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Bible Standard.
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VOL. 26.

No. 3.

AUCKLAND,

N.Z., MARCH,

1906.

TWOPENCE.

Cbt mODtb.
INCE the New Year came in events have succeeded each other with appalling rapidity, betokening the great need for the intervention of Divine power to in'augurate an era of happiness for men. Human endeavour, if rightly directed, might remove some of the evils, but others are beyond the reach of man's best powers. Some evils, indeed, arise from human incapacity to rightly exercise thought and effort for the common good, .as in Russia. There the state of thmgs has been Ube Marcb produced by a government which of ]5l'ents. has become stereotyped and incapable of adapting itself to changing conditions and the progress of enlightenment. As a result, there is revolt, the outcome of a dissatisfaction which has been long growing. Beyond the range of human control are such things as storm and wreck, volcanic eruptions, disastrous floods and fires. These have attended the advent and progress of the year, causing human sorrow, suffering, and death, and bearing testimony that in this year also the experiences of the past are to be continued. Shall we not note these things, and as we do so learn the facts of dire need for their removal if man is to be permanently blessed, and of our own limitations when we consider their abolition? There is One who can remove them, and we turn with confidence to the Divine purpose in Him, and to the pledges already paid down of His ability and willingness to abolish them. The need and the remedy are both before us. Both should be seriously considered. The theories of many prophetic students have of late experienced a rude shock in view of the upheaval in

Russia. That huge empire, generally thought to be the Gog and Magog of Ezek. xxxviii., seemed to be rapidly attaining such a height of military power as would enable it, at an lRussta in early period, to take up the condiIPropbec)? tions of that Scripture. Even later, after defeat by Japan in the Far East, some predicted that Russia would inevitably and speedily turn her face towards Persia, Asia Minor, and Syria. Since then, however, she has been, apparently, on the verge of complete disruption, and her present weakness, in the opening days of 1906, is extreme. Nevertheless, to judge only from the history of nations, Russia 'rill, out of such conditions, emerge more consolidated and powerful than ever, and her designs upon Persia and Turkey in Asia are sufficiently well known to justify the expectation of her appcarance in the land of Israel in. due time. G od's hand is visible in all this, and especially in the stirring up of His chosen nation, mi.llions of whom dwell in the Czar's Empire under such conditions of misery, oppression, and cruelty as even they have seldom known in the long national existence. Russian rulers, clergy, and people are alike guilty concerning the awful massacres of Jews, which were permitted, if not even connived at, by military and police, and were condoned by Greek Church priests. Goaded into boldness, the Jewish press openly charges Christianity with having more blood to answer for than the Jew ever had. The charge is true, but it is against Christianity as they know it, not the Christianity of Christ and His apostles.

-Oonttibuted.
We gather from the Jewish newspapers that perhaps at no previous time since the early days of the Christian era have the sons of Israel been more deeply moved than now. From all lands, from rich and poor, comes the loud voice of denunciation against lDt"tbeb (toutlsel the oppressor, Russia, and, to the in 1sraeI. credit of the race, be it said that financial help in the most generous degree is being rapidly sent to the sufferers. In this respect the nation has but one mind. But when the question of the future of the oppressed Russian Jews is touched upon, the unanimity vanishes. The ZioneZionists-those whose one aim is to obtain Palestine as a national home, a refuge for the race, and in whose

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34

THE
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BIBLE

STANDARD

MARCI-!, 1906.

hands is the Jewish Colonial 'I'rust or Bank-seem helpless at this moment to offer even a suggestion towards :1, speedy solution of the difficulty. The Territorial Zionists, who are hopeful of obtaining some territory from the British Government as a stepping-stone to Palestine, have had their ranks largely added to since the Russian outbreaks and massacres, and they are to be sympathised with in that our change of Government will certainly delay any settlement. The Territorialists, under Mr. Zangwill, are active enough, yet so far as 'immediate relief is concerned, they are as helpless as the Palestinean Zionists. As is well known, the great majority of the wealthy British and American Jews withhold sympathy from either 'Of these two sections, and they have now put forth their "manifesto," thei "scheme of relief," a scheme which, we fear, will be sadly heard of by their sorely crushed brethren in Russia. The rich Jews, headed by Lord Rothschild, have nothing better to offer than the advice to work for the freedom, the entire emancipation of the Jews in Bussia ; to strive for political and 'Other equality in that country, in which they are exhorted to remain. This must be cold comfort to the oppressed, who cannot but realise the constant peril in which they are, and the fact that for them, Government, priests, nor people have anything but invincible hatred, as has been shown all through the weary years. It is easy fOT the wealthy Jews to point out the difficulties, apparently insurmountable, which stand in the way of the schemes of Palestinean Zionists and 'I'erritorialists alike, yet the vast numbers of the people are more and more favourable to Zionism as the one possible remedy for all the evils which so sorely press on them. All this is from the human point of view. What of the Divine? There is just the 'One answer: God's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; hath He "aid, and shall He not perform it? And when His time comes, all the might of nations, all the insurmountable obstacles, will vanish like a dream, and the day comes when once more in his own land, Israel shall dwell safely; when the Lord will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in His people, and they shall be called the holy people, the redeemed 'Ofthe Lord.-Oontributed. There is no doubt that the lot of the Jews in Russia is at the present moment a troublous one. The awful outbursts of fiendish cruelty behind which have been the powers that be, have brought upon that people suffering of untold magnitude. The 1!be jbounbec world over, there has been aroused 5ew. a strong sympathy for the oppressed people, and wealth has been gathered to use for their benefit. As an evidence tending to show the true attitude of the Russian Government, may be noted the fact that large subscriptions forwarded from America to aid the homeless and suffering Jews have been returned by Russia on the ground that the money, if handed over to those for whose benefit it was sent, would be used to stir up revolt against the Government! It seems that even this door is to be closed. Hitherto, members of the scattered race, in

more favourable positions, have been able to mitigate the hardships of the oppressed so far as their financial aid could do it, but if this door of practical sympathy is to be closed, they are overwhelmed indeed. Whilst sympathising with the oppressed race in their present suffering in Russia, Watchword and Trut~ calls attention to the fact that the .Iews have also been, and in some degree still are, a persecuting people. "In our modern days the Jews have not been lacking in these features. Ube ~tf)er Stephen, Paul, and the early Christians generally were harried and hunted out of every city where they went with the message of peace. And the Jews held no indignation meetings, raised no subscriptions of money, and spoke no word of sympathy for the suffering followers of Christ. In our own day it is no unusual thing, if one of the Jewish faith becomes a Christian, for the family to put black crapc on the door, hold a funeral service, and forbid the 'Mashumet' ever again to cross the threshold. Instances have happened in recent years when Jewish people have been baptized, or married to Gentiles, to have the friends threaten to shoot them in the very act ip. the church. Only a few weeks ago, in Toronto, and in Trenton, New -Iersey, the Jews smashed the buildings in which missions for their conversion were conducted, and then threatened the lives of the missionaries. We have seen no protests in Jewish magazines, we have heard 'Of no opposition from Jewish rabbis, and no Jew has lifted hand or voice to stay the violence. The Gentiles in America have not taken these things seriously-they have merely smiled at the foolish manifestation of race prejudice and religious bigotry-that is all. But if such things were to take place in Russia, with its ignorant, rude, un-Christian hordes, then it is easy to see how the anti-Semitic hatred would burn with resentment and overflow with rage."

srcc.

There is a gigantic scheme afoot for the irrigation of Mesopotamia, Sir William Willcocks, late DirectorGeneral of Reservoirs in Egypt, has collected most of the necessary data, and is full of sanguine enthusiasm over the scheme. The whole area includes over 40,000 square miles 59 it a of alluvial soil, every square yard jforeca9t? of ,:,hich is capable of being irrigated and cultivated. He (Sir William) stated: "Babylonia, or Lower Mesopotamia, was a heavily-cultivated and densely-populated country for many thousands of years. Its prosperity depended on numerous canals led from the Euphrates and the Tigris. I propose to bring back a state of affairs which will make this delta as rich as Egypt, and one of the great cotton-producing districts of the world." "I have been directly engaged in irrigation and agriculture for over thirtv years in India and Egypt, one on each side of Mesopotamia, and almost in the same latitude. I consider that Mesopotamia will be the Johannesburg of irrigation. The agricultural wealth of that country will be one or

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THE

BIBLE

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35

the facts of the twentieth century." We publish these things that attention may be once more c-alled to thc Bible predictions of renewed activity in that part of the vorld. It is well to call to mind that it was in this region that the history of men was used to carry forward the Divine plan for man's redemption. As clearly as the Bible tells the history of these past intertwinings of Divine action with human life and experience in that region, so does it, in its forepictured details of things to come, as clearly bear testimony that the final strugglcs of the contest for world supremacy shall be centred in that same locality. In view of this important thing, it is worth while to note the view of this practical man regarding the possibilities of that soil so long deemed an impossible waste. The difficulties in the way of a realisation of the scheme are chiefly political. Were these removed, the money would easily be procured to carry out the proposed irrigation. According to the rubric of the Prayer Book, the Athanasian Creed is to be sung or said at morning prayer on certain days by Churchmen. For many years now, a growing dislike to this public recital has been more and more evident, and occasionally atUbe Rtbanasian tempts have been made to get the (treetl. authorities to move in the direction of cutting it out of public worship, if not to remove it altogether from the Prayer Book. At the Winchester Diocesan Conference, held last October, the Dean of Winchester brought up a motion on Hie matter. Great interest was taken in the discussion which followed, and there were so many speakers that the time limit had to be largely extended. The motion of the Dean was: "That, in the interest of the Church, it is desirable to substitute for the rubric before the Quicunque vult the words, 'the confession of the Christian faith commonly called the Creed of St. Athanasius,' thus omitting the order for its public use on certain days." Not the least objection to the use of the Creed was, he said, the danger it threatened to the future life of the Church in discouraging young candidates from coming forward for ordination to fill the ranks of the clergy. They no longer held that intellectual error was a sin punishable by horrible torments after death, and their best instincts rebelled against the use of the damnatory clauses as unworthy of God and His worship. In conclusion, he appealed to those who were in favour of the retention of the Creed in Christian charity to consent to the withdrawal of this great infliction upon their brethren. The motion was carried by a large majority. We are at liberty to say that we have no sympathy with this creed, and certainly could not agree to its use in Christian worship; but we think that a body of Christian teachers ought to be able to show that it is opposed to Bible teaching, rather than appeal to a mere matter of sentiment as a ground for its removal. Again, therc was no need to misrepresent this creed. It no. where speaks of "horrible torments." It says that those who do not keep the Catholic Faith shall perish ever-

lastingly," and that "they that have done evil" shall go . "into everlasting fire." It seems that men can neither be fair to the Scriptures nor to their creeds. Of all the singular features of 'the day, none is mare prominent than the appearance of what we may term "religious prodigies." And no less remarkable is the fact that nearly all hail from the United States. Not to mention Dr. Dowie, Mrs. Eddy, and the many lesser stars of the lReliqious prodigy firmament, we have "boy IDroNgies. preachers," and even "child preachers," the latter including one who is said to have begun preaching when about two years old! The eagerncss with which Christian men and women run in crowds after such marvels is a most solemn indic-ation of spiritual unrest, the absence of a tranquil mind reposing on the Rock Himself and on His Word. All unheeded are the apostle's counsels-"continuing stedfastly in prayer," "let the word of Christ dwell in you rich lv in all wisdom." The ceaseless running to. and fro to. listen to anything novel is more marked day by day, and such a condition is not without warning for all of us. The remedy for our unrest is a patient waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ, a sincere longing to behold Him in His glory, and to be made like Him, just as the one cure for the sins and sorrows, the injustice and oppression, of this present evil world is His manifestation and righteous reign over the whole earth.-Contributea. Who has not heard of Professor Max Muller, the renowned linguistic authority of Oxford University? The greatness of such a man leads us sometimes to overlook the fact that he is of the same order as ourselves, and that his needs are identical B Ubfnher's with ours as regards his nature and couctueton. his future. Recently a selection of his "Thoughts on Life and Religion" has been published by his widow, in which there occur these sententious remarks :-"1 have heard and read the worst that can be said against our religion- I mean the true, original teaching of Jesus Christ-and I feel that I am ready in mind, if not in body, to lay down my life for the truth of His teaching. All our difficulties arise from the doctrines of men, and not His doctrine." That is a statement worth pondering over as the calm conclusion of a man whose reputation as a thinker is world-wide. What shall we do with the Imprecatory Psalms? The question is raised in the Expository Times, but the answer given cannot be said to be quite satisfactory. "Imprecatory" is a good word. It has given relief to many a conscience, which the Ube Jmpreca::: "Cursing Psalms," if they had been tor~ IDsahns. called so, would have cut to thc quick. Yet imprecatory means cursing. Yes, there is no doubt that is so, and the language of th~ said psalms is strong and decided. The

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MARCH,

1906.

solution proposed is an old one, that "the imprecations in the psalms are not the utterance of David or of other pious Jews, but of wicked men. They are never the words of the psalmist, but of the psalmist's ill-tongued enemies," an answer \vhich will satisfy nobody, because there is nothing in the context of these curses to indicate such a change of person. But is not the whole difficulty originated from a desire to bring the psalms into line with the teaching of the New Testament, and to. make the agreement morally perfect, Christianity being the determining standard? Why not seek to "rightly divide" the Word of truth? Then it would be seen that the expressions' are in perfect harmony with the Old Testament hopes of Israel's possession of their land, and that their way seemed to be blocked by the machinations and assaults of neighbouring nations, who were viewed, not alone as the enemies of that people, but as wilful and wicked opponents of the gracious plan for the Theocracy through which they and the wide world could alone be blessed. It may be, and we think is, certain that many of these psalms are prophetic of a state of things yet to be, when the people of the Lord, looking for the promised judgments and deliverance, will, in this language of the psalms, cry unto God, and, as in the Revelation, plead, "How long dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth ?" When the panic of 1893 made it necessary to use extraordinary efforts to keep many people from starving in the Silver States, the Rev. Mr. Uzzell did heroic work in Denver. Amongst the list of people upon whom he called for help regularly was a good - hearted Chinaman. Mr. R 'Ulseful U zzell used to encourage "John" ~esson. to give liberally because it was "giving to Christ." One day, when "John" thought the minister was coming a little too often, he said in a very serious way, "Mr. Minister, is Clist always bloke?" This question is a small door through which we may see a great matter. At this season of the year some churches are having socials, suppers, entertainments, concerts, and all sorts of things to raise money for Christ and for His cause. This is done, usually, either because of extravagance in conducting Church work or because the people of God are unwilling to give. But the constant appeal \('I \ne. \'H)'r\{lna':> a \e.ll{le.llC;Y \0 make 'Peo'P\e.lee\ tbat both Christ and His Church are "broke." It is a shame to make a begging mendicant of the Lord. A man who had married a young wife would blush to give suppers and musieales to raise money to help him give her a reasonable support. How much more should God's people be ashamed to appeal to the outside world to find the means to sustain His work? Retrench on your luxuries, and learn the luxury of giving, and then these unseemly things will cease.-Watchword and Truth. Here is an extract which puts into brief space a telling piece of evidence showing the wonderful increase in

opportunities for knowing, and a testimony, too, to the widened area of interest. Where formerly men knew only the affairs of their own small surroundings, or, at most, of their 1knowletlge 3-ncreasetl. own country, the field is now so widened that practically the world is drawn upon to supply news to every reader. Increase of knowledge does not mean, necessarily, increase of betterment, or improvement in morals. With that little hint we give the paragraph :-"A statistician has learned that. the annual aggregation of the circulation of the papers of the world is estimated to be 12,000,000,000 copies. To grasp the idea of this magnitude, we may state that it would cover no fewer than 10,450 square miles of surface; that it is printed on 781,250 tons of paper; and, further, that if the number (12,000,000,000) represented, instead of copies, seconds, it would take more than 333 years for them to elapse. In lieu of this arrangement we might press and pile them vertically upward to gradually reach our highest mountains. Topping all these, and even the highest Alps, the pile would reach the magnificent altitude of 490, or, in round numbers, 500 miles. Calculating that the average man spends five minutes in reading, we find that the people of the world altogether annually occupy time equivalent to 100,000 years reading the papers."-The Summary.

tmaJttng jfrtenM wttb tbe :ll3ible.

TI-lE Bible, like some excellent persons, is shy and retiring. A man buys a fine, new Bible one day, and brings it home, and the third day afterward he has difficulty in finding it. It has burrowed down under a pile of noisy newspapers, or it has concealed itself behind the pompous agricultural report on the far end of the shelf, or maybe it has found its way into the dark stair closet, and is hiding in the remotest corner, confidently shunning discovery. In order to make a real friend of the Bible, you must. manage somehow to overcome its shyness; you must make it feel at home in your house; you must draw out its thoughts; you must court it in the long winter evenings before the fire. Whoever will take the trouble to get on easy terms with the Bible will find its utmost ll"'ltience and e-to1:t. well repaid. It will be to him a Temple of Wisdom, furnishing him with thought and shrewd counsels and training his mind. It will be to him Temple of Beauty, filling his mind with so many and beautiful pictures that his world will be like the poet's world. It will be to him a Temple of Virtue, setting him right in the way of duty, and giving him courage to follow that way to the end. It will be to him the Temple of God, to 'which he can go with his problems and his burdens to find there inspiration and the sight of God's face.--

Rev. Thomas C. Marshall.

Even

good gift comes from God.

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FAITH

AND FAC'l'S.

1 n.avu recently read some works claiming to be scientific in character, and to present theories which are snpposed s'uccessfully to explain the past origin and history of mankind, based upon evidences of an evolutionary type, and to outline reasons for character in the present with relationship to the future. The claim is boldly made: that the reasons advanced are strong where those of Christianity are weak. It is pointed out that the rationalistic spirit has seized upon man, and that even Protestants are rationalistic towards contemporary or recent instances of alleged miracle and inspiration, and towards the sacred books of Buddhists, Brahmins, Parsecs, and Mahommedans; but that, as regards the narratives contained in the Bible, rationalism is set aside, and L'I'edulity takes its place; that Christians do not seek for, 01' expect to find, such satisfactory evidence as is looked for in other matters, and which, if we fail to find, condemns that which has presumed to claim our attention. Those who accept the writings referred to are loud in their call that we should investigate to find truth, and to follow that alone; but they assume that the Bible is not true, or that at best it has but had place in the evolutionary moral progress of man, that it is the husk and not the kernel of moral advancement. Therc is underlying the assumption indicated an entire misapprehension 'Of the Christian position. We do not find that the Bible asks us to stultify reason by the acceptance of matters which are beyond our power to investigate. On the contrary, we find that it puts before us certain things as facts, and from first to last it recognises that all religion must have a basis in matters of fact, and a sufficiency of fact is given well within our power to examine, affording ample warranty for faith in those things which at present lie beyond our menta l grasp. We find that the known and understandable demand the unseen and the future. Faith demands fact, and the Bible puts facts and calls for faith. That is a very simple position. Let me proceed to establish it. According to the Standard Dictionary, a fact is "anything that is done, or comes to pass; an act or deed; an effect produced or result achieved; an event; also anything regarded as actually existent, whether it be an object, event, condition, or relation, and whether material or mental." That defi-. nition will suit admirably for my purpose to-night. It has been said that "Ideas without facts make up a philosophy; facts without ideas make a history;" but we must have a combination of both to call forth faith and trust. In Scripture, we have the necessary corn-

bination presented as a revelation from God. His ideas are revealed, and history is made the channel of their realisation. So it comes to pass that all Scripture facts are full of ideas, and the things we believe and the things hoped for are based upon actual manifestations of the Most High. If a believer is asked, "What is your faith?" he does not answer by naming documents con veying abstract philosophical ideas, but he answers by saying that he believes in God, -who created; in Christ, who died and rose again; in other words, his answer is an appeal to facts. And his attitude is warranted. Note the name which God takes to Himself in the Old Testament-J ehovah, That name implies that He is Sovereign, self-subsisting and eternal; but it specially conveys that He has. become the God who acts in history in order to' fulfil His promises. He who was, who is, and who is to come, presents Himself to man, not as a Being absorbed in self-contemplation, but as engaging in activities in behalf of man's welfare, and as having originated a great purpose towards which all human history must inevitably trend. The Bible history, which thus places Jehovah, the covenant-making and covenant-keeping God, before us, is-le I. m not be frightened at a word-theological history. It is certainly selected history, which aims at illustrating and forwarding God's dealings with men. Recent discoveries have shown how true 'the records are as they touch upon the story of nations. In the fourteenth of Genesis there is a piece of history which had long been discredited by those who thought they knew better than to accept such statements, but discoveries from sand anc1 soil show unmistakably that the men named lived and ruled and bore the titles there given them. I dentifications of names, places, and dignities go far towards establishing an historical basis for the narrative. I point to that as merely one of numerous identifications which prove that the Bible deals with historical personages and places, and in the face of such. items we have no right to assume that the simple narratives are untrue. It is more to my purpose to call attention to the tendency of this selected history. Here few care to tread, but if we would be just to the Bible we must follow where it leads. The objector is quite re-ady to say he does not believe, because belief involves response to the demands of an ever-present and living God, with reference to a future judgment. But if he claims to be a candid investigator, such demands should not deter bim from the quest for truth. Modern history, or, indeed, ancient history outside the Bible, is scrappy. Tt is local, and deals with a people of one place or time. It has no satisfactory account of origin, and it cannot point to any goal to be attained. Beyond the record of present doings, it cannot do more than grope blindly. It is root able to take up the strands of present acts and go on weaving them into a prospective completion. It must wait and record the happenings of the days as they pass. The true idea of history is, that events succeed each other not merely as successive happenings,

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but that there is 'purpose in them, and that the event; are leading towards some definite goal. True history should select those things which minister to this purpose, and which mark the onward sweep to the end. designed. That is the Bible idea, and it is found nowhere else. Only as wc learn of the origin and unity of the race, and that there is a relative binding of all things together, can we conceive the idea of a world history. Or, again, unless we have the idea or an overruling God who controls all to His own glor), and for the good of man, history is to us a hopeless thing. It struggles along blindly, and leads to nothing. But the Bible puts God into its pages, and points with steady finger to both origin and end. Observe the outstanding features of that history. From the fall or Adam there follows a line in which judgment succeeds judgment. There is also a line in which deliverance and grace succeed deliverance and, grace. 'I'he fall of Adam, the banishment from Paradise, the wickedness of the world in the days of Noah, the flood, "the judgment of Babel, the judgment upon Israel, and, in the future, the judgment upon the AntiChrist. This is the downward line, and it is a connected line. But there is also an upward line. The .family of Seth, which called upon the name of J ehovah; N oah and his household, saved from the deluge; after the overthrow at Babel Abraham is chosen to begin a new era of Divine dealings with men, and to be the embodiment of a new hope. After the destruction of Jerusalem a church, chosen out of both Jews and Gentiles, is formed to carry forward God;s workings in history till the advent of the Lord. From first to last the Bible history keeps in view the great purpose to bless all rami lies of the earth, and to attain this end the details of the plan have gradually been brought before its readers. 'I'he call of Abraham, the promise of the seed, the grant of land, the development and discipline or the nation of Israel, its testing for worthiness, the first advent of the Messiah, His death, resurrection, and ascension, the formation of the Church, irrespective of nationality, to constitute the "body" of Ohrist-these are all items in the history which moves with stately grandeur towards its completion. How many objectors to the Bible note these facts? But they are true, and so true that one wonders how it is that men should boast of their open eyes and their clearness of intellect, and yet miss these obvious facts. No less significant, too, is the manner in which the Bible puts before us the outline of the struggle for world-supremacy. This is given as a continuous record in history and prophecy until the long contest is ended in the bestowment of the "kingdom of the world" upon the. worthy One. To follow this line of thought is to have a theme which will supply its own zest, as nation after nation comes before us eager for this supremacy, yet it is held in check until the chosen people shall have shown whether or not they are worthy to hold it. They fail, and then, in the dream interpreted by the man "greatly beloved," the image composed of differing

metals gives the outline of the history of predominance from his days and onwards to the end. Here is pictured the outward character of the world-kingdoms, and, in opposition to current thought, they are shown as successively deteriorating. The nation which boasts of its advanced civilisation may, in God's sight, be much infcrior to one which has not had its advantages. Our modern advance is no token that we are actually better than our predecessors. Railways, telegraphs, facilities for rapid intercourse, are to us of great importance, but it does not follow that these arc indications of high moral standing. Greece and Rome perished by their civilisation, and the risk is not by any means removed from modern nations. The New Testament books of Luke and Acts show that the writer was the possessor of an eminently historic-al mind. He affirms that he "accurately traced" the course of things ere he wrote,' in order that the information should afford a ground of "certainty" to the most excellent Theophilus. He cites the birth of Jesus, when and where it happened, and with it mentions such items as the general taxation, the names of the local governor, and the ru,ling 'emperor. The opening verses, Luke iii., contain no fewer than fifteen historic-al statements. The apostolic writers appeal wholly to the fact of the resurrection from the dead. If Ohrist did not rise, then faith is vain. Faith is demanded because facts are presented, and the resurrection of Christ is proclaimed as a Divine fact of immense significance to all men. It is not presented as a marvel at which men must adore without reason, but it is the guarantee of other things all-important to the sons of men. It is designed to meet the present facts of sin, mortality, and death. These are existent facts which provide the only human basis and call for religion. Anything which appeals to us for acceptance on the side of religion must show an intelligent realisation of the presence and potency of these things, and must give a reasonable provision for escape from their thraldom. Mere theory is of no avail; the human heart will cry out for the facts which prove a competency to deal with them. Outside the Bible narrative there are no facts recorded which show real fitness to cope with them. A theory not possessing an historical and factful basis does not deserve our attention j but that teaching which shows that history has understood human needs, and has manifested a method of working to counteract and remove these liabilities, which in its course has recorded the paying down of a complete and satisfactory pledge of their removal, this demands, and should have, all our attention. 'I'he facts of our human needs are clear enough. It should be an easy matter to verify whether or not the Bible realises their existence, and if it professes to provide it complete remedy and. proves its profession. Patient, careful study will enable us to collate all the available facts on which faith can rest securely. Yes, the Bible gives facts-many of them-and all arc linked together to supply a sufficient basis for faith. Bible history is not a matter of indifference; it is of the

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utmost importance to the sons of men. It is more than adequate to meet the exactions of the highest intelligence, and to such as accept its teachings it will yield a present peace and joy unequalled from any other doc-. trine or record. It provides the facts~indisputably convincing-and then it calls for a simple, loving, and obedient acceptation of its message, and expects that those who receive it will manifest their reception of it by another fact that shall in itself set forth the nature of the faith held and the hope cherished, a fact which shall consist in the open and visible cession of the believer to the will of his Lord in the waters of baptism. Fact, faith, and fact is the Divine order. Let us readily, willingly follow this, that it may be well with us when the Divine purpose thus far wrought out shall reach the culmination planned by the good pleasure of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Outline of address by the Editor, Sunday evening, August 30, 1903.J

Uben, jface to jface.

YES, face to face with the Lord! To see the King in His beauty; to see Him as He is; to see His face; to be with Him where He is, that we may behold His glory; to be for ever with the Lord-this, this will be the sum of all blessedness. His smile now enlightens the city of gold, and gives to heaven its worth. Paradise would not be paradise without Him. Not the glitter, or the glory, but the Lord. Not the green, new earth, or the flowers that never knew of winter, but the Lord. Not the snowy robes, or the seraph's song, but the Lord. He will be the brightest star in an the heavenly dome, the unsetting Sun whose fadeless lustre will attract and dazzle all immortal eyes. One look at His matchless Person, when the golden clouds return Him to earth again, will transform us into His image. '1'0 what perfection of likeness unto Him shall they attain who gaze on His face in rapture endless and sublime. To lay hands on His sacred person, as did John the Immerser; to pillow one's head under the same roof with Him, as did Lazarus of Bethany; to sit at the same table with Him, as did Zaccheus of Jericho; to kneel at his feet to learn and adore, as did Mary; to feel His holy hand laid upon the person, as did sinking Peter; to walk by His side, as did the two who went with Him to Emmaus; to lean upon His bosom, as did the beloved John-were a privilege and a joy indeed. To anoint Him for His burial; to bedew His worn feet with tears, and wipe them with her raven hair, and then print them all over with kisses, as did a tender, believing womanj to clasp Him in the arms, and smooth down the thorn-pierced, dead brow of the dear Son of God, as did J oseph of Arimathea-were a holy, tearful delight, a love to do Him honour. But what were all these cornpar~d with being with Him amid the splendours of His kingly metropolis, the new Jerusalem-our meeting place the eternal throne, our meeting time the eternal day! All the gathered good of eternity will be there, but our Lord alone will make a full heaven. Well does Rutherford exclaim: "0 that He would draw aside the curtains, and that the King would come out of His gallery and His palace, that I might see Him! What would I notgive to have time, that lieth betwixt Christ and me, taken out of the way, that we might once meet. I cannot think that but at the first sight I shall have of that most lovely and fairest face, love will come out of His two eyes and fill me with astonishment. I would but desire to stand at the outer sides of the gates of the new Jerusalem, and look through a hole in the door and see Christ's face. . 0 for the coming of the Bridegroom !" But the redeemed shall have a nearer view than this. Their place is before the throne. So shall we ever be with the Lord. Then face to face:-

'{tbe (1;ospel.

I CHALLENGE any man to show me anything better, anything more suited to man and his wants, than the Gospel of Christ. It is better than philosophy. Philosophy can only disclose, only describe and classify. It cannot heal -it cannot cure. It is like a physician who knows the disease, but has no remedy; while the Gospel of Christ not only lays bare the malady, but prescribes an infallible and universal cure. Education can only call out and develop what is in fallen man; but the Gospel recreates man's heart and nature, and then lifts him up to the fulness of the stature of Christ. Education stops at the surface; the Gospel, which IS the power of God unto salvation, penetrates the centre of man's necessities. It is better than morality. Morality is conformity to law. When perfect, it is a star rolling on in its Godappointed orbit. But man has broken law-the star has swerved from its orbit. Morality cannot bring it back and keep it in its course. The Gospel can. It brings man back to God-gives man a new start, and keeps him safe in his Christian course. The Gospel is better than philanthropy. Philanthropy is the love of man as man and for man. Christianity is the love of man for God and the love of God in man. The one would better man's condition here; the other would not only save man now, but would lift him to where he belongs-to the heavenly plane of God.-Sel.

"He is below himself," says quaint old Francis Quarles, "that is not above an injury." An ignoble nature finds it hardest to forgive. We can estimate our own nobility pretty accurately by where we measure to on the rising scale of forgiveness. The last and hardest person for us to forgive is the one to whom we have done an injury. This may sound like a paradox, but it is deeply true, and we need to remember it.

"For ever with the Lord! Amen; so let it be; Life from the dead is in that word'Tis immortality!" D. T. TAYLoR.

THE TABLE OF CONTENT&

BIBLE
PAGE

STANDARD

:MAlwH, 1906.

THE

MON'I'U

" WITH 'I'HI!: BIBLE STREET .. WEST "

MAKING ECHOES THE THEN, TELL

FHlENDS FROM

GOSPEL

F AC]'; '1'0 F AC]';

ASSOCIATION AARON, DEATH THE

N O'l'ES
IT " MEO.IATOH WORDS QUJ<;ST O~' 'I'RUTH 'I'REA'I' HIS MOTHER

GOD ABOU'I'

AS A BLESSING

Fl'J'N~~SS O~' BIBLE THE HOME

OUR ]<'AUL'l'S IN OTHERS CIRCLE-IN PARABLE KEPT BAND CORNER 01' THE CLOSING HOUR.. " AND MISSION

33-36 36 37-39 39 39 40 40 -11-43 43 44 H 45-4.6

Bto. Phipps and family, of Adelaide, have arrived in Auckland, intending to make their home here for the future. Ever since our brother's visit to the Conference a few years since he has cherished the hope of coming here to settle. We trust that the venture may be in every way satisfactory, and that health and business prospects may be secured to him and his. The Auckland Church give to all a warm welcome, and trust that ere long the whole family will be on the working list of the assembly. The Faith Libmry, No. 106, just to hand, is entitled, "Some Questions and Reflections," and is by Dr. Clarke. It is really a portion 'Of a larger work, but is issued in this form at the price of one penny to put before readers a series of pertinent questions relating to man's nature and destiny. Another and more pretentious work from the same office is a book of 160 pages, bearing the title, "'1'0 Live, 'Or Not to Live: A Popular Discussion of the Conditions of Human Immortality." This is published as No. 105 of the Faith Libra1'y, and it is worthy of a place upon the bookshelves of every serious student of this great subject. Mr. Freer is well known in Conditionalist circles -as the translator of Dr. Petavel's noble work, "The Problem of Immortality," and is also the biographer of the late Edward White. ' In this book he clearly places before his readers the meaning of Conditionalism, and proceeds in graceful language, and with convincing argument, to show its Scriptural soundness, and its immense advantages from every point over the opposing theories of Universalism, Augustinianism, and Indecision. N'Ot the least important is the chapter on "Religion and Science Harmonized in Conditionalism." We repeat, this is a student's book, written by one who is well equipped by the advantages of scholarship, and by intimate knowledge of his theme, for the task which he has set himself, arid which he has so ably performed. 'I'he price of the work is 1s. ill covers, 2s. in boards, and it may be had from the Faith Press, Ltd." Colston Works, Malvern Link.
I

How
A

A BOY SHOULD

46
46 46 46 47 47 48 48

On uncu

SWEETLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH SUNSHINE A VISION

Nxws

E~'F ACE SELF

~ (b~ Bibl~ Standard. ~

/ '-{..(1~

MONTHTLY
OF THE

ORGAN

new Zealand EIlangtlistlc and Publication Jlssotlatlon.

EDITED ASSISTED BY GEORGE ALDRIDGE. CONTRIBUTIONS,

BY SPECIAL

The Editor wishes it to be nnderatood that, while he exercises a general superviaion over the articles and Correspondence nppca r ing in the STANDAlW, respousibil.if.y for sentiments expressed rests upon the individual writer.

Bssociatton

lRotCit

Received for Edgehill Fund, 5s. from McD., 'Hurckinui ; A Brother from Druids' Hall (per Bro. Phi pps ), 2. Brethren in 'I'aranaki are inquiring into the possibility of holding a Conference of Life believers in that province. The energetic brethren in New Plymouth have the matter in hand, and have already sent to ask if members of the Auckland Executive can make it convenient to attend. Such a meeting would doubtless be helpful, and we wish the movers every success. Since the Annual Conference the Executive has had under consideration plans for future ;work. In response to the ideas expressed at the Conference, and to the enthusiasm of the President, a step forward has been taken in the direction 01 securing the requisite funds for prospe tive work. The co-operation of the brotherhood is sought, and efforts are being made to give practical shape to the request, long before us, of assisting the work in other fields. We regret to learn that one of our staunchest friends in Dunedin, Mr. Lambert, builder, has fallen on sleep. Ever since our first visit to that city we have known and esteem M him. He took a deep interest in the views promulgated by this Association, and was always readv to show his sympathy in practical fashion. For some time past he had suffered from an insidious disease, which eventually proved fatal. We give our assurance 'Ofdeep sympathy to his relatives.

treu a;o~ aeour 5t.

it is that presses thee, go, tell thy Father, put over the matter into His hand, and so thou shalt be freed from that dividing, perplexing care that the world is full of. When thou art either to do or suffer anything, go, tell God of it, and acquaint Him with it; yea, burden Him with it, and thou hast done for matter of caring; no more care, but quiet, sweet diligence in thy duty, and dependence 'On Him 'for the carriage of thy matters. Roll thy cares and thyself with them, as one burden, all on thy God.-R. Leighton .
WHATSOEVER

'I'he Bible is a rock of diamonds, a chain of pearls, the sword 'Ofthe Spirit, a chart by which the Christian sails to eternity, the map by which he daily walks, the sun dial by which he sets his life, the balance in which he weighs his actions.- Watson.

MARCH,

1906.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

41

Baron,
"Aa ron stood between xvi, 4650.

tbe f1DeNator.
the dead and the living."-Numbers

THESJ!]verses record the crowning episode in a painful . story of obstinate ingratitude and rebellion, thc wellknown story of the "gainsaying. of Korah," which stands for all time as a typical instance of the deepest human wickedness, to be bracketed with the sin of Cain, and the infamy of Balaam (Jude ii.) in one black list. The story is told us with great fulness, and we can easily . picture to ourselves the successive stages in its development, from the first secret hatching of the evil design, to the dread catastrophe which overtook the chief actors in it. It is a terrible record of human folly and sin, written "for our admonition." There are some aspects of the rebellious movement here recorded which fill us with wonder at its absolute infatuation. The root of the matter is easily found, and quite readily understood, from a human point of view. Korah, the chief rebel, was of the tribe of Levi, and he, no doubt, thought, if leadership was to be given to members of that tribe, his claim by birth was as good as that of his cousins, Moses and Aaron. His fellowconspirators, Dathan and Abiram, again, being of the tribe of Reuben, no doubt rested their claims on their being members of the family of the first-born son of Israel. Allowing their minds to dwell on these partial views of things, they were, bit by bit, drawn on to an attitude of ingratitude and insolence almost without parallel. But what strikes us with amazement is this, that these men, and the general body of the congregation of Israel, should have left out of view so completely other considerations which should have had the first place in their minds. We ask with astonishment, how could they for a moment question the Divine appointment of Moses and Aaron, with such an astounding history behind them, proving that God was indeed with their venerable leaders? But the simple fact was, that they had "forgotten God their Saviour, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous things in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea" (Ps. cvi. 21, 22). Having been guilty of this greater sin of forgetfulness and ingratitude towards God, it was a little thing that they should forget the self-denying service of their human deliverers, and should accnse them of self-seeking ambition and overweening assumption (Numbers xvi. 5, 13, 14). It was a base and cruel charge, and Moses keenly f.elt its sting; but he, with solemn dignity, referred the quarrel to its true source. These men' had rebelled against God; let Him decide the controversy. And God did so, giving a most unmistakable reply of condemnation on the rebels. One wonld have thought that, in face of the appalling judgment which befel the chief offenders (Numbers xvi. 31-35), there would have been an end of the rebellion, and that the sympathisers with Korah and his company

would have humbled themselves in penitent confession of their sin. But no 1 On the very next day, with that judgment fresh in their memories, "the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, 'Ye have killed the people of the Lord.'" Oh, what obstinate blindness of unbelief is in that "ye I" "Y c have killed the people." They would not see God's hand either in past blessing or in present chastisement, What a warning is here of the depths of possible rebellion in the human heart. And the wore! of prophecy foretells a similar hardening of human wickedness in the midst of outpoured judgment in the latter times (Rev. ix. 20; xvi. 8, 9). Would we be saved from falling into a similar snare? Then let us see to it that we avoid the first step, and "forget not all His benefits." This congregation of Israel, which thus openly grieved their Holy One, and treated His mercy and His severity alike with contempt, were clearly ripe for further punishment. And so we read that "Wrath went forth from the Lord," and a deadly plague broke out in the camp. And then it was that Aaron the High Priest stood forth in noble contrast to the unbelieving crowd, and with hasty steps went into the midst of death, swinging his censer 'Of incense, making atonement for the people, and stayed the progress of the plague. The incident is worth a little study. It can teach us several lessons deserving of our best attention. We learn here the true root sense of the word "A'l'ONEJVLENT." There has been much controversy in our time. as to the meaning of that term, and as to the true doctrine intended to be conveyed by it. One school of thought has laid great stress on the radical meaning or the English word "atone," which, they say, originally meant to "reconcile," to bring together two things or persons who were at variance. Now, of course, the term was so used in earlier English, as in Shakespeare's dramas, e.g.: "Is there division 'twixt thy lord and C~ssio? A most unhappy one. I would do much .'1'0 atone them, for the love I bear to Oassio." Othello IV. 1. But it is surely a mistake to found upon the meaning of the' translated English word instead of looking to the root idea of the Hebrew original. Now, the true meaning of the Hebrew word rendered "atone" is to "COVER," as is granted by all competent authorities. This idea of "covering" is seen in some occurrences of the Hebrew word where it will not take our translation of "atone." Such passages, for instance, as Gen. vi. 14, where N oah was told to "pitch" the ark, that is, cover it with a coating of pitch; or, Isai. xxviii. 18, where a covenant is said to be "disannulled," that is, covered, or smeared over, as was the ancient custom in obliterating what was written. Taking with us this radical idea of "covering," we will, I think, find it give a more satisfactory explanation of the many occurrences of "atonement" than any other. Applying it to

42

THE

BIBLE

STANDAH.D.

MARcn, 1906.

tairiing to God" (Heb. V. 1). Take that as a guiding the passage before us (which does not at first strike onc principle, and the development will follow on wholesome as being quite in the usual line of references to the lines; leave it out, and the way is open for usurping making of atonement), we find it simple, harmonious, ambition, selfish pride, and all their attendant train of and beautiful. What did Aaron do? Swinging his evils. Hence, continues the Epistle, "No man taketh censer, "he stood between the dead and the living." He acted as a SCREEN,or COVER, or the living, and the f this honour unto himself." Even Christ, the perfect High Priest, "glorified not Himself" in this matter, but plague was stayed. Applying it further to the frequent references to atonement by blood, wc again gct a simple obeyed the Divine mandate (verses 4-6). and comprchensi vc view of the subject. In Levit. xvii, Closely joined to this fundamental principle comes 11 (Revised Version) we have the rationale of the the spirit and method of action required of the .holder Divine commands 'On the subject: "The life of the flesh of the office. Here, again, the Divine standard is given is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the us: The High Priest is ordained "that he may offer altar to make atonement for yOUTsouls (or lives ) ; for gifts and sacrifices for sins." He must remember that it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason oflhe he is called tc minister for those who were laden with h/e." The life of the offered victim thus acted as a iniquity, and standing in need of help. And the deep cover or protection for the forfeited lives of the offerers, needs of those whom he represented were laid as a perAnd so in the great antitype, our Lord Jesus Christ petual burden upon him. He must be one "who can gave His life to screen us from merited death, and we . have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are are redeemed by His precious blood. out of the way" (verse 2). You will look in vain for Further, we have here an instructive contrast between this spirit in the human version of the priest. "Comhuman and Divine ideas of PRIESTHOOD. passion on them that are out of the way." N ay, rather How defective and mistaken were the ideas of the men their practice has ever been to kindle the fires of persewho were so eager to seize the office filled by Aaron. cution against all who opposed' their selfish schemes. '1'0 them, it was merely a post of outward pomp and perAsk what class of men, in all the world's history, has sonal honour. They saw chiefly the goodly raiment, the been foremost in sending the innocent, the noble, and brilliant robes, the gold and jewels of adornment. They the true to cruel tortures and the most painful forms of envied Aaron his exalted position, honoured among the death; and the answer must be, the self -sty led priests people, permitted sole access to the Divine presence. of religion. Little wonder that the world grew disgusted And these things they thought were worth grasping at. with their claims! But their ambition was purely a selfish one, that they But turn now to Aaron in this picture, and learn the might strut among their fellows with a little more of beauty of the Divine idea. In some parts of his history, pride, and be hailed as chief or leader. They forgot Aaron does not appear to great advantage. Compared that, even from the human side, the High Priesthood with his brother Moses, he does not show the steadiness was a heavy burden and a perpetual care. When Aaron and strength of character of that great hero. But here donned his garments and his mitre, it was that he everything in his action is noble, lovely, CHRIST-LIKE. might "bear the iniquity of the holy things," and every He rendered an unselfish service for others, and these , time he entered the sanctuary he took his life in his most undeserving. Moreover, "he RAN into the midst hand, for the least infringement or neglect of the of the congregation" to act as their protector. Now, Divinely-prescribed regulations might cause him to die remember he was an aged man; his years numbered (Exocl. xxviii. 30, 35, 38, 43; xxx. 19-21; 1. umbo xviii, about ninety. It is not for nothing, therefore, that we 1-3, etc.), just as his two sons, N adab and Abihu, had are told of his hasty movements. Had he been governed perished. And this imperfect view of the priest's office by baser motives, he would have held back. These men has been man's all through the world's history, till the for w110mhe was asked to intervene surely deserved their very name of priest has come to stink in the nostrils of fate, if any did. And why should he, in particular, inhumanity, as synonymous with selfishness and pride, and tervene to save them? They were his bitter enemies. often with cruelty and the foulest tyranny, They had envied him his appointment. They had acBut this is only man's version of the office. God's cused him of slaying the people. A little more, and ideas of priesthood are altogether different, and Aaron they would have torn him in pieces. But, forgetting the set them forth in his action here in beautiful contrast infirmity of his years, the deadly risk of contagion, the to the foolish notions of the men who envied him. deep hostility and ill deserts of the victims of the plague; remembering only that they were in sore need of help, 'I'he essential point of difference lies here: man's idea and that he wore the livery of his appointment by God is self-aggrandisement; God's is a self-denying service to be their helper, he rushed in, made an atonement, a for others. Many other differences may appear on covering for the guilty, and gained a victory for mercy careful study, but they all branch off from this. In and forgiveness. the great New Testament treatise on the function of the High Priest, the Epistle to the Hebrews, this essential is laid down to start from: "Every high priest, taken from among men, is ordained FOR MEN in things perNeed we go further with the suggested parallel between Aaron, as here seen, and that great High Priest of whom he was, after all, but the type? Instinctively

MARCH;

1906.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
lDeatl) as a :Jl31e5Sing.

43

we look beyond Aaron to Him who is a "merciful High Priest" (Heb. ii. 17), who, while "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners," is yet quick with sympathy for all who arc in the thraldom of sin. He gave His life (not merely risked it) for the undeserving, nay, for those who were His enemies, and now "He ever' li vethto make inierceesioo" for those who need it. What a heavy burden is this that is hourly laid on the heart of our great Redeemer-the continual intercession, not only for the vast world of unrepentant sinners, but even for those of the housellold of faith who arc still so "ignorant" and often "out of the way." "He who for men their surety stood, And poured on earth His precious blood, Pursues in heaven His mighty plan, 'I'hc Sa "ion)" and the Friend of man. 'I'hough now exalted up on high, 11e bend on earth a Brother's eye; Partaker of the human name, He knows the frailty of 'our frame." How valuable, then, is this portion of the Old Testament records that gives us beforehand such a vivid picture of God's true and ideal High Priest. Surely those who neglect or despise these ancient "oracles" are 'little

WHY, if death is really a blessing to thc saint, did that man "with a perfect heart" (Hezekiah) wecp when told, "Thou shalt die, and not live!''' If death' is a blessing to the saint, why does the apostle Paul call it an "enemy?" Then, why is it commonly called "the king of terrors?" ~ If a blessing, why did Paul say, "Since by man came death, by man cauio also the resurrection of the dead?" Does the resurrection rescind the blessing of death? If a blessing, why did Isaiah say, "Thy dead men shall live ?" If death is a blessing, why did God say to the saints: "I will redeem them from death?" Woulc1 it be Godlike to redeem them from a blcssing? H a blessing, why did Jesus say of the rosutrccted saints, "N either can they c1ie any more?" Will the resurrection rob the saints of a blessing once bestowed, and render its future be towment impossible? If death is a blessing, why did the Revelator say, "There shall be no more c1cath?" Will God cause HiR blessing to desert the saints? If the human body is a dctr'imcnt, and to be dcprivec1 of it is a blessing, whv did 110t God make man without a body? If death is a blessing in releasing a soul-prisoner from a body-prison, why not lct the released prisoner enjoy its liberty by staying 'Out of prison, instead of having the resurrection put it into prison again, and so fortify the prison as to render future escape impossi ble? If death really liberates sainted soul-prisoners, and blesses them with liberty till the resurrection arrives, must not the future coming of the Lord be a calamity to these liberated souls, by simultanconsly imprisoning 1 every saint now out of prison? Did death really bless Christ with three days' li berty from prison cightcen hundred years ago? And did the resurrection then re-imprison Him? Anc1 has He been a prisoner for the past cightcen centuries? Was He in prison about thirty years, or more, beforc being lib crated 1'01' the short term of three days only, preparatory to being imprisoned again for evcr? Is it not rather true that 1-1 imprisonment was during the three days interis vcning between His death and rosurrccticn ? and that when TIc escaped from the hadean prison He took the "kcvs" with Him? And if Jesus' imprisonmcnt covered thc interim between death and the resurrection, is not this equally true of thc imprisonment of His saints? Have not theologians blundered in placing the imprisonment where liberty exists, and in placing liberty where bondage bclongs ~ Is not liberty found in life, and bondage in deatb ? Is it not a mistake to suppose that God created man a prisoner, and then threatened him w ith liberation from prison in case he should sin? Would it not be more reasonable to suppose that God created him in a state of liberty, and threatened him with imprisonment in case of transgression ?-Willia.m Sheldon.

aware how much they lose. There remains a lesson, suggested by the subject, which we may profltably take home to oUTselves as members of the household of faith. We often speak and sing with thankfu 1 voice of the honour bestowed on us in Christ in being called to be kings and priests unto God in the age to come. This is right and proper. It is a lofty destiny for which we surely must ever praise the God of grace. But what of its other aspect? Our l)1'Csent study has impressed on us that to be called to he "priests of Goc1" is to be called to sennce for men. But must we wait till the world to come before wc begin to cultivate the priestly "compassion for the ignorant and those that are out of the way?" What is the meaning, then, of the apostle's injunction in 1 Tim. ii. I? He lays down the duty of a Christian assembly. Through them "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks arc to be made for all men." These things mankind do not much render for themselves. The greater necc1 that God's dcsignated priests should do it for thcm. And the more ignorant, the more careless, the more out of the way "all men" an', the more our call 1.0 act as their spokesmen at the 'I'hrone. 1)0 we realise our privilege and our duty in this as much as we should? If not, let us awake and do better. Let us practise noli' the deed of mercy, the thought of pity, the pra'yer of intercession, for all whom we know who lack such service; not a perfunctory "slumping" of all mankinc1 in formal, meaningless petition, but a true .presentation before God of our fellowmen, in hours of nati:onal, or communal, or inc1ivic1ual need. Anc1 thus shall we best train ourselves for that immortal service of joy and gladness which awaits us in the Kingdom of God. Bearsden, Glasgow. M. W. S'.rRANG.

----

44
Ube jfitness

THE of J8ible WlorM.

BIBLE

STANDARD.

MARCH,

1906.

There is in Hebrew a remarkable appropriateness and expressive energy in the terms employed to denote mental quanties or conditions. 'I'he original notions inherent in those terms serve to picture forth, with prominent distinctness, the mental quality which they are employed to designate. Thus, for instance, the usual term for "meek" is derived from a radical word signifying "to afflict;" thus intimating the well-known connection between sanctified sorrow and the grace of meekness. The usual term for "wicked" comes from a root that expresses the notion of restlessness, tumult, or commotion. "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." A "sinner" is one who misses the mark, who turns aside from his "being's end and aim" -even the favour and enjoyment of God. To "delight in" anything is, radically, to "bend down" towards it, such a direction of the body being an outward expression of inward complacency. The word applied to the "law of God" (the Torah) is derived from a verb signifying "'to cast," "to send out," thence "to put forth," as the hand for the purpose of giving directions, "to point out," "to indicate," "to teach." The Law is that which indicates, or points out, to us the mind of God. "Righteousness" is properly that wh'ich is plJ1'fectly straight. "Truth," that which is firm 'Or stable. "Vanity," that which is empty. "Anger" is derived from a root meaning to breathe, quick breathing being one of the external signs of irritated feeling. "To trust" is expressed, sometimes by a term meaning to take shelter under any object of confidence, sometimes by a word meaning to lean upon; in other cases by a word the radical signification of which appears to be to th'I"OW oneself upon anyone, or to hang upon him. Trust in God may be d~scribed either as a putting ourselves under the shadow of His wings, a taking refuge in Him, or as a casting ourselves upon His care, a hanging in helplessness upon His almighty strength. "To judge" is, radically, to smooth, to make even, to eqttal'ise.-Extract from "The Hebrew Language," by Henry Oraik. The written Word is the appointed instrumentality, as the blessed Spirit is the revealed Agent in illuminating our understandings and graciously impressing our hearts. Every legitimate means of endeavouring to grow in the knowledge of the Word may be expected to aid us in yielding compliance with the exhortation :: "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." A constant reference to God should pervade all our efforts for the acquisition of profitable knowledge. We should cultivate every mental endowment which He bath imparted. We should let no faculty of the mind become torpid for want 'Of exercise; no affection of the heart wither away for want of suitable objects on which it may expend its strength; but mind and heart should be devoted to Him. Our intellect, our memory, our powers of apprehension and imagin-

ation, should be devoted to the habitual perusal and prayerful examination of the lively oracles; and our tempers and dispositions; our whole cast of character and course of conduct, be moulded and fashioned in accordance with the elevating and purifying principles with which these oracles are pervaded and imbued .... There is no true saiie[cctioi: ,in anything apart [rotn. its relation. to the knowledge and Mijoyment 0/ God.

~ur jfanlts
MANY

HENRY

OUAIK.

ill

@tbers.

people have a genius for seeing the faults of others, but there is one peculiarity about this faculty which will be an interesting study for the psychologist; it is the tendency to criticise most sharply those faults in others which are most prominent in ourselves. In other words, that which excites our greatest antagonism is the duplication of our own traits. It would be amusing, if it were not disturbing and pathetic, to hear people criticise mercilessly traits in others which everybody recognises as being the special possession of the critic themselves. It is pathetic because it shows how little we know ourselves, and it is disturbing because it suggests to the listener that he may be doing precisely the same thing. In all probability he is. So little do we know ourselves, as a rule, that when we see parts of ourselves in others, we detest them. If we recognised them as being in a sense our own possessions, we might not like them any better, but we should surely sympathise with their possessors. If there is any common experience which 'Ought to draw us together, it is identity of struggle and temptation. We ought to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who are fighting the same fight which we are fighting, and who find in themselves the same tendencies to evil or to weakness; and yet these are the very people from whom, as a rule, we withdraw ourselves most entirely, and upon whose shoulders the lash of our criticism falls most mercilessly. It is a good plan, when one finds that he is specially irritated by certain traits in another, to study himself closely, in order to discover whether those very traits are not his own characteristics. It generally happens that a trait which is specially irritating in another is the very trait that everybody finds in us. As Cowper so sagely sangTheir own defects, invisible to them, Seen in another, they at once condemn; And though self-idolised in every case, Hate their own likeness in another's face. Selected.

After sin entered the world the first man to die was a go-od man, an innocent man, a God-fearing, praying man; and till sin leaves the world these qualities will expose men to suffering and death; but the possession of these very qualities alone is what can make their blood speak for ages after death.

MARCH,

1906.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARB.

45
at the earliest opportunity to introduce them to the church. This made Keith look grave, and he remarked: "There need be no difficulty about that. Our basis of agreement affords the opportunity for the presentation and d iscussion of any view claiming to have a Bible basis, and if I know the brethren, they will personally listen to, and carefully weigh, any view that claims Scripture authority. But," he continued, "this view is by no means new to me. I have known of it almost since the days when it first became current in its present form, and I fancy your friend the colporteur knew of this, as, to my knowledge, he has been to all the houses in this neighbourhood, but has not been near my door. In various forms it has been taught in the course of the dispensation, but in this guise it was first taught by Barbour, of Rochester, N.Y., a man who, I believe, is still alive, and from whom the writer of these books undoubtedlv received it. Indeed, some of the features of the theory Barbour claims to have discovered, and accuses the writer of 'Millennial Dawn' of appropriating them as his own discovery, a matter of very little consequence to us, save that' the honesty and truth of one or the other is impugned. I gave some attention years ago to the examination of the theory propounded, and think I can lay my hands upon the notes I made; but, if you like to bring the volumes round, I will look them over to see if there is anything further that is more like proof of the view taken." "I am pleased," said Philip, "that you have some knowledge of this matter, as that will meke our work easier. I hope, however, you will give the books a careful reading, both for my sake and that of the church." "Very well, I will do so, althongh I tell you candidly that my readlnz of th~t literature in the past does not "pro_ rmse me a great pleasure in store. Not only. did I find it to abound in unwarrante.d assumptions and arrogant claims, bu tIt was a weariness to the flesh to h?-ve to read so much unnecessary verbiage to get at the writer's meaninz. But. I.promise you I will put aside m~ prejudice against its literary form, and endeavour to understand what the author means." "We~l, then," said Philip, whose face had lightened considerably when he found that this was not a new matter to his uncle, "I will let you have the volumes to-morrow." At this stage Aunt Martha, who, engaged with her knitting, had followed the conversation with interest, looked up from her work, and, glancing at the clock, remarked: "Now, Phi lip, you know we keep early hours here, and I fear that if you continue your topic much longer your uncle will get too excited to sleep. I will make a cup of coffee for you, and we will have a hymn together and a prayer before you go." Uncle Keith smiled across to Philip, as if to say, "She must have her way," and the trio sat and chatted on matters of family interest fOT a few minutes; then Philip went to the organ and play-

~~

..........................
~~~,~~

3-n ~uest of Urutb.

CHAPTlm

I.-Oontinued.

"I hope my visit to-night will not trouble you, Uncle," said Philip after h~ had exchanged a few sentenc:s with aunt on matters of general interest. '1 suppose you are busy as usual with your prophetic studies?"

~:IS

"I cannot say tha t I am particularly busy, though I ?an truthfu lIy say that I find much enjoyment in my present occupation. The Psalmist could write '0 how I love Thy law,' and it is n~ small pleasure to me that the race of Bible lovers did not die with him. 1 think that you, too, are findinz a zreat delight in the study of the Wo;d?"" "That is so," said Philip, "although now and again I cross some hard saying which at present is beyond my grasp." " "Well, my boy, I expect you o,vill find that to be a life-long experience. I have a goodly list of my own, containino items which await clear explanation~ Occasionally, as a result of continued reading and study, I am able to strike one from the list; but then I am always adding, so that my list of difficulties does not shorten much. But you may take it as certain that continued study means continued conquest. Individual difficulties will be overcome, and will fall into line with the main truths acquired. Others may, of course, arise, but the experience gained in connection with former cases will prevent so much as a ripple on the calmness of assured faith and knowledge. . "I begin to feel that, Uncle, and I am now not at all worried when I find difficulties in my own personal study of the \Y ord, as I have learned that further and patient investigation will almost certainly bring about their removal. But just now 1 confess I am troubled greatly regarding a matter which arises rather differently. I had thought that when I turned aside from the incongruities of orthodox traditions, and accepted the Bible as my only guide, I had entered upon a path of safety, in which my only need would be to find the truth by aid of the plainly-written Word. I must say that that which has come by that method has given me every satisfaction. Now, however, I feel quite baffled and upset, for I discover that others, laying claim to the same principle, are reaching conclusions quite opposed to those which I now believe to be sound, and are industriously circulating literature which shows that not only is orthodoxy wrong in its conceptions of man's nature, but that we, too; are wrong on certain very important matters, and so far wrong, indeed, that only as we accept their view can we be sure of personal salvation, or at most attain to a salvation that can

give no share in the high honours which belong to those who receive their teaching." "My dear Philip, I beg you not to worry over such matters. As you obtain more experience you will learn that there are many bodies of professing Christians each with its own 'shibboleth,' and virtually claiming, 'the people of the Lord are we, and there are no others.' I could. name about half-a-dozen such bodies in this little town of Brenton, each taking a similar position, and unhesitatingly condemning all others. Don't ,et ths t trouble you. These claims can ;10 sot aga inst each other, and a 11 ran be placed under the category of humu n pride. Our duty is to follow the \\ ord, heedless of the arrogant claims of these foolish people." 'V.f']], UncII', I don't think I am likely to be much influenced by any who ruake a persona! claim to be better than their Iel lo-vs because they have acquired more truth, nor do I pay heed to any who seek to make disciples by loud and repeated assertions; but I confess that I am disturbed in mind just now by a theory which, if true, is subversive of some things I have learnt to hold strongly, and the view is upheld by, at least, a show of Scripture and of reasoning which, at present, I do not seem able to deny, although many of the passages cited in proof do not, on the face of them, seem to carry exactly the meaning deduced." William Keith watched the mobile features of the young man as he spoke these words, and saw that the matter was of deep interest to him, and, anxious to be of service, said: "Well, suppose you tell me just the nature of this difficulty, Philip. It may be that something of the kind has happened to me, and I may be able to tell you how I became satisfied, or, if it is new to us both, then, perhaps, we can examine it together, and our mutual search will be beneficial to us. If, now, we are unconsciously holding error, and truth comes to us from any source, we should welcome it; only making sure that it is truth, and that error do~s not palm itself upon us under the guise of truth. As you have already learned, not all theories professing to wear Scripture garb belong to the family of truth. Some of them, indeed, are subtle and harmful errors. What we have to he specially careful of are those views which to have a footing at all, make appeal to something other than the Bible for their authority, and there are many of these abroad. We need fear nothing if it is content to appeal to Scripture, and to Scripture only. But, suppose you tell me just the nature of the difficulty." Then Phi lip told the story of the purchase by his mother of tbe volume from the colporteur, his own interest in it, and the purchase and reading of the remaining volumes of the series. He concluded his recital by adding that this was a matter not affecting him alone, but was likely to bring trouble to the church, as one of the brethren, somewhat aggressive in his disposition, had accepted the doctrines as a whole, and intended

THE
joined. When their devotions closed he bade them a hearty good-nigbt, and, returned to his home, where he recited to his mother the cause of the visit and the substance of the conversation held wi th his uncle.
('1'0

BIBLE

STANDARD.

MARCH,

1906.

be Oontinued.)

1bow a JEo}?Sbonltl \treat

1bts !If~otber.
ONE of the most alarming, as well as one of the most shameful, signs of the Li111e in which we live is the growing disregard of ch ildren for their parents. There were never so many ungrateful, r\isrcspectful children in the world ~s there are to-day, and the number 1S steadily on the increase. In far too many instances "fathcr" and "mother" n.ro being succeeded by "the old man" and "the old woman," for whom the "kids" seem to have but little of the warm, filial love and heau t.i lu l filial respect that used to charactertse the child"; feelings toward the parents. I a11l vrrv glad, thero iorc, of the opportnnity of speaking a word or two upon so vital :t subject. as that of a sori's 01' dauo'hh'r's duty to father and mol.lrcr, "lIow should a boy treat his mot hcr?" Is that the question I am to answer? . Then I answer it quickly and unhesitatingly without a moment's halting or doubting. A boy should treat his mother with a heartfelt, uniform kindness. He should str-ive to love her with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, and- to love her that way right along. It would not be >t Lad thing if every boy in the land, upon getting uo in ~he morning, were to say solemnly to hUBself: "This day, 0 God, help me to clearly love my mother." I say a boy should love his mother "dght along" continuously, ahvays." . . "Once a mother always a mother, lS the word that every son should thoroughly believe in. No mutter what mother does, no mattor how low she may fall, no matter what clouds may sett.le upon her, she is your mother, and it is your duty to stand by her. J II fact, the greater her distress, the direr her uoublcs and misfortu nes, the wore firmly should you dedicate yourself to 11er scrv ice. Even though it should come to the point where you could no longer respect her, you should keep on loving her and protecting her. 'i'he rnother may sin, for she is human, hut she can commit no sin so rank and monstrous as would be committed by the son who, in her sin and SO]'1'OW, should desert her. In saying that a boy should love his mother. I say a 11 that it is possible to say; Ior to love one's mother is to be kind to her, to be rospcctfu l to her, to study her comfort and peace, and in every way to be true and faithful to her. And, surely, is there anything in this world that is grander or more beautiful to bchuld than the sight of a grateful child-a son or daughter true to mother,

true to father, loving them, devoted to them, living to make their old age cornfortable and happy! As God looks down upon the ways of men He sees no nobler sight! . And the reward of it! Ah! There 1S nothing like it under the sun! To know that you love father and mother; that you have ever treated them with perfect respect; that you have always tried to make them glad, and tha; you have never failed to do what you could to promote their peace and happinrss-to know this is to know the iichest joy that life affords! When the great JII[irabeau was <lying, he called tor flowers and music dcsivinrr to die in the midst of sweet odonrs and rich melodies. I am sure tha t the sweetest fragrance, the richest music, thnt >Ln.I' ne can l.nve o about h im in the solemn death-hour is the memory of filial gratitude, the recollection of tIle fact that he was always true to father and mother.-Boslon

closely I saw a certain genuine interest in each other, and felt the sympathetic atmosphere. I do not know that I can define it, but J know well what it is, and that is the kind of church spirit I believe in." "Yes, I do know what you mean," was thc response, "and I don't wonder at your choice. That church is the most earnest, brotherly, and social in the town, f'rou: the pastor to the sexton. I only wish ours werc more likc it. It deserves all it gets, and gets about 1'11 the new people who come to town." There are now people coming to your town, and t hcre is a moral conccaled somewhere 'in this parable.-The Bapt'ist

Home Mission Monthl!).

Sweetl}? Ikq)!.

Ame1icun.

:tl <..tlJurcb l\)arable.

"I VV AS A STRANGER, ME IN."-VVORDS AND YE TOO OF JESUS.
I(

Some years ago a stranger moved into a certain community and established his home there. He was a man of means and influence, with an interesting familyjust the kind every church seeks. The church people were naturally interested in the newcomers, and there was some concern among the five churches as to where the new family would go, since there was no church of the denomination to which they belonged. After a few months, the gentleman took a pew in one of the churches. An acquaintance, member of one of the other churches, said as they met, "I understand you have gone to the Blank church." "Yes," was the reply. "Well, I am interested to know on what ground you made your choice, if you don't mind telling. Was it because you liked their pastor's preaching better than ours ?" "No," was the quick responsc , "on the contrary, I was the more taken by the style of your minister's discourses." "Wel l, certainly it wasn't because you like their music better-for I fancy we have the best quartette in town-we pay the most for it." "No, that had nothing to do with the choice, tbough we appreciate good and fitting music." "Was it because you found special friends there?" continued the questioner, a little puzzled. "No, I think I know more of the men in your church." "Surely the doctrine isn't any nearer that of your own denomination than ours is?" "No, again," was the reply. "I don't believe you could guess, and I'll tell you, if you won't object to my frankness, since you urge me. The simple reason why we decided to go to that church was because we found therc a sort of Christian comradeship and. brotherhood we did not find elsewhere. Not that we were not cordially met everywhere; but as I noted things

Kept sweet by the power divine. Kept sweet under all circumstances, ill. all places, under every condition. Thing,; go wrong, people rasp you, vex you, plague you, and are mean, sordid, selfish. He sweetly kept. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace." LQt Him keep; we cannot keep ourselves. Let us learn to be kept, to be still so He can keep. Let Him sweeten us, so we do not enjoy irritation and morbidness, and desire not contention ~nd dispute, but sweetly kept by Him no weapon formed against us can prosper," while "all things work," and we "rejoiec evermore." To be sweetly kept, mind your own business, love everybody, give no one a piece of your mind, be courteous, loving,- gentle, kind. .Iudge not, but cast your care on Him, and leave yourself and others in His hands, and you will be sweetly kept.-Selected.
",

..

..

CHRISTIAN BAND. ~
~~~~

AucKLAND.-Since our last report there have been five meetings, concerning which we are SOlTY to sa.y very few have been well attended. It is hoped that these l1leetin~ will prove a blessing and help to all who were present. Monday, .Ianuary 8th, an open-air meeting was hE'ld, t.hc subject being, "The Look Forward," which was dealt with by three of the brethren, "Past Experience," taken by L. Falkner, "Present Resolution" by E. Alclridge, and "Futuro Hope" by C. B. King. On Monday, .Ianua.ry l Iith, a Question Night was held, the chair being occupied by :Bro. G. Aldridge. This is a new idea, and we 110pe it will not be the last of the meetings, as they should be a great help. At a meeting held. on the 22nd, a paper on the "Life and Character of Peter," which was written by our Sis. H. Wood, was very interesting. Monday, February 4th: A short paper, entitled "Thoughts on Christianity," written by Sis. Q. Whit.ten, was enlarged upon by several of the members. \~7e held an open-air meeting on Monday, February 12th, the subject being "Manifestation of God." This was divided into three subjects, being spoken to by Bros. H. Aldritlg~ W. Wild, and L. Falkner.

MARCH, 1906.

THB

BIBLE

STAN DARD

47

****************** *.

~I ~ ******************
III ....nlc-llllllc~.uUlk..ulllli.___

Church a~Sion

News.]

AlfCKLAND.-The Christmas holidays are over, gone for ever. Members of the household of Faith are returning and settling down to the usual daily routine. Let us hope that the little relaxation has been beneficial to all. The series of addresses on the Millennium of Scripture is still proceeding, close attention being the result of a clear exposition. Sunday, January 28: We had with us in fellowship this morning Bro. Morgan, of the Thaines ; BlO. Penman, of Mangonui : and Sister Judkins, of Ch ristchurch. In the evening the second of the series of addresses on' the Millennium was given, entitled, "The Millennium of- Scripture." February 4: "The Millennium: Its Social Aspects." February 11: Bro. Christie, of Miranda, was with us this morning. He gave tes timony to the pleasure received and the benefit derived by attending the meeting with brethren of like precious faith. In the evening the subject was "Religion in the Millennium." Sunday, 18: "Successes and Failures in the Millennium." The Bible Class is by no means well attended, although a very interesting and instructive topic is under coriaiderat.ion, "Paul's Letter to the Hebrews." On Wednesday "Vening, January 24th, Bro. Aldridge, in his opening remarks, gave a synopsis of the Scripture, dwelling more particularly on the Epistle to the Hebrews. December 31, "Christ Better than Abraham." .January 7, "Christ Better than Moses." January 14, "Christ Better than Aaron." January 21, "The Order of Melchisedek." It is to be hoped that the class attendance will soon reach its usual number. ''V.G. GEORGETOWN, BRITISH GUIANA.Greeting: By the time this arrives the New Year will be well advanced. We who are met together at Lot 19, Norton Street, on Monday, January Ist, 1906, send our love to all who are holding up the Word of Life to the perishing. We realise that we were of those who are perishing before we heard or understood from God's Word that eternal life was only to be obtained through .Jesus Christ, and that it was God's gift to all who obeyed His Son. We hold meetings on Sunday morning, and our Bible Class on Wednesday evenings, but most of our preaching is done in God's Hall. Many who have thrown in their lot with Christ are well scattered, oftentimes not sceinn me for weeks. Again, we experience th~ loss of a goodly number, as there is a continual change going on, some leaving the colony Some are in Colon, Cuba, New York, Canada, Dutch Guiana .. Most of those who have left correspond with me, and some continue to take the "Words of Life." I sell 42 copies per month of these', besides other literature. Many would like to have the "Star Evan-

gel" and "Berean Siftings," but they are not able to purchase. Those subjects have taken ~ great holel upon many who have never heard anything of the kind, especially the story of the stars. We are having splendid starlit nights. We see Gemini, Taurus, Orion, Lepus, and Canis Major. As we hold our meetings in God's Hall, we tell all we have gleaned from reading God's Word and Bro, A.'s book as we g-"ze at our pictures hung up in the heavens as signs for fallen man. The cause of Christ has suffered much from the doings of the sects that are not far from us in the faith. Lawsuits, appropriation of funds, cheating, and mUIlY other un-Christian acts have been made public. We record our praises to Almighty God that we have been kept, and that He will keep us if we continue obedient. A brother who lives in the Kilby village brought me two dollars some time ago. He has been in bud circumstances for years owing to lack of employment. i. offered him the "Words of Life," and he refused it. I forced it upon him, however, and he took it, remarking that all were alike, and he was not able to purchase. I noticed afterwards that he generally crossed my path about the time tbemail arrived. I said nothing to him, but gave him the papers. He confessed that these papers were the means of saving him from being wrecked. He had got to the position of refusing to read the Bible, and would not attend :1ny of the churches. But now the Bible is attractive to him, and its beauties open more and more as he digs into it. He realises that God loves him, and gave His Son that he might live. On the last Sunday in the year we had for our morning subject, "And what I say unto you, I say unto all, watch" (Mk, xiii. 37). At night I spoke from the text, "Watchman, wha.t of the nigbt? the morning cometh, and also the night" (Tsa . xxi. 11, 12). I pointed out that God had pledged that the morning would come, but that before that glad dawn the earth would be enveloped in gross darkness. It is gradually growing darker, and we cannot stir about with safety without Christ, who is the light. He is the Light of the world. May we all be kept in the light, that we may not stumble and fall. Nay, mav we ourselves be as lights set upon a hill to those that are seeking a haven of safety.-WILLIAM S. EDGEHILL. Quite recently a smn.ll book was pub, lished which has occasioned much heartsearchings amongst Foreign Mission Societies. The writer is engaged in Mission work in India, and in her hook entitled "Things as They Are," she shows, not only the nature of the opposition encountered, but also how small is the net resnlt of the work accomplished. 'Ne had intended to write upon this matter but our Bra. C. C. Brown, having read the book, is contributing a paper to our next issue on "Missionary Theology." As he and his wife were formerly engaged in Mission work in India, they are well fitted to pass juclgment 011 the teaching given and to speak with authority upon its result npoI, the natives.

~~~~~~~~\V ~IlJ :~~~_~ _

~\[SunShine Corner.:I E
~ ~f1~ Jj" 1i'~,
Owing to the amount for Conference matter, out last month, report concerning shine work. Shortly hefore our the

'~-f-~~'--1i' .~
of space required we were crowded to Christmas advent Sun-

and so were unable

of the fes-

tive season, we told the Sunshine Society that we desired to send Christmas hampers to several families who otherwise would have no special Christmas fare. Each member was asked to bring to the West Street Church on a stated evening one ponnd weight of sunshine in th~ form of provisions suitable for Christmas cheer. The idea proved to be a very happy one; everybody wanted to share in such a delightful way of giving, and the waiting tables were soon loaded with an abundance of good things. The contributions were not confined entirely to the members, for others also desired to share in the good work, and added their gifts to the store. Some sent their contributions in money to be spent at the discretion of the Committee, while others found the specified weight too lirnited for their generosity, and brought heavy parcels of Christmas cheer. All the ingredients necessary for making Christrnas puddings and cakes were supplied in abundance, while other lux{lries consisted of jams, tinned meats, ti nned fruits, rice, cornflour, tea, cocoa, etc., etc. The children were not forgotten, and packets of lollies, etc., were placed in each hamper intended for homes where little ones would be eagerly awaiting the advent of Father Christmas. The result of our appeal far exceeded our expectations and enabled us to send out some sixteen' parcels of ample proportions to the homes of those in need. The surprise and pleasure with which these parcels were received, and the excitement and joy of unpa.cking, we can leave to your imagination. The letters and messages receivcd by the Committee testify to the appreciation and thankfulness of the recipients. A W01~DOF THANKS. Perhaps you were among those who shared the joy of bringing sunshine into these homes; if so, we pass on to you the grateful thanks of the recipients, adding also a word on 0111' own behalf, for we are indeed glad that through your generosity we were able to make Christmas a happy time for so many. Then, too, we wish to thank our friends who from time to time send us contributions accompanied hy letters of good wishes. From various parts of the colony we receive such letters; even from distant Australia a brother writes enclosing a contribution, and wishing us God-speed. And so to one and all we say, "Thank you."

THE
)Efface Self.

BIBLE

STAND*RD.

MARCH, 1906.

\tbe

:fl3ible Stanbarb.

extreme sensitiveness, fastidiousness, suspicion, readiness to take offence, and tenacity of what we think our due, come from self-love, as does the unworthy secret gratification we sometimes feel when another is humbled or mortified, the cold indifference, the harshness of our criticism, the unfairness and hastiness of our judgments, our bitterness towards those we dislike, and many other faults which must morc or less rise up before most men's consciences when they question it sincerely as to how far thev c10 indeed love their neighbours as Christ has loved them. He will root out all dislike and aversions, all readiness to take offence, all resentments, all bitterness, from the heart which is given up to His guidance. He will infuse His own tender love for man into His servant's mind, and teach him to love his brother as Christ loved him.--J easi Niclcolas Gr01t.
ALL

'B \tHsioH of tbe (!losing 1boUL'.
heard one say, "This is the last, This is the closing hour of MAN;" And as He pake, out rang the blast Of doom o'er this terrestrial span; It silenced all-the din of wars; * It husbed the markets' greedy roar; The terror of an awful pause" Reigned paramount from shore to shore! For HE bad come, as HE had The Lonn Himself to judge With all His Living, and His Who had HIS banner kept said, the world, Dead, unfurled.

The Bible Stamdard. can be ordered direct from the Publishe WILIJIAM A. SMITH, Selwyn Road. Mount Albert, Auckland; obtained from any of the Agents. s_ d. Price per ann urn, post free .. 2 6 Single copies .. 0 2 BOOK STEvVARD-E. H. FALKNER,Queen Street. AGENTS FOR TH~ BIBLE STANDARD: NEW ZEALAND. Auckland-Mr. Hancock, Bookseller, Queen Street. WeJlinJ!:ton-H. J. Barraclough, Myrtle Crescent, Christchurch-'l'. P_ Judkins, 80, Brougham Street, Sydenham. Dunedin-Mr. Lawrence, Great King Street, Kaiapoi-Mr. James Holland. Rang'Iora=-Mr. Wm. Smith. South Brook, New Plymouth-Mr. F'red Goodacre, Courtney Road. East Oxford-s-Mr. A. England. Thames-Mr. C. Sanders, Macky Street. Timaru-Mr. H. H. King. Stafford Street .. Tinwald, Ashbu rton-i-Mr. Shearer. Waihi-Mr. Joseph Foster. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide-Mr. C. Gamble, Magill Road, Stepney. Phipps & Hall. Printers. Pirie Street. NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney-Mr. H. Cropp, Mitcbel\ Street, Kogarah. Oommunications to the Editor to be addressed: GEO. ALDRIDGE Avenue, Mount Eden, All communications to the Association and orders for Bible Standard to be addressed to the Secretary and 'I'reasurer MR. ALEX_ PAGE, Murdoch Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Brent.wood

CHURCH

OF CHRIST

And then I saw that shining Host, lTultilling all His Holy Will On Babel song and Babel boast, Satanic first, Satanic still! Too late, some cursed their doubting years; Too late, some spurned their tuneful gain; Too late, some knew the Singing Seers, Thei1' "Peace and Safety"-false and vain! Nor heard 1, in that smitten crowd, Aught more of threat, or boast, or blame; 'L'IH'proudest by that P~ESENCEt cowed, Summoned the Rocks to hide their shame! The vision passed-and glad I know 'Tis NOW the time to scorn The Lie, And suffer witb The Truth, till la! His recompense is heard on High!:\:

Bold Services as under: AUCKLAND-West Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock a.m., FellowshIp Meetln!! 6.45 p.m., Preaching Service. Sunday School at 2.45. ROSKILL HALLSunday at 11a.m., Fellowship Meeting. Sunday School at 3 p.m. 6.45 n.m .. Preaching Service. Wednesday evenIng, Bible Class at 7.45. Evangelist's address-Geo_ Aldridge, Brentwood Avenue Mount Eden. Secretary= W. Gibson, Ponsonby Road. DUNEDIN -Oddfellows' Hall. Stuart Street. . Sunday at 11a.m., Fellowship and Meeting. Evening Preaching Service, 6.80. Secretary's Address- S_A. Lawrence, Great King Street. CHRISTCHURCH-Colombo Hall, Sydenham. Sunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting. 6_30 p.m .. Gospel Address. Sunday School at 2.30 p.m, Wednesday at 7.30 go m., Bible Study. Evangelist-Ernest Tuck, 30. Elgin Street, Sydenham. Secretary-To P. Judkme. 80, Brougham Street. Sydenham. HELE~SVILLE-Fore8terll' Hall. Sunday MornIng, FellowshIp Meeting. Sunday Afternoon, Sunday School. Sunday Evening, Preaching. Church Secretary, R. M. Cameron. THAMES-Pollen Street Lecture Hall. Sunday at 11 a.m., ~ellowshl\!l MeetIng. Evening Service at 6.80. Sunday School at 2.80. Bible Class every Wednesday evening at 7_:11. Evangelist-E. H. Taylor. Bowen Street, Parawai. Secretary=D. Sanders. Macky Street. WAI HI-The Miners' Union Hall. Sunday 11a.m. Fellowshin Meetine ; . 2.30 p.m. Sunday SchooL Sunday Evening. at 7. A Public Bible Address. Cburcb Secretary-D. Donaldson, Evangelist-JosepJot Foster, Waihi. TIMARU-Sophla Street Hall. Sunday. at 11 a.m .. Fellowship Meetlng_ Secretarv's Arldress-H. H. KIng. Statl'ord Strpet. TlmRrn NEW PLYMOUTH - At Mr. Green's residence, Te Parengn, South Road. Sunday, at 11 a.m.i--F'ellowsh ip. ADELAIDE, S_A.-Druids' Hall. Beulah Road. Norwood. Secretary's Address-F. B. Hughes, WoodvlJle_ Printed by 'l.'HEBRE'P'l'PRINTING AND PUBLISHINGCOMPANY. hortS land Street, for the New Zealand Evangelistic and Publi ation Association. and published by W. A. SMITH. Selwyn Road, Mt. Albert, MARCH. 1906.

A.E.C. * Psalm xlvi. 6, 9, 10; Isaiah ii. 19-22. t Parousip.-as in 2 Thess. ii. 8. and the rest of the passages
in the New Testament. :\: The Lie and The Truth thesis in 2 Thess. ii, 11-13. are thus used in this solemn antiSee also 2 Thess. i. 1-10_

"They are never noble thoughts." alone who are accompanied with Generally speaking, we let what is most original anc1 best in us be wasted. We reserve ourselves for a future which never comes.-A miel,