What a wide and beneficent influence you have exerted, while I have been cooped up at home, managing servants, dosing the mumps and measles, and patching and darning! How narrow my life looks beside yours." N arrow!" cried her friend. Think how you have sent forth into the world every morning your husband and your flock of boys and girls, full of health and cheer! What a model home you have created for all your friends to see! It is I who have lived a narrow life rather than you. What is the slight touch which I may have given to a thousand or more lives compared with the deep, determining influence which you have yielded over the half dozen in your home?" "Is it possible that you think so!" exclaimed the tired mother, incredulously. "I know so. I have watched your children in school. They radiate everywhere an atmosphere of love and light, and it was you who gave it to them."-Herald

and Presbyter.

'tHE

BtBLE S'tANbARb.

SEPTEMBER,

1906.

{JDtllennial missionaries.
"I will send those that escape of them unto the nations that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they sha ll declare my glory among the nations."-ls. Ixvi. ID.

Christians are agreed that a time is coming when the whole world shall be converted. It is certain that J ehovah intends to subject all nations to Himself. It is indeed a bright prospect that presently this earth shall be a perfect Paradise, in which poverty shall be unknown, sickness shall be infrequent, and death so comparatively rare that one dying a hundred years old will be reckoned as a mere child (ls. Ixv. 20). The curse of war will no longer afflict the nations, for national jealousies will have ended, the great question of labour v. capital be happily for ever settled, and the royal law, "Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself" (J ames ii. 8) universally observed. There will be no idolatry in man's worship, no foolery in their amusements, no trickery in their business, no misery in their homes; it will be like a new world, and life in that day will indeed be worth living. But all this is future-perchance a distant futureand not a subject particularly helpful to me to-day. Life is a hard struggle, a regular fight from beginning to end. There's no rest from the turmoil till we rest in our graves. We must keep on the move, or shall be trampled down by the rush and push around us. Says one, "It's all very well talking of the good days that are coming, but they never come, and when they do come it will be too late for me-it won't be in my time." Well, suppose not, but should wc not be very glad that they will come in the time of somebody else? Perhaps the cluldrer: of ihis qeneratio may enjoy the good things that are coming! And as to ourselves, though wc die first, if we have a part in the first resurrection, we may have the privilege of revisiting this earth and seeing it under its changed condition-a converted, restored, and happy world. By what means is the regeneration and restoration of a fallen world to be brought about? Let us at once say that it will not be by the agency of the Church. There is not a single verse in the Bible that speaks of the uplifting of mankind as a race by Gentile ministers and missionaries. Besides, if this was a task beyond the Church in Apostolic times, when it was comparatively pure and united, much more so to-day, when it is split up into a hundred sections, each jealous of and, in some measure, hostile to the rest. Christendom is a poor old battered wreck, worn out, eaten away with the worms of error, weakened by its numerous foolish traditions; while unbelieving secularism is growing, spreading, and becoming more rampant day by day. When and how shall this world be saved from the power of Satan and the curse of sin? When? Not until the T,01'd Jesus Christ shall have returned from the heavenly places and be seated on His earthly throne at Jerusalem. How? It is the redeemed people of Israel-restored to their own land-who will
ALL

be sent forth as missionaries to carry the light of salvation to the ends of the earth. This is one reason for the marvellous preservation of the Hebrews as a nation. God, through the prophet Isaiah, said, "Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it" (Ixv. 8). A blessing! Aye, great and manifold blessings have we alrcady received through the nation of Israel. Our :English laws are, to a great extent, founded on those of Moses, and our religion is built upon the words of the Hebrew man Jesus. The books of the Bible (except that of Luke's gospel) are all the writings of men of the Hebrew race. And if there be anything clean, lovely, and of good report among the nations, it is attributable chiefly to those sacred wri tings which emanated from the land of Palestine. But the gracious influence of the past is as nothing compared to that which is yet to make itself manifest. Of Israel it has been said by the Lord God of Israel, whose promises never fail, "And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, 0 house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing" (Zcck, viii. 13). "In days to come shall J acob take root; ] srael shall blossom and bud: and they shall fill the face of the earth with fruit" (ls. xxvii. 6). "And the remnant of Jucob shall be in the midst of many peoples as dew from the Lord, as showers upon the grass" (Micah v. 7). "Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come." And what will be the consequence ? "So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory" (Ps. cii. 13, 15). "God shall bless us," says the sweet singer of Israel; and the wonderful outcome is that "all the end of the earth shall fear Him" (Ps. lxvi i. 'I). Such arc some of the predictions of Israel's prophets regarding the grand work that is to be theirs ill the day of their restoration. When the Lord is merciful to His people and His land, then all the earth will share in the blessing. "Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her all ye that love her," for the promised time of her prosperity will be the grand harvest time of missionary success. "For if the casting away of them" (the people of Israel) "is the reconciling of the world" (to God), "what shall the receiving" (restoration to God's favour) "of them be, but" (to the world, as) "life from the dead" (Rom. xi. 15)? The high honour that their longdespised Messiah, J ehovah-J esus, has in reserve for them, though they know it not in these days of their darkness and unbelief, is that they are the Lord's appointed missionaries to all lands to make Christ's salvation known to all peoples. When God shall have purified the nation and fitted them for their mission, having surprised them with the overflowing abundance of temporal and spiritual blessings conferred upon them, they shall be sent-thousands of them-to all parts of the earth to preach the goodness of salvation. Speaking of that clay, Tsaiah said to Israel, "Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord: men shall call you the ministers of our God all that see them shall acknowledge them

SEPTEMDER,

i906.

THE

BIBLE

STANbARD.
we know nothing, and must simply believe what God has revealed in His Word. Of course, God could save the world by the agency of the Church, but He has been pleased to make known that He is not going to do it in that way. God is God. He takes not counsel with men as to what He should or should not do. He has His own plans and purposes. What He might do, or can do, is no concern of ours. We have simply to read what He has said He will do and believe it, and be grateful that If c condescends to tell us anything at all about "days to come." And we may be quite sure that His way is better than our way, for He is infinitely wise. The repugnance of men-even Christian men-to the coming of the Lord to reign on earth is so strong, and the idea of the Hebrew race lording it over the Gentile nations is so hateful to Gentile pride, that Church leaders almost unanimously deny and reject both doctrines. 'I'hey insist that the Church shall eventually convert the world, and meanwhile Christ in heaven reigns over the earth. But such arc not God's thoughts, nor His revelation in the Scriptures. Just as the Gospel was first preached at Jerusalem, and thence was sent to the Gentiles, so shall it be again after the return of Jesus and the restoration of Israel, for Micah and Isaiah both assert that "in the latter days. . out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." This dark Gentile age is fast running its course, and will soon reach its close. The new age-the Israelitish age-is near at hand, and the Sun of Righteousness is about to arise with healing in His wings. Great and wonderful will be the issue in our long-distracted world when the Most Gracious King Emmanuel (God with us) shall send His word to every nation, people, and tribe by His chosen millennial missionaries. Hotorua.
C. CRISP BROWN.

that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed" (Is. lxi. 6-9). 'I'he coming age is to be pre-eminently a Hebrew agl-' (as this is a Gentile age). The Temple will be rebuilt at J er usalem, sacrifices will be offered therein (1;.. x1.xlviii.}, and the seventh day Sabbath will be universally observed (ls. lxvi. 23). Israel, under David's Son, is to have "the first dominion" (Micah iv. 8; Ps. lxii. 8). Jesus shall be King of kings and Lord of lords. r c And tile remnant of J acob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, as a lion among the beasts of the forest. The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall come with fear unto the Lor ~ our God, and shall be afraid because of thee" (JUicah v . 8; vii. 16, 17). But when shall this happy day be? -We repeat that it cannot be till Christ has returned from heaven in order to commence His millennial reign. And this sending forth of Israelitish heralds throughout the earth to announce His presence at Jerusalem, and to claim the submission and loyalty of all mankind, is one of the first acts of His gracious reign. And the preaching shall not be in vain. Accompanied by showers of Pentecostal blessing, very speedily shall be fulfilled the apostles' words, "That in the name of Jesus every knee on earth shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Lord of the whole earth)-Phil. ii. 10, 1l. It has been asked, why Israelitish and not Gentile missionaries? The Church, as at present constituted, has put forth herculean efforts to make known the gospel of Christ. Surely such efforts will be rewarded at last by the successful evangelisation of the world! And, again, why is needed the personal presence of Christ at .Ierusalom ? From heaven He can manifest His power _and reign as King! Our reply is, the Bible says that it is after Christ has returned, and after Israel is restored that the world shall be converted and cleansed, and therefore at no other time and under no other circumstances can this wonderful event take place. If it were the mission of the Church to bring the world to the feet of the Saviour, we should be plainly told so, but nowhere in the Scriphues is such contemplated mode of procedure made known. Instead of that, the failure of the Church to maintain its own uprightness is distinctly and repeatedly foretold, together with its ultimate rejection on the part of Him whom it calls Lord and Master (Rom. xi. 22). Indeed, Christ Himself forewarned, "When the Son of man cometh, shall He find the faith on the earth" (Luke xviii. 8)? The end of this Gentile age will not be characterised by the evangelisation of the nations, but by the reign of Antichrist, great tribulation, unparalleled wickedness, and the return of Israel to their own land in unbelief and continued rejection of: J esus of Nazareth. Human speculation as to the how and the when of the future is an impertinence. We must acknowledge that

But

<Breat \rbtnga.
God's heart is great, not more great than strong, and not more strong tender; Of every blessing worth the having He is the sender. That heart of His beats true to every human sorrow; And therefore I may trust Him for the morrow. than

.j/!!

God's hand is great, But not' more great than rich, and not less rich for civinc : '1'1 I' f e.o f as ki . . '" , le 1 ,mg an d 0 f t~kmg IS worth the living. t:> J\q life IS poor. My need IS great and always growing; But then, My Father's hand is overflowing. God's home is great, 13~ltnot more ~reat than .glad, and not more glad than holy; " here God abld~s there IS no room for melancholy . My Father WIlt Thou take my hand that I may wander-never. And make ~Iy hca rt Thy home for ever?

n.

R.

HARDING,WOOD.

He does most for self who does most for others.

140

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

SEPTEMBER,

190~.

lRicbea tbat :are J8ternal.

'Wlbat 1benr}? 'Wlar~ :JJ3eecberUbougbt !Doctrine of .!Eternal roiser}?

Of tbe

A nobleman in the north of England once said to a IN a morning sermon, after speaking of the awful confriend who accompanied him on a walk, "These beautiful ception of God which some have, Mr. Beecher said: grounds as far as your eye can reach, those forests of "A heaven presided over by such a demon as that, valuable timber on the mountain side, and those vast who has been peopling this world with millions of human mines full of precious metals, all belongto me. Yonder beings, and then sweeping them off into hell, not like powerful steam engines obtain the produce of my mines, flies, but without taking the trouble even to kill them, and those ships convey my wealth to other parts of the kingdom." "Well, my lord," his friend replied, "do you , and gloating and laughing over their eternal misery, is not such a heaven as 1 want to go to. The doctrine is see yonder small cottage that seems but a small speck 011 too horrible. I cannot believe it, and I won't. 'I'hey your estate? 'I'here dwells a poor woman who can say say the saints in heaven are so happy, that they do not more than all this, for she can say 'Christ is mine.' She mind the torments of the damned in hell; but what sort was once ignorant of all religious truths, but she sought of saints must they be who could be happy while looking the guiding light, which brought her to the Saviour. In down upon the horrors of the bottomless pit? They a few years you must give up your possessions, for you don't mind-they're safe-they're happy! What would can carry nothing away with you when you die; but the mother think of the sixteen-year-old daughter, who, when Christ returns she will enter upon a far nobler inwhen her infant was lying dead in the house, should heritance, reserved for those kept by the power of God come dancing and singing into the parlour, and exclaim, through faith unto salvation."-Sel. "Oh, I'm so happy, mother! 1 don't care for the dead baby in the coffin!' Would she not be shocked? And so with this doctrine; and by the blood of Christ 1 deScepttcal jfoll}? nounce it; by the wounds in His hands and His side, I abhor it; by His groans and agony, 1 abhor and denounce Infidels may boast of their wisdom and power, but it it as the most hideous nightmare of thcology."-Selected is in vain. A gentleman delivered a lecture, in New by Mrs. O. W. Sarqeni. Jersey, against infidelity. The next morning an infidel inquired of him: "Aren't you the man who said, last night, that you could prove in ten minutes that all infidels were fools? If you don't prove it to my satisfaction I will publish you in all the city papers." KIND words do not cost much. They are quickly spoken. 'I'he gentleman-Mr. Hyde-asked: "Where is your They do not blister the tongue that utters them. They infidel ?" never have to be repented of. They do not keep us "1 claim to be one," was the reply. awake till midnight. It is easy to scatter them. And oh, "You don't mean to say that there is no reality in how much good they may do! They do good to the Christianity, do you?" person from whose lips they fall. Soft words will soften "1 do, sir. 1 have studied all phases of the subject, the soul. They will smooth down the rough places in and have delivered lectures against it for twelve years, our natures. Care to say kindly things will drill 0UI' and am prepared to say there is nothing in it." natures in kindness. It will help pull up all the roots "You are certain there is nothing in it?" of passion. It will give us a spirit of self-control. It "Yes, sir; there is nothing in it." will make the conscience delicate and the disposition "Will you please tell me," said Mr. Hyde, "if a man gentle. A woman cannot make a habit of speaking kind who will lecture twelve years against nothing is not a words without augmenting her own gracious temper. fool, what in your judgment would constitute a fool?" But better will be their influence upon others. Thus will every infidel be proved who fights against If cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch the Book of God. That sacred Book is not to be trifled them, and bitter words madden them, so will kind words with by poor, puny man. It is the greatest of insults reproduce themselves, and soothe and quiet and comfort that can be offered the great God of the universe, who the hearer. 'I'hey make all the better elements of one's has so kindly devised the plan of salvation for the best nature come trooping to the surface. They melt our interests of all humanity. His goodness should lead no stubbornness. They arouse an appreciation of better to reverence Him and His Word. No man can do greater things. honour to another than to believe his word. So it is with Let us say the kindly word. No one can tell how God; without faith it is impossible to please Him; for many burdened hearts may be believed, how many dishe that cometh to Him must believe that He is and is a couraged souls may be inspired. Say it every day-to rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. the one who disturbs you while you are busy, asking for Go<1grant that we may all be wise, to the saving of ourselves, and be the means also in His hands of saving work; to the one who has almost lost hope; to all. Reothers, member, kind words can never die.-Selected.

SEPTEMBER,

1906.
..'

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
"The fourth, vii. 12). the Son of David

141
(2 Sam.

are being strongly commended for the things in them, which are said ~o. be good, and which are held as ChrIstlan. doctrine by most of the churches, .and that it is said, 'If there are other things ~~H::H~:t::t::t::t::t::t::t::t::t::t:~:t::t::t::t::t::t::t:}: in them which are not generally held, ; -, :$ i:. ,-.- , they may be considered as non-import~nt or non-essential.' Now, I am of opmion 5n <lI2,uest of n:rutb. that where such ideas are held, it can only be because the books have .not been CHAPTER VII. read or the reading has been 1Il desulThe announcement made by Mr. Keith tor/ and non-understanding fashi~n, for it is certain that the author did not at the close of Mr. Wrens' lecture was issue these books for what they conquite a surprise to the people, as they ta.ined in harmony with general Chrishardly expected that the shy and diffitian belief but that the special features dent man would venture to oppose these of his scheme might obtain a reception. doctrines in public. In truth, it. ~as a My experience, as gathere~ from co~cross which Mr. Keith would wil lingly verse and correspondence WIth many, IS, have shunned, but he felt that the matter that the first volume only has been read, was so important. and so closely affected so that the development of the teaching the honour of the Lord and the truth of as unfolded in the later volumes is pracHis Word, that all considerations of self tically unknown, even to those who ha,:e must be put on one side that the error professed to accept the views. It IS misrht be manifested. He knew there obvious that I cannot present to you a we~e very few in the clll~rch. w~o had resume of all that I think I find to be cither the leisure, or the inelina.tion, to erroneous in these volumes, but I have cive that close examination to the matthought it of the utmost importance ter which it demanded, and that, having that you should be advised of the attiLne opportunity to investigate, it would tude taken by them in regard to the be necessary for him to give the result Person of our Lord. If unsound here, of his findings. Philip would gladly then other things can well be left, for have been the spokesman for his uncle, this would stamp them as utterly unbut in this instance Mr. Keith deemed it worthy of further consideration. If, ~n advisable to undertake the task himself, the other hand, the views taught therein so that, if questions arose, he would be concerning our Saviour are true, then the person responsible for the answers. it is certain we must revise all that During the few days that followed there has hitherto been held concerning the were some eazer inquiries as to the date purpose of God, the work Of. Christ, an.d of the address, and when, at the Sunday the needs of sinful humanity. It IS meetinzs the notice was given out that claimed that these volumes do honour to Mr. Kcith would conduct the Bible Class the Lord, and, indeed, I possess correand srive an address upon "Millennial spondence in which this is boldly deDawn Theories of the Person of Christ," clared. I do not know what kind of quite a little hum of ple~sed excitement honour is intended, as the matter is left passed through the meetmg.. . almost wholly to the province of asserMr. Keith had largely wr-itten Ills adtion; but I do know that, according to dress, as he knew his lack of qualities my humble judgment, the statements for public speech, and thus he felt nerved made in the 'Dawn' volumes take from for his task. the Lord that which makes Him a posOn thc evcning appointed quite a large sible Saviour for me, robs Him of His number of members and friends gathposition as Redeemer for Israel, and preered in the church building, and, with vents Him from becoming the Fulfiller but few exceptions, the supporters of of the promises. If these things are the "Dawn" views were present. Those done then it is obvious it is dishonour absent had treated the whole matter whicil is done to Him. If I left this with contempt. "Who was Mr. Keith in the realm of assertion, you would be that he should venture to set himself up justified in giving my statement no heed, as a critic of the teachings of Mr. Rus'but I purp~se to present you sufficient sell ?" Our friend, Mr. Baker, was preevidence to support it. sent, and it was noted by some that he "To prepare for the line of testimony did not seem to weal' the confident air to be presented, let us note that the Old which marked him at the commenceTestament opens with the story of a ment of the lecture given by Mr. Wren: man through whom sin and death passed That he had come to hear was a good unto all men. The history which folthing, and his presence was a pleasing lows is the story of the race which surprise to some of the members, who springs from that mll:n, and Of. God's thought that he would be one to keep plan of redemption WlllC~ works 1~ conhimself aloof. However, here he was, nection with it. I notice that 111 the and evidently determined to listen, and progress of that redemptive work it is as determined, if opportunity offered, to made to turn upon the fulfilment of four put in a word for the teachings which great promises, each centring in a Perhad won his approval. son. After the singing of a hymn in hearty "T'he first concerns the Seed of the fashion by the audience. and the offering woman (Gen. iii. 15). of a prayer by one of the brethren, Mr. "The second, the Seed of Abraham Keith rose, and, adjusting his glasses, (Gen. xii. 7). bezan to read from his manuscipt:"The third, the Prophet like unto '1"1 have been much struck with the Moses (Deut. xviii. 18). fact that the 'Millennial Dawn' books

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cb~fiom~ ird~.

"To satisfy and to perfect God's great plan of redemption, it is necessary th~t the Redeemer shall answer to each 1 e'lationship, and each relationship demands His manhood. "The New Testament opens with the story of One who meets and sa~isfi~s these requirements. The genealogies 111 Matthew and in Luke show that He was born Son of David and Son of Abraham. His mission to Israel shows Him to ~e the Prophet like unto Moses, :;tnd Ills conflict with the powers of evil prove Him to be the promised Seed of the woman. "At this point 1 must introduce to you some statements found in these volumes of 'Dawn.' I open Vol. H., and in the chapter which professes to give the manner of the Second Advent I read: "'\Ne must bear in mind that our Lord is no Ion O'er a human being; that as a human b~ing He gave Himself a ransom for men, having become a mll:n for that very purpose. . _ . He IS no longer human in any sense or degree; for we must not forget that we have learned that natures are separate and distinct. Since He is no longer in any sense or dezree a human being, we must not expect Him to come again as a human being, as at the first Advent' (Vol. n., 107). "'Since His resurrection, though retaininz the same individuality, He was no 100~O'erhuman, but an exalted spirit beinO"(Vol. n., Ill). "an examining the 'Standard' Dictionary, I find that the definitio~ .of the word 'human' is: Of or pertammg to, or characterising man, or mankind, ind iviaually or as a race; having the nature, qualities, or attributes of a man, or of mankind, "Some of you will be ready to say, 'But Christ was raised from the dead, and it is the change from this state to the resurrection state underwent by our Lord which is intended by Mr. Russell.' But if we cull a few more extracts we shall get his idea more accurately. Note the following:"'Our Lord's human body was, however, supernaturally removed from the tomb, because, had it remained there, it would have been an insurmountable obstacle to the faith of the disciples . . We know nothing about what became of it, except that it did not decay or corrupt. Whether it was dissolved into gases, or whether it is still preserved somewhere as a grand memorial 01 liod's love, of Christ's obedience, and of our redemption, no one lUlOWS; nor is such knowledge necessary lience it will not surprise us if, in the Kingdom, God shall show to the world the bodv of flesh, crucified for all in giving ~ ransom on their behalf-not permitted to corrupt, but preserved as a.n everlasting testimony of infinite love and perfect obedience' (Vol. n., 130). "But this is not the strongest statement made by the author, for in a later volume I find these words:"'It was necessary not only that the man Christ Jesus should die, but just as

THE
necessu ry that the man Christ Jesus should never live again, should remain dead, should remain our ransom price to all etcrnity' (Vol. V., 4(5). "'The man .Iesus is dead, for ever dead, and could not be a father 01' lifegiver to the 1Y0rld.'-lb'id. "These statements are necessary to All'. Russell's theory. The language is unmistakeable, but is it true? 1 am persuaded that it rests upon an entirely mistaken view of the Atonement, but I submit it can be more easily tested by an appeai to the promises already referred to.' "( 1) Let me first citc thc testimony of the apostles on this matter. Do they in their witness-bearing on this subject ever hint at anything which gives COUl1tena nee to this thoory? 1 am certain that we can challenge the production of a single text which gives the slightest colour to it. "'\\,ho111 God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death; because it wns not poss ible that He should be holden of it' (.\et" ii. 24). "'1"01' l delivered unto you first of all that which a.lso I received, how that Christ died for 0\11' sins according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that He hath been raised on the third day according to the Scri ptures' (1 Cor.
xv. :3-8),

BIBLE
~

STANDARD.
~

SEPTEMBER, 1906.

1*

Church and lIissioD News.

AucKLAND.-Sunday. July 22: Mr. E. A ldridge gave an address this morning from 2 COl'. X. 5. We had with us in fellowship Bro. Rout ley, from Te Aroha, In thc evening the topic was "The World to Come: "That and \Vhere?" Sunday, July 29: Very full meeting. \rc were very pleased to see in our midst this morning Sister J, 'Y. Can, who has just returned from a trip to the Homeland. In the evening the subject was "The Perfection and Glory of the Wor lu to Come." Sunday: August 5: Bro. Lauric \Viicock's subject this morning was from Eph. i. 22, "The Church which is His body." In the evening, "The Gospel of
JOI'."

were very satisfactory. 'I'Ve have been largel,}' blessed in the past year by our Heavenly Father, for which we continue to thank Him. Our Bro. Taylor has faithfully ea rtied out his duties as evangelist during the past year, and we hope it will not be long before our Bro, may see the good result of his past year's work, and we ask the Lord to bless him through the coming year. Bro. Sherlock has the children under practice for the hymns to be sung at the forthcoming Ann iversa ry, to bc held on Sunday, September 30th, and at the Tea on Tuesday, October 2nd. We have to commend our brothel' for h is paticnce and untiring perseverance, and we hope the result will be to his su tistaction. 1 understand the teachers have invited one of the young brethren of the '''est Street Church to give the Sunday afternoon address on the Anniversary Sunday, and we hope the invitn tion will be accepted. C.S. \\'AIJlI.-During the last three weeks our Bro. G. A. Green has been engaged in our neighbourhood. and II'C have had him with LlS on Sundays. \\'e have reverted to our former practice of having our meeting for fellowship and breaking of bread held in the morning, and we are hoping the morning meeting will be much appreeiated by our members who hitherto have been unable to attend our evening meeting held for this purpose, Bro, Foster still continues the good work of holding forth the ln m p of Truth at the evening services, and Hro, Green has helped twice during his stay here. Our town lately has been much exercised over the question of modem Spiritualism, and local Spiritualists have been drawing much public attention to themselves; in fact, sp iritism seemed to be in the air. Bro. Foster was constrained to attack the question from a Bible standpoint, and succeeding in arousing so much interest and provoking so much controversv that the rosult has been a debate hfl~ been arrrmgcd between him and a gentleman who describes h imse lf as the Rev. Granvil le Hicks, who chainpions the Spiritualists' cause. The debate is to eventuate during the present mooili. nD.
H

"'.And when they had fnlfilled all things tha t were written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead: and He was seen for mHI1\' days of them that came up with him' frOl~l Galilee to Jerusalem. who are now His witnesses unto the people' (.-\ch xi ii. 2!)-:31). "Can language be more empha tic ? 'Yho would imagine that that which was laid in the tomb 'is for ever dead.' Is it not cloa 1'1,I' taught that the parson laid in the tomb is He that came forth to life?

(To be Continued.)

Subtle

jflatterer.

r\ Scotch divine, who was a bachelor, and whose ma nse I\'as in the keeping of an old housekeeper called .Janet, was constantly annoyed by the fact that the good dnme always fcll fast, asleep as soon as he entered the pulp it, whereas she kept wide awake whenever a stranger was the preacher. One day he summoned his courage to the sticking point and tackled the old lady on the subject. "Janet," said he. "ye ken when I preach you're almost always fa, t asleep before I've well given out my text; but when a ny of these young men from St. Andrew's preach for me, I see you never sleep a wink. [ow, that's what I call no using me as you should do." "Hoot, sir," was the reply, "is that a' 9 I'll soon tell ye the reason of that. \\'hen you preach, we a' ken the word of God is safe in your hands; but when thae young bi rkie's tak' it in hand-me certie! but it tak's us a' to look after them,"-Glasgow Evening Times.

Hnnday, Auguet 12: Bro. Aldridge spoke this morning from 2 Peter iii. 1 to 3. Our attention was drawn to the linking together of the Old and New Testaments and the Second Advent as the great hope of the Church. The subject at night was "Estimating Self Truly." Sunday, August 1D: Bro. L. Fa lkner gave a short testimony, and stated that severs I young members had heen invited to testify to their Christian experience. Seven responded, and their testimony will be helpful to the young. as it was cheering to the older members. The topic in the evening was "The Ph ilantrophy of God." On Wednesday evening, August 1, the Bible Glass was resumed, when a splendid exposition was given on "The Promises Confirmed in Christ." Wednesday, August 8, "Israel and the Promises." The other two \Vednesday cvenings were taken up with a Church Conferencc and the Evangclistic Associn tion's midwinter social. The grim enemy has becn in our midst again, and yet another dear sister has fallen asleep. Our Sister Parker, who was connected with us for man,)' years, and laboured in both Church and Sunday School, died at the Auckland Hospital on August 2nd. after a very brief illness, being stricken down by paralysis. \Ve laid her to rest at Waikumete Cemetery to a wait the call of the Master that shall raise the sleeping ones to life again. \V.G. THAMES.-Since last writing we have to record that our dear Bro. Bull has fallen on sleep. Though of late he was not able to meet often with us through the infirmities of the flesh. we shall miss his face in our morning mecting, and our prayer is that the Holy Spirit may watch over his family, and that our Heavenly Father may bless them as He seeth they need. We held our Annual Church Meeting a t the beginning of August, and the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer

l <tllll't IDraw

(sIOl'~."

A teacher went out one day with one of her pupils to do some sketching, The little girl she took with her was about ten years of age, and quite skilful with her brush. "'hen the day was nearly over the teacher looked at the sky, where the sun was setting. "Try to make a picture of that sunset," sa id the teacher to her pupil. The little girl looked at the beautiful sight in the heavens, and then she turned to her teacher and said, "I can't draw glory." It was a bright answer made by that little child. It is God who painted the sunset sky, and there is no human skill that can draw the glory which He has

created.-B(tptist

Commonwealth.

SEPTEMBER,

1906.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

143

CHRISTIAN BAND. ~
~~~

~ * ~~~ll~
~ v ~ 1jt 1jt

=: 1'Snnshine Corner. ?il :=

l'
1jt
Jj\

~~
l' ~

Some Ubtngs to Ubtnk :about.

The old-time religion means old-time power because of old-time prayer. God is jusc as ready and willing to bless us to-day as He ever was. He wants to use His people to-day just as much as He ever did. The trouble is, He cannot use them because they are not where nor what they ought to be. When a man or woman is willing to let God use them they always find plenty to do. There is plenty of work-the need is, workers. Some professed Christians are so jealous that they cannot rejoice in the success of another, They want to be the whole thing themselves, and if they cannot head the procession they will not march. \\'hen a "Christian" begins to envy the success of a fellow-Christian he is a good. subject for the 1110urner'~ bench-he needs converting. Reader, does this strike you? If so, "Thou art the man." You may think you are a good Christian; hut what does God think?-that is the all-important question. Some people are greatly concerned over what some man 01' woman thinks about them so much so that they will do their ut~ost to learn just what opinion is held. If they were half as anxious to learn what God thought about them, they would soon kn.o\V the truth, and, perhaps, get nght w ith God. It must make the devil smile to see some people try to fool God. Reader, are you ready to meet Him?C. F. LADD.

AUCKLAND.-July 30th was devoted to a debate, "Is Smoking Justifiable ./" Bro. C. Gnrrat.t, speaking to the affirmative, made a most able defence. Indeed, no genuine lover of the weed could have championed the cause with greater ear nestness and zeal. But when his ')pponent's turn came, his arguments were taken one by one, and ruthlessly their fallacies laid bare. However, Bro. E. Aldridge's fifteen minutes having expired, the first speaker, all undaunted, rose once more, and for five minutes vainly sought to overthrow the weightier arguments of his antagonist. A reply of equal length from the negative closed a debate that had been followed with interest from start to finish, and one which should help our young people to give, when asked, intelligent reasons for not approving of the use of tobacco. At the August Roll Call Meeting, the hymns, the passages read, the paper and the remarks, all had reference to the subject of "Christian Courage." One young brother, who spoke for the first time, closed with the words: "Since I must fight if I would reign, Increase my courage, Lord! I'll ben r the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word." And this verse, together with Joshua i. 0, was afterwards chosen as the message to absent members. The following week Bro. Woodward read a paper on "\Yonders and Peculiarities of Plant Life." The Meetings Cornmitte made a happy choice when they entrusted this subject to Bro. Woodward, for the paper proved interesting and instructive in every line. Such a glimpse of "The Prophetic Kingdom" as Bro. H. Aldridge gave on the 20th inst. makes us long for the advent of the Prince of Peace. and for that kingdom so long foretold. Still, therefore, do we cry, Maranatha! M.N.G. TIlAMES.-Our usual meetings have been held, and, considering the wet weather we have had. the attendance has been good. Some of ou r member" have a good distance to come, but their seats a re seldom vacant, and we have had some real good meetings. I trust that each hearer has had some word of courage, hope, or cheer, or some thought that will make each one feel one's own responsibilities in helping and strengthening each other to do something for the Master. On the completion of our last six months' subjects 131'0.Taylor gave us a most instructive address on the half year's work of the Band, and it was enjoyed by all present, On August 14 our Sis. F. Gubb took the meeting. Her subject was "What the Parable of the Good Samaritan Teaches Us." We had an extra large gathering, and I trust her excellent paper will long be remembered and bear fruit to the honour and glory of His name. Message to absent members, 1 John v, 14-15. M.S.

~I

1jt 1jt 1jt

A RAY OF SUNSHINE. Who has not, upon some dull day, watched a single ray of the sun as it pierced through the dark cloud, and shone for a moment upon some distant hill, illuminating it with a glory that completely transformed it, so that it stood in vivid contrast to the surrounding dull grey landscape. The spot thus touched by the sun seemed to respond 'to his caress, and set forth all its beauty, rejoicing in the bright and cheerine ray. And so it is with those o'er whom tl.~ du'l] grey clouds of sorrow and affliction have cast their mantle-all the brightness of life seems to have departed, until some bright experience comes like a ray of the sun, dispelling the darkness and brinsring light and cheer. " GLEAMS OF BRIGHTNESS. Have you ever thought that you can be a little ray of sunshine, bearing unto others the brightness of God's love and mercy? Life is heavily overcast with dark clouds to many afflicted ones, to whom the days are full of weariness and pain, longing for night to end the weary day, and the dawn to banish the long, sleepless night. Can we not help to brighten an occasional hour for these? Like the little ray of sunshine cheering the sombre landscape, let us carry the sunshine to the poor shut-ins by a cheerful visit, a little offering of sweet-smelling flowers, an interesting magazine, a dai~lty delicacy, or a gift of tempting fruit. TilE SU:I'SET OF LIFE. The aged, too, should not be forgotten -those dear ones who have Ion" borne the heat and burden of the day, a"nd who are now nearing the eventide of life. In the activities of life and service wc are apt to forget those who lay aside their weapons of warfare and drop out of the ranks-the warriors who have arown old in the service of the King. To" these we may make the departing rays of life bright and cheering by the gift of suitable comforts, by the kindly visit and pleasant converse, and. last, but not least, by the lending of the sympathetic, ear to the story of battles long since fought. These are amongst the many things which, while they cost us little, yet mean so much to the recipients. As I write these few lines an oftquoted verse comes to my mind:"The under side of every cloud Is bright and shining, And so I turn my clouds about To show the lining." Suppose we try to look upon the bright side of life ourselves. and then assist others in the sometime~ difficult task of overturning the dark clouds to bring into view the silver lining.

'Ube 1I)reacber's 3-ncoll:::

statenctes.
He is a poor preacher who preaches only as well as he lives. Yet one sometimes he~rs a discerning critic in the congregation say, with positiveness: "I'm not going to listen' to that preacher any longer; he doesn't live up to his preaching." Of course he doesn't; and it would be a poor outlook for the spi ri tual nourishment of any congregation that never listened to preaching that was on a higher plane than the best of living: even the best living of those who refrain from criticising the preacher. There has been only One who. in His preaching, could say, "Follow :Me." As long as His disciples hold up Jesus Christ and His principles of Iivinz as the standard to which they would have men strive to attain, just so 10nO",vill p.reaching .rise. above the level ot" daily Iife. Asp irat.ion has its place in the world, and to give it full expression is sure to reveal inconsistencies for which we ought to be thankful.-Sunday S chool Ti-mes. "This is the gospel of labourRing it, ye bells of the kirk! The Lord of love came down from above To live with the men who work. This is the rose He planted Here in the thorn-cursed soil, Heaven is blest with perfect rest, But the blessing of earth is toil."

144

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

SEPl'EMBEB,

190/1.

~be Brmour of )proof.

IT cannot be too often repeated-and never was the lesson more needed than at this hour-that it is nothing but a thorough love of righteousness and goodness that can, with the blessing of God, keep our faith alive. To a good man, the evidence of the Gospel is abundantly satisfactory; to a bad man it seems to have no force at all. Unless our principles support our faith, our faith will not long uphold our principles. In times of outward peace, such as those which we have long experienced,nothing is more common than to see men of unholy lives, and with no real love of goodness, not only loud in their profession, but undisturbed in the belief of Christianity. Attacks upon their faith do not come in their way, or, if they do, they are made only by a small and inconsiderable party, and are urged weakly and ignorantly. In this state of things the defenders of Christiani ty have the public voice on their side; their arguments are applauded, and their victory is really complete; for it is gained over adversaries whose blows have been struck timidly and blindly, who have fought under the disadvantage of having the general feeling against them. But in times of another kind, when the general feeling becomes divided, and the cause of Christianity has lost many of its artificial supports, nothing will support our faith effectually but a real and earnest love of its principles, and a lively hatred of everything that is evil. When unbelicf, instead of being received with general abhorrence, becomes generally fashionable, when our profession of faith loses that confidence which is given by seeing that the majority are on its side, then a man must begin in earnest to examine his own foundations, to look for a stay within him, when outward aids begin to fall away. Woe to him in that moment, if his support be only intellectual, if he relies alone on the books or the arguments which he had been used to consider all-triumphant.-Dr. Arnold,

~be

:fl3tble Stanbarb.

The Bible Standard can be ordered direct from the publisher WILI,IAM A. SMITH, Selwyn Road, Mount Albert, Auckland; obtained from any of the Agents. s. d. Price per annum, post free .. 2 6 Single copies .. 0 2 BOOK STEWARD-E. H. J!'ALKNER, Queen Street. AGENTS FOR THE BIBLE STANDARD: NEW ZEALAND. Auckland-Mr. Hancock, Bookseller, Queen Street. Wellington-H. J. Barraclough, Myrtle Crescent. Christchurch-T. P. Judkins, 80,Brougham Street. Sydenham. Dunedin-Mr. Lawrence, Great King Street. Kaiapoi-Mr. James Holland. Rangiora-Mr. Wm. Smith. South Brook. New Plymouth-Mr. Fred Goodacre, Courtney Road. East Oxford-Mr. A. England. Thames-Mr. C. Sanders. Macky Street. 'I'Imaru-i-Mr. H. H. King, Stafford Street. Tinwald, Ashburton-Mr. Shearer. Waihi-Mr. Joseph Foster. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide-Mr. C. Gamble. Magill Road, Stepney, NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney-Mr. H. Cl'OPP. itchell Street, Koga.rah. M Oommunications to the Editor to be addressed: GJi;O.ALIJRI DGE Brentwood Avenue, Mount Edcn. Telegraphic Address .. Hocky Nook." All comrnunioa.tionsto the Association and orders for Bible Stamdard to be addressed to the Secretary and 't'reasur .r MR. ALI~X. PAG1~, Murdoch Road. Grey Lynn, Auckland.

CHURCH

OF CHRIST

Hold Services as uuder: AlI('f{LAND-West Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock ":00., Fellowship MeetloK 6.45p.m., Preaching Service. 8unday School at 2.45. Wednesday evening, Btble Class at 7.45. I1Jvangelist's address-Geo. Aldridge, Brent wood Avenue Mount Eden. Secretacy=W. Gibson, Ponsonby Road. ROSKILL HALLSunday at 11a.ID.,Fellowship Meeting. DUNJ<JDIN-Oddfellows'Hall. Stuart Street. Sunday at 11a.m .. Fellowship and Meeting. !\Jvenlng Preaching Servrce, 6.30. Secretary's Address- S. A. Lawrence. Great, King Street, CHR.ISTCHURCH-Colombo Hall, Sydet\ham. Sundav at 11a.m., Fello wshlp Meeting. ". 6.30p.m.. Gospel Address. Sunday School at 2.30p.m, Wednesday at 7.30p.m., Bible Study. Evangelist-]j~rnesL Tuck. 30.Elgin Street. Sydenham. Secretary-To P. Juolkins. 80.Brougham Street. Syrlenham. H~} LJ<JNSVILLE-ForesterB' Hall. Sunday Morning, Fellowship Meet.hll/:. Sunday Afternoon, Sunday School. Sunday Evening, Preaching. Church Secretary, R. M. Carneron. THAMES-Pollen Street Lecture Hall. Sunday at 11 a.m., ll'ellowshlp Meeting. Evening Service at 6.30. Snnday School at 2.30. Bible Class every Wednesday evening at 7.al. Evangelist-E. H. Taylor. Bowen Street, Parawai. Secretary-C. Sanders. Macky Street. WAI HI-The Miners' Union Hnll. Sunday 11a.m. Fellowship Meeting; ,. 2.30p.m, Sunday School. Sunday Evening. at 7, A Public Hible Address, Church Secretary-D. Donaldson. Evangelist-Joseph Foster, WaihL TIMARU-Sophla Street Hall. Sunday, at 11 a.m .. Fellowship Meeting. Secretary's Address-H. H. King, Statl'ord Street. Tlmarn ADELAIDE, S.A.-Druids' Hall. Beulah Road. Norwood. Secretary's Address-F. B. Hughes, Woodvilie Printed by THE BRE'f1'PRINTINGANDPUBLISHING COMPANY. Shortland Street, for the New Zealand Evangelistie and Publtr-a.tton Association. and published by W. A. SlIll1'fI, Selwyn Road, Mt. Albert, SEPTEMBER. 1900.

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Put the people of China in rank, joining hands, and they will girdle the globe ten times at the equator with living, beating, human hearts. Constitute them pilgrims, and let 2,000 go past every day and every night, under the sunlight and under the solemn stars, and you must hear the ceaseless tramp, tramp, tramp of the passing throng for five hundred long years. .By these strong figures the Mission Field explains to the reader's mind what 400,000,000 means.

Ureasurer's Bcfmowlebgments.
TO 30TH AUGUST, 1906. Standard Subs.-Mrs. Rowhotham. Messrs. Chas. Gioscn, .J. H. Jennings, K. Eaton, J. H. Edmiston, Thos. Findluy, Thames Church. Association Subs.-Messrs. L. Webber, T. O. -Ienkins. ALEx. PAGE, Treasurer.