T R

.at ,1ft of 604 I.

Standard.
emu.
tlft."

"111.,.. IIf
'"

_'I."

WIll COlllt

VOL. 26.

No. 8.

AUCKLAND,

N.Z., AUGUST,

I906.

TWOPENCE.

(b~ montb.
HAT Russia is in the throes of a great struggle is apparent enough to such as read the daily press. Our information is but meagre, but such as it is, it points to perhaps the greatest crisis which has yet come upon that nation. It is a definite struggle between autocracy and the awakened desire for constitutional government by the people, and for the people. But a short time ago it seemed that the popular desire was to be met, for to still the disorders rife in the Empire, the Emperor summoned 1Russian an elected Parliament. No sooner cnete. had this assembly met, than it was apparent that it wished to work to satisfy the national cravings, and as to lean in that direction was to run counter to the wish of the Emperor, or of his immediate councillors, endeavours were made to control its action by imperial will. Not proving amenable to the bureaucratic wish, the National Duma has been dissolved, and no other is summoned until March, 1907. This means that all the popular efforts and hopes for reform are frustrated. True, the Emperor promises reform, but the reform to reach the people from an autocracy will of necessitv be different from that which they desired to secure by the exercise of their own power through legally-appointed representatives. As a commenta.ry upon the professed peaceful tone of the ukase, and its large promises of good for the people, it is to be noted that soldiers fire being poured into St. Petersburg to prevent any popular outbreak, and to enforce the will of the Czar, No wonder that in other nations where the popular will works in measure, it should be believed that the action of the Czar is "an irreparable blunder." This move by the Czar must have far-reaching effects i

the arbitrary act will rouse the worst passions of the people, and already the financial credit of the Empire has suffered severely. Human governments at best are failures, and must soon give place to the government of the Righteous One, who is alone worthy to hold the reins of power, and who, with unerring wisdom, will rule for thc benefit of His subjects, and to the glory of God. Will the Jew reach to political freedom in Russia? Till recently such a question could not be put, but the rapid change of events in that Empire suggests that enquiry, and seems to promise an affirmative answer. The assembly of the Duma is a notable thing in modern Russian history, and in it are the first Strtfdng tor indications of Israel's efforts for jfree~om. freedom. "The Jewish Chronicle" says: "Not only are the Jewish members reported to have combined for the furtherance of the interests of their co-religionists, but we actually witness the refreshing spectacle of a Jewish Deputy-M. Winaver-e-denouncing in open session the ominous silence of the Ministerial statement rega rding the Jewish question. 'Why,' asked M. Winaver, boldly, 'have you said nothing regarding Jews? We are the representatives of 6,000,000 people, depri ved of all rights enjoycd by their co-religionists, not only in constitutional States, but even in scarcely civilised countries.' The brave words of the great Jewish member have a startling ring in Jew-baiting Russia. Tbey are symptomatic of the new time, with a vengeance. And, what is still more significant, they were received with loud cheers by the rest of the Duma, which is practically united in its opposition to the Government. Nothing is more indicative of the fine spirit animating the Assembly than its fidelity to its pledge to the Jews. In reply to thc address from the throne, it declared for the equality of all citizens before the law, and promised to draft a Bill establishing this principle, and abrogating all restrictions upon class, nationality or creed. The declaration and the promise were passed without a word of hostility, and have, now been given effect to by the introduction of a Bill, supported by 111 members, for the abolition of all Jegal distinctions based on nationality, religion and sex,

114

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

AUGUST,

1906.

The Bill was loudly applauded by the Duma, which has, indeed, by its appointment of Jewish members on an important Commission, and the acceptance of propositions brought forward by other Jewish members, already established thq prmcipleof Jewish liberation and equality within its own home. The Duma may be dissolved in revolution, and a general bouleoersemeni may ensue. But the sentiments of the men whom the nation chose-the best men in Russia, as the Czar called them-have proved that the people themselves are not averse from .Iewish freedom, and nothing that may now happen can undo the effect of the blow for Jewish freedom which the Durna has struck. From the welter and the chaos 'of the State may yet emerge the liberation of the Russian Jew."

"Few things in history are sadder to contemplate than the wretched body of so-called undesirable aliens, hounded out of Russia, turned out of Roumania, worried out of BeT]in, warned off from Paris, dismally apprehended in London, grudgingly re\tIJe 1J)ligIJt of ceived in America, hurriedly detbe ElltCI\5. ported to the wilds of Canadathese poor relations of ours whom we arc all so anxious to hide away. Yet it is emigrants of this sort that a great French writer, Anatole Leroy Beaulieu, has said that he never meets one of these melancholy processions without thinking that perchance one of these pitiable Jewesses, emaciated by the fatigues of the journey, carries under her heart some future Messiah of science or art. We do not for a moment say that we are prepared instantaneously to receive this emigration, that with a hey, presto! we will raise you a Jewish land, or with a magic carpet transport the Russian Jews to it. But everything must have a beginning. The land to which Russian Jews now so eagerly flock was not even known to exist when our ancestors were exiled from Spain. And it was not until the 17th century that a small band of Pilgrim Fathers, wintering on a desolate snow-bound shore, laid, at the sacrifice of half their lives, and for the sake of their religious convictions, the foundations of Boston, Philadelphia, and those great commercial enterprises which have brought such splendid opportunities to the American Jew. History is made not by years, but by decades and generations. It is the failure to plan out a Jewish future. the Jewish shortsightedness, the weakness for living from hand to mouth, the childish demand for immediate results, that must be corrected, and corrected by a patient statesmanship, if the Russo-J ewish or any other Jewish problem is ever to find a permanent solution.Zangwill.

Consul Dicksou says that the stimulus given to the trade is in a great measure due to the plentiful rains, and the consequent (Ibe El wakening bood cereal and orange crops. Since of lDalcstllle. the opening of the railway between J affa and Jerusalem in 1892, the trade and commerce of Palestine have continued to make considerable progress, which is still further shown by the increasing business of the Custom-house of J affa. About twenty years ago the revenue from this source was about 10,000, while last year it was estimated at 4.0,000. 'I'he total value of exports amounted to 367,820, as against 295,300 in 1904, showing an increase of 24.5 per cent. 'I'hc report also shows that there is a steady increase in the population of Jafl'a and Jerusalem. Truly, it seems that the old land is once more awakening to H period of activity, and may we not say that this phase of commercial prosperity, when contemplated with the increase in Jewish population, may be viewed as an indication that the "set time to favour Zion" is rapidly drawing nigh?

"Jn the nineteenth century no fewer than two-score rulers were laid low by assassins, while the attempts upon others are well up in the hundreds. It is for this reason that insurance companies are always reluctant to insure royalty, and there are some sovereigns in the Old \tbe \IlncaS)? 1bea{). World whom they decline to insurc at any price, owing to the nature of the risk. Queen Victoria's life w-as frequently attempted, and it is known that on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, when she drove through the streets of London, she was haunted from the moment when she left Buckingham Palace until her return by the dread of some such outrage as that which spattered her grand-daughter's bridal dress with blood at Madrid last week. Emperor Nicholas has seen his grandfatbcr and his brother-in-law in turn blown to pieces by bombs, bas had the train in which he travelled purposely wrecked and his head cut open by a would-be murderer's sword. King George of Greece, King Leopold of Belgium, King William of Wurtemberg, and King Edward have all been shot at, and Emperor Francis J oseph stabbed, while the present Kaiser, who helped to carry his old grandfather, the late Emperor William, into his palace, all covered with blood, after the attempt on his life by obiling, is as firmly convinced as young Don Alfonso that sooner or later he will meet his fate at the hands of an assassin. In fact, these monarchs can never ride or drive through the streets of their respective capitals without feeling that among the crowd that line the thoroughfare on either side there are, possibly, the assassins to whose bullets, bombs or knives the)' are fated to succumb by the destiny of kings."
One of the stumbling blocks in the way of successful missionary work in the dark places of the earth lies in the existence of the numerous denominations into which

The report of the trade and commerce of Palestine for the year 1905 is now issued, and shows a considerable increase in the total value of exports and imports. lVIT.

AUGUST,

1906.

Christendom is divided, and the strong antipathies which often exist between the rival sections. A letter from a brother on 5ectanCln the west coast of Africa brings this smre. matter before us. He says: "'1'he sects are as jealous of each other as they can be, and missionaries, in trying to make a name for themselves, often lead to troops being sent on punitive expeditions. Last Sunday my wife and I attended 11 church of the C.M. Society here, and part of the service consisted of the intoning of the Athanasian Creed! The idiocy of gctting a congregation of negroes to stand and recite words which in the first place they do not understand, and, second, which cause them to imagine that the white man's religion is more mysterious than their 'juju," is an attitude of mind which passes comprehension. The natives of the interior have got to know that the propagators of the Christian religion are at variance, and naturally suppose that Christianity cannot be a true rcl igion in consequence. Finding the Islamic creed to be integral, they embrace it, and leave the missionaries to bolster up their meagrc results as best they may, when lhey have to face a missionary meeting in England. 1: can sce in thc Bible truths on man's nature and destiny the on 1y solution of the missionary problem. They are so simple, and totally without mystery of any kind, ana they are so natural that the most illiterate may know and understand them."

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
'IVe, too, Church of pear if all taught in

lIS

In China, there is now a movement on foot amongst native Christians to establish a Chinese independent Church. The battle of the denominations is carried over into that land, and many of the differences are not, and cannot be, understood by the native Cl Ubinese mind. Some of them indeed flDo\1emen t. arise from historical incidents which were peculiar to England, and have no bearing upon the races in other lands. Those who moot this new church organisation believe that it will be for the advance of true Christianity, and will serve to 'make the religion or .res~ Christ more acceptable to their fellows. The "object" of this new organisation is thus outlined: "This Church, which has chosen to call itself self-dependent, is to be free from dependence on foreign help. In disputes between Church and people, in preaching the Gospel, and in seeking harmony between converts and people, it will only keep to what is just and fair, desiring to fully enlighten the people, and protect the Church's name, having before its eye the exalting of the nation's fair fame. All Chinese church members are to be without mutual animosity or parochial narrowness, but on each occasion to be of one mind and heart to stir up the spirit of self-dependence and set up a strong self-supporting foundation." A Chinese representative from San Francisco, of the Chinese Presbvterian Church, is now in Canton to aid in the inauguration of this Church, and the people he represents have subscribed 12,000 dollars for expenses.

mourn the unhappy divisions which mark the our Lord, and believe that these would disapwould consent to receive only that which is the Word, just as it speaks, without the special interpretation of language, 11mbat of <Iburcb which is the curse of modern 'Ulnion ? theology. If human traditions were set aside, and all would agree to accept Bible language as actually expressing the truths God would have us believe, and the practice Rc would have us follow; if human ordinances were discarded as worthless; there would be a real union of churches, which would tell for the furtherance of the Gospel, and the elevation of Christianity to a position which it has not occupied from the earliest days of its history. But, though we long for such a union, we have no sympathy at all with the modern efforts at church union, to be brought about by schemes of human devising. Such union does not mean betterment spiritually to the Churches affected, although it may mean increase of power and influence in other directions. As an instance of our meaning, we cull the following from a letter received from a friend: "Our annual assemblies (Scotch) have just ceased their deliberations, and, in the estimate of one on-looker, they are, as societies, totally devoid of Christianity. Year by year, nay, month by month, I can see the stealthy approach of that awful union of all sects which is coming. Not long since there was a gathering to uphold the observance of Sunday, and Romanists, Anglicans, Frees, and all, fraternised. One thing was quite clear: their reason is that the 'secularisation' of the Sunday weakens the grip of the priest. But, as if to mock the whole tiling, the King specially sent them his earnest wishes for success! It is notorious that he has all his life utilised Sunday for pageants and amusements, especially when on the Continent, and only lately, before he wrote the gathering, he had so spent a Sunday! Was ever such hypocrisy? And how can one expect anything from people who follow him in everything?" What hope of real spiritual 'gain is to be expected from the union of the churches in the light of such things?

"Talk it over with the Master, Lay your plans before the King; He alone can make them prosper, Hope to full fruition bring; But if in Risgreater wisdom He should lay your plans aside, 'Tis because a greater blessing He in tenderness provides." "When you forsook all for Christ, did you leave yourself? Let prayer keep pace with your troubles if you would be saved from them. "1\ 0 matter how stormy the sea of duty may be to us, Christ's footsteps will always be found walking upon the water."

I16

======================

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

AUGUST,

1906.

======================

lbelpers in cbrtst.
"Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ."-Rom. xvi. 9.
ALL cannot be major-generals, but perhaps they may be aides on the staff; and as such they are entitled to the customary salute. They can and should be in the army of the Lord anyhow; and under His leadership and command there is always "good fighting all along the line," as one gencral told an officer who had reported for duty with his command during the civil war. The Government, of C011rse,honours and praises the leaders who won fame in the strife; but to every patriotic son who bore arms for the cause of the Union, a proportionate degree of praise is due, and they generally get it on Memorial Day, if no other. The memory of those who have fallen is held dear, and their graves are decorated annua 11y. Some of the grandest things, the most heroic acts and deeds of daring, have been performed by privates and officers of low rank, in all wars. Their names, unheard of before, have gone into history for their courage and valour ; and possibly they have been duly rewarded for it, and perhaps not. The people are quick to approve or to condemn, but Congress is cold and calculating. Note this list of "privates" and "non-corns" here in Romans IG, and elsewhere, that Paul, the celebrated fighter of the good fight of faith, wants saluted. He appreciated his helpers, as many do not to-day, whether they were men or women. "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus." "T commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a serrant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that ye rccei ve her in the Lord, as becomcth saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she bath need of you rfor she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also." Perhaps Phoebe could not preach, but she could "take up a collection;" and Paul was giving her a good send-off: in this direction, for he knew by personal experience that she was a helper. She could doubtless bake a cake fit for an apostle's stomach and provide a good place to rest his bead, if she could not speak to his edification. There are always "suckers" enough, especially at conferences. but not so many "succourers." Phoebe was one of the latter class, bless ber! "Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have for my life laid flown their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles." For whom did you ever la~ down your neck-the jeweller? This good woman had at least one of the Pilgrims named after her, who landed at Plymouth Rock; and now her name in letters at IC{\~t two feet high adorns the wheel-houses of the largest steamer plying between Boston and New York, on the Fall River Line. God has seemed to take special care that Priscilla should be greeted, that woman who, with her esteemed husband, invited Apollos over to their house and "showed unto him the way of the Lord more perfectly." Apollos was an orator of repute. and "mighty in the Scriptures," but it took this quiet couple,

who were thoroughly acquainted with' "the ways of the Lord," to show it to bim "more perfectly." 'I'he quiet workers, the shut-ins, tbe out-of-the-way and the nearly obsolete and quite unappreciated workers, if they are WORKERS, will get their good deeds and reputations hung out on the silver cord for an "airing" one of these days when the sons of God are manifested and who's who and what's what is told about in no uncertain terms before the Father and the holy angels, by Christ Himself, if no one else will. do it here. But it seems that the pastor of 'most anv church might do well to preach at least one sermon now and then about the unknowns and the odds and ends of Scripture, if not those of our own times. It would tend to stimulate the church to well-doing by strenzthening the things that are ready to die for the lack of a little just appreciation.

3rre"erence.
The writer was lately grievously shocked on observing the street hoardings of a British city placarded with "Despisec1 and Rejected is Coming." Ignorant of what was thus notified, the public use of these, to us, sacred words, almost caused shuddering, a feeling not lessen eel on reading shortly afterwards, in the advertisement column of the newspapers, under the heading of "amusements," that the great religious painting, "Despised and Rejected of Men," would be on exhibition shortly. Under "amusements," be it observed, and nothing could better indicate the depth to which "religion" has descended. No true-hearted Christian can read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah without profound sensibility and reverence, without feelings of godly fear and awe, and to such the present-day grossly irreverent use of the Sacred Writings is indeed a sign that the clays are evil. Authors utilise Scriptural phrases as names for silly or objectionable novels; public speakers and writers quote the Sacred Rook in the most flippant wav, and the people hasten to follow the noxious example. It is not for us to decicle how far this irreverence for the Bible is clue to the teachings of the "Higher Critics," but that some part of the result is so clue is quite certain, as, indeed, it could not be otherwise. There is a serious call on those who fear the Lorcl to withstand the least disrespect towards His Word, let it come from whom it may, and to point out to others, especially to the young, the peril of a lack of veneration of the Scriptures. The Living Word and the Written Word are so closely one, that any irreverence to the latter iR dishonour to the Lord Himself.-Oonirdnded:

"I am glad to think I am not bound to make the world go round, But only to discover, and to do, With cheerful heart, the work that tl-od appoints."

AUGUST,

1906.

THE

BIBLE STANDARD.

II7

cunoue

JJ3iblcs.

A bad Bible sells for much more than a good one, owing to the misprint of a word or the omission of a word, which makes nonsense when the soundest sense was intended; thus there are known to be but five perfect copies of the so-called "wicked" Bibles in existence, and probably two only complete; called wicked because the seventh commandment was unfortunately omitted hy the printers, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, London, 1(j31. The same title was, however, given to what was formerly known as the "Pearl Bible," from the size of the type used and published in 1653, containing the following errata : "Neither yield ye your members a~ instruments of righteousness (for unrighteousness) unto sin." Horn. vi. 13. "Know ye not that thc unrighteous shall inherit (for shall not inherit) the kingdom or God r" 1 COl'. vi. D. Then there was the so-ea lled "Bug Bible" printed ill 1561, with the following changc: "So that thou shalt not need to be afraid for any bugges by nighte, nor for the arrow that flyeth by clay." Ps. xci. 5. Bug was originally identified with bogie, and has substantially the same meaning as "terror," the word substituted in the Autbori~ed Version. The "Breeches Bible" has the word "breeches" printed in 1560 for "aprons," as in the Authorised Version, Gen. iii. 7. The "Placemakers' Bible" is so called because word "place" (printed in 1561) is misprinted "peace." the for

The "Rebekah's Camels' Bible" has the following, printed in 1810: "And Rebekah arose and her camels," Ior the incorrectness of which see Gen. xxiv. 61.-Sel. by li'. Bu1'?'.

~be :JBeet[line to Cluarrel.
What a pleasant thing it is to know just what people think of you. You usually find it out after you have done all you could for them, and they have got all they could out of you. Up to that time they are polite, obsequious, or perhaps, silent and sullen, but when at lasi you are done, and that gratitude which is described as "a lively sense of favours to be received" no longer controls them, then you get the true inwardness of those who haw desired your confidence, eaten your bread, and made thernscl yes acquainted with your affairs, and at home in all that concerns 'you. You find out just how weak, and wicked, and wilful, and worthless you are supposed to be, and you are amazed at the patience and long-suffering of your kind friends, who for so long a time endured your manners, and bore with your misdeeds with very little hope of ever iinproving or mending either. 'rh ere are plenty of lessons to be learned in life, and every such experience should make one more wise and Irar)'. The fear of offending people often bringeth 11 snare; and there are people who are sure to be offended in the end, whatever you may do. W'ith unreasonable people you are certain sooner or later to have a fuss, and the sooner you have it the less you will have of it. Hence about the only thing to do with such people, is to do rigiit, and mind your own business, and keep as clear as possible of unreasonable people who do not learn wisdom, and who cannot be made to understand anything which does not accord with their wishes. ' A man ca.me to a Scotchman to borrow some monev. He hesitated, Said he, "If I lend you this money, 1;,Y and by I shall want you to pay it, and then we shall quarrel; and we had better quarrel now, while the sillcr is in my pocket." Therc are plenty of people with whom we are sure to havc difficulty if we have dealings with them. Whatever we may do for them to-day, they are anxious we should do more to-morrow; and whenever we get to the end of doing, then trouble begins. It is sometimes better to have the trouble at the beginning and done with it, than it if; to involve ourselves in difficulties and losses. and then have the quarrel at last. It is bad to lose a friend because you refuse to endorse his note, to lend him your name, or give him your purse, or allow him to control your house, but the dislike he will feel at such a refusal Can hardly be compared with the dislike he will fecI if you grant his requests to a certain point, and then find that your refusal has made him an enemy who has a power to injure you, which as a stranger he could never have had.

Tb'e "Trcacle Bible," printed in 1568, says: "Is there not treacle at Gilead? Is there no physician there?" Jer. vii. 22. 'l'he"Hosin Bible," printed in 1600 (Douay version), asks, "Is there no rosin in Gilead? Is there no physician there?" The "Vinegar Bible" derives its name from the words.

, "The parable of the vinegar," instead of "The parable

of the vineyard." This error is in an Oxford edition vi the Authorised Version published in 1717. "I discharge thee before God" gave rise to the "Discharge Bible," printed in 180(). 1 Tim. v. 21. rrhe "Standing Fishes Bible" derived its name from "And it shall come to pass that the fishes will stand upon it," instead of the "fishers." Ezek. xlvii. 10. 'I'he words, "Who has ears to hear let him ear" printed in 1810, caused antiquaries to name a Bible the "ears to ear Bible." The words "to remain" in the following sentence were only directions to a printer, and having been pencilled on the margin, were perpetuated in a whole edition of 1805: "Persecuted him that was born after the spirit to remain, even so it is now." Luke xix. 26 does not read like this: "If any man come to me and hate not his father ... yea, and his own wife also," etc., for which see the sacred book.

---.-

---

Our prayers profit us in the proportion tise them.

that we prac-

IL--

uB

'THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

Atre usr, 1906.

LIWTURETO

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS, AUCKLAND,

DELIVERED

IN

N.Z.

(Oontinued

from page 103.)

There is one other matter in this connection which calls for some notice. It seems as certain as anything . can well be that one writing later, and from uncertain tradition, dare not take the step of attributing to J oseph such a stupendous change in the affairs of administration as is expressly attributed to him in the 47th chapter, un less from some verifiable source he knew it to be true. In that chapter is the record of the introduction of a ncw agrarian law, by which the king became the owner of all the land, and at the conclusion of thc famine it is leased out by the government on a reserved rental of one-fifth of the produce. (The first record in history of the introduction and working of the singlc tax.) The famine ha.c1brought about a change, which if accomplished in any other way might have caused a rcvolution,-a change which left the government owners of the soil under conditions which were not hard to the tenants. As Dr. Taylor remarks: "This was the most convenient settlement both for the carrying out of systematic works for the prevention of similar national calamities in the future, and for the stoppage of all litigation over matters of boundary; and one-fifth part of thc produce, considering the fertility of the soil, was not an exorbitant rental, especially if it included all govcmment imposts of every sort." As already intimated, beyond the time of the close of thc years of famine we do not know anything of the official life of J oseph. We may ask, with curious desire to know, did he continue in his position of administrator over the land of Egypt, with authority "to bind its princes at his pleasure, and to teach its senators wisdom," or did he retire into private life, and dwell among his brethren as one with them? We cannot tell, but of this we are certain, that it was of far more consequence to him to be connected with the Abrahamic promise, than it was to be amongst the highest in the land of Egypt. This is powerfully shown in that part of the story in which he brings his two sons to his aged father that they might receive the blessing. It is a distinct setting of the honours of Egypt in the inferior place, that the two sons might be recognised as members of, and fellow-heirs with, the Israelitish family. To Joseph had passed the birthright, and to his sons are promised

the birthright blessings; and no position which J oseph's influence, or his connection, could bring could be deemed comparable with that to which these blessi~gs w~re attached, although their realisation might be m a dim and distant future, and might not be shared in by that age, hut passed on by the recipients, even as the original recipients had in turn passed it on to their des~endants. 'I'his incident may be viewed not only as a testimony ~o the faith in God which was cherished by J oseph, but It was received also as a positive testimony to the material character of the blessings which God has attached to His plan of redemption. . The consideration of this great governmg fact puts the whole story into tangible relief, and gives to the objects of faith a substantiality which can be under~to~d and appreciated by the humblest minds. I s~bm)~ parenthesis, that the so-called criticisms by whl~h I~ lS thought possible to determine that there are differing documents, and combinations of legend, tradition, and a modicum of actual history, is of little value until it can take up this central, unifying, governing theme, and show bow its presence is at all possible in the light of their assumed findings. The closing fifty ycars of life are passed over in the concluding chapter of Genesis with but scanty reference. "With loving, affectionate words he comforts the brethren, who fear that the death of J aeob may have removed a restraining influence which has been a protection to them, and that now they must suffer for the deeds done so long before; but he whose eye is on the promise, and who can trace the hand of God through the events of the past, is above the possibility of cherishing malignant, revengeful feelings. With tender, gracious words he assures them of his love, protection, and help. He is the brother to the misguided brethren, and it is as such we sce him as the narrative closes. In that relationship he looked with them to the future, and the realisation of the heritage assured' in the promise, and so, as the hour drew near when he must sleep with his fathers, he gave them commandment concerning his bones. He has lived long in Egypt. Some of his closest ties were Egyptian. That land was a shelter to him and to his brethren. He has seen them under his solicitous care grow to a multitude, but he looks away to what the future has in store, and lest they should forget, he exacts from them the promise that when God visits, to fulfil His oath and covenant, "ye shall carry up my bones from hence." It has been remarked that it is a singular thing that the book of Genesis, which moves at its commencement amidst high things, putting before its readers the story of creation, and revealing the operation of Divine wisdom and power in origination of life and organic forms, should close with the story of a human death, and a "coffin in Egypt." It looks like a long descent from the courts of the most High, and the workings of Almighty power, to the chambers of the embalmers, and the outward and visible symbol of death and burial. But that conception passes away when we try to understand what

):1

AUGUST,

1906.

TI-iE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

119

that coflin in Egypt symbolised. It was to the Israelites the visible evidence of Divine interposition on their behalf when want and hunger threatened them. It recalled the strange but certain way traversed under Divine providence to accomplish a fore-declared purpose. It showed the faith of the man who had been their ruler in Egypt, but who yet estimated the promise of God at' of higher value than the riches of Egypt, and who had fallen asleep in the faith that the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and J acob, would surely visit them and fulfil His word, and by the law of association it kept the covenant and its promised fulfilment ever before them. 'I'he links between the beginning and the end of the book are clear, and the "coffin in Egypt" is but the carrying forward of the purpose of creation. When the SOIlS of God rejoiced together over the wonders of creative power and wisdom, it surely was because of the end in view, the establishment of that "kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world." Man sinned and did despite to the spirit of grace, and wilfully put aside the possibilities enshrined in Paradise and in closest fellowship with God, whose will should be done on earth as in heaven; but the predestined end shall be reached, and that coffin in Egypt was the visible pledge of the faith cherished by the grand servant of God in the ultimate attainment of this initial purpose-that purpose which shall take the "beginnings" and carry them to their legitimate encl,-which shall bring blessing to cadit, give eternal duration to hfe, save man from sin, and abolish death, destroy the enmity, and bestow upon Israel its high position as a "kingdom of priests and a huly nation." For thc ultimate realisation of these things the "coffin in Egypt" was the pledge. Great were the honours and privileges which came to J oseph in the land of Egypt, but if we take for our guide the unerring Word of God, these are as nothing to those which are yet to be his. Like all other members of the Israclitish family he died in faith, "looking for a better country, that is, a heavenly." His descendants received many rich bounties from God, but they grew "fat and kicked," and the judgment went forth: "Ephraim has turned to idols, let him alone;" but the seed of diligent service sown in Egypt is not to be considered as having yielded all its harvest. We look to the blessing of the dying Jacob, and read :-

With blessings of the heaven above, Blessings of the deep that coucheth beneath, Blessings of the breasts and the womb. 'I'he blessings of thy father Have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors, Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: They shall be on the head of J oseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren." I'his, according to the statement longed to the "latter days." of the aged seer, be-

I have said but little, and that only incidentally, on the character of J oseph. 1 have tried to fix attention upon one matter, which I deem to be central. When we turn to consider the man himself, the traits of nis character shine out resplendently before us. His filial love and fraternal sympathies; his trustworthiness" and loyalty; his firmness of purpose, generous magnanimity, and unselfishness; his clear and energetic mental powers; his commanding genius as an administrator ; his recognition of and submission to the will of God; his constant recognition of the Divine presence; his faith in the word and the workings of God. These all stand out prominently in the story and cannot be overlooked. His was a life led with God, and in entire trust in His providence and His promises; and as such it has been through the ages the source whence lessons have been drawn for human encouragement, and which while the world stands shall have its office still to fill, as incentive, help, encouragement, and stimulus to all to seek God's way, to fall into line with His purposes, and to believe that His word, though it tarry, shall surely come to pass. It is an extended, historical, illustrative, exemplary betting of the verse afterwards penned by the beloved disciple: "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth, in yOQ, and ye have overcome the wicked one. The world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that dceth the will of God abideth for ever."

EDITOR

"Joseph is a fruitful

bough, A fruitful bough by a fountain; His branches run over the wall. "I'he archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and persecuted him: His bow abode in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty One of J acob (From thence is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel) , Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee

"Bishop Potter tells the following story of his distinguished friend, Phillips Brooks :-'Some years ago Bishop Brooks was recovering from an illness and was denying himself to all visitors, when Robert 1ngersoll called. The bishop received him at once. '1 appreciate this very much,' said Mr Ingersoll, 'but why do you see me when you deny yourself to your friends?' 'It is this way,' said the bishop. 'I feel confident of seeing my friends in the next world, but this may be my last chance of seeing you.'-" "The seriousness of life is not a matter of age or youth, but is in the fact that there is no detached work, and that the fabric to the rim of the universe is interwoven and related."

1:20 TABLE
THE MONTH __ HELPERS CURIOUS THE IN CHRlS'!' BIBLES _.. STREET

rl'HE
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1906.

OF CONTENTS.
.. 113-115 116 116 117 117 118-119 120 120 121-123 123 124-125 125 125-126 12: 126 127 128

IRREVERENCE BEST TIAlE '1'0 QUARREL NOTES ..

ECHOES ~'ROM WEST ASSOCIATION SNAP-SIlOTS TilE THE THE QUESTION EYE AND MISSION BAND COn.NER ..

FEASTS OF THE LORD CORNER QUES'l' O~' TRUTH HOME CIRCLE-IN

..

inestimable services rendered as choirmaster for Cl. long period of years. The Editor made the presentation on uehalf of the Church, and tried to voice its sell se of 111debtedness for the work carried on so long and so faithfully. Bro. King, in a short talk, suitably responded. A good feeling prevailed throughout the meeting, and all present felt that a happy and profitable time had been experienced. The two latest issues of the "Faith Library," Nos. 112,113, are to hand. 'I'he first of these, bearing the title of "The Outlook; the End Near," is a reprint of paragraphs recently appearing in the "Faith," calling attcution to current events, and seeking to show from these that the end of this age is near at hand. The latter pamphlet is entitled "The Mystery of Evil." It deals lucidly with that pressing question-a question rightly named by the writer as "the mystery of the ages." 'I'wo things are asserted by the author as greatly relieving the pressure of the question. 'I'hese are, first, the fact of ib final and eternal abolition and cessation; and, second, the fact of the good and great use made by God of the temporary evil which He has permitted in His universe. The price .of these booklets is one penny each, to' be had from C. E. Brooks, Colston Works, Malvern Link. . Standing, a few evenings since, to listen to some earnest members of the Salvation Army, who were seeking t-o prepare their hearers for "death" and "heaven," we heard one of them say that reading the Bible a short time ago he came across the text, "Great men are not always wise," and thought it a good passage from which to impress his hearers with the truthfulness of the Word. So far as the truth of the statement is concerned, no one need question that. It is sufficientlv obviouwithou t the seal of inspiration; and there are numerous examples of its accuracy contained in Scripturo ; but that which at present interests us is the question, where is that text? Perhaps our readers will be interested enough to search. Or did our Salvation Army friend use "a no vel revised version ?"

CHURCH SUNSHINE

Nicws

CURIS'I'lAN

MISCELLANEOUS 'rREASUHEH'S

ARTICLES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

~ MONTHTLY
OF THE

, ORGAN

ntw Ztaland Eoangtlistic and Publication Jlssoclatlon.

EDITED
ASSISTED

BY GEORGE
BY SPECIAL

ALDRIDGE.
CONTRIBUTIONS.

The Editor wishes it to be understood that, while he exerctees u general superviaion over the articles and Correspondence appearing in the STAND.ulO, reapouaibility for senttmenta expressed rests upon the Individual writer.

aeeoctanou

lHotes.

A Church Conference was held. on a recent Wednesday evening, in place of the usual Bible Class, Opportunity was taken to present certain matters pertaining to our Sunday morning worship. Four brethren were appointed to prepare and read papers dealing with "Attcndance," "Fellowship, - The Breaking of Bread," "Oiterings," and "Our Testimony." 'I'he time proved too short to discuss some matters introduced by the papers, and, by vote, the Executive were asked to arrange another evening so that opportunity might be afforded to Iurthcr discuss the topics raised. 'I'hc twenty-sixth anniversary of the West Street Church was held on July Ist, when Bro. E. H. 'I'aylor (Thames) conducted the meetings. . On the Wednesday evening following the annual tea was held. The attendance at this was good, though smaller than on preceding occasions. A goodly company g-athered to the aftermeeting presided over by the Editor. \. programme had been arranged beforehand, and speakers notified to be brief. Each man was loyal to the arrangement, and delivered a brief and effective address. The speakers were: Bros. Gibson, T'aylor, Dixon, White, Wilcock, R .Yldridgc, and Garratt, 'I'he choir assembled in full force, and, under their new conductor, sang the selected pieces with taste and vigour. Opportunity was taken in the course of the meeting to present to Bro, C. B. -King an uddress and a purse of money as a token of the appreciation which the Church members feel for the

A. desire for the success of God's cause .reveals our interest in that cause. Many a lost truth has been recovered by the Church since the Reformation. Jumping the sectarian fence is an unpardonable Sill among creed worshippers. Some preachers are like a brass trumpet; wind and brass bring the music to pass. Heavenly charity was born with two good eyes, two good ears, two good hands, and two good feet . Those who take Christ for the Saviour must take Him for the Law-giver and the Lord. , 'I'he degree of l~ght determines the degree of purity, .from the standpoint of sight. The vessel that lookdean in a dim light may look foul in a bright one.-

Eld. H. W. Bowman.

. !

AUGUST,

1906.

tHt

BtBLt STANDARD.
the barley 'harvest was gathered and formally presented to the Lord for His acceptance, as an acknowledgment that Gad was the Great Landlord 'Of Canaan, and that Israel was 'Onlya tenant. In this way they offered thank; to their King for all the harvest still standing in their fields waiting to be gathered. .i v . T11e .r east 01 J::I.arvest.-(May DV). Ln tile New .rescament trns IS called '"J:'entecast." J.!llty days arter tue oeglnnlng 01 the L'assover, tne seven weeks '01 narvest were urougut to a Close, and a great Harvest .l!'e::;tIvalwas HeW tu cerebrate tile giau event. Un this day twu ioaves 01 nrst-rrpe wheat were "waved" in the 'I'einpie, '"as all ullenng holy to the Lord."
'L'nese Lour Iestrvais 101'111the first group, occupying perrou 01 seven weeks 'Or rorty-nine aays. a

the twenty-third chapter o.t Leviticus we have a uetailed account 01 the seven feasts which Isruei was couuuanded to observe, They are the annual cumineiuorauons 'Of events, commencing with the nignt 01 LHCll' eu vel ance troin .bJgypt, to their occupation 01 the u land under J oshua, 'I'ney also prophetically reveal the vast anu WOllUl'OU::; scheme of redemption beginning with UlC 1l1'Ht auvent '01 the !:::lon,as the Lamb '01 God to be sacruiced, auu ending with the millennial glory to be rcvcalcu wncn he shall come the second time. As the 111e of a mall is pictured in seven stages (infant, boy: youth, etc.), 80 here these several fe-asts serve to set forth me sevenfold procedure by means of which the redeinpnon of the human race shall be effected. The Sabbatic re::;t-"the rest that reniaineth for the people of Uod"-1::; the period 'Oftime to which these feasts conduct us.
.iN

The Hebrew sacred year begins with the new moon ut the end 'Of March 01' lJeginnmg 'Of April. This first month is by them called Nisan (Abib, in the books of Moses). 'I'heir sacred year began then because that was the month when God brought them out from Bgypt They were, sa to speak, born as a nation on that day. Of the seven feasts, three were held in the month r isan (March-April), one in Sivan (June), and three in 'I'isri (~eptember-October) . We may here remark that the year 'Of the . Hebrews is divided . into iunar, not solar months, consequently it consists of only 354 days. 'rhus every third year requires the addition 'Of a month, which ili inserted between the twelfth and the first, which is their "leap year," and contains 384 days. This accounts far the irregularity of the date of 'our Easter-tide, which depends upon the (English) date 'Ofthe Jewish Passover. These seven feasts are divided into two groups of four and three. (The underneath corresponding English dates are given as for this yeaI', i,e., 1906.) 1. The Passaver.-(April10). 'I'he cycle 'Of Templefestivals opens with "the Passover." It was the first of the three feasts, in which all males in Israel were bound to appeal' before the Lord in the place which He would choose (the other two being the Feast of Weeks-i.e. Pentecost, and that of 'I'abernaclee}, Ex. xxxiv. 18, 20. 'I'his feast, held on the 15th day 'Of Nisan, celebrated the 'One grand event which underlay the whale history 'Of Israel, their exodus from Egypt, which again was closely connected with their safety from the destroying angel because by command of God their doors were besprinklcd with the blood 'Of the slain passaver lamb. II. The Feast of Unleavened Bread.-(April 11-17). This lasted for seven days, cammencing on the evening 'Of the Passover day, and deriving its name from the Mazzoth, 'Or unleavened cakes, which were the 'Only bread allowed during that week. Ill. Feast 'Of First-Fruits.-(April 12). This was celebrated "an the morrow after the (Passaver) Sabbath." Lev. xxiii. 11. On this day the "first-sheaf" 'Of

An.er tne Ireast '01 Pentecost, a considerable interval 01 time eiapses-c-neariy tour months-c-betore the nexi uanonat restrvity was to ue 'Observed. l at uutu t111;! seventh month 'Of the sucred. year (which was tne first month 01 their cun; year) was held the J!'east of 'I'rum-

pets.
V. 'I'he Feast of 'l'rumpet::;.- (September iW). During the whale of the Hebrew New Year's day, trumpets and horns were blown in Jerusalem, and throughout the land of Israel from morning till evening. 'I'he Rabbis hold that the blowing of the trumpets is intended, first; to bring the merits of the .Patriarch~ and God's covenant with them in remembrance before the Lard; secondly, as a call to repentance-s-a blast to wake men from their sleep of sin. . V 1. The Feast 'OfAtanement.(September Z9). On the tenth day after the blowing of trumpets came a day of great solemnity, i.e., the day of atonement. On this day, not ordinary priests, but the High Priest atone, officiated in the Temple, and that not in his ordinary dress; but in 'One peculiar to the day, and peculiarly expressive 'Of purity (Lev. xvi. 4). The central services consisted 'Of a series of grand expiatory sacrifices, unique in their character, purpose and result as described in the words, "he shall make atonement for the holy sanctuary, for the tent of meeting, for the altar, for the priests and for all the people of the assembly" (Lev. xvi. 33). VII. The Feast of 'I'abemacles.s-cf Oct. 4). Five days later than the day of Atonement came the most joyous of all the festive seasons 'Of Israel. All the craps had been stared, the fruits gathered, the vintage past, and the land only awaited the softening and refreshing of the "latter rain" to prepare it for a new crap. The year's labours were concluded, and there was now held the final harvest feast 'Of thankfulness and of gladness unto the Lard, This was a feast lasting eight days, during seven of which the congrega.tion 'Of Israel dwelt in booths made of willows and palm trees, reminding them of the forty years in the wilderness, and at the same time a pledge of rest and refreshing after a time of labour and tail. These seven feasts were 'Ordained as outward and visible solemnities for a people whose natural character-

, tHE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

AUGUST,

1906,

_._-------- -_._--=------istic was to walk chiefly by sight, and not wholly b)2 Iaith as do we in this Christian age. But they have a typical meaning which can only be read by the light 01 the prophets and apostles. They prophetically reveak the entirety of the vast and wondrous scheme of redemp lion, embracing all the more important facts which occur between the first advent of the Son as Lamb OJ ~ud to die as a sacrifice for sin, and His second advent as the Lion of the tribe of Judah who shall establish <J millcnnial peace, and reign as King. Thcse pictorially typical scenes have been "written for our admonition: upon whom the ends of the ages are come" (1 Cor. x. 11). (1) The Passover is an cver memorable type of the death of Christ, the Lamb of God, the almighty efficacy of whose blood avails for the redemption 01' His people. 'I'ho death of Christ forms the foundation of God's dealings with His people. . (;3) The Feast of Unleaoened Dread-which immediately followed the Passover-reminds us that the practical result 'of the death of Christ is to be holiness of life on the part of those who benefit b} an accomplished redemptiou. Leaven is the Scriptural symbol of evil, ana bread is the sustenance 'of life; uuleavened bread therefore represents separation from this present evil world, being dead with Christ, having "newness of life." As Paul says, "Our passover hatli been sacrificed, even Christ: wherefore let us keep the feast, not with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unlea voncd bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Cor. IT, 7, 8). 1\s Israel for seven elays ate unleavencd bread, ';0 during the complete week of our mortal lives should we feed by faith upon Christ, who was the true bread Irom heaven, unleavcned and perfect. (3) The significance of the Feast of First-truits-which 'was celebrated the day after the Passover-is plainly set before us in the words, "But now hath Christ been raised from the (lead, the first-fruits of them that are asleep" (1 Cor. xs . 20). His was a resurrection [roui among the dead, and in it wc have the earnest and type of the future harvest, the resurrection of His poop!o. "Christ the first-fruits, afterwards they that are Christ's, at His coming" (vcr. 23). Christ as "the wave sheaf" was accepted by God; which ensures the acceptability of the following harvest. (4) The Feast of Haroesi, or Pentecost, makes known to us the resul t of the ascension of Christ, the first-fruits to the right hand of God. On the day of Penteco-t through the Apostle was made known "redemption through grace by faith" to a 1] men, Jew or Gentile. Retwccn the waving of the first-fruits and the completion of the gnthcring of the harvest was "seven weeks;" this period representing the time which shall elapse between the first and second Advents during which that which shall be "the harvest at the end of the age" is now being reaped. During the past nineteen centuries God has been selecting, ripening, and, laying on one side that great company which at the first resurrection shall rise nom the dead and be "gathered home." God "callcth things that are riot as though they were" (Rom. iv. 17), and as the Divine counsels had determined the salvation of such as He might choose, in God's sight the fulfilment or His purpose is as good as accomplished. The cutpouring of the Holy Spirit which commenced on that memorable Pentecostal day has continued to this hour without cessation, and lo God it is as one bestowal of His Spirit resulting in the formation of the one body, the Church. Thus, the Feast of Harvest sets forth that future glorious day when the complete Church shall be gathered to the heavenly places. We may here note as of great significance that when the Passover was slain) unlcavcned bread only might be used, Whereas on the clay of Pentecost "two loaves taken unil leaven were to be offered to the Lord." 'I'hus we have on the one hand the unsullied perfection of Christ, and on the other tile indwelling imperfection of the saints, whether Jew 01' Gentile. The power of the Holy Spirit does not remove every trace of leaven, but the blood of the Lamb hnatoned for it. A long interval then occurs before quite a new series of solemnities are introduced. Not till four months had elapsed was the Feast of Trumpets, which is inti matcly connected with the Day of Atonement, which again is almost immediately followed by the Fcast of 'I'abernaclcs, the closing of the typical celebrations. 'I'his interval of time represents the age in which we are now living, which is sometimes called the "parenthetic dispensation," which has lasted for nearly 2000 ycars. H is the interval between the rejection of Christ by His people Israel, and the time of their forgiveness hereafter. The blowing of the trumpet will inaugurate a new age:, encling the time of Israel's dispersion, and signaliscd by the resumption of God's dealings with them as a nation. ([)) The Feast of Tn;,mpets-now fast approaching -indicates the time when the remnant of Israel "hull gather themselves to the Lord their God and Daviel their King. It will indeed be the "beginning of the New Year" to them. The year of bondage and suffering and rejection 'will be ended, and the Jubilee year of liberty, gladness and redemption be come. "A great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish, and they that were outcasts, and they shall ,"vorship the Lord in the holy mountain at J erusalcm ,. (Is. xxvii. 13). "With the great sound of a trumpet shall Re gather together His elect (the tribes of Israel, ver 15-20) from onc end of heaven to the other" (Matt. xxiv. an. (G) The Feast of Atonement is connected with the happy release of Israel, for there must be a day of national sorrow and repentance because of past sin. Having been brought through a fiery tribulation (Ez. xx, 33-44, Matt. xxiv, 21-30) to a condition of heartsearching contrition, they will recognise in the despised Jesus whom their fathers crucified the great Messiah,

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and will "mourn for Him whom they have pierced" with intense affliction and genuine penitence. But there shall be "a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness" (Zech. xiii. 1), and the atonement having been made and accepted, there shall be the at-one-ment between God and the seed of Abraham. 'I'heir Maker will display Himself as their Husband and as their Redeemer (Is. liv. 5). (7) And what then? Then cometh the Feast of Tabernacles. "They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Is. xxxv. 10) . Nothing less than the glory of the latter day is set forth in the Feast of Tabernacles, which forman appropriate close to the whole series of feasts. That this is sa Zechariah (xiv. 16) praves beyond a doubt. "All the nations shall go up from year to year to 'worship the King, the Lard of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles." Not 'Only Israel, but "all the nations" arc bidden to engage in this joyous festival. This is tho time 'Of the millennial rest of the Kingdom, when Christ shall have received the nations far His inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession (Ps. ii.). 'When Jesus Christ was transfigured on the mount, we read that Peter asked permission to make three tabernacle (booths made of leafy boughs of trees), one for Jesus, one for Moses, one for Elijah. This proposal was quite in keeping with the surrounding circumstances. The Apostles thought that "the Kingdom of God was immediately to appear" (Luke xix. 2), and knew that the Feast of Tabernacles was to be the feas; celebrated when Israel restored should welcome their Messiah. At the Lord's table we "eat the bread and drink the cup, and thus proclaim the Lard's death till El e come" (1 Cor. xi. 26). But when the Lard returns the ordinance 'Of the Lard's Supper will cease. It is to be sueceeded by the Feast of 'I'abernacles, which, yearly celebrated, will keep in memary the anniversary of the restoration 'Of Israel and the re-appearance 'Of their Messiah, as also His enthronement at Jerusalem as "King over all the earth" (Zech. xiv. 9). Very few partake of the Lord's Supper. "All the families of the earth" (Zech. xiv, 17) participate in the festive joy of the Feast of 'I'abernacles, a woe being pronounced against any who, partakin~ of Israel's Messianic blessings, would withhold this outward expression of oneness with J ehovah's chosen people, and their adoration of Israel's God and King (Zech. xiv. 17-21). At the close 'Of this Pentecostal time (this Christian era) the Church shall be glorified. Then-the parenthetic dispensation ended-the trumpet shall sound and Israel be restored, having on the day of atonement deeply repented and obtained forgiveness. A sanctified nation -together with the nations of the world-they shall keep a holy feast of harvest jay unto the Lord. In the truest sense "in that day" the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles will be really fulfilled.

Thus is classified the various dispensational ways of the Most High. He who created the entire systems of the universe, pre-arranged the courses of the several ages, and has been pleased to institute certain ceremonies connected with the life 'Of His chosen people Israel, which stand as perpetual memorials of the Divine pro-determination. The "Passover-blood" is the secure foundation, and the peaceful "Taberuacle-rest" the glad cansummation. Christ "endured the cross" because of "the jay that was set before Him" (Heb. xii. 2). "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." C. CRISP BROWN. Iioiorua.

a1u03tlOn

<torner.

(To the Editor.)

Dear Sir,-Can yau explain the apparent contradietion in the following passages: 1. J ohn iv. 12, and J ohn xiv, Sand 9, and 'Oblige, yours faithfully, RH.S. The passages referred to read thus: "No man hath behelll God at any time."-1. John iv. 12. "Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father and it sufficeth us. J csus said unto him, have I been sa long time with you, and dost thou not know 1\1e, Philip?"-John xiv. 8,9. '\\'e suppose the apparent contradictions refer to language on "seeing God." 'I'he assertion made in the epistle is like that of John i. 18. There can be no manner of doubt as to its meaning if language conveys thought. Till the resurrection is past, it will not be possible to look upon Goel and live. Mortality and sin must be gane from. man, ere with undimmcd vision he "shall see God." 'I'he second passage does not contradict that. Pliil ip's question arises out of the Lord's assertion, "Henceforth ye have known and scen the Fatber." But that is the very evidence Philip clesires,-nothing more would be needed. The reply given by the Lord declares Himself to be the manifestation of the Father. As asserted in J ohn i. 18, "He hath seen the Father, and He hath declared Him." In the Old Testament J ehovah was representeel by His angel, so in the New Testament He is represented by His Son. He who has seen the Son has seen in Him the Father He represents; but until the Divine purpose in redemption changes the m01'3l and physical nature of man, the direct vision of Goel will not be possible. But Matthew v. 8 anel Rev. xxii. 4 gives the assurance that it shall be.

A man who knows 110W tell 'Others their duty, ought to to know enough to do his duty in the lines of his instruc- . tion ; but there are a great many who know enough to teach more 'Of truth than their own lives illustrate. "There is 'One that is wise and reacheth man and vet is unprofitable to himself," is one of the ke~n sayings in Ecclesiastes.--Ex.

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~rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
, ' ioi - ,

Cbt fiomt irdt.

3-n (luest of Urutb.
CHAPTER VI.

One Sunday morning, as the members of the Brenton Church wended their way to the meeting, they saw posters on the hoardings, and in windows, announcing a series of lectures by Mr. Wren, reprcscnting Millennial Dawn views. Those who stopped to read were surprised to see that a lecture on "Future Probation" was announced to be given in their own building. On arrival at the meeting the matter was mentioned to the officers present, and to the astonishment of all it was learned that the public announcement was made without any consulta t.ion with, or pcrmissiou from, the deacons of the church. At one of the Bible meetings of the church, attended by the colporteur, he had asked if the courtesy extended to him would he gn,nted to an abler represen tati vc if such should visit the town, and a hearty affirmative had been given, but that meant that such a visitor should lay his views before the class. and submit to ciose questioning-a totally different thing to advertising a public lecture, with no provisio n for question and discussion. Thc officers discussed the situation, and finally agreed to grant tbe use of the building, with the stipulation that questions must be allowed by the lecturer. In due time Mr. Wren arrived in the town, and held a few meetings, and then attended at the Brenton Church to give his address on "Future Probation." There was a large "attendance of church mcmbel'S and interested visitors. Mr. Baker and the colporteur occupied front seats, and the former leaned over and whispered to a friend, "Now would be heard a presentation of truth that could not be gainsaid." The presiding brother introduced the lecturer, stating the subject of address, and that at the close questions relevant to the subject would be permitted, and asking that a patient hearing be given. Mr. Wren proved to be a kindly, genial man, but his address was rather discursive. He spent time in elaborating answers to objections that no one in Brenton was likely to put. At the outset he put three propositions. (1) That there is no Scripture which denies the teaching of future probation; (2) some texts supposed to deny it, either teach th~ opposite, or have no bearing on .the sU~Ject; (3) the doctrine is t~ught 111 ~cnpture in plain statements, ll1 symbolic ut.terances, and in certain types of the law. The first two of these were elaborated at m-ea.t Iensrth. and argued with "private" fnterpret.c~tions of Scripture, which could not be received by the members of .the Brenton Church, who had long be~,~l'e accepted the position taken by the JUdicious" Hooker, "I hold it for a most infaflible rule in expositions of the Sacred

Scriptures, that when a literal construction will stand, the furthest from the letter is commonly the worst." Certainly, the position taken by the lecturer. found no reception by the members of the Brenton Church, when they learned that special interpretations and interpolations were required to give the necessary twist to the texts cited. They waited with patience for the evidence to be adduced under the third proposition, for positive passages would find acceptance, if they could be given. Four passages onLy were adduced as afl'ordiug ground for thc belief in future probation for all mcn, but it was with astonishment that the hearers listened to the novel and laboured exposit.ious put forth by the leeturcr. As a people they had listened to their own teachers, who, if they made a proposition, claimed to have a Bible foundation, immediately read or quoted the passage supporting it, and these were such as required no further exposition than the exact language of the texts. Now, however, they had to listen to a method of textual exposition which somehow managed to manipulate the language of the passage until it gave place to something quite different, The passages and main thoughts of the expositions were the following:(1) Acts xv. 13-18. "Who," said the speaker, "will be the 'residue of men?' Let us suppose that thcse will compose the generation of Gentiles alive when the Lord's kingdom will be set up. Who, then, are the 'nations?' Is the name of the Lord called upon Russia, Japan, etc? But the Lord's ]IRlUe is called upon 'all, both dead and living.' Then, 'all the nations' upon whom the Lord's name is called. means those over whom He is Lord, a.ll dead and living." (2) I. Cor. xv. 54. "The usual manner of viewing this," said Mr. Wren, "is that when the Lord's people are changed from the present, this is the swallowing up of death in victory. Compare here the passage in Isa. xxv. G. I understand that 'mountain' in symbolic prophecy refers to 'kingdom'-in this kingdom, or mounbin. What is the 'veil?' The next verse will answer. 'I will swallow up death in victory,' and that means more than bringing them out of the grave." (3) Ps. lxxxvi. 9. "I do not wish to give a special limitation to that. I think it includes Russians and French." 54) Matt. xxv. 31-46. "I understand," said the speaker, "that to be a Millennial Age parable. There will be joined with Christ those who have been taken out, a people for His name. The test is defined as loving kindness. That is the test which will be placed before the nations in the Milennial Age, and on which the issues of their future probation will be determined." To the further statement of the proposition that this doctrine was taught in certain types of the law, the lecturer gave much time and illustration, and then drew his remarks to a close, reminding his hearers that the hour was late, and they" would doubtless wish now to go home. The presiding brother admitted that the hour was late, but said that as the

announcement had been made of opportunity for questioning, he thought it unwise to close the meeting just then. He thereupon invited those who wished to put questions to do so as briefly and pointedly as possible. Then ensued a very lively tune for tue lecturer. Many of the Brenton people were close Bible students, and as the questioner caught the eye of the chairman, he rose and put the difficulty which pressed most closely on his mind. Whether 01' not the lecturer was accustomed to this kind of handling, is not known, but it is ccrta iu that in many of his answers he failed to give any satisfaction. Notably was this the case when an earnest brothel' asked for an explanation of the death penalty, which is threatened now to the disobedient, and concerning which the Saviour gave His warnings, and the Apostles wrote and spoke. strongly. The answer that "a man's present wrong-doing fixes his disposition, and he strn.ts his millennial experience hampered by his self-created disadvantages," was hardly looked upon as quite a sufficient. explanation. Other equally weak repl ies were offered 'to stra.ightforward qU,eries, and even Mr. Baker looked uncomfortable as they were given. Mr. Keith bad sat with bowed head, and, occasionally making a note, it was expected that he would have a word to say, but he did not rise. Philip looked across at him, and signalled for him to get up, but the elder man smiled, and shook his head. As soon as a chance was offered Philip rose, and requested time to offer a few brief comments upon the address. The chairman acceded to this, and Phi lip proceeded:"Brethren, we have listened to-night to the presentation of a theory, by one who is recognised as an expert in its teaching. Hitherto, we have considered this subject from the textbooks which arc issued, and have believed, and stated, that these books are supposed by those who issue them to contain the ablest pos bible presentation of the doctrines. But it has been said, and we have agreed to it, that a living representative might be able to explain difficulties which the books do not successfully meet. That we might have the best possible presentation of the _matter, we have willingly agreed to give Mr. Wren the opportunity of presenting his belief to us, in our own home. We are pleased at the kindly manner of the lecturer, and if we say that we think he bas taken up time in discussing mutters which need not have been raised, to the neglect of other things, which ought to be presented, we do not in the least wish to reflect upon his manner, or his right to put the subject as be thought best. As to the first two propositions, we are not interested in them. The argument from the silence of Scripture mayor may not be valuable. Only as there is a positive statement on one side, can the silence of Scripture on the other side be at all helpful. The answers offered to supposed objections are of little use because the members of the Brenton Church are in the main Bible students, and are hardly likely to advance the objections cited by the lee-

AUGUST,

1906.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
~

125

turer. The whole strength of' the discourse really rests upon the four passages advanced. If they positively teach future probation, as stated by the speaker, then the doctrine must be accepted, but if a special interpretation has to be employed to get the result desired, then the expositions are of no value; the system of interpretation must first be proved valid. Manifestly, the doctrine is not taught by the plain language of the texts. This," said Philip, "J deem to be condemnatory of the exposition. The moment we depart from the language as the Lord has used it. that moment we open the door to any theory which may come and offer a plausible interpretation to favour its own interests. Let me for a moment Or two turn to the passages cited by Mr. Wren. From the first of these he professed to draw clear proof of his theory on future probation for all men. The citation of the passage from Amos is by a Jew, from the Jewish Scriptures. In its original place in the prophecy it promises possession of the remnant of Edom and the nations by the people of Israel. In what does this passage in Acts xv. differ from that? Chiefly in tbat it puts the term 'residue of men' instead of 'remnant of Edom.' Certainly, we have no right to accept the speaker's stateme.nt that the term covers all who may be l iving when the kingdom is established. Nor is it at all warrantable to couple with this text the_passages which assign lordship over 'dead and living' to Jesus, as this term 'called' cviclently signifies 'proclaimed' or heralded. These, to whom the name is proclaimed, are 'to seek after the Lord,' a very different idea to that enunciated by. our speaker to-night. " ow. for the second passage. I venture to say that what Mr. Wren calls 'the usual view,' is the only one which can rightly be taken of 1. Cor. xv. 54. For those who share in this wonderful change the saying will be fulfilled, and, I think we may a.Id, 'withol1t prejudice,' for undoubtedly the later blessings to be shared by the Lord's people, Israel, and the attendant nations, will give scope for the operation of this saying. You will observe that to secure a start for his exposition of Isa. xxv. 6, the assumption was made that 'mountain' means 'kingdom.' We can wait a little while for the evidence of this, and until it is forthcoming, we can say that 'mbuntain' means 'mountain,' and tben the local reference of the passage is clearly seen. "As to the third passage, it seems very certain that there is to be a ul~i-_ versal homage rendered to the Lord III the future, but the term, 'all nations,' does not of necessity convey the idea of 'every individual' of 'all nations,' past and present. But this is the contention Mr. Wren would assert is there. There is no call for a special limitation, other than the fact that God's threats are operative to individuals now, and at the judgment the doom shall be mete.d out to such as fail to obey now. We WIll not give it a special limitation, nor will we a 110w Mr. Wren's special extension. "On the fourth passage, the parable from Matthew," said P.hilip, "the language and context clearly show that it

is at the commencement of the kingdom when this judgment scene takes place. The test cited has been applied, and the nations then appear for judgment. But it should be noted that there is no mtftt t.ion, no hint even, of any resurrection having taken place. These are living people, who undergo special test just before the inauguration of the kingdom, and on that test their future is determined. Some go 'into eternal life,' but the others into 'everlasting punishment.' Wha t is that? "I'is the opposite of eternal life, and therefore, death: This is clearly shown from the word 'punishment,' which is literally 'cutting-off.' "Taking these passages, therefore, adduced by Mr. Wren as his strongest proofs, may we not say that he has failed to establish his case, and that, as h ither-to, we are justified in continuing to hold that the doctrine of future probation for men of the past is an error, fatal to a right understanding of the Word of God, of His purposes, and of th work of our Lord Jesus Christ in redernption ?" When Philip sat down, the chairman intimated that the meeting must close. Mr. Wren thanked the church for its courtesy. When ho had done so. Mr. Keith asked if the lecturer would arrange for a further meeting, as there were other matters calling for serious explnnation. Mr. Wren replied that he would not be able to do this, as he was leaving the town within a day or two. "T11Cn," said Mr. Keith, "I will ask all present to attend at a meeting to he called at an early date, at which I hope to present from this theory that which I consider to be its deadly heresy, thc existence of which ought to be a bar to the reception of the views, hy a.ny person expressing faith in the work and person of t ho Lord." The hour was very late when the meeting closed, hut those who were present had sat it through patiently, feeling deep interest in the discussion. It. was felt that so far as the hoped-for accession of strength by the presence of tho lecturer. nothing had resulted. The theory was no nearer getting the requisite support, and those who had adopted it felt that the staff on which they had expected to lean for support, had proved to be but a broken reed.

Chul'nb and Mission News.

AucKLAND.-Since our last issue, we

have experienced another joyous family gathering at our annual tea, a report of which appears elsewhere. Although on a ve.r~r minute scale to the gathering that will be, it was a foretaste of that bappy time when the whole household will be called to meet the Lord in the air. Let us obey the injunction, "Watch, be ready," for, as has been clearly shown, there is no prophecy calling for fulfilment before the second advent. Inclement weather is often blamed for small congregations, and we think we are quite justifled, at all events, to attribute extra small attendances for the last two Sundays to that call se. The subjects have been most important, highly interesting, and well pre sented. Sunday, 24th June: We were pleased to have with us this morning Bra. and Sister Green, of New Plymonth. Bro. Page ga.vc an address upon n. Cor. 5th chap., dwelling more particularly upon verses 14 and 15. In the evening the subject WRS "Spiritism and Apostasy." Sunday, Ist July, Bra. K H. 'I'ay lor, of the Thames Church. conducted the meetings, in the morning basing his discourse upon the Gospel of John, l l th chapter, dwelling chiefly upon the communion service as "memorial, confessional, and prophecy." In the evening his subject was "Heaven." Several strangers were present, and if they were under the delusion that thev possessed immortal souls, t.heyJiad rncle a wakening. Sunday. 8th July: A goodly number for a wet morning. Jeremiah 36th chapter was read and used as a basis of exhortation. The subject for the evening was "The End of the World; When and

Ho,v."
Sunday, 15th July: Bro. C. B. King presided. Bro. L. Wilcock gave an exhortation from Rom. x. 9. In the evening, "Passing Over to the World to Come." Berean Papers.-Readings in John's Gospel are being issued on Sundays. The Bible Class has been held only three times since our last report. Wednesday, 20th June, "The Oli,;et p!'Ophecy;" Wednesday, 27th June, The '[en Virgins;" Wednesday. 8th July. "Goers Uneondit.ional Covenants;" the other evenings being occupied with the annual tea, and a Church conference. At the latter four papers were read, entitled (1) "How to increase our attendance at our morning meetings;" (2) "Our Fellowship and Breaking of Bread;" (3) "Offerings;" (4) "Our 'I'estimony.' Paper No. 3 called forth a great number of comments find snggestions, with the re8U It that a resolution was passed for the Church Executive to arrange for ano1;\ler evening, at which the matter could, 91'

(To be Oontinued.)

1!be JE,}?e.
A VERY curious fact is the impossi, bility of moving your eye while examining the reflection of that organ in a mirror. It is really the most movable part of the face. Yet, if you hold your head fixed, and try to move your eye while watching it you cannot do i~ven the one-thousandth of an inch. Of course, if you look at the reflection of the nose or any other part of your face, your eye must move to see it. But the strange thing is that the moment you endeavour to perceive the motion, the eye is fixer]. This is one of the reasons why a. person's expression as seen by himself ]J1 a glass, is quite different from what it is when seen hy others.-Selected.

126
further discussed. The ollicers decided to c.i.ll another meetiug for Wcd ncsduy evening, .July 25, and to issue circu lars to the members urgillg their attendance thcrcu t. TIIA~II':B.-Sinee last writing, our Church anniversary has come and gone. The wcu thcr was bad, and the attendaur-cs not so large as usual, but all till' Inc(tings were instructive and ch~cring. \\.(' had Bro. Aldric1ge with us all day on the Sunda y. In the morning 11<' gave ~ most instructive address to believers ill the Lord Jesus Christ. In the afternoon 11(' addressed parents and ch ilvlren, and the hln ekboa rd talk was appreciated by all present. Then, again, in the evening 1,(, ga vc an evangelistic address 011 "God lut.roduci ng the King." If the brethren only knew how these visits were anJlrc~ia ted they would interchange oftendr. On the Tuesday we held our annual tea and nf'ter-mcct ing. The tea was carried out as usual by the lady members of the Church. The following visitors wore present :-Brethren Aldridge, Dona ldson, and Grcen. I~7e had also with us, rcprcscnt.i ng the fraternal sympathy of the Thames Churches, the Rev. 'I'hornpson, Prosbyterian minister, and Adjutant Twill, Salvation Army. The meeting P'LSSl'r1 ofI' I'ery succcssf ully. \Ve thank our Heavenly Father for His blessing which rested on all the meetings. A very good suggestion has been thrown out bv a brother to the effect t.hnt, we change the Lime of holding our Church anniversarv to somewhere about the end of Octobel~. I think the idea if; worth considering, seeing at this time of the year the weather is so unsettled. C.S.
GEORGlnOWN. BRITISH GUIANA.--

THE BIBLE

STANDARD.

AUGUST, 1906.

\U;::::~WhO" ~\tunshine Corner. J : S

to pass by almost the attention of unthe ~-

CHRISTIAN BAND. ~

~~ *1< 1< ;!r

* * :I<*lfJJj,
>I<

career one is apt ,nolliced secured

!t'f21

:lit :lit :Iit:llt :IIt:llt:llt ft r~Qoo I T T T JI\. T T T T ~I~

, r

Greetings to all. I am now glYlllg some star lectures to my countrymen. I 1,i1VC. been spcaking about the balances, the scorpion and their decans, as they come to vicw ill the heavens. I find that the people in the outlying villages take more interest in _the subject than do the people in the city. The subject calls forth many questions concerning our belief. The Cross and the Crown are pietu red in the heavens, and it is a surprise to many of my hearers to learn of their heavenly semblance. As I tell them, the lesson may be learned that treasures of val uc are often available, but we neglect thorn. \Vc niay be rich, and sons of a king. but we journey to the grave without a thought to the rich inheritance. Here wc are poor, naked and hungry, and pass by the offers of divine grace, which, if accepted, would feed, clothe, and enrich us. \Vc are to hold a meeting on Whitmonday to see what can be done to reach the outlying districts.-Yours in love,
ViT.

Band on J LIne 25, and a paper entitled "The Story of Barnubas,' made us feel instinctively drawn towards that noble, Ia rgc-hea rted man, who showed himself to be so prc-ernincntly the friend of the yOllng convert. The JVleetings Committee would like, in Barnabas-Iike fashion. to encourage other of the younger members to assist the Band in a similar manner to Bro. C. Bunker, the author of the paper. Sister Coulam, in the paper on "Christian Endurance," read at the July rol lca ll meeting, showed that while the th ings of this world, being transient, failed to satisfy the longings of the humun heart, those who will may find dernal rest and safety in Him who is the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. Calculated to awaken a thoughtful interest in our feathered friends, and to lead 11S to consider with reverence and worship the matchless wisdom of their Creator, were Bro. H. Aldridge's thoughts on "Bird Life and its Wonders." 'While always placing the Bible fust, he believes that God has given us other books to read, viz., the books of nature; and such rcvcrent., earnest.words as comewell ing up from our brother's heart when he speaks to his fellow-members of lessons drawn from their pages, reveal something of the effect those same lessons have had upon his own faith and trust in God. In the Bible School this month our teacher impressed upon his pupils the wisdom of recognising, in the acquisition of Bible knowledge, the law of suggesf!ion. In all his teaching he himself never loses sight of its importance. Last Monday Bro. P. King introduced to the Band the Prophet Isaiah. He presented him in the light of the times in which he lived, thus enabling us to gain a mor correct view of his life and words than otherwise could have been obtained.

\Yinter has been much in evidence during the past few weeks. Torrents of ra i 11 ha ve fallen, flooding the land, and strong winds have exerted their force, bringing shipwreck and disaster. But now there is the promise of calmer weather and brighter days. The sprint! flowers are beginning to break forth, and the buds to appear on the trees. The days begin to lengthen, and the sun to increase in strength. Winter has few tenors for those who are well housed, well fed, and well clothed, but for many it is a time of want and distress. "I'is ell! ring the winter months that the pinch of poverty is most felt, and the greatest demands made upon our resources. JUST A FEW FIGURES. There have been many calls upon our funds during the last three months, but we rejoice that none have been turned empty away. In all we have expended over 17 in relieving cases of distress, beside supplying parcels of food and clothing from our store in the sunshine box ut the depot. Twenty blankets have helped to kcep the recipients warm during the cold nights that we have experienced. Seven parcels of groceries have been sent to homes where the pangs of hunger were not unknown. Parcels of warm clothing have been distr-ibuted where most needed, in some cases children being supplied with new garment, made by the hands of busy sunsh ine workers, while a number of small boys have rejoiced in new outfits. Several parcels of flannelette have been sent to those who could make necessary clothing, but lacked material. Wood and coal have been supplied'; rent has been paid, and in some few cases sums of money have been given where greatly needed. ONLY 1 LEFT. So great have been the demands upon our funds that tbe Treasurer reports that only 1 remains. This will not carry us very far, but, knowing that WC have your sympathy, we continue the work, confident that we shall receive the necessary cash. God has given to many of us enough and to spare, but there arc others who have not even enough for their needs. Let, therefore, the more fortunate ones supply that which is lacking, and in so doing they will bring joy to many poor ones, and peace and contentment to their own hearts. All contributions to the' Sunshine Fund should he addressed to the S_ecretary, Bro. H. Aldridge, Brentwood Avenue, Mt. Roski ll.

M.N.G.
Maranatha.

lDestro)1

ree

{traps.

S.

EDOEUILI,.

A wife, who had been lecturing Her husb.rnr] for coming home intoxicated, became incensed atIiis indifference and exclaimed, "0 that I could wring tears of anguish from your eyes!" to which the hardened wretch hiccoughed, "Tairi't no use, old lady, to b-bore for water here."

Sir Wilfrid Lawson used to tell this story in speeches on the folly of licensing the liquor saloon: A little girl had a brother who set a trap for a bird in the garden. She did not like this at all, so when she said her prayer that night she prayed to God to protect the little birds from being caught 111 the trap. Her mother said, "Do you think, my dear. your prayer will be answered?" "Yes," she said, "I know it will, because I went into the garden and kicked the trap to pieces." There is here an obvious moral for all who are interested in the fisrht against the drink traffic. 0

''It's a fine day, deacon." "Yes, but we're all miserable creeturs." "Well, thank God, we're still a-livin !" "Yes," groaned the deacon, "but our time's comin'!"-'Atlanta Constitution.'

AUGUST, 1906.

THE ano 1Rcasoll.

on a lour laden; brain, mighty
ma idc.r.

BIBLE

STANDARD. JEJ;tract
"The die, done,
110

12

jfattl)
'.1'11'0

"G:be ltone of \l)oicc.

It is As it is As not the not the so much what you say, manner in which you say it; so .much the language you use, tone in which you convey it. may be mild and tones nlay pierce may be soft as the tones may break fair, like a dart; summer air, the heart.

trout Speccb b}? 50lm $. 'ij"(llo011C}?

beverage matter liquor business ough t to
110

Lrnvel lers started trust with

Wilh

and knowledge

One was a man

who does it, no matter it pays, to kill what

matter it i_;

.Ynd onc a gentle

where The words And the The words And the

it
110

is done,

how

They joined their hands, and vowed to be Companious for a season; The gpntlc maiden's name was Faith, Tile n~igilt.Y muns was Reason. \le sought _-\11 matter all knowledge worlrl ancar and n ll mind from this world, it; were his,

matter

no matter

how long it takes

it, no mat.tor

And every

Hut hers was only spirit. If any st.a rs were missed from heaven His telescope BIle found
j

For words come but from the mind, And grow by study and art; But the tones IPa p forth from the inner self, And reveal the state of the heart. Whet.her you know it or not, Whether you mea n or care, Gentleness, kindness, love and hate, Envy and anger are there. -'Home Chat.'

could find thorn; them.

But while he only found the stars, the God behind for truth things

le sought :\11

above, below, revca ling ;

hidden

<ran
ball,

be a f1Dan it 1bc ulLlill.

She only sought And found

it, woman-wise, A boy at seventeen can practically dete rnrine for himself whether he will he a simple burden-bearer for others as long as he lives, a leech on society, or whether he will be a broad-m inded. useful and sueepSSfill man. If a boy at this age has nu ambition to be anybody and is content to let things flicker a nd take his chance with others just like him, frittering away his opportunity to acquire knowledge, and caring only for the trivialities of life, he can make up his mind to carry a hod, ride the brake-beam of a freight car, or dodge the police as long as he li ves ; or he can resolve to be a man in the highest .sense, seck every means for physical, mental and moral growth and development, and most surely graduate into the everwidening field of utility and success. It matters little what his boyhood environment may be, if he but has the ambition and well-grounded purpose he will climb out of it.-OurYoung People.

it in her feeling.

He said. "This earth's a rolling And so does science prove it."

He but discovered that it moves, She found the strings that move it. He reads with geologic eye The record of the ages; Unfolding strata, he translates Earth's wonder-written pages. He digs around a mountain base, And measures with a piu ru III et ; She leaps it with a single bound, And stands upon the summit. -lIe brings to light the secret force, In Nature's labyrinth lurking, And binds it to his onward car To do his mighty working. He sends his message o'er the earth, And down where sea-gems glisten; She scndcth hers to Gael Himself, \Vh 0 bends His ear to lis ten.

how hard it dies, no matter what it pull~ down with it when it dies, it ouzht lu die. This is not fanaticism, it tile accepted theory." Hut the liquor voter says that "the beverage liquor business ought to be ticeuscd: No matter what it costs ill poverty, idleness, failure, insanity, vice and crime; no matter what homes it robs of comfort, of _peace, of hope, of love, or joy; no matter how it mocks the Church; no matter how it baulks tile sch ool ; no matter how it weakens ani I ,legrades the arIllY; no matter how i I poisons the source of our civic powcr; no rna ttcr how it fou ls the streams of trade; no matter what boys it turns to vagrants and to criminals; no matter what gi rls it sends leering and soliciting into the streets at nightfall; 110 matter what epidemics of heartache it pas"c~ over. the land, with a havoc more awful than that which goes with war, pestilence, and famine all combined, and wil.l: a rhythm as regular as the sunrise, it has

is

to be licenced:"
Reader, day'! what will you sa~' all polling

:tllcobol

1Hot a Snccess as a f1Debtctnc.

The London Temperance Hospital was founded in 1873, and differs from other hospitals only in that:-(l).Alcohol is never given to convalescent patients with their meals. (2 ) Not used as a sol vent of other drugs, a solution of glycerine and water being found to answer perfectly. (3) May be prescribed by the physician in charge, provided he states why in a book kept for the purpose, and records the effects. In seven years there was only one such prescription; in 26 years there were only 31 out of 16,628 cases treated, and during those years the death rate was under 7 per cent., while that of the other London hospitals hovered about 10 per cent. Last year's record was under () per cent. for the Temperance Hospital, and 11 per cent. for all other London hospitals combined, none falling so low-as the Temperance Hospital. Once when the late Miss Sus an B. Anthony was visiting at the home of Horace Greeley she asked Mrs. Greeley if she would marry the same man again if she were single. "Yes," said she, "if 1 wanted a worthy father for my children; but for personal comfort I should prefer one who did not put his feet where I fell over the m every time I went into his room. who knows how to eat when to go to bed and how to wear his clothes."

-li\;;1"" .
All things in science, beauty, art, In common they inherit; But he has only clasped the furrn, While she has clasped the spirit. He tries from earth to forge a key To ope the gate of heaven; That key is in the maiden's heart, And back its bolts are driven. They part! Without her all is dark; His knowledge vain and hollow; For Faith has entered in with God Where Reason may not follow. The old darkie had "got religion," and was contemplating joining the Presbyteri,Ln Church; only one thing stood in the way-he did not understand the theory oJ "election." A church m em uc r undertook to explain. "Vvhy, it's jes disa way. De Lawd, He votes fer you to come to Him, an' de dr-bbil, he votes fer you to Ch005(' him, but now you got er vote comin', and de way you votes, why it's da taway yousc elected, 'ca'se dat makes de majority."

'[be u'(f(ollbers of '[rans==,

posttton.
TIm word "time" admits of a very peculiar arrangement of its letters. The four letters of the word transposed and read backward and forward and up and down, give four perfect English and Lath words. It is said to be the only word in our language that will admit of so manv transpositions and arrangements. Not~ the oddity of the square below:TIME ITEM METI RMIT The above words in English as well as in Latin are all complete, and the curious part of it is that reading them backward and forward, and up and down, gives the same result that transposing the letters in the original word does. 'I'h eir signification as Latin words j as follows: Time, fear thou; item, likewise; meti , to be measured; emit, he buys.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

AUGUST,

1906.

J8ternal 'lUfe.
Speaking from my own experience in earlier days, no less than from a fairly wide knowledge of the literature of conditional immortality, I think there is such a tendency to magnify the element of duration, as, in some cases, to practically keep out of view the element of quality. Our teaching, while rightly insisting on the former, should not fail to recognise that the duration is there only because of the quality, if it may be so put. Such recognition distinctly points out the way in which God has operated to give us the life which is in His Son, and shows us to be bound up in the bundle of life with Him, who is the Life, sending us with ever deepening gratitude to the Divine record that we may learn more of Him, whom we shall be made like. Being like Him, we shall live just because He lives. The thought which I commend to brethren is that our eternal blessedness shall be in our entire conformity to Him, and, therefore, of necessity, the life to come is eternal in its duration.a on tributed,

~be :Jl3ible Stanbarb.

The Bible Standard can be ordered direct from WILLIAM A. SMITH, Selwyn Road, Mount Albert, obtained from any of the Agents. the Publisher Auckland;

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Oommunications to the Editor to be Brentwood Avenue, Mount Eden. Nook." All communications to the Associatton to be addressed to the Secretary and Murdoch Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland.

and orders for Bible Stamdard. Treasurer MR. ALEX. PAGE,

There is an Oriental story of two brothers, Ahmecl and Omar. Both wished to perform a deed whose memory should not fail, but which, as the years rolled on, might sound their name and praises far abroad. Omar, with wedge and rope, lifted a great obelisk on its base, caning its form in beautiful devices and sculpturing ma n~' a strange inscription all its sides. He set it in the hot desert to cope with its gales. Ahmed, with deeper wi~dom, and truer though sadder heart, digged a well to cheer the .sandy waste, and planted about it tall datepalms, to make cool Rha(18for the thirsty pilgrim, and to sha ke down f'ruits for his hunger. 'I'hese two deeds illustrate two ways, in either of which we may live. We may think of self and worldly success and fame, living to make a name splendid as the tall sculptured obelisk, hut as cold and useless to the world. Or wc may make our life like fl well in a desert, with cool shade about it, to give drink to the thirsty, and shelter and refreshment to the weary and faint. Which' of these two ways of living is the more Christ-like, is efl~~' to clecicle.-J. R. Mille?'.

CHURCH
Hold Servlce8 a8

OF CHRIST

uDder:

A UCKLAND-West Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock a.m., FellowshIp Meeting 6.45 p.m., Preaching Service. Sunday School at 2.411. Wednesday evening, BIble Class at 7.45. Evangelist's address-Geo. Aldridge, Brentwood Avenue Mount Eden. Secretary=W. Gibson, Ponsonbv Road. ROSKILL HALLSunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting.

OUNEDIN-Oddfellows' Hall. Stuart Street. Sunday at 11 a.m .. Fellowship and Meeting. Iilvenlng PreachIng ServIce, 6.30. Secretary's Address- S. A. Lawrence, Great King Street. CHRrSTCHURCH-Colornbo Hall, Sydenharn. Sunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship MeeLing. 6.30 p.m .. Gospel Address. Sunday School at 2.30 p.m, Wednesday at 7.30 p.m., Bible Study. Evangelist-ErnesL Tuck, 30, Elgin Street, Sydenham. Secretary-To P. Juolkins, 80, Brougham Street. Sydenham. BELENSVILLE-Foresters' Sunday Sunday Sunday Cburch Secretary. rBAMES-Pollen Hall. MornIng, Fellowsblp Afternoon, Sunday Evening, Preacblng. R. M. Cameron. Meetlllll(. ScbooL

Street Lectnre Hall. Snnday at 11 a.m., Jj'ellowsbl(l> Meptlnj!. EvenIng Service at 6.30. Sunday School at 2.30. BIble Class livery Wednesday evenIng 81 Evangelist-E. H. Taylor. Bowen Street, Parawai. Secretary-C. Sanders. Macky Street. Miners' Union Hall. Sunday 11 a.m. Fellowship Meeting; ,. 2.30 p.m. Snnday School. Sunday Evening. at 7, A Public Rible Address. Church Secretary-D. Donaldson, l<-:vangelist-Joseph Foster, Waihi.

7.RO

'{treasurer'.' Rclmo\\?[eboments.
To 20th July, 1906. Standard SlIbs.-Me;::srs. A. England, Thos. Constable, J. R Moffatt, D. Mitchell, H. Ward, G. E. Etlwrmgton, D. Murgatroyd, Thos. Knight, Richard Evans, C. 'I'aylor, G. Drewett, J. Bestf'ord, R Cutforth, G. Gor. don, J. M. Miller, Mesdames Stark, A. E. Lowc. Association Subs.-Mr. Moses Bate, Mrs. Bach,

W AIBI-The

I'IMARU-Sophla Secretary's

Street Hall. Sunday, at 11 a.m . FellowshIp Meeting. Address-H. H. King. StalTord Rtreet, 'rtmoru

ADELAIDE, S.A.-Druids' Hall. Beulah Road. Norwood. Secretarys Address-F. B. Hughes, Woodvll\e. Printed by 'l'HE BRE'r1.' PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY. Shortland Street, for the New Zealand Evangelistic and Publlcatton Association. and published by W, A. SMI'!'H, Selwyn Road, Mt. Albert, AUGUST, 190().

v:

Alex. Page, Treasurer.