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AUCKLAND,

N.Z.,

NOVEMBER,

1908.

TWOPENCE.

tical lifc sinks into insignificance before the evident desire of the majority of the electors to have this matter finally settled by the abolition of the traffic. It it; as if they had come to the conclusion that the due consideration of matters that' affect the welfare of the citizens cannot be rightly undertaken until t.he grip of the "trade" is shaken off, and men's minds are clear to judge without being influenced by its wealth or its stultifying poisons. It was with great jubilation that the workers in the NCE more we are on the cvc of an election Auckland province noticed the staunch attitude of the in our Dominion, and, as in the last two No-License advocates in the Anglican Synod. Mr. triennial periods, the question of License Watson, who was entrusted with the resolution asking or No-License overshadows all other conthe Synod to express its sympathy siderations. Some of the candidates arc with N 0- License, and recommendcomplaining that this should be so, but it is Ube tiltgltcan ing the Anglican people to vote in noticeable that these are folk who, in wooS}2ttOb its favour, proved to be a valiant ing the suffrages of the electors, are in favour of the warrior, who was able easily to meet and overthrow the continuance of the traffic, and naturally enough they are objections raised against the resolution. The usual foolnot at all pleased that so great a popular interest should ish things were said against accepting the resolution. be manifested in a subject they prefer should be in the It was a practical comment upon the discussion when background. I t is a striking tesMr. Watson was able to declare, upon good evidence, timony to thc strength of public Ube 1Ro-jLtcensl! that the power of Liquordorn was so great and so dissentiment on this matter that every :tssne astrous to the Dominion that it was able to influence man who is supported by the the Press Association to the extent that, while the speech brewers poses as a temperance man, anxious that things of Mr. Beatty, who spoke against the resolution, was should remain as they are, lest temperance should get a reported in full, and sent throughout the Dominion, of set-back! By a majority three years ago of sixteen his own speech as mover of the resolution nothing was thousand the people of thc Dominion voted N 0- License, said. For a short time, at the close of the discussion, and in a few districts secured it by the requisite threethe scene is said to have been dramatic, and when the fifths' majority. From the beginning of the movement vote was taken on the voices it is estimated that fully the Temperance people have protested against this unthree-fourths voted in favour of the resolution. No fair three-fifths' handicap, and at recent conventions call was made for a division, although one gentleman have passed resolutions in favour of the simple majority. that this was not Each candidate known to support the brewers' interests . openly expressed his astonishment done. We view this as a splendid victory. For years is claiming that the three-fifths' majority should conother great church organisations have avowed their tinue in order to avoid the possibility of a reversal in sympathy with N 0- License as a great moral movement any district where N 0- License should be carried. The for the benefit of the people, but the Anglican Church attitude taken shows the real strength of the No-License has been slow to move. Three years ago the Waiapu movement. No one dares so much as hint a step backSynod broke through the traditions, and carried unaniward be taken, or that License be increased; the plea is mously a resolution that "the sale of intoxicating beverfor the continuance of the present system. 'I'his ought ages ought to be abolished by the vote of the people." to hearten the workers in the No-License cause. SpasNow the Auckland Synod has come into line, and the modic attempts are being made by interested persons to workers in the Cause of Temperance are rejoicing. There force other topics to the front, but every phase of poli-

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

NOVEMBER,

1908.

are some who believe that the absence of the Bishop in England greatly facilitated the discussion and contributed to the overwhelming vote against the traffic. Perhaps the striking feature of this present and longcontinued agitation in favour of the abolition of Licenses is that it has grown and become strong without the assistance of the Press of the Dominion. It is sometimes the boast of the Press that it leads public opinion. Well, :a ~oillt sometimes, it may take up an agito 1Rote tation that has begun, and become its mouthpiece, and so help it forward to victory, but it can never be laid to the record of the Press of this Dominion that it lent its powerful aid to the winning of this great moral victory. Here and there an isolated paper has stood for the principle, but as a whole the great leading papers of the Dominion have been on the side of the Licensed Traffic. The ground which has been won, the steady advance at each poll, has been made by the steady persistent efforts of men to whom the Press of the Dominion gave little opportunity, and no encouragement. It would be condemnation enough had the Press remained silent, but it is a worse thing that it has lent itself to the advocacy of Continuance. On this great question it represents a steadily decreasing minority, and possibly will not change until the sentiment of the people becomes so strong that the traffic is swept away, and its interests can be no longer conserved. Could there be a heavier condemnation than the denunciation given by Mr. Watson? 'I'hat the sympathies of the Press Association, from whatever cause, go with License was sufficiently evident when it could report and circulate the speech made against the resolution, and yet give no place to the contention of the man who moved the resolution. Much has recently been said and written of the so-called attempt of the Government to gag the Press, but it can safely be said that there is no force so potent in this Dominion and elsewhere for repression as is the power of Liquordom. Not only is it a force working against the interests cif the physical, moral, and spiritual welfare of the individual, but by its wealth and unscrupulous deeds it acts against the weal of the State. When this is fully recognised its continuance is doomed, and the Press, help as it may, cannot stop the avalanche of public opinion which is soon to destroy it. As a testimony to the unscrupulous character of the foe which the people of this Dominion are fighting, note the case presented by Mr. Moss, candidate for Parnell. He exhibited a statutory declaration made before a J.P. by an ex-hotel-keeper, in which was stated on oath that a prominent 'Wla)]s tbar brewing firm had bribed members are tlarlt of a Licensing Cornmittee to agree to the removal of a license from one house to another, and that afterwards the firm had sent in the account to

him. Mr. Moss had photographed the account and sent it in to the brewing firm, promising to pay a sum of 20 to any charity named if they would deny the truth of the allegations. An answer was published, but there was no denial, and later developments pointed to further underhand doings, for, by letter, the ex-hotel-keeper wished Mr. Moss to take no further action, and to return all the documents relating to the case. This is but one case where the power of wealth is used to subvert justice. The dreadful "lambing-down" case at Gisborne is another instance which tells of the operation of this traffic in ways that are utterly opposed to the welfare of the people, and which ought to be the means of securing a number of otherwise doubtful votes for the caues of N o-License. Three years ago the Borough of Grey Lynn by a splendid majority carried No-License, and at the same time returned to the House as its representative the present Minister for Education, a staunch Temperance worker. His presence in the Cabinet is viewed by the Liquor Party 1tbe centre as a menace to their interests, and of tbe jfigbt it was expected that every effort would be made to prevent his return. It is useless to work for the re-introduction of Licenses to that borough, for the experiences of the past three years are sufficient to clearly show the benefits that accrue from the absence of the licensed house, but every possible attempt is being made to oust the sitting member. It is generally recognised that this is to be the fight of the Dominion. If he is sent into private life it will count as a great victory for Liquor; on the other hand, should he be returned, it will be a further object-lesson to the Trade that its doom is decreed by the people, and its overthrow is not far distant. Those who are engaged in the conflict all over the Dominion certify that the Temperance sentiment was never more apparent, and it is hoped that the number of electorates in which liquor cannot legally be sold will be largely increased, and that the general vote will be so convincingly heavy that the demand for the decision of this matter on the principle of the simple majority can be successfully made. Because we believe this to be a great moral question; because we believe it to be a question which in every way bears upon the welfare of this Dominion; because we believe the liquor traffic to be a great instrument of evil, warring against the truth of God; because it is the great enemy ~nr :!Dut)] ant) to our children, waiting to drag 1Respoltsibilitt' them to ruin, for it can only continue to succeed as it seizes and battens upon the young Iife .of the land-because of these things we are at war with this traffic, and seize the present occasion to put before our readers our convictions on the matter. There are those who bear the name of Christ who hold aloof from the struggle, because they believe that they are not

\:OVEMBER,

1908.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
"One of the most surpnsll1g political events of the past month has been the peaceful revolution in Turkey. From being the most tyrannically and worst governed country in Europe, it has suddenly blossomed into a country with a parliamentary constitution granted by its Sultan, the U/)e Uuritis/) famous Abdul - the - damned, solRe\lolution called because of his suspected connivance at the terrible massacres uf his Armenian subjects. The young Turks party, a party bent upon. reform in the land, has been the means of his conversion, and he now declares that he had all along been misled and misguided by evil counsellors within the palace, and professes a desire to live on friendly terms with all his subjects. He is reported to have said: "All in the nation are members of the committee of union and progress, and J am their President. Let us live together and make the country prosperous." ']'his is an astonishing change, and one is almost inclined to doubt its genuineness. Let llS hope it is genuine, for the sake of his people." "There is no doubt of the joy throughout all the country at the welcome change, nor of the transformation that has already taken place. A correspondent in Constantinople writes as follows: 'As a matter of fact, the order and tranqnility that have characterised the development of Hboltsbing lRace IDrejuNce the epoch-making events of the past fortnight have been simply admirable, and cannot be emphasised enough. Probably in no country in the world would such far-reaching changes have passed off without bloodshed, though, of course, the country is by no means out of the wood yet. The fraternisation between the various races and religions should be seen to be believed. Whereas formerly strong distinctions were made between Moslems and nonMoslems, to-day they have completely disappeared, it is to be hoped, for ever. All now regard themselves as Ottomans, the sons of one country, possessing equal rights. 'I'he manifestations of sympathy by the young Turks at the Armenian cemeteries, where lie buried the victims of the massacres of 1895-96, have been most affecting, and are the subject of much comment. Men were seen to kiss the graves. Of all the public manifestations, this one of respect for the Armenian dead has produced a deep impression, and once more shows that the massacres were not desired by the Moslem people, but were the work of the Palace Camarilla, at the head of which stood the most despised man of the empirethe fugitive Izzet Pasha. So marked is this sympathy for the ill-treated and much-abused Armenian that one frequently hears Turks say that the Armenians, by their blood-contribution, paved the way to the final securing of constitutional government. Another characteristic of this remarkable feeling between Turk and Armenian is the fact that both Civil and military Turks have attended the services at the Armenian churches in celebra-

called to take part in matters which pertain to the world. The Legislature of this land has put upon every citizen the responsibility of determining whether or not this traffic shall continue. Is that responsibility evaded by such a plea? If misery, suffering, accident, murder, and the other usual concomitants of the traffic continue because such persons refused to vote, Who is responsible ? Not those who voted against it certainly, nor altogether those who voted for it, but those whose few votes unused could have secured a district, a city, and, perhaps, the Dominion, from the reign of the awful trade. Whatever the opinion may be as to whether or not the matter of politics should be touched by Christians, there ought surely to be no question as to the answer to the responsibility which the State puts upon each citizen in regard to this drink question. If we have devoted much space to this matter, the pressure of the present opportunity must be our justification, and we wish to usc it to urge upon everv reader to exercise his privilege and answer to his responsibility by STRIKING OUT T'H'E TOP LINE on the day of the poll, whether or not he feels that he can consistently support any of the candidates who seek his suffrages.

'I'his is seriously considered as having come within the range of "practical politics," two pages being devoted to it in the Daily Mail Year Book (London, 1908). Tn discussing the effects of the last Hague Conference, this is spoken of as the eventual Ube (tomtng outcome. We note: - (1) "The "1IUlorlO",State" need for an International Legislature and an International Court, whose authority can be invoked for the settlement of disputes between nations" is the great desideratum. (2) It must be admitted that the acceptance by the British Government of an International Naval Prize Court marks an advance, an almost inconceivable advance, towards the idea of a World-State, in which the neutrals are supreme arbitors of the rights of belligerents and the laws of war. (3) The First Conference adjourned without venturing to propose that its successor should meet at a definite specified interval. By adjourning certain subjects to some future Conference it recognised the possibility that another Conference might some time assemble, but it fixed nothing. The Second Conference has definitely declared that a Third Conference ought to meet after the lapse of not more than eight years, and has specifically directed that its programme and organisation must be carefully studied for two years before the time of meeting by a Committee of Preparation. Here we have the rudiments of the International Leqislaiure the Wodd-State slowly and gradually precipitating themselves on the consciousness mankind. "The decision of England to summon a Conference of the nine naval powers next year to discuss the formation of a naval code is also an important step in the International evolutions."-Things to Come.

at

at

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

NOVJ<;MHJ<;Il,

1908.

tion of the restoration of the Constitution, strongly ad voeating the burying of the hatchet and preaching brotherhood. At the Armenian cemetery at Shishli, on the occasion of the annual service for the dead two military bands attended and took part in the ceremony.' Good hope, therefore, at present inspires the future of Turkey, and 'the Dick man' takes a new lease or life. This will tend to disconcert those propheti c stur len ts who have been looking for 'I'urkey's immediate dissolution, under the impression that the Scriptures have foretold it in the figure of the drying up of the Euphrates."-R.K.8. in Words o] IJife.

1Ho",l.iccllac.
L'OLLDiG day is almost upon us, and ere another issue of the STANDARD makes its appearance the people of New Zealand will have decided the fate 0 r the Iiquor traffic for at least the next three years. 'I'hat the Iicensed traffic in Iiquor iDa gigal~tic evil is an ad m itted fact, no longer open to question. ]Dven those who arc interested in the trade do not now attempt to defend it as it legitimate nccessarv business, contenting themselves with attacking the clai ms and arguments of the advocates 0 r X 0-License. 'I'hc '!uestion is l.hcrcforc ua rrowod down to whether till' wggcsted remedv of \'"o-Licellse is likely to ill' worse than the existing evil. The 01(1 hogey or ,,1\' grog-:-;elling is trotted out and made to serve once 1Il0re,in the rain hope that the people will be persuaded that the ojJen bar is not nearly so harmful as the hidden den where, with the greatest secrccx and. fear of discovery, a small quantity of liquor is supplied, at an almost prohibitive price, to a select Few who arc "in the know." . The old methods of publishing distorted fad,.; and false statelllenti-l concerning the working of No-License ill America are also revived, being used at the last ruoment, when it is impossible to demon trate thei r falsity by an appeal to America. But No-License is no longer a mere theory, untried and untested except in distant countries; it is an accomplished fact in our own. land, and we need not go to America fOT facts and figures to prove its success 01.' failure. In six electorates it has now been ill operation 101' over two years, and as two large towns are included in the No-License area the test has been such that its application to the whole Dominion will be an assured success.

~ra}?ing in jbatt Cl lRoolll.

IN a large and respectable school near Boston, two boys from different State', and strangers to each other, were compelled by circumstances to room together. It was the beginning of the term, and the two students spent the first clay in arranging their room and getting acquainted. When night came, the younger of the two boys asked the other if he did not think it would be a good idea to close the day with a short reading from tho Bible and prayer. 'I'he request was modestly iuade, without whining or cant of any kind. The other boy. however, bluntly refused to listen to the proposal. "Then you will have no objection if I pray by myself, I suppose?" said the younger. "It has been my custom, and I wish to keep it up." "I don't want any praying in this room, HUi! I won't have it," retorted his companion. The younger boy rose slowly, walked to the middle of the room, and, standing upon a seam in the carpet which divided the room nearly equally, said quietly: "Half of this room is mine. I pay you for it, and I will have it. You may choose which half you like best; I will take the other, and I will pray in that half or get another room. But pray I must, and will, whether you consent or refuse." The older boy was instantly conquered. To this day he admires the sturdy independence which claimed as a right what he had boorishly denied as a privilege. A Christian might as well ask leave to breathe as to ask permission to pray. There is a false sentiment connected with Christian actions which interferes with their free exercise. If there is anything to be admired, it is' the manliness that knows the right and dares to do it without asking anyone's permission.-Sel.

Correggio stood before a grand painting, enraptured; and as he gazed, grasping the sublime conception, amazed at the wondrous execution and colouring of the picture, he exclaimed, "Thank God! I, too, am a painter." So when a Christian looks steadily at what it is to be children of our Father, with a sublime thrill of joy he can say: "Thank God! I, too, am a child of the Lord God Almighty." -Evangelical Herald.

The advocates 0:1' the liquor traffic, of course, contend strenuously that it has been a rank failure, and quote alleged facts and figures in support of their contention; but these statements are not allowed to go unchallenged, anc1no sooner arc the} made than the No-License Party expose their Ialsitv or unreliability, ancl publish an overwhelming weight of evidence in favour of No-License. Town after town where No-License is in operation has declared by manifesto signed by the Mayors, Councillors and leading citizens that No-License is a success, and recomruend its adoption by all other electorates; while residents report that moral conditionsnave greatly improved; drink victims have been reclaimed, homes made happier, and all the attendant evi Is of the liquor traffic greatly minimised. 'I'hat this object-lesson has not been lost on the people of the Douunionis abundantly evident. The .N onconformist churches ha re become more energetic in their support of the movement, and the Anglican clergymen are gradually coming into line with their Nonconformist brethren, and are adding the weight of their influence to the cause, some boldly preclaiming

NOVEMBER,

i908.

tHE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
.~ ..~. ..~ ..~ ..~.~ . c!

f:'om pulpit and platform their advocacy of the prinof N 0- License. . The labour ~rganisations are also awakening to the f act that the Iiquor traffic is their greatest enemy, and arc passmg resolutions urging their members to support tile movement for its abolition. 'I'he attitude of Parliamentary candidates, who are all eager to obtain the No-License vote, and the fact that tl\e question more than ever overshadows all other political questions, indicate that a wave of feeling in its favour is sweeping over the Dominion with the assurance of victory in the near future, if not immediately. . Needless to say, the members of the Liquor Party are maklllg strenuous efforts to stem the tide of public sentiment, not hesitating to use unfair methods but the feeling grows in spite of all their efforts, for the people are no longer wi Iling to swallow their falsehoods and misrepreRe~ltatl.on" Of. facts withont jnvestigation and inquiry. Wcro it not Jar the handicap of a three-fifths' majority there IS little doubt that almost the whole Dominion would be swept clean and "dry" at this poll, but even with this handicap success would be assured if all persons who intend to vote for No-License would use their personal influence with those of their acquaintance who ha YC not decided to do so. Our responsibility in this matter cannot be lightly set aside .. H by our neglect to vote, or use our influence, we allow the liquor traffic to continue, we are in a measure rcsponsi blo for its results. Let us, then, for the sake of 0111' fellow-man who cannot resist temptation, and for the sake of the women and children, who suffer, use our vote and influence in the cause of right, and
Cl ples

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from

1J.U1est Street. ~ '~--1'l-~~-.r-~~SC)

CHHIST THE JUDGE OF NATIONS.
"And I saw the heaven opened; and behold a white horse, and He that sat thereon, called Faithful and True and in righteousness He doth judge and make war" (Rev. xi~. 11).

IT is supposed by some that the teaching given in this place is dishonouring to Christ because we reject as unscriptural the popular doctrine of soul-immortality. It is difficult to imagine how the rejection of such a baseloss idea can possibly produce dishonour to Him who is the Prince of Life, who brought life and incorruption to light through the Gospel, and until some evidence is produced in favour of the current belief we may treat such a view of our teaching as a matter of no moment. Let it be said, however, that we desire to honour the Lord by proclaiming those things which the Word of God declares concerning His person and work, that the hon- . our truly belongs to Him may be presented, and that those things which have been forgotten by the Church in her ardour to support a false philosophy of man's nature may come to their rightful place in the plan by which the Father honours the Son. We desire to honour the Lord and to honour Him intelligently and with the full surrender of our hearts to the teaching of the Word. I trust that the recent addresses on the Judgeship of Christ have contributed to a better understanding of the position which the Scriptures assign to the Lord. 'I'he phases of His work therein presented are worthy of our closest study, for they open up fresh avenues of adoration to God for the completeness of His wonderful plan of redemption. Having directed attention to the future judgeship of the Lord in its relation to the Church to Israel, and to Satan, it is of importance that we se; its bearing upon the nations. I must at the outset guard you against recerving a false impression. I do not mean this expression, "judgment on the nations," to be understood as if I wished you to accept what is popularly called "the general judgment." It is held by most believers that there is to be "a great day of assize, in which all that have ever lived on earth, down to the second advent, are brought before Jesus Christ to be tried; then they shall be justified or condemned, and their destiny for eternity determined." This is the crude papal view, from which Protestants have failed to shake themselves free. The term "nations" in the Bible does not necessarily imply all generations of men that have ever lived, nor does it necessarily imply that judgment on the nations requires a previous resurrection from the dead. Of the individual judgment I have no manner of doubt that it will be upon "every soul

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HOI,]) on to virtue; it is above all price to you in all times and places. Hold on to your good character, for it is and ever will be your best wealth. Hold on to your hand when you are about to strike, steal, or do any improper act. Hold on to the truth, for it will serve vou well and (10 you good throughout eternity. .. , H 01(1 on to your good name at all times, for it is much more valuable to you than gold. Hold on to ypur temper when you are angry, excited, or imposed upon. Hold on to God. He is the best treasure of earth and heaven. Hold on to innocence with a tighter grip than you hold on to life.-Selected.

"Y Oll will never pluck the 'Hose of Sharon' if you are afraid of being pricked with the thorns which surround it. You will never reach the crown if you flinch from the cross."

166

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
bearing 011 Christ's judgeship of the nations. dealt with men in this manner, then there is a responsibility, and that can only be met by a judgment. Whoso overlooks this particular has for such Scriptures as these:"Therefore that wait ye for me, sa.ith the Lord, for my determination until I rise up to the prey:

of man," but it is not that phase of judgment which is taught when "nations" are spoken of. On many subjects we allow our thinking to be influenced by our present experience and environment, and as a consequence we form misjudgments. In judging of the manner of God's dealings with men, we carry into the past or the future our knowledge of His present relationships to individual men, and thus fail to "rightly divide 'the Word of Truth." How unimportant the place of the covenant made with N oah in any modern scheme of theology, and yet that it is of great importance to the Bible plan is evident from the place it occupies, from the impressive surroundings of its establishment, and from its terms. That covenant had to do with a new basis of probation for man, following upon the catastrophe which man's failure to obey God had brought in. That covenant lays down the basis for corporate government, for social relationship and responsibility. Not until that covenant is given do we learn anything of man in corporate relationship, and national standing. After it is given national designations are employed from Gen. x. onward. The next significant fact to notice is that, having made provision for national relationship, and having historically recorded the existence of nations, provision is made for national sal vation. For, note again, the promise to Abraham, "1 will make of thee a great nation." "All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him." It is true that in this age of grace our Gospel rests upon this foundation, and its message is to the individual. The original promise is so worded that this can be done, but the present offer does not exhaust its terms. The national relation must not be forgotten. By means of the making of Abraham into a great nation should all "families of the earth be blessed." A further significant item is that the main outline of the Old Testament history follows the line of national reference. The first great step in the progress of redemption is to form, fashion, and discipline a nation. It is led into a corporate life as a preparation for the end which was to be attained. In conformity with that fact the nations with which they come into contact are dealt with nationally, as were the Egyptians, and as the nations which were dri ven out of the land of Canaan to gi ve Israel place. I need not spend time in tracing Israel's history to verify this statement, but will ask you to notice how that phase is continued when the "kingdom" is handed over to Nebuchadnezzar. The interpretation of the dream-image of Daniel puts before us successive kingdoms of men, each coming under Divine displeasure, and each giving place to another, until the last is destroyed, and its place is occupied by the kingdom of the Stone. The seventh chapter tells that this is the kingdom of the Son of Man, whom all "peoples, nations, and languages should serve." Again, I assert, this national phase of God's dealings is a prominent feature of the Old Testament, whether we view it historically or prophetically. This has an important

If God national national no place

the day

is to gather

the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger" (Zeph. iii. 8). "I will overthrow the strength "The Lord hath the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy (Hag. ii. 22). He will a controversy (Jer.
xxv,

of the kingdoms of the nations" with 1531).

the nations,

plead with all flesh"

'1'0 the objection that this phase relates to a past dispensation, it is sufficient to reply that the passages quoted undoubtedly refer to the future. The objection is made because it is supposed that the Gospel taught in the New 'I'estament knows nothing of this national share in its offer of grace to the individual. But it is necessary to point out that some of the most solemn portions of the New Testament relate to it. The advent of the Lord Jesus Christ had to do with the nation of Israel. His ministry was confined to that people 11 a preparation for a wider proclamation to "All the nations." In the discourse on Oh vet Christ declares:
"And this whole world gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the for a testimony unto all the nations: and then (Matt. xxiv. 14).

shall the end come"

The first disciples were sent forth with a national message. The appropriation of that commission by believers to-day must not be allowed to hinder our view of the exact language used by the Lord, who said:
"Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations" 18, 19. (,i.e., disciple all the nations) .-Matt. xxviii.

Such was the Gospel message entrusted to the early disciples, and the manner in which it Will; commenced "at Jerusalem," is shown in the Book of Acts, but the failure of Israel to receive it blocked its further progress, and for the present another work, that of "calling out" the Church, is now going on, introduced in the ministry of Paul. Not until this present elective work of grace is finished, and the Church is united with its Head, will the national message be resumed. 'I'hat national message will throw upon the peoples a national responsibility-to be determined by acceptance or rejection. The Book of Revelation describes that future period, and shows the national aspect towards God and His purposes. The national rejection is clearlv indicated in the eleventh chapter of that Book, when the national representatives gather together that they may rejoice because of the death of the two witnesses. It is when "the nations" are wroth that the third Woe is to be brought upon them, and the time of judgment comes. In the scenes that follow we see the movements of governments and potentates, international councils, and great armies, until we come to the scene which is connected with our text. A long-pending "controversy" is here to be decided. On

NOVEMBER,

1908.

'fHE

BIBLE

S1:' NDARD. A
life a ransom, through whom is now offered to perishing men the salvation with eternal glory. Now, in the time of mercy, I urge you to accept His lordship, that when He comes you may be with Him and behold His glory. Show that now you deem Him worthy to be the ruler of your heart and life, and thus that you willingly, lovingly admit that He is worthy to hold the reins of power over all, and that it is fitting that He should overturn Satanic and human rule on this earth, that He may become King of kings and Lord of lords. EDITOR Notes of Address delivered in West Street Church.

the one side are the "beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war," and on the other are the Rider on the white horse and the armies which are in heaven." That is a national opposition to the Word and the work of God, and the adversaries are destroyed by Him who "doth judge and make war." Is not this that Advent of Christ predicted by Himself as to take place "with power and great glory?" Such a sweeping overthrow will weaken the nations, and destroy their power to rule; but it does not exhaust all Bible requirements. In connection with that renewed preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom the Jew becomes the test to the nations, as in the terms of the original covenant, "I will bless them that bless thee, and him that eurseth thee will I curse." As a consequence of the application of that test, a national judgment follows. It is described fully in Matt. x xv. 31-46.
"But when the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then shall He sit on the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all the nations."

--_e-e._-50unb
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THE THINGS (Trrus WHICH ii. I).

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SOUND

DOCTlUNE"

'rhus one of the earliest functions of the reign of Christ will be that of J udge, and this takes place upon living nations, for nothing is said of any resurrection. A separation takes place which probably selects the individuals concerned. Those who for the sake of the message received have shown kindness to members of the house of Israel will recei ve eternal life, and those who have rejected it, and failed to "bless," will go into everlasting punishment. I fear that the world has already embarked on that journey which ends in war against the Christ. It is not one of the least significant signs of the present day that the efforts for human betterment should be so prominently associated with a desire to belittle Christ's position and to set aside the efficacy of His work. And this is so whilst He is being presented as the only Saviour for men, and whilst the claim to obedience which He makes is purely individual. When the claim is made on His behalf, before kings and rulers, that He is the rightful monarch, and that to Him should national submission be made; when God's Kingdom is proclaimed, and His servants with authority declare that all parliaments and councils must submit to its principles; when human laws and human aggrandisement, when exploitation and selfish interests must be foregone; when armies and navies are to learn war no more, then will the ambassadors of the Christ "be hated of all the nations for His name's sake;" and there will be national rejoicings when the Anti-Christ succeeds in putting to death the two great prophets who lead the embassy. But that time of rejoicing will end in the dark night of defeat and death, for God hath declared that "He must reign," and that "all enemies shall be put under His foot." That time of sad disaster has not arrived, and ere it comes it is the privilege of the believer in Christ to make known to others that which he has accepted. He can tell of the meek and lowly Saviour of Men, who gave HiB

is My beloved Son." Twice hath GoJ spoken these words to His own Son from heaven: once in His baptism, and once, again, in His Transfiguration. Here not without some appositive comparison; not Moses, not Elias, but "This." Moses and Elias were servants; this a Son. Moses and Elias were sons, but of grace and choice; this is that Son, the Son by nature. Other sons are beloved, as of favour, and free election; this is "the Beloved," as in the unity of His essence. Others are so beloved that He is pleased with themselves; this is so beloved that in and for Him He is pleased with mankind. As the relation between the Father and the Son is infinite, so is the love. We measure the intension of love by the extension. The love that rests in the person affected alone is but straight; true love descends, like Aaron's ointment, from the head to the skirts-to chi1dren, friends, allies. 0, incomprehensrvely large love of God the Father to the Son, that for His sake He is pleased with men! 0, perfect and happy complacence! Out of Christ there is nothing but enmity between God and the soul; in Him there can be nothing but peace. When the beams are met in one centre, they do not only heat, but burn. Our weak love is diffused to many; God hath some, the world more; and therein wives, children friends' but this infinite love of God hath all the bean~s of it l~nited in one only object-the Son of His love. Neither doth He love anything but in the participation of His love-in the derivation from it. 0 God, let me be found in Christ, and how canst Thou but be pleased with me ?-Bisho]J Hall, A.D. 1600.

ee

Charles J ames Fox defined the Papacy as "tyranny that had united itself to error and to vice, and become the curse and reproach of mankind." Lord Palmerston said that "the Pope's government was the worst in the civilised world." Mr. Gladstone said: "The Church of Rome, wherever she has the power, will trample the law under foot."

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TBE MON'I'B A ROOM
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. 161--164 164 .. 164-165 .. 16;;-167 167 168 168 .. 169-171 171
TRUTHS ON MAN'S

PRAYING

IN HALF

NoLICENSE ECHO]~S :b-'ROM WEST SOUND DOC'I'RINE ASSOCIA'I'ION JOHN WOr,F'S THE ZIONIS1' IF I 'WERE THE HOME NOTES ESSAY MOVEMENT CIRCLE-ALPHABETIC A YOUNG FRIEND

You

NATUR>C LETTERS CHURCH

'1'0

ON THE STUDY OF PROPHECY

THE BOY WHO WILL BE IN DEMAND AND MISSION Nrcw s . MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES

OUR BOOK TABLE.)

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172 173-174 1T'1 171-17," 175 .176

feel the common bond of interest which should exist between all who are engaged in Sunday School work, or are now in the classes which in the ordinary course of time should fit them for the teaching staff. Mr. Andrews (the President of the Union), though nominally Chairman, was oftener out of the chair than in it, joining with others in the frequent intervals which were allotted to conversation. In the course of tne evening Miss Hamilton contributed a song, Mr. L. E. Falkner recited "The Leper," and a quartette was sung by members of the West Street Choir. Addresses were given by Rev. Murray, of St. Andrew's, and Mr. S. Barry, of the 'I'abernacle Sunday School. It may be of interest to our fellow-workers to know that our Bro, L. E. Falkner, a faithful Sunday School teacher in the West Street Sunday School, has been chosen President of the Auckland Sunday School Union for the ensuing year. W econgratulate him on his call to this honourable position, and we trust that his year of office will be marked by such efforts on the part of the President and his Oommittee as shall greatly increase the efficiency of the Sunday School movement in the Auckland Province.

"

'-<APMONTHTLY ORGAN

ntw Ztalana ~anBtlistlc ana Publication RS$oClatlon.

EDITED ASSISTED BY GEORGE BY SPECIAL ALDRIDGE. CONTRfBUTIONS,

The Editor wtehea it to be understood that, while he exercises Zi g-eneral super.. talon over the articles and Correspondence appearing in the STAND.UlD, reaponai-

50bn \rololt's JEsSa}?
A'l' an Oberlin Oollege commencement, one of the aftereli"nner speakers, General N ettleton, of Philadelphia, related an incident which he said had been more valuable to him as a lesson in moral philosophy than even all the profound teachings of their wise President Fairchild on that subject. In common with many other Oberlin students, he taught school during the winter vacation, and required his pupils, of course, to write essays. In one school an ungainly but stalwart youth named John WoH refused for several weeks to comply. It was impossible, however, to excuse him, and inasmuch as the refractory boy was thirty pounds heavier than his teacher, a terrible crisis seemed at hand. Finally the stubborn scholar concluded to bow to the behests of law, and drew forth a whole sheet of large-sized foolscap' laden with this eminently grave and thoughtful production :"ABOUT VIRTUE." "Virtue is a good thing to get a holt of. Whenever a feller gets a holt of virtue, he better keep a holt." The general added that it has often since been useful to him to recall the terse and impressiv c ethics of John Wolf. Whenever he has been invited to go to Oongress, or to engage in Savings Banks or Life Insurance, it has always been enough to break the spell of any such dangerous temptation to recall the great principle: "When a feller has a holt of virtue, he better keep a holt."-The Christian,

bility for sentiments expressed rests upon the individual writer.

'tlssociation

1Rote5.

Bro. J enkiris has completed his three months' engagement with the Association, and has returned to his home. On his way he met the Executive, and gave a verbal report of his work. This was heard with interest, and the hope was expressed that our brother, who is so eminently fitted for this particular kind of service, will be able to undertake it again. The conversations with the country people he finds to be very interesting, and a means of opening the way for the presentation of the views of Life Only in Ohrist, and of the Ooming Kingdom, that could not otherwise be experienced. The discussion at H untly with the Rev. Jordan gave opportunity for putting the truth before interested hearers, and .the Missioner believes that good work was done by this unexpected opposition. We urge upon all our helpers to be faithful and continuous in their contributions to the Mission Fund, as the money thus brought in has now given six months' labour to the country districts, which, without it, would not have been touched. A goodly 'number of subscribers to the STANDARD have been secured by this effort. 'I'he annual meetings of the Sunday School Union were held in October, and one of these took place in West Street. It was a new departure for the Union, but the success amply justified the trial, and will doubtless encourage the Oommittee to attempt a similar gathering next year. The young people of the Sunday Schools were invited to take part in a Social Meeting, that they might become acquainted with each other, and

Do you want an infallible recipe against grumbling? Here it is: "Rejoice in the Lord alway ; and again I say, rejoice!" (Phil. iv. 4). '. _

NOVEMBER,

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169

\rbe Zionist (JJ)o"ement.

(Concluded from Page 155.)
"Sing, 0 daughter of Zion, shout, 0 Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, 0 daughter of Jerusalem. The King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not fear evil any more" (Zephaniah iii. 14, 15).

by Anti-Christ. This 'I'emple will be erected by "the man whose name is 'the Branch'" (a Branch from David's stem), even the Lord Jesus Christ (Zech. vi. 12, 13; J"er. xxiii. 5-8). I srael has now full possession of their land, their Messiah is in their midst, their magnificent Temple, with its heaven-commanded rites, is the joy of the whole land, when-almost without warning-another storm bursts upon the newly-restored nation. A powerful enemy, who is called "the Assyrian," appears upon the" scene. Speaking of the Ruler of Israel, who should be born at Bethlehem, Micah (v. 6) says, "This man shall be our peace and He shall deliver us from the Assyrians, when He cometh into our land, and when He treac1eth within our border." It is perfectly plain that the Assyrian is to reappear for the final dealings of Jehovah at the end of this age, or, rather, at the beginning of the new age. But Jehovah will have renewed His connection with Israel at the time the Assyrian comes up to meet his doom-the head of the combined nations in the great conspiracy which is broken once and for all before the millennium is fully established. It is of the greatest importance to distinguish between Babylon and Assyria. Historically, these countries are wholly distinct, and the future enemies of Israel known by these names are just as different. In point of time Assyria was a great nation when Babylon was comparatively unknown, and Assyria still exists when Babylon has for ever been overthrown. Yet the imperial dignity, the position of first among the nations, the golden head of the Gentile image of the dream which Daniel explained to N ebuchadnezzar, never was conferred upon Assyria. Gocl endowed N ebuchadnezzar of Babylon with that proud position. Babylon arose in its might after Assyria had carried away captive the ten tribes of Israel. It was to Babylon that the tribes of Judah were taken, and "thc Beast" of the latter day who will cause such tribulation to the Jews will be closely connected with the power of the revived Babylon (Rev. xviii.; J er. li. 33-58). Soon after the Lord hath overthrown BabyIon, and the Beast, and the False Prophet (the AntiChristian system), the last Assyrian, undeterred and unhumbled by that awful catastrophe, will invade the land of Canaan, warring not against the Jews only, but against the whole house of Israel. It may help to explain if we say that the four great empires, as set forth in the Book of Daniel, run their course between the Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib in its early days, and the Assyrian King in the latter clays. Isaiah says (x. 12) that "when the Lord will have completed His whole work upon Mt. Zion and on Jerusalem" (by putting down the last representative of the powers that began with Babylon) He will then-what? He will "punish the stout heart of the King of Assyria." The Assyrian, we thus see, is the last earthly enemy of Israel before the Kingdom of God is established. It may also be borne in mind that Assyria is the head of the confederate nations as opposed to Israel, while

IN our last paper we called attention to the dividing of the land of Palestine among the twelve tribes of Israel. In the forty-seventh chapter of Ezekiel we find the division. of t~le land is to be after a new fashion, i.e., by straight lines drawn from east to west. The order of the original occupation by the tribes under Joshua is partly, but only partly, followed. From north to south seven tribes succeed each other- Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Rueben, J udah. Then comes a large square portjon-43 miles long on each side-the northern part of which is for the Levites, the central part for the priests and the temple, the southern part for the city of Jerusalem and those who are officially connected with it. 'I'he land on the eastern and western sides of this sacred square are assigned to the Prince. The circuit of the walls of Jerusalem is stated to be 37 miles (it was four miles when the Romans destroyed it), a worthy circumference for the Metropolis of the world. Then follo:v south of the city five portions for the. remaining tnbes-Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulon, and Gad. Thus the Levites, Priests, Temple, and City are guarded north and south by Judah and Benjamin, the two tribes who throughout had preserved allegiance to the sovereignty of J ehovah and loyalty to the house of David. It appears that the convulsions of nature, which is one of the characteristics of the closing days of this age (Is. xiii. 13; Haggai ii. 6; Heb. xii. 26, 27), will change in many respects the surface features of the Holy Land. All the country which is round about Jerusalem, which is now mountainous, as it is said, "The mountains which are round about Jerusalem"-Ps. cxxv, 2-shall be level as a plain, but Jerusalem itself shall be "lifted up"elevated above the plain (Zech. xiv. 10). One result of this is a new dispos.ition as relates to the respective situations of the City of Jerusalem and the 'I'emple of the Lord. Hitherto they have been situate in close proximity to each other. Under the new order of things they will be some 30 miles apart. And the Temple, as J erusalem, "shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills" (Is. ii.2). Also, we read that a river running east and west shall find its source in Jerusalem-running east to the Dead Sea, west to the Mediterranean-which at the present moment is a physical impossibility, for the surrounding mountains prevent any such flow (Zech. xiv. 8). From the Temple likewise issues a stream of water, which rapidly deepens as it widens and lengthens its course, but this water runs only to the east, and then south through the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Akabar (Ez. xlvii.). We may here observe that the Temple as described by Ezekiel is not that which the Zionists will erect, and which will be defiled

THE

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STANDARD.

NOVEMBER,

1908.

owned as the people of God, while Babylon and the other imperial powers down to the time of the Beast's rule over Israel lord it over them during the period that that people are nationally disowned by Him. And thus we find that the final representative of the Assyrian Empire plans a fresh attack upon the hated Israelite, and with the highest expectation of speedy success. Israel will fight like young lions (see Mieah iv. 11-13; Zech. x. 5-12), with their God-appointed King in their midst, and, moreover, there will be Divine intervention in the judgment of the Assyrian on the mountains of Israel. And as the Babylonish leaders were cast alive into the pit (Rev. xix. 20), so will it be with the Assvrian, for Isaiah declares (xxx. 33), "For 'I'ophet is prepared of old, yea, for the King (of Assyria; see verse 31) it is made ready, made deep and large, the pile thereof is fire and much wood, the breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it." The nations which played their part in Old Testament story will assume their final shape ere long,

and then will come the earthly judgments of God upon them at the end of this age, in order to clear the way for his dream of the image. But after that the Lord will the undisputed and unceasing earthlv reign of the Son use both Judah and Ephraim, as we see here, to deal of man. The King of Assvria in the coming day will be with other refractory Gentiles. "They shall be as mighty the then holder of part of what is now the Sultan of men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the Turkey's dominion-the Ottoman Porte-and doubtless streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because the the great power of Russia will be allied with or behind Lord is with them." Greece and any other country him-Russia, who has long been the most cruel persecuthat protests against and resists the establishment of tor of Israel. Indeed, the final enemy of Israel is also Israel as the supreme power on earth will feel the weight spoken of under the term "Gog of the land of Magog" of Israel's arm, backed by the strength of the omnipotent (Ezek. xxxviii.), by which most commentators underJ ehovah. It is surely absurd to apply all this to anystand the Russian power. Speaking of this last attack thing that has yet taken place in the history of Israel. of the enemy, Ezekiel says, "It shall come to pass in that The prowess of the Israelites during these last strugday that thou shalt desire an evil desire, thou shalt say, gles will be such that the news of their warlike skill and I will go up to the land of unrivalled villages, to those strength will spread through the whole world, and all that are quiet, that dwell securely without walls, nor bars, the nations recognise the folly of further disputing the nor gates, to take the spoil and to take the prey" (verses dominancy of the Hebrew race. The Gentile nations 10-12). "And thou shalt come, and many peoples with _will perforce take a secondary place, Israel being the thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company acknowledged head of the nations (Mioah iv. 8). And and a mighty army, and thou shalt come up against My this will be outwardly manifested by the homage that people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land (verses 15, 16). representatives of every country will yearly pay to the And then follows the account of their utter overthrow , Lord - the King of Jerusalem - at Jerusalem (Zech. not only by the powers of Israel, but by a Divine [udgxiv. 16). ment, "I will rain upon him and upon his hordes and Now, at last-some years after their re-entry into their upon the many peoples that are with him an overflowing father Abraham's land-the Zionists "shall dwell safely shower, and great hailstones and fire and brimstone" in Zion" (Is. xxx. 19), and the city shall be called "The (verse 22). And the slaughter will be so great that it Zion of the Holy One of Israel" (Is. lx. 14). "So shall will take seven months to bury the carcases of the slain, ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, and the debris of the army will be so great that it will My holy mountain" (J oel iii. 17). "For the Lord hath be seven years before the land shall be clear of it (xxxix.) . built up Zion, FIe hath appeared in His glory. So the It must be evident to the most cursory reader that the nations shall fear the name of J ehovah, and all the Kings overthrow' of the Anti-Christian army and the destrucThy glory. And men shall declare the name of the Lord tion of the Assyrian Army are dissimilar in every respect in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples -there is no similitude or likeness between them. Did are gathered together, and the kingdoms to serve the space permit we might point out in detail how they difLord" (Ps. cii. 15, 16; 21, 22). The wondrous vision of fer, but our readers can easily verify this. Enough to Ezekiel concerning the valley of dry bones will have resay that while Assyria shall be spared and forgiven, ceived its fulfilment, according to the gracious promise Babylon is, like Sodom and Gomorrah, to be utterly blotGod therein made, when He said, "And I will put my ted out (Is. xiii. 19-22). "In that day shall Israel be spirit in you, and ye hall live, and I will place you in

the third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth; for the Lord of Hosts hath blessed them, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance" (Is. xix. 24, 25). 'We must not overlook one remarkable passage in Zechariah (ix. 13), "I will stir up thy sons, 0 Zion, against thy sons, 0 Greece, and will make thee as a sword of a mighty man." We are well aware that some claim this to have been fulfilled in the time of the Maccabces. But read verses 14 to 17, and chapter x. 4, 5. Here God fights not merely for Israel, but in and by them. It is a great mistake to suppose that the subduing of Christ's enemies will be accomplished by J ehovah single-handed. There is a judgment which He will execute on His approach from heaven, in which the Jews can have no part whatever, namely, the destruction of the beast and the false prophet, with the flower of the rank and file of their armies. Thus comes to an end the power COITlrnitted to the Gentiles as revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in

NOVEMBER,

1908.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

your own land ; and ye shall know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord." 'I'he Scriptures instruct us that succeeding this time of conflict and war will be a thousand years of peace and security. No nation is permitted to manufacture or HSC any weapons of war (Is. ii. 4). There is no fear in the cities. "Olclmen and old women shall sit in the streets of Jerusalem, and the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof" (Zech. viii. 4). The fruitfulness of the land of Canaan is depicted in glowing colours, and the blessing is communicated even to the lower animals (Is. xi. 6-9). Moreover, the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven clays, in the clay that the Lord bindeth up the hurt of His people, and healeth the stroke of their wound" (Is. xxx. 26). Israelitish missionaries will be sent forth from Zion to the uttermost parts of the earth to declare the great changes that have taken place, and to command all men to yield allegiance to the Lord's Christ who reigns at Jerusalem (Is. xxvii. 6; ii. 2; Rom. xi. 15). The curse of Babel, recorded in Gen. xi. 9, is to be repealed, and a universal language be spoken on earth. "I will turn to the peoples a pure language that they may all call upon the name of the Lord to serve Him with one consent" (Zeph. iii.

. If l '{[(l1ere 1I10U.
H 1 a little girl could be,
Well-just like you, With lips as rosy, cheeks as fair, Such eyes of blue, and shining hail', What do you think I'd do? I'd wear so bright and sweet a smile, I'd be so loving all the while, J'cl be so helpful with my hand, So quick and gentle to command, You soon would see That everyone would turn to say, ""ris good to meet that child to-day." Yes, yes, my bird, that's what I'd do, If I were you. Or, if I chanced to be a boy, Like some I know, With crisp curls sparkling in the sun, And eyes all beaming bright with funAh, if I could be so, I'd strive and strive with all my might To be so true, so brave, polite, That in me each one might behold A hero, as in days of old. "I'would be a joy To heal' one, looking at me, say, "My cheer and comfort all the day." Yes, if I were a boy, I know I would be so.

9) .
And God will not forget the saints of Old Testament days and the faithful of Israel in all generations and the Hebrew martyrs slain by Anti-Christ. Isaiah declares, "Thy dead shall live, the dead bodies shall arise, the earth shall cast forth the dead" (xxxvi. 19). Abraham and Isaac and J acob, Moses, Samuel, and Daniel-each and all-shall "stand in their lot at the end of the days" (Dan. xii. 13). It is recorded of the twelve Apostles that they "shall sit upon twelve thrones, and rule the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. xix. 28). Abraham looked forward with rejoicing to the day when his promised Son should be displayed in glory, and (by faith) he saw it, and was glad (John viii. 56). "These all died in faith, not having received the promises" (Heb. xi. 13), but they died "looking unto the recompense of reward" (verse 26) on the resurrection morn (verse 35). Most assuredly every God-fearing Hebrew of past generations shall live in the days when God shall work so wondrously for Zion. For the Lord is to reign on Mt. Zion -not only over the then existing generation, but also"before His ancients (the saints of ancient days) gloriously" (Is. xxiv. 23). Thus shall the true Israel of God-dead and livingprove the truth of J ehovah's promise, for in due time the nation shall inherit the land promised to Abraham. Rotorua.

-Sydney

Daqre, in Independent.

"It is tbe ~ast Uime."
No hour more solemn than this in the mighty issues involved this world ever saw. The world, the masses, may not so regard it. 'I'hey are ignorant of the times. Judah and Rome knew not the awful responsibility of putting to death the Son of God. The great world is rushing on to death and the judgment, while human beings, involved in the doom which waits the world, are, like children, amusing themselves with bubbles, oblivious of what awaits them. Angels of God must sorrow at the sight. It is sad to see a man starve with food before him. It is sad to see a man walk off a precipice with clear words of warning ringing upon the aill:" Yet that is what the great world is doing now. To all the solemn warning sounds out: "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come."-Signs of the

Times.

...

C. CRISP

BROWN.

"Some one has said that if we put the saloon out of town that grass will grow in the streets. That is a lie; but if it wasn't, it is better to walk on God's green grass than on the blood of your neighbour' wife and chil-

"I will say to all young women who are called to any particular vocation: Qualify yourself for it as a man does for his work. Do not think you can understand it otherwise. If you are called to a man's work, do not exact a woman's privilege, the privilege of inaccuracy, weak-

dren."-Robert

Yost.

ness."-Florence Nightingale.

1;2
eo ~

THE

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STANDARD.
10 times; "grave,')

NOVEMBEB,

1908.

"I-Iades"-"hell," once.

Cbt Homt irclt

~r
4

ALPHABETIC

TRUTHS NATURE. No. IX.

ON

MAN'S

WHERE

ARE THE

DEAD?

(8.) What is the change in the New Version? In the Old Testament the word "Shoo l' is untranslated in 30 instances, and is t~'anslated "grave" 15 times, "hell" 15 tunes, and "pit" 5 times. (In the recent American Version the word Sheol stands in every instance, and the Revisers say ~'If. the new term can be .fitly used at all; It IS clear that it ought to be used uniformly.") In the New Testament the word Hades stands in every occurrence. (9.) Are the two terms "Sheol " and "Hades" identical in meaning? Yes; compare the following texts: "For thou wilt not leave my soul. in Sheol" (Ps. xvi. 10). . "Because thou wi It not leave my soul tn Hades" (Acts ii. 27). ( 10.) Where is this place? All verbs of motion used ,in connection with the word indicate that it is doumward, as in the following texts: "I will go down to the grave (sheol) to my son mourning" (Gen. xxxvii. 35). "So they and all that appertained to them went down alive into the pit (Sheol ) and the earth closed upon them" ( Num, xvi. 3033). "This one passage decides the question. Our Authorised Version obscures the ~hing to the English reader by translatlllg Sheol 'the pit,' but the original Hebrew is Sheol, and we therefore are here told by Moses that Sheol, or Hades is within this earth of ours. Every othe: of the very numerous passages in the Old 'iestament only confirms this view; not a single passage can be quoted that is even apparently opposed to it. It would therefore be mere waste of time to spend further labour upon this point. Hades (Sheol) is situated within the crust of this earth."-Prebendal'y Constable. (11.) What goes to ic,ades at death? (a) All souls, "What man is he that sha.ll live and not see death, that shall deliver his 801/.[ tram the poioer at Sheol?" (Ps, Ixxxix. 48). "Thou wilt .not leave my 8011,l in Sheoi: (Ps. xvi. 10). "But God will redeem my soul [roni the power at Sheoi' (Ps. xlix. 15). (b) Man as an individual goes there. "As the cloud is consumed and vanish. eth away, so he that goeth down to Sheol shall come up no more" (Job vii. 9). See also Job. xxi. 13; Gen. xxxvii. 35; xlii. 38; xliv. 29-31; Ezek. xxxii 27. ~'hus righteous, wicked, soul, man, grey hairs, and weapons of war all go there -a strange kind of heaven, surely! (12.) Is anything affirmed of the conditions which exist there? Yes; we here note a few. (a) It is a place of death. "They shall be appointed a flock for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd their beauts, shall be fOI' Sheol 10 oonsume that there be no habitation for it" (Ps. xlix. 14). See also Prov, v. 5; viii. 27. (b) It is a place of worms. "Thy pomp is brought down to hell (Sheol ) , the worm is spread under thee,

The Bible speaks in positive language concerning the nature of man, and all thc evidence it renders shows that he is a mortal perishing being. Its testimony to his state in death is not less conclusive. The two lines of evidence give indisputable proof that the common belief that man is, or possesses, an immortal soul is a figment of the imagination only, and cannot find for itself any evidence that is worth the name. In this paper is offered additional Bible evidence to show that man is "of the earth, earthy," by inviting attention to what the Book says concerning the place where man is said to be in death. Christians believe that saints go to heaven at death, and that sinners go to hell. Romanists beIieve that purgatory is the "limbo" of souls who are not quite prepared for either heaven or hell. All claim support for their views in the Bible. A calm and judicious questioning of that Book should afford all available evidence upon which to form a conclusion. Let us to the proof. ( 1.) What is the Bible name of the place to which men go at death? In the Hebrew Scriptures -it is "Sheol," and in the Greek "Haues." (2.) Why use these un-Euglish terms? Because the Revisers of the Old Testament have used the word "Sheol" in their version, and the Revisers of the New Testament have transferred the word "Hades" to Its pages. (3.) As these words are thus Anglicised, can we determine their signification? Yes, by an appeal to the Scriptures this should be no difficult matter. (4.) What are these words usually supposed to mean? 1JIC common idea is perhaps best given in the language of the Old Testament Revisers, who in their preface say: "The Hebrew Sheo l, which signifies the abode of departed spirits." (5.) Is this meaning justified by the Scriptures? No; there is not a single passage in the Bible where that idea is conveyed. Nowhere does it speak of a spirit going to, or being in, Hades. (6.) How often do these words occur? "Sheol," in the Old Testament, 65 times; "Hades," in the New, 11 times. From a total of 76 occurrences, its meaning should be manifest. (7.) How is it translated in the Authorised Version? "Sheol"-"grave," 31 times; "hell," 31 times; "pit," 3 times.

tuul worms cover thee" (Tsa, xiv. 11; Job xvii. 1316). (c) It is a place of tlarlcnes. "The land of darkness and o] the snadou: of death, a land of thick darkness" (Job x. 21) . (d) It is a place of u.t te: tmCOnsciOllS' ness. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave (Sheol ) , u.h.ither thou qoest" (Eccles. ix. 10). Can there be any doubt remaining as to the meaning of these words? Do not the foregoing texts point to the "grave" as the word which most closely corresponds in signification, not "grave" viewed simply as the last restingplace of the individual, but all graves in 0 e, i.e., "gravedorn." The conclusion harmonises with all Bible teaching on man's nature. The following opinions may be adde(l to the foregoing direct evidence: Parkh mst : "Our Saxon word 'hell,' in its original signification, exactly answers to the Greek 'Hades,' and denotes a concealed, unseen place." On Sheol he says: "H is the common receptacle of the dead." Ea.dis, Bible Dictionary.-"It is the place where corrupt.ion is seen; the region of the dead." Smith's Biblc Dictionary, article "Hell."-"It would, perhaps, have been better to retain the Hebrew word, or else render it always 'grave' or pit.'" Hullinger. "Hades, the Invisible, Gravedom ; Hades is the grave of the human race." In the light of this evidence the destiny of the wicked should be easily understood, for we read: "The wicked ehall return. to Sheoi, even all the nations that forget God" (Ps. ix .. 17). If a state of death now, so it must he hr-ren f'tor.
JijI)T'I'OTl.

YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN, ARE YOU NOT 1

And do you honestly believe, And teach a future hell, Where millions of the human race With fiends and devils dwell? The Bible states that "God is Love " Who doeth all things well; , But, tell me, do y01/. think it just To torture men in hell? And would He be the Loving God. Whom Christians all admire To keep men burning unconsnmed In everlasting fire? The Scriptures teach, without a doubt The soul that sinneth dies' ' Then why should I reject the' truth 01' tu m aside to lies? Rejecting Christ there is no hope, Tho Bible makes this plain; The sinner's doom is second death Not life in endless pain. ' -C.G.

NOVEM!lJ;;R,

1908.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

173
are not to be impatient; probably we shall be among those who "die in faith not having recei ved the promise." But assuredly He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry one moment after the appoin ted time. Then follows the vision of the downfall of the hostile Chaldean, proud as he may be and of great might, though Israel may have to wait awhile ere its accomplishment. The ~nslaved nations are represented as unitodly pronouncing a series of woes upon Babylon. To be in a state ?f woe means to be overwhelmed, to be I nunersed in a condition miserable, lamentable, wretched and pitiable. And they eagerly ask, "How long?" ere the downfall shall be. Five woes are pronounced. And those "cursings" are against Babylon, because of .(1) it~ unbounded rapacity; (2) its selfish gain , (3) the rivers of human blood expended in its establ ishmsnj; But, though they know it not, all this vast expenditure was only, as it were, preparIllg materials for it great bonfire. And, after the great Kingdom of the Chaldeans has disappeared the knowledge of the glory of the despised God of Israel shun be known to the ends of the earth. (4) The debauched, immoral and drunken habits of Babylon are next referred to. (5) Woe is coming because of the insult offered to God Himself, from whom came all the power that ever Babylon possessed. God might be patient, but to set up a golden image in the plain of Dura and command all to worship it! This idolatry was a deliberate and open insult to the God who gave Nebuehadnezzar the world-empire. Besides, the whole city (like Athens in after days) was "given to idolatry." These idols of "dumb stone," in which is "no breath at all," are no gods. "But Jehovah"-the one and only God-"is in His holy ternple ; let all the earth keep silence before Him." The book closes with a most beautiful and sublime outpouring of the prophet. The "prayer of Habakkuk," strictly speaking, is contained in the words of verse two, the rest, to the close, is praise and thanksgiving. He was struck with awe at the solemnity of the vision and what should happen to his nation and id ".I am afraid." ' SaI, (Men nowadays are not "afraid" of God-godly fear is almost extinct.) And he pleaded that "in the midst of the years," that period of time during which the Jewish captivity would last, God would not abandon His people, either to their sins or to thc enemy. Would God "revive His work" -keep the flame of godliness alive-and "in wrath remember mercy" (Ezra ix. 8) ? The twelve verses (3 to 15) are a psalm left upon record for the use of the Jews 'in their captivity, while they were waiting for the deliverance promised by the vision in the previous chapter. Tlprophet calls to mind the experiences the nation in past days had of God's glorious and gracious appearances on their behalf when He brought them out of Egypt through the wilderness to Canaan, and then many times wrought wonderful de-

Letters to a Young Friend on the Study of Prophecy.

XIX.
THE PIWPHECY }fy Dear l?riend,OF HABAKKUK.

Of Hubakkuk himself we know uothing, except that probably he was a Levite, and attached to the Temple services, either as a priest or a member of the Levitical choir. We gather this from his prayer (or psalm. See Ps. Ixxii. 30), which is prefaced as "set to Shigionoth" (see title of Ps. vii.), a musical term the mean in" of wh ich is unknown, and dedicated "fo~ the Ch ief Musician on my stringed inxtrumeu ts" (1 Ch. ix. 23). The ministi'y of th is prophet was in the latter half of the reign of the wicked Manasseh, or the earlier half of the good King Josiah, when he, a boy of eight years old, could do I-ittle to stem the flood-tide of ungodline:;s which then prevailed. Two statements ill his prophecy indicate within a few yea rs the date of his ministry. First.lv, it was at a time of oppression, violence, and general lawlessness, and second I.", he foretells the invasion of the Cha ldeans from Babylon, which was so un likely an event that he candidly says that 110 one will believe him. When Habakk uk prophesied (about 645 !l.c.) Assyria was supreme, with no sign of failing, and Babylon a mere vassal of the King of Nineveh. Twenty years later (625 RC.) Nineveh was destroyed. In the first year of Jehoiakim (605 B.C.) the first invasion of .Iudah took place, and in 586 H.C. Nebuchadnezzar took the nation captive and burned Jerusalem with fire. "1 will work a work in your days," said .Iehovah. The catastrophe was to happen within the lifetime of those who heard Habakkuk make the astounding announcement. It was only 40 years after the prophet spake that the Babylonians were inside Jerusalem (i Chron. xxxvi. 5-8) . This book is divided into two distinct parts. The first two chapters are, so to speak, a colloquy between the prophet and God. And then follows (chap. -iii.) a hymn intended for the use of the Temple choir and the encouragement of the worshipping congregation. Habakkuk was a burdened, sorrowstricken man, full of complaint, and groaning because of the iniquity of his people. "0 Jehovah, how long shall T cry and Thou hea rest not, even ery to Thee of violence and Thou savest not?" But Jehovah had other purposes ill view; it was too late then to save the Jewish nation. "Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, yet My mind could not be toward this people; cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth" (Jer. xv. 1). The day of grace was ended. "I bring such evil upon Jerusalem that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle" (2 Kings xxi. 12). God answered the prophet (verses 5-11). He was to direct the minds of the people to events that would occur within

a very few years. Great changes were in progress (Nineveh was to fall), greater "till in store (the rise of Babylon ) . And these Babylonians (OhaIdeans ) should march through the breadth of all surrounding lands, and unbroken conquest should attend their arms. And it is in these Chaldeans that the prophet is to find an answer to his prayer, for God will use them as a correcting instrument with which to chastise Judah and purge away the- ungodliness of which the prophet so bitterly complained. But in the eleventh verse the cause of the eventual ruin of the Chaldeans is set forth. Bel and Nebo were their national gods,. and in their infatuation they gave the glory of their successes to the power of their own migh t, and ill their besottedness thought they had conquered Israel beca.uso they were stronger than Israel's God. From veise 12 to 17, speaking as the representative of the godly portion of the nation; the prophet, while recognising the justice of God in the coming infliction, yet compla-ins to God that, comparing nation with nation, the Chaldeans were far worse than the Jewish, and asks how long their destructive career shall last and they spare not to slay the nations continually. And here just one gleam of sunshine appears. Remembering that Jehovah is the everlasting God of Israel, the prophet triumphantly exclaims, "We shall not die." The Hebrews as a nation can never be extinct. They may be sore chastened, but not hopelessly destroyed. Other nations may disappear in the general wreck, but the God of Israel will yet save His chosen people.
III chap. ii, 1 we have a pause. The prophet on the watch-tower, away from the noise and strife of the city, in solitary meditation, awaits an answer from .God.

And the answer came. God answered with "good words and comfortable words" (Zech. i. 13). Babylon, the destroyer of the nations, shall herself speedily be destroyed. The prophet is bidden to write the words of the following vision (verses 4-20) in plain letters on large tablets (Is. viii. 1), which perhaps should be hung up in the outer court of the Temple at Jerusalem-a central position from whence "runners" could take the glad news to all parts of the land. "The vision is yet for the appointed time, though it tarry, wait for it, it will surely come." Seventy years was the captivity in Babylon to endure, and then the freedom should come. The exact date 'was fixed, though unknown to earthly minds, and wnen the moment should arrive there should be no postponement. Punctuality is one of heaven's laws. But "faith in God" would he needed to keep the spirit calm, to prevent undue expectation, and to sustain the confidence of hope. Anu, as with Habakkuk and the godly remnant of that day, so is it to be with us in our times. Paul, ill the Epistle to the Hebrews (x. 36-39) quotes these words of the prophet, and bids us in the assurance of faith to wait for the return of the Lord .Iesus Christ from heaven. We

174
Iiverances for them. And what God did in the past He will do yet again in the future. "Thou wentest forth for the salvation of Thy people, and did'st thresh the nations in Thy anger." "The oaths which God had sworn to the tribes, even a sure word" (verse 9), would secure the certainty of a future deliverance. Again, the prophet expresses his awe at such a solemn interference for Israel, and at the fearful judgments that should overtake all objects of Divine vengeance. "When I heard, my lips quivered at the voice, and I trembled in my place." Verse 17 describes the utter desolation of the land ill the day of trouble that was coming upon .Iudah. The Chaldeans would cut down fruit trees, carry off the herds and flocks, trample upon the corn-it would be a complete desolation. But in face of all this, the prophet bursts out (verses 18, 19) in an exclamation unsurpassed for beauty and power. Come what may-want and distressJehovah shall still be His salvation and strength, Nothing shall separate him from the love of God. The unseen life shall one day be his. In God he will ever rejoice. Faith shall pursue her path in the confidence of Divine grace, spite of all adverse circumstances. The outcome of that faith shall be a life which none can harm, and a fulness of joy which shall never be taken away.Yonr friend, CARPUS.

THE

BIBLE
~

STANDARD.

NOVEMBER,1908. by a close search one will find that it has a bearing on the 1st chapter of Genesis. There is nothing in the Bible aeciden ta.l, nothing arbitrary. Who and what are these Cherubim? He who wrote the record understood what he was writing about. Those who heard the story also understood. (Ezek. i. 5; x. 6 and 25.) These are they that were placed at the Garden of Eden, and were assoicated with the throne of the Most High. The composite forms found in the images and engravings and paintings of Egypt, Babylon and Greece ~vere. referred to. It is noteworthy that 111 Nmeveh such statues were located at the doors of temples. (See Rev. iv. and '1'1 So fa I' as the record is concerned, these creatures were at the Garden of Eden ti II the flood, At the close the lecturer was accorded a unanimous and wellearned vote of thanks for the many addresses delivered. On Wednesday evening, October 7, the Bible Class was resumed, and a series of addresses commenced on "How to Study the Bible" under the subdivisions: 14th-"Understanding the Scriptures." 2Ist-" Interpreting the Bible." 28th"The Ruling Theme of the Bible." W.G. THAMEs.-The Sunday School Anni "ersary was held on September 27th, ~ro. E. H. Taylor presiding in the morning, when there was an excellent attendance at the Breaking of Bread. He spoke on "The Mind that was in Christ" (Philippians ii.). Among those present we noted as visitors Sister Wild (Devonport), Sister Wood (Auckland), Bro. Williams and Bro. L. Wilcoek. We were glad to have these in fellowship with us. Bro. E. H. Taylor also gave an address in the afternoon to parents and scholars, his subject being, "Children and ~ouses." At this service there was a capital attendance. In the evening 131'0. T. L. Wilcock gave the address, his subject being "God's Workmanship," the church building being full, and everyone was del igh ted with our Brother's utterances. Of course, the children's singing was a zrea t feature in these gatherings, and they excelled themselves, while Miss A. Morgan, at the organ, and Bro. Sanders, with the orchestra, added much to the enjoyment of these services. ~ro. Sherlock deserves some meed of praIse for the training of these young people in their hymns. Some 30 prizes were als~ distributed by Bro. L. Gubb (Superintendent). These prizes are given only for regular attendance of 48 Sundays in the veal' and over. . On Tuesday, September 29th, t~le .< .. nn ual Children's Tea and Entertalllment took place. The teachers all. dese:ve zreat credit for the manner III which ~verythin~was carried o.ut. This. labour of love entails a good hit of saerifice on their part, and they gave time a.n~l talen.t in no smal l measure to make this anmversary a success. The tea tables were f u l l of young people, eleven tables being occnpied. After all the good things thus provided had disappeared, the entertainment commenced, and the vim and go put

CbUfeb IDd Mission News.

THE

BOY

WHO WILL DEMAND.

BE

IN

One of the finest qualities in a. workman is a disposition to do things that need to be done without being told. Young men working their way through college are invaluable if they have this quality. A tool is left out on the lawn; there is a rail off the fence; there is a window pane gone from somewhere. The boy who attends to these things because they need attending to without specific directions is the boy who, other things being equal, is going to be in demand when he gets out in the great world. It is the attention to little things and the habit of observation, which sees what needs to be done, and then does it, which makes exceedingly useful men and women. There wiII always be a call to come up higher. It is in one sense a small thing to do these little things without orders, but it is the doing of them that makes great captains, great engineers, great artists, great architects, great workers in any department, and it is the absence of this quality that makes commonplace men and women, who will always have to live under the dominion of petty orders, men and women who do nothing unless they are told to do it. It is this quality which makes volunteers in church work, and the invaluable men and women who do not have to be stood over. They are the joy of the pastor's heart; they are the persons who do not have to be watched.-Maryland Teniplar. When a man gets reconciled to God he wants the whole world to be at peace.

AUCKLAl'w.-Owing, 110 doubt, to the many Church and Sunday School annivarsaries, the attendances have not been so good. Let us hope that indifference is not taking hold of those who have come to a knowledge of the truth. Sunday, September 27: Bro. Aldridge presided. Bro. G. A. Green gave a very good address and exhortation from 1st Epistle of Timothy i. 11. In the evening the subject dealt with was "The Appearing of the Glory" (Ex. xxxiv. 29). It was an inspiring discourse, especially to those who are in Christ Jesus, but a very serious and solemn warning to those who will not accept the proffered grn,ce of God. Sunday, October 4: 131'0. Aldridge presided, and spoke from 1 Cor. xiii. Love and affection are the constraining powers for service. In the evening the subject was "Death's Captives Freed." Refer- . ence was made to the death of Bro. Andrew Kelly. Sunday, October 11: 131'0. Aldridge presided, and based his address upon 2 Thes. ii. 13, 15. If the exhortation given by Paul was necessary for the Church in its early days, it is much more so in these later times. New errors are daily creeping in; it therefore behoves us to stand fast in the truth to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Chrise, With us in fellowship were Sisters Bach and Osbourne, and Bro. and Sister Windsor, of the Thames. In the evening the topic was WIne Call and the Confession" (Matt. xxvii. 11; 1 Tim. vi. 12). The Call is to us to-day. How will we answer and confess? Sunday, October 18: 131'0. White presided. .Iames iii. The unruly member -the tongue. In the evening the subject was "The Child and the Church" (2 Tim. iii. 14). The speaker dealt largely with the work of the Sunday School teachers and the training of the scholars. Sunday, October 23: Bro. C. B. King presided. Colos. i. Hope was the keynote of the address. It is an inspiring word, the sustaining power of life. In the evening a splendid address was delivered on "Divine Politics" (Ps. xcvi.). The speaker said that this Psalm was solely for the Jews, and that, though now in abeyance, the divine politics would again be in force. The politics in the Bible will certainly be fulfilled-the land, the King, the government, and its law On Wednesday, September 30, the lectures were brought to a close. The title of the last one was rather startling, "Lifeguards at the Gate of Eden." The lecturer said that the last verse of the 3rd chapter of Genesis fully justified him in choosing such a title. Although ~n intellectual and interesting subject, it IS generally passed by when read, but

NOVEMBER,1908. into it made a most charming two and a half hours' pleasure. Singing, dialogues, recitations, all were well given, and much appreciated; evidently there is buddine talent in our Sunday School, and good prospect for our church choir if these young ones can be induced to join it. For the entertainment our church was taxed to its utmost capacity; in fact, many had to stand most of the evening. All who took the trouble to prepare the young folk for such a programme deserve the utmost praise. And so the 1908 School Anniversary has gone, leaving a memory of pleasure, profit, and goodwill. The above is the pleasant side of our church life for this month. There is also the sorrowful one, for on idonday, the 28th, our Bra. J. Hardman, aged 80, fell asleep in Jesus at his daughter's residence, Paeroa, and was brought to the Thames for interment on October Ist, when he was accorded a military funeral. Fo: many years our Brother has been a member of our Church, and we extend to his family our deepest sympathy. Th<)]1 we have to record the "faHing asleep in Jesus" of our Bra. D. Henderson, sen., aged 82. Our Bra. Henderson was a the passing away of one whom we have most loyal attendant at the "Lord's Table" whenever able, and we feel deeply learned to love sincerely in Jesus Christ our Lord. When Bra. Henderson's son was killed in a recent mining accident he said, "I believe this trouble will finish me. I'll put everything in order now." .n. very few months have passed, and now Our dear old Brother sleeps in Jesus, awaiting the waking of the dead when our Lord shall come. To his family too our heart goes out in love and longing that they too may be as ready to meet their loved ones again. These aged brethren passing away leaves a blank in our hearts, for when one has laboured with and appreciated their loyalty for over 20 long years to the Church and the Truth it cannot but be a deep and lasting sorrow-not a sorrow without hope, however. Both Bra. Henderson and Bra. Hardman had a clear knowledge and Iarth, and they both sleep in sure and certain hope of a joyous resurrection. C.E.M. GEORGETOWN(B.G.).-Our aim in the work in which we are engaged is to get men and women to see that Jesus Christ is the Life-giver to those who believe in Him. If we can induce our hearers to realise this blessed truth, then, away goes the doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul and all other lies that spring from it. This position ,is, of course, very grievous to our opponents, and they nave attempted to subvert it, but to no pur pose. In my recent attacks on the popu la r doctrine I used some of the arguments found in "Echoes from West Street" in the May number of the STANDARD. I have also essayed to show that the everyday actions of the people who accept and contend for the popular belief do not harmonise with their head belief on soul-immortarity. When will men learn that there should be some show of consistency between the thing believed

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

175
THE ODD SPARROW.
TilE direct appeal of the L<ospel to a young, fresh heart, is the subject of a delightful story. A little Spanish boy in Vigo, who became a devout Christian, was asked by an Englishman what had been the influence under which he had acted. "It was all because of the odd sparrow," the boy replied. "I do not understand," said the Englishman, in surprise. "What odd sparrow?' "Well, senor, it is this way," the boy said. "A gentleman gave me a Testament-the Book of the English mission-and I read in one Gospel that two sparrows were sold for a farthing. And, again, in St. Luke, I saw, "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?" And I said to my self that Nuestro Senor Jesucristo (Our Lord Jesus Christ) knew well our eustom of selling birds. As you know, sir, we trap bird" and get one chico for two, but for two ch ieos we throw in an extra sparrow. That extra sparrow is only a make-weight, and of no account at all. Now, I think to myself that I am so insignificant, so poor, and so small that no one would think of counting me. I am like the fifth sparrow. And yet, V, maravilla, Nuestro Senor says, 'Not one is forgotten before Gael.' I have never heard anything like it, sir. L 0 one but Him would ever have thought of not forgetting me."-L. Morris. THE WAY TO RISE. THERE is no \I"l~' to rise, on earth, except by resistance. It has been pointed out that every stairway is nothing but a series of obstacles, each one of which must be overcome singly, if we would let that stairway serve .i ts purpose and bring us to the top. So with everything in life that seems to oppose us, bear us down, or call a halt. It is not only an opportunity for going ahead, but there would be no way of making gains without these helpful resistanees, One has well written: "A world in which there were no labours to be accomplished, no burdens to be borne, no storms to be endured, would be a world without true joy, honest pleasure, or noble aspiration. It would be a fool's paradise." Think of this as you are tempted to resent to-day's invitations to progress.-

and the actions of the person believing it? How foolish of men to proclaim the joys of heaven at death and yet to use every endeavour to remain alive on earth; how essentially illogical to believe that many men are on the way to eternal misery, but to make no effort to warn them and to rescue them from that frightful doom. I have recently spoken upon "The Return of the King, who was Rejected for a Robber," and have shown that a robber the world will choose until the King returns. Scripture teems with testimonies to the near advent of the Lord, and the present unrest amongst the nations, the aggregation of wealth in the hands of the few, the appalling suffering, vice, ignorance, increase of madness and crime, are the evidences that no betterment is possible apart from that Return. Talks against Spiritism have been given, and much interest has been taken in them. So our work goes on; thc conflicts do not discourage us; a nd "ne support we receive from the dear ones in New Zealand hearten us greatly. W. S. EDGEHILL.

FROM A RAILWAY CARRIAGE.

"Faster than fairies, faster than witches, Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches; And charging along like troops in a battle, All through the meadows, the horses and cattle; All of the sights of the hill and the , plain Fly as thick as driving rain; And ever again, in the wink of an eye, Painted stations whistle by. Here is a child who clambers and scrambles, All by himself and gathering brambles; Here is a tramp who stands and gazes; And there is the green for stringing the daisies! Here is a cart run away in the road, Lumping along with man and load; And here is a mill, and there is a riverEach a glimpse, and gone for everi"

-R.

L. Stevenson.

Mr. William .Iennings Bryan nas been giving his mind upon preaching. "I desire my minister to preach every Sabbath the simple Gospel. The old, old story never wearies the average congregation, if it comes from a devout mind with preparation for the message. My ideal sermon is one which has an appeal to the unconverted, and a spiritual up lift for the Christian. I want my minister to act upon the belief that Christ's Gospel is the surest cure of all social and political evils, and that the method of promoting Temperance, social morality, and good citizenship, is to bring men into the church. In a word, I wantjny minister to emphasise in his life-work the declaration of the most successful preacher, Paul: 'It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.'"

Selected,
BE FAITHFUL AT CHURCH.

A POORold woman who walked a mile to church through all kinds of weather did not know that her fidelity would bring serious thought and better living to a godless lawyer whose office she passed in going to cl~rch. But so it was. No one can really tell the issue of his simplest transactions. vVe are set for signs and tokens to other people. The purpose that is faithful to God on stormy Sundays or in the heated term, is the purpose" that will be found adequate to any emergency that God may honour us by requiring us to meet.-

Selected.

THE
\i\)l\r

BIBLE

STANDARD.

NOVEMBER, 1908.

:J8ook \table.

~be

:fJ3ible Stant)art).
from the Tr-easurer d. 2 6 0 2
H.

THE RI~JECTEDTNG, by an Old Disciple,. Publisher, Chas. J. K S. Thynne, Kingsway, London. 2s. 6d. net. There is very much in this book with which we are in sym pathy. We are gratified to find that the author writes clearly on Man's Nature and Destiny. In one place he says: "The word destruction occurs eighty-three times in Scripture; destruction, a disintegration, the return to nothingness of that which was once constructed. No word of hope or reformation is spoken to the condemned of the Great Assize-God confers immortali ty on those only who have been acquitted." "Ve note, too, that he discriminates clearly between the Church as the Body of Christ, and Israel the Bride. He is strong in .his setting forth of the doctrine of the second advent, and favours the futurist view of prophecy. It may not have been in the writer's purpose to set forth the covenant relationship of the Christ, but in our judgment the presentation of the King rejected would have gained considerably in force had that been done. There are a few items in the book which seem to us to go beyond Scripture, such as that "Christ did set up a spiritual Kingdom," i.e" the Church; that "the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, was the birth of Christianity;" that "Ham was the father of the thick-lipped, black-skinned Cushite tribes;" that the elders of Revelation are "redeemed men;" that Paul was "a childless widower." These are personal opinions, for which we have no known Scripture warrant. The book is breezily written, and there are some excellent things in it. RACE LIFE OF THE ARYANPEOPLES,by Joseph P. Widney, Funk and Wagnalls, New York and London, 2 vols., four dollars, The study of the origin of peoples is a fascinating one, and is uncertain enough to allow room for a diversity of opinions. Did the Aryan peoples commence their migration from the far north in Scandinavia, or was it from the region of the Caspian Sea? Where was the home nest of this wonderful people with the civilising tendency? Mr. Widney sets himself to answer this, and, with arguments and facts well marshalled, traces them back to the Asiatic home. In very fasolna.ting manner he follows their migrations as they journeyed by the easiest paths to new lands from their original home. He then proceeds to delineate the characteristics of the different types of men coming from one stock, and traces the causes of race vitality and decay. The second volume is devoted to the race home Over Sea, in the States, and to the effects of the changed physical surroundings upon the races contributing to the formation of the American people. In the old lands the race types are fixed, but under "the moulding influence of new physical and climatic environments" the composite Aryan is being developed who will truly represent the primitive Aryan man. This is a book for students, and whether or not the reader agrees with the writer in all things he must consent that the theses are presented in a very charming manner, and are not to be rejected upon a superficial reading, "Only the bridling of the heart can effectually bridle the lips." Faith in God will make a timid maiden a heroine in the hour of danger, THE MESSENGER-A Magazine of Christian Instruction and Intelligence, Edited by James Dowie, Annual Subscription, one copy, 1/6, post free, from Robert Leitch, 'I'ighvonie, Dunfermline,

The Bible Stomdard. can be ordered direct MR. A. M. SKEA'l'ES, Queen Street, Auckland. Price per annum, Single copies post free

" ,.

BOOK STEWARD-E. H. FALKNER, Queen Street. AGENTS FOR THE BIBLE STANDARD: NEW ZEALAND. Auckland-Mr. Hancock, Bookseller, Queen Street. Wellington-H. J. Barraclough, Myrtle Crescent. Dunedin-Mr. La rence, Hope 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. Timaru--Mr. H. H. King, Stafford Street. 'I'In wald, Ashbu rton=-Mr. Shearer. Waihi-Mr, Joseph Foster. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide-Mr. C, Gamble, Mag ill Road, Stepney. Sydney-Mr. NEW SOUTH WALES. H. Oropp, Mitchell Street, Kogarah.

Oommunications to the Editor to be addressed: GF;O. ALlJRIDGE Brentwood Avenue, Mount Eden. Telegraphic Address, "Rocky Nook." All communications to the Association and orders for Bible Staruiccrd to bc addressed to the Secretary, MR. ALEX, PAGE. MurdochRoad, Grey Ly n n , Auckland. .

CHURCH
H"Id ServIces a8 under:

OF CHRIST

AUCKLAND-West Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock a.m., 6A5 p.m., Preaching Service, Sunday School at 2.45. Wednesday evening, Bible mvan~elist'" acl.dress-Geo. Aldrldge, Mount Eden, Secretary=W. Gibson, Ponsonby Road. MOUNT

Fellowship

Meettua

Class at 7.45. Brentwood Avenue

ROSKILL, Corner WaIters Road and Emma StreetSunday at }l a.m., Fellowship Meeting. Sunday at 6.15 p.m., Preaching Ser viee. Hall, Stuart Street. ../. Sunday at 11 a.m .. Fellowship and lvreeting. Evening Preaching Service, 6.30. Address-S. Laurence, Hope Street., Dnnedin.

o UNEDIN-Oddfellows'
Secretary's

HELENSVILLE--Church. Sunday, Fellowship Meeting, at 11 a.m, Sunday School, at 2.30 Sunday Evening, Preaching, 7. Church Secretary, R. M. Cameron. THAMES-PolleG Street Lecture Hall. , Sunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting. Evening Service at 6.30, Sunday School at 2.30. Bible Class every Wednesday evenIng at Evangelist-E. H. Taylor, Bowen Street. Parawai. Secretary-Ch as. Sanders, Mackay Street, Thames.

1.:1"

W AIHI-The

Miners' Union Hall. Sunday 11 a.m. Fellowship Meetinz ; " 2.30 p.m. Sunday School. Sunday Evening. at 7. A Public Bible Address. Church Secretary-D. Donaldson. Evangelist-Joseph Foster, Waihi. Street Hall. Sunday, at 11 a.m .. Fellowship Meeting. Address-H. H, King, Statl'ord Street,

TIMARU-Sophla Secretary's

Tlmarn

ADELAIDE, S,A.-Druids' Hall. Beulah Road. Norwood. Secretary's Address-Miss L. L. Blackeby, 226, Rundle Adelaide, S.A.

Street,

Printed by 'l'HE BRE'P~' PRIN'l'ING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY, Shortland Street, for the New Zealand Evangelistic and Publication Association. and published bv W, A. SMITH, Selwyn Road, Mt. Aibert, NOVEMBER, 1908.