The Lord has given the rule for Bible study in the words, “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.2

This does not say we are to consider what somebody may say that He says. Here is where very many go astray. It is what the Lord says that we are to consider. Go to the fountain head direct.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.3

We are not to consider what we may think He means, nor what some one else says He means. The Lord means what He says, and He tells us that the way to get an understanding of what He means is to consider what He says.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.4

The understanding comes from the Lord, and the Lord teaches the understanding of the truth by putting the truth into the life of the learner. Thus, the Psalmist prayer, “Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts,” and in thanking the Lord for answering the prayer he tells us how it was done: “I will never forget Thy precepts; for with them Thou hast quickened me” (or made me to live). Psalm 119:27, 98. It is the promise of the new covenant, “I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” Hebrews 8:10.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.5

But if the Lord is to teach by living the word in the learner, the life must be yielded to Him. This is the reason why men are sometimes so slow to understand some of the plainest precepts-they are not ready for the Lord to bring what He says into their experience. But it is a blessed experience, as every one knows who has tried it. Every precept becomes a promise, and every word a treasure house of good things.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.6

“The Sufferings of Christ” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

Christ is identified with His people. They abide in Him, and He dwells in them. That which is done to them, is done to Him. To one class of people it will be said in the day of God, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me,” and to the other class, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.” See Matthew 25:31-46. The joys of His people are His joys, and their sorrows are His sorrows. He is touched with all the feeling of their infirmities.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.7

Christ suffered in the flesh. He was a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” He bore the sins of the world; He was “in all points tempted like as we are.” He died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of God; but His identity with humanity did not cease. He is still made manifest in the flesh; He still feels its infirmities; for He is “touched” with our infirmities, and not only with the knowledge of them, but with the “feeling.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.8

The sufferings of Christ did not end when He ascended in glory to His Father; neither did they begin when He assumed man’s form and nature as the babe of Bethlehem. In Moses’ day there was “the reproach of Christ,” which he esteemed “greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Hebrews 11:26. This reproach was that which he chose in preference to being called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; and we are told that it was “to suffer affliction with the people of God.” Christ identified Himself with His people in their Egyptian slavery. He has been identified with them in all the ages past, and will be in all time to come. So the Apostle Paul, in speaking of his sufferings, says, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body’s sake, which is the church.” Colossians 1:24. There was a measure of the sufferings of Christ left in Paul’s day, and a part of that measure was filled out by his own life. And the life of every Christian since his time has fulfilled the same office. There has been, and is still, some part remaining of the afflictions of Christ, to be filled up by the experience of his followers.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.9

But let us bear in mind that the sufferings are Christ’s, that He feels them, and that being His, He is able in us to bear them, and we need not tremble for the result. To be saved we must be identified with Him, and to be identified with Him we must be partakers of His sufferings. This is how the martyrs have been able to endure with fortitude the terrible ordeals in which they have yielded up their lives. Their sufferings were the sufferings of Christ, a part of that which was “left behind” after He rose from the dead, and He bore them in their bodies. “Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” The afflictions may be called ours, but it is He that bears them. He lives in us, and our only life is His life. Galatians 2:20. Therefore it is He feels the sorrows and the pain. We are the members of His body. 1 Corinthians 12:27. He is the Head, and as such feels all that affects the body. The seat of consciousness is the head, and Christ is as keenly conscious of all that afflicts His church as the head is of pain or sickness in the members of the body.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 353.10

But with the sufferings of Christ, there is also joy and glory. We are graven on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16), but with the marks of the nails of His cross there are also beams of light. In all our tribulation we are comforted by the God of all comfort. “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:5. In being partakers of Christ’s sufferings we are identified as children of God. Hebrews 12:7, 8. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:14. There is glory with His offerings in us, and as our sufferings are His, so also His glory is ours; and when that glory shall be revealed, we shall also be glad “with exceeding joy.” Verse 13.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.1

“A Conversation” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

A. My friend, why don’t you throw away that coat?PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.2

B. Throw it away! Why should I? It fits me, and is as good as new.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.3

A. Yes; but you might throw it away just to show your independence. It’s yours, and you can do what you please with it.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.4

B. That would be very foolish. Besides, this coat was made for me, and given to me, and it would be the height of ingratitude for me to throw it away. It was made specially for me, and I propose to keep it.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.5

A. Well, my friend, I am bound to say that I think you show sound judgment and a good disposition in this matter. By the way, what about the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, about which we were talking the other day. Have you decided to keep it?PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.6

B. No; I don’t think it is necessary. I read that “the Sabbath was made for man,” and therefore we are free to do as we please with it.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.7

A. Indeed! Do you know who made it?”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.8

B. Oh, yes; I suppose the Lord made it. In fact the Bible says that He did.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.9

A. True; and it says also, what you have just quoted, that it “was made for man.” Are you not a man?PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.10

B. Most certainly.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.11

A. Then the Lord made the Sabbath for you, did He not?PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.12

B. I suppose so.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.13

A. Then don’t you think that common gratitude, if nothing more, requires you to keep it? Your coat was made by a fellow-man, and it will wear out in a little while, but you keep it because it was made for you; yet you reject the Sabbath for the same reason, although it was made by the Lord, and will last for ever. With what confidence can you meet the Lord when He inquires how you have used His gift? Surely the Sabbath of the Lord is deserving of as much appreciation as a coat made by man. If the Sabbath was made for you, the best thing you can do is to keep it.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.14

“The Spirit of War” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

A noted general, now dead, once said that “war is hell.” When we read of the battles of the warrior “with confused noise and garments rolled in blood,” of desperate charges in which men become demons, regardless of their own lives, and possessed only with an insane desire to kill, it is easy to see that war could not be correctly described in any other way. It is indeed infernal, and its ruling spirit is the devil.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.15

But it is not alone on the battlefield that the hellish character of war is shown. The spirit of war is Satanic, and just to the extent that one imbibes that spirit does he lose even the instincts of common humanity. An article in the New York Independent of May 9, entitled, “Japanese Women and the War,” by Miss Umo Tsuda, head of the English Department of the Peeresses’ School, Tokio, shows most clearly the blighting, withering effect that war has upon all the finer sensibilities that make men and women susceptible to influences from above. We quote only a few short paragraphs.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.16

It is hardly necessary to state what is so well known, that Japan is intensely patriotic. “For the Country and the Emperor” is the motto engraved on the hearts of the people, and the war cry on the lips of the soldiers. It is believed that a death on the battle-field is the most glorious one possible.... Loyalty and physical courage are ranked as the highest virtues in much the same way that they were held among the Spartans.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.17

That is the sentiment most consistent with war, and most necessary for its success; but it is death to morality. “Loyalty and physical courage” are counted by the possessor and the observer as more than making up for any moral defects; and the thought that “the death on the battle-field has washed out every other stain” necessarily tends to produce recklessness. But this is not all.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.18

The husbands, brothers, and sons, who are sent out to danger and death, are given most ungrudgingly. No woman dares to utter a word of regret. Everything that is said or done must go only to show the joy that any one of the family is given the opportunity to serve his country; and though at heart the burden may be heavy, the anxiety wearing, and the pain of parting unbearable, not a word or gesture goes to show it. It is marvellous to see the self-control and fortitude exercised. Over and over again I have had occasion to notice and admire the wonderful spirit shown by all-young and old, weak and strong.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.19

Every particle of human sympathy must be repressed and dried up; the maternal tenderness of woman must be turned to stone, to propitiate the demon who, by assuming the name “patriotism,” makes his deluded victims imagine that he is God. Read further:—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.20

Not even with the shadow of death over the household must there be undue grief shown. The loved one has died in honour and glory, his name remains reverenced, the death on the battle-field has washed out every other stain. According to the highest teachings, to mourn unduly for such an one, or to grudge his life, is to show a want of loyalty to the Emperor and patriotism to the country. The true wife or mother, in order to show her full appreciation of the glory of a brave man staff for his country, must stifle every demonstration of grief or sorrow, and thus, under all circumstances, not only maintain an outward calm and composer, but express in every way her joy in the honour of such a death. Nor am I exaggerating when I say that with the deepest grief there is really mingled only true joy.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.21

Then follows an instance of this hardening. The commander of a war vessel was killed in an engagement. He left an aged mother, a wife, and three young children. As soon as his death was officially ascertained, a messenger was sent to convey the news to the family. The message was delivered to the wife, and before the messenger had left the house, it had reached the ears of the old mother, who, tottering into the room where the officer was awaiting, saluted and greeted him duly, and then, with dry eyes and clear voice said: “So it seems by your tidings that my son has been of some service this time.” In this, as in many other cases, the only regret expressed by word or sign was that the loved one had not been spared to do more for his country.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.22

All this is done “for the nation’s glory.” It is pitiable to think that such a glorification of the curse of war could be written by a woman, and most painful to see that it is published in a Christian paper without one word of adverse comment. When it is remembered that what would be called brutal murder, is patriotism, when nations are involved, and that this same “ patriotism” is in these days, even by most professed Christians, counted a part, if not the principal part of Christianity, the prospect is most dark. But there is brightness ahead, and that is the assurance that the last battle is fast approaching, when God will make wars to “cease unto the ends of the earth,” and will break the bow and cut the spear in sunder and burn the chariot in the fire, and that death and hell will be destroyed at the same time.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 354.23

“Robbing the Church” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The Church is the body of Christ, and He is “Head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:23. To His church He says, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth; go ye therefore and teach all nations, ... and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20. These words set forth very plainly the purpose for which the church exists in the earth, and the source from which she is to derive her power.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 355.1

When the church allies herself with the State, or allows the State to ally itself with her, by direct “establishment,” or by the indirect union so popular with even Nonconformists, the establishment of certain religious institutions by law, she thereby severs her union with Jesus Christ; for the State is of the world, and the world is not in harmony with God. The Bible plainly declares that whosoever will be a friend of the world is at enmity with God. James 4:4. Severed from her spiritual Head, the church is as powerless for all that pertains to the execution of her Divine commission as is a headless man to engage in the activities of life. There are, of course, individuals in every such body who maintain their union with Christ and manifest spiritual life; but just in proportion as the members of a church enter into alliances with the powers of the world, her spirituality and power is lost.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 355.2

This is the real robbery that concerns and should occupy the attention of religious people. By alliance with the State the church robs herself of that power with which the Lord endows her for the preaching of the Gospel. That power is the Gospel; for the Gospel “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Romans 1:16. The Gospel is entirely distinct from any power of earth. And when a church has lost that power which is the Gospel, she has become a menace to mankind and not a help.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 355.3

Tithes and offerings are due to God for the accomplishment of His work on earth, but not through any alliance with worldly power. The duty to render these is an individual duty between every man and his Maker. “Will a man rob God?” inquired the prophet Malachi of God’s ancient people. “Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.” Malachi 3:8.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 355.4

It is God who is robbed by the withholding of means from His treasury, and He will take care of the robber. Every offering to God must be a willing offering (Exodus 25:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7); and for that reason alone He could not accept any offering obtained for Him through the machinery of the State; for the State represents force, compulsion. To force gifts from our fellow-men, friends and enemies alike, to be presented to us, would be counted by us as an insult; how much more then must such a method of filling His treasury be insulting and dishonouring to God!PTUK June 6, 1895, page 355.5

“Unsavoury Superstition” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

With its nine million votaries in the United States the Catholic Church feels its need of relics to stimulate the superstitious veneration which is so profitable to the church in Europe. So the American churches have begun to import from Europe the remains of such saints as they can secure. Only a few weeks ago the body of “Saint Peregrinus” was removed from Germany to New York, where it rests in a Catholic church. An American paper says of the new importation:—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 356.1

“This is the second Catholic church in that city which has a dead saint within its walls, and its members feel highly elated. Other churches will not be outdone, and so we may expect quite an increase of the business of bringing dead saints here. Talk about the “heathen Chinese” who send the bodies of their dead back to China! Here is a heathenism fully as great, and otherwise intelligent Americans participate in it. Dead saints, forsooth! What the world wants are living saints. A dead saint may fan a spark of credulity into a blaze of superstition; but a living saint will kindle a fire of faith that will lead to a better life. An intelligent Christianity would suggest that the dead saints-if saints they were-be allowed to sleep undisturbed until the resurrection, but that living saints should exert all their powers to rescue the perishing, and teach the principles of the Gospel.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 356.2

“Unsatisfactory Wages” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The person who labours for popularity and applause receives very unsatisfactory wages. Success brings no satisfaction; for popular reputation is so transient a thing that the life is worn feverish and fretful in the effort to hold it. It was pitiful to read in the reports of the last days of Robert Louis Stevenson, the novelist, that he was greatly worried by the fear that his popularity was waning. And the other day a novelist, who has been successful in capturing popularity with works pandering to the modern taste and novels, said to an interviewer:—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 356.3

Literature is a precarious calling, and success depends on many circumstances. Absolute merit in a book does not of itself ensure success. An external matter, the humour of the public, may destroy a work of genius. Barnum brought Tom Thumb here when Benjamin Haydon was exhibiting his pictures. Tom Thumb became the rage, the interest in Haydon’s pictures disappeared, and he went and committed suicide. But my point is that the greatest author may have, and as a matter of fact every famous author of the country has had, a period of eclipse. Scott, Eliot, Dickens, George Eliot, Charles Reads, Wilkie Collins-they all, after they had achieved a reputation, experienced waves of depression and unpopularity.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.1

Oh, the hollowness of it all! Yet the desire for the good opinion of the world, or even of a few associates, is the ruling passion in human nature-that for which men desire wealth, and to attain which they will even sacrifice wealth. It holds people back from obeying the Lord, and makes them slaves to vanity. The Lord has something better than that for us-not slavery, but the freedom of the Lord. He points us to that list of worthies who live not to please the world, but who obtained this testimony, that they “pleased God.” There is satisfaction, full and complete, in that.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.2

“Good and Bad Counsel” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The world is generally ready to give advice to Christians in matters pertaining to their religious life; but those who would lead the life that is pleasing to God would do well to remember that such advice comes from the poorest possible source. Here is an illustration:—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.3

“Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, he fall down and worship the image which I have made, well; but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning, fiery furnace.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.4

This was the counsel given by the government of Babylon to the three Hebrew officials who persisted in disregarding the law of the land by refusing to bow down to the king’s image. Nebuchadnezzar seems to have been somewhat loth to use these three eminent men, so he offered them a second opportunity, and said if they would then fall down and worship, it would be well.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.5

Well? Yes; there was no doubt about it from the government’s point of view. But it would have been anything but well for them if they had followed this eminent advice. As it was, they were cast into the fiery furnace; and what was the result?—A glorious meeting with the Son of God, their Redeemer, in which they walked and communed with Him face to face! The brightest and most rapturous moments of their lives were those which they spent in that fiery furnace.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.6

That was well for them-exceedingly well; but exactly contrary to all results calculated from a human standpoint. The worldly advice given them was friendly and well meant, but it did not come from a competent source. The world is never competent to give advice which will secure real and permanent success in anything. The deed dictated by worldly wisdom perishes; but that done in the counsel of God lives for ever.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.7

If we hearken to the voice of the Lord and heed His counsel, well; but if not, we shall finally be cast into a furnace of fire from which there will be no escape. Matthew 13:42. The Lord has counselled us abundantly, for all His Word is counsel, written for our learning and admonition.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.8

Jesus says, “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:18. We want that which has been tried in the fire, because only that will endure in the fire; for we must be tried by fire; we have been chosen in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10. This experience is necessary to fit us to stand at the presence of God; for “our God is a consuming fire.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.9

The devil, who was behind Nebuchadnezzar’s image making and his decree for its compulsory worship, is still as interested and as active as ever in this line of work. There is still a fiery furnace for those who will not worship the god of gold. But the history of these three men of faith is before us for our encouragement. They are “witnesses” about us, that we may run with patience the race before us. Hebrews 12:1.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.10

Then let us not shrink from the furnace, for there we shall meet with the Son of God and be with Him as we could not be outside. “When thou passest through the fire, I will be with thee.” Isaiah 43:2. And let us not take counsel of the world, which would point out some way by which we might escape. There is no way of escape but will require bowing down to the image. Let us not deliberate or parley with the power that suggests it. We shall be happy and free in the furnace, in the company of our Divine Redeemer.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 357.11

“‘As Others See Us’” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The poet Burns wrote,—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.1

“O wad some power the fiftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.2

I have never had this opportunity, but last summer I came near enough to it to be able to form a very good idea.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.3

A small party of us were visiting the extreme northern point of Denmark. It is perfectly correct to say “point,” because the land, which is there nothing but sand, tapers gradually down until only the merest speck can be seen above water. The coast is exceedingly dangerous, because the sand reefs, which are very numerous, are continually shifting their position, and vessels that ground on them are helpless. Accordingly the Government has erected a lighthouse close by the coast, as a guide to the mariners. This lighthouse is one hundred and fifty feet high, and is provided with a most powerful light.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.4

To ascend this lighthouse and enjoy the grand sea-view that is afforded from the top, was one of the important incidents of our visit. Having feasted our eyes with the glorious sight, we went inside to inspect the light-giving apparatus. The brass lamp which affords the light is in the centre of a reflector about eight or ten feet high, and perhaps as great in diameter. The glass of which it is composed is very thick, and so arranged as to magnify the flame.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.5

As we were examining this fine piece of work, and peering at the lamp inside, our attention was attracted to some of our friends on the opposite side. What strange figures they presented! Their faces seemed greatly distorted, and as they opened their mouths in talking, their teeth seemed like tusks six or eight inches long. They looked so very funny that we involuntarily burst into laughter. At the same time they saw us, and also began laughing. This made them look still more ridiculous, and we laughed the more, and they did likewise. No one could see himself, but we knew that we must present the same spectacle to them that they did to us, so that they were laughing at us for the same reason that we were laughing at them. And the more we laughed at them, the more reason we gave them for laughing at us.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.6

I could not help thinking that there we had an excellent representation of the world in general. We laugh at others, or criticise them for the ridiculous things we see in them, forgetting that they from their point of view can see just as ridiculous things in us. We often condemn them for the very things of which we are guilty.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.7

As for ourselves, we know that we are often misjudged; that we are not as our critics think we are. This should be sufficient to teach us that it is quite sure to be the same way with those whom we judge. When we were in the lighthouse, we knew that our features were as regular as usual; but when we went round to where our friends were, and saw them as they were, we found that they were very good-looking people, with none of the deformities that they appeared to have when we saw them through the glass.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.8

Even so we shall find it to be in the end. “For now we see through a glass, darkly;” but the time is coming when we shall see “face to face.” Now we know only in part; but then we shall know even as we are known. Our knowledge is now very limited and imperfect, and we do not see things as they really are; but then our knowledge will be perfect, and we shall see everything just as it is. And this is why we are exhorted to “judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 362.9

“Tuberculous Foods” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

The excessive use of animal foods is an undoubted evil, and one to which scientific investigators are being forced to give greater attention. The following from the Westminster Gazette conveys a timely warning:—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.1

“Food derived from tuberculous animals can produce tuberculosis in healthy animals;” and “the actual amount of tuberculous disease among certain classes of food animals is so large as to afford to man frequent occasions for contracting tuberculous disease through his food.” These are the most important findings of the Royal Commission which has just reported on this subject. Cooking, of course, kills the germs-a fact of which the man who prefers his cut of roast “underdone” would do well to take note. Equally important is the statement of the Commissioners concerning the practice of drinking raw milk-a practice which they unanimously condemn. Milk, indeed, when “pure,” has much to answer for in the dissemination of disease, and, whether from a healthy animal or not, is dangerous unless boiled. It would be a good thing if the conclusions of the Commissioners could be printed and sown broadcast over the country, for among the poorer classes the ignorance on the matters with which they deal is complete. Perhaps the vegetarians may seize the opportunity; the Report at all events should prove excellent grist for their mill.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.2

“News of the Week” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

-Great mortality from fevers prevails among the French troops in Madagascar.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.3

-Cholera has reappeared in Russia, and an epidemic of considerable proportions is feared.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.4

-About 600 newspapers and periodicals are published in India, in sixteen different languages.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.5

-Seven men were killed near Kiel, and six in Lisbon harbour, by explosions on shipboard, May 27.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.6

-It is announced that another parliament of religions will be held in connection with the Paris World’s Fair in 1900.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.7

-An international fleet of over 100 war vessels will assemble in German waters next month for the opening of the Baltic Canal.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.8

-The most powerful cruiser afloat is the Terrible recently launched on the Clyde for the British navy. She will have a crew of 900 men.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.9

-Russian engineers are studying a route for a waterway to connect the White Sea with the Baltic. The total distance to be covered is about 180 miles.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.10

-The list of ships captured from China’s navy by the Japanese in the late war comprises one ironclad, two cruisers, nine gunboats, and eight torpedo boats.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.11

-News was received at San Francisco, May 28, of the foundering of the Pacific Mail steamship Colima off the Mexican coast, with the loss of 170 lives.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.12

-A Vienna press correspondent states that a grave political crisis is imminent there, which may involve the existence of the Government. The chief difficulty is the state of the franchise.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.13

-A severe earthquake shock lasting a minute was felt at Mombasa, East Africa, May 26. No loss of life or damage to property is reported, but at Malindi, higher up the coast, several houses fell.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.14

-News was received May 28 of the wreck of the French steamship Don Pedro, on the northwest Spanish coast. The ship ran on a sunken rook, and her boilers exploded. It is feared that over 100 persons on board were drowned.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.15

-Affairs in Morocco are stated to be bordering close upon anarchy. The greater part of the Khabyles are in full force against the Imperial authority, and the Imperial Government seems absolutely powerless to establish even a semblance of order.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.16

-The island of Formosa, ceded to Japan by China as part of the war indemnity, has declared itself a republic, relying apparently on the help of Spain or some other European power. A despatch from Shanghai says: “The China Gasette asserts that the Chinese Government has concocted the Formosa rebellion. All the Shanghai papers endorse this opinion, and call upon the Powers to make an end of the present situation by dividing China.”PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.17

-Recently at Danville, Ill., U.S.A., a mob broke into the county jail and secured two murderers lodged in it, whom they had determined to lynch; and when urged by the Circuit Judge, who came upon the scene, to let the law take its course, replied that while no doubt the law would condemn them to execution, they would be pardoned by the Socialist governor of the State, who had already pardoned similar cases. The prisoners were lynched.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.18

-Considerable excitement has been caused in French naval circles by the published report of a naval officer respecting some recent trials of battleships by a Special Committee of Inquiry, the officer declaring that the investigation revealed that the ironclads were top beery and unstable to a degree which rendered them wholly unsafe for a stormy sea, and were also so vulnerable in certain parts that projectiles of only medium calibre striking them would send them to the bottom.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 366.19

“Back Page” The Present Truth 11, 23.

EJW

E. J. Waggoner

It may seem a very light and easy thing to be a friend of the world; but it involves the infinitely heavy task of being an enemy of God. James 4:4.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.1

God is the employer who has good employment for every one who comes to Him, gives much better paid than the work done merits, looks after the highest welfare of His employés, and never reduces wages.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.2

In spite of the activity of temperance people, intemperance is rapidly gaining. Mr. J. H. Raper, the veteran temperance worker, recently said that in all his sixty-two years’ experience he had never met with such appalling instances of drunkenness among men and women of the upper and middle classes as during the last three years.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.3

While in Madagascar Christians are doubtless praying that war may yet be averted and that homes may not be pillaged and friends slaughtered, in France prayers are being offered in the churches for the Madagascar expedition, by which, as an order from Cardinal Richard says, France is accomplishing her mission of diffusing Christian civilisation.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.4

The devil led Eve to sin by causing her to doubt the word of the Lord. His task would have been even easier than it was if Eve had not known what the word of the Lord was; and that is one chief reason why he finds it so easy to lead people into sin in these days. God has given His Word, but for the most part men neglect to inform themselves concerning it.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.5

Some men spend a great deal of time and energy trying to prove that the ten commandments are not now in force. This effort is expended mostly for the purpose of satisfying their conscience for their disregard of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. But the effort itself shows its futility; for if the law were really not in force, and men knew it, they would not be in the least disturbed by the preaching of it. It is the conviction produced by the living force that is in the law of God, which stores men up to combat it. But even this fight against the law is not wholly lost, since many find it hard to kick against the pricks, and yield to its power.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.6

A bill has already passed the lower house of the Legislature of Florida (U.S.A.), making it a punishable offence for any school, public or private, not to allow white and coloured students to be educated together, and also forbidding any white people to teach in the coloured schools. And yet many people imagine that the very name “nineteenth century” stands for enlightenment and Christianity.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.7

The New York Independent, referring to the foregoing, says, “There will be a chance for some minor martyrdom, if this law passes; for we cannot imagine that Christian people will be willing to obey it.” Of course they will not, for they could not obey it and still be Christians. The reason why they could not is that the law is directly opposed to the precepts of the Bible. And that is just the reason why seventh-day observers cannot obey a Sunday law. We are glad to see the principle recognised, that it is a wicked thing to obey a wicked law.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.8

A religious contemporarary says:—PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.9

Intelligence and learning have little to do with credulity or the absence of it. No one can produce anything so absurd that some highly and informed man has not believed, or so true and reasonable that some learned person has not rejected.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.10

This is a simple matter of fact, and should serve to prevent people from following the wake of some learned man or men. No matter how good or learned a man may be, he is liable to be mistaken. Christ is the only one whose example it is perfectly safe to follow.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.11

When the motion that no committees sit on Ascension Day was under discussion in the House of Commons, one member stated that he supported the motion on the ground that “the great council of the nation in Parliament assembled, ought not to ignore the cardinal points of the Christian faith.” Truly things are turned upside down. Things but incidentally mentioned in the Bible are exalted as “cardinal points of the Christian faith,” while things positively commanded are ignored as of no importance. The exact day of Christ’s ascension is not even stated in the Bible, and much less is there any hint that it is different from other days, yet it is observed; while the Sabbath of the Lord, which He has most particularly marked and sanctified, is utterly neglected. Much that is called Christianity would not be recognised by Christ.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.12

In a recent sermon from Colossians 3:1, Dean Farrar gave utterance to the truth that “baptism, as administered, in the apostolic age, by immersion, represented two acts, namely, a disappearance of sin, and an emergence of righteousness.” But he did not tell why this apostolic custom is not now followed. It is passing strange that a church which bases its whole right to insist upon the supposition that its bishops are the lineal descendants of the apostles, should ignore truths and practices which its bishops admit that the apostles held.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.13

In some of the cities of Italy a movement toward Sunday rest has been started. A “Holy League” has been formed at Brescia, with the approval of the Bishop. With a view to having all sign a pledge to close shops and cease from working on all festive days, an indulgence of forty days is offered to anyone who says the prayer of the League. The Protestant minister has said that he and his congregation would join the League if no mention was made of indulgences, and if it was made evident that the pledge referred to Sundays only. But why he accepts the Sunday, and objects to other festivals established by the same authority, he does not tell.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.14

Much is made of the fact that all, whether nations or individuals, who seek to coerce men in matters of religion, are opposing human rights, since God has given to every man the freedom of personal choice. This is all true and good; but it is not the most serious indictment that may be brought against interference in matters of religion. Since God gives men freedom of choice as to whether or not they will serve Him, whoever seeks to deprive anyone of the exercise of that choice, is opposing God, and not man only. To seek to deprive men of freedom in matters of religion is to seek to overthrow the Government and plan of God.PTUK June 6, 1895, page 368.15

May 30, 1895

June 13, 1895