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VOL.

12.

No. 2.

AUCKLAND,

N.Z., FEBHUAH,Y, 1892.

TWOPENCE.

is an unpleasant subject to the chronicler of passing events, but he has to deal with it as well as with events of a more pleasing character. The uncertainty of life has, during the past few months, been forced very prominently before us. The number of great names that have fallen before the deadly scythe is almost phenomenal. The King on his throne, the Prince in his palace, the Cardinal in his house, the statesman, the orator, and the pcet- none is secure from his touch, and no matter what our position, whether the humblest in the .Ianel or the highest, our turn sooner or later must come. The English-speaking world is at present mourning the early and sndden demise of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, who has been cut down in the flower of his youth. In this event more than ordinary sympathy has been evoked -a whole nation is ill mourning-for the young Prince was espoused to the Princess Mary of Teck, who is beloved of the English people, and the proposed union had roused all the patriotism of England, and brought forth world-wide congratulations; but alas! all this has the grim monster death put an end to, and joy is turned into SOl'l'OW and gladness into mourning. May our beloved Queen, and" those most near and dear to the departed Prince, recei ve strength from on high to bear 11p against the heavy load they are called upon to bear, Another notable one has passed away III the person of Cardinal Manning. It is said that, this venerable man was a familial' Iignre ill the streets o~ London among the hllmbl~l' classes of that great metropolis, to whom he went on his errands of mercy, for he had learned that greatest lesson in

~~~~'li1EATH

life, to show love to his fellow man. He bent his energies to doing what he could to relieve their distress, and in so doing he trod in his Master's footsteps. It was not altogether the position he occupied as head of the Catholic Church in England-a position that might have turned him into a proud man-e-nor his eminent abilities as a preacher, 1101' 'his erudition, that made him so prominent in the world -these only aided to do 80- but it was his noble efforts at the amelioration of tile poor, his self-sacrificing energies 011 behalf of the suffering and afflicted, his true friendship to the working classes, and his untiring labours on behalf of the temperance cause. These are some of the traits of a character that 1I:1,\'emade his death to be lamented and regretted by all classes and creeds. The Emperor of Germany is bent on making a name for himself. Ever since his accession to the throne he has been more 01'less prominently before the world as a master mind. This time he is launching out manifestoes against breakers of the moral code, and more recently against drunkenness. The German law is already so stringent on the keepers of immoral houses that few can be fonnd, and the measures that are being introduced by the Emperor, and are likely soon to become the law of the empire, make it still harder for this form of vice to exist. This is truly a step forward, and it is gratifying to find that not only in Germany is this progress being made. Even in gay France the Government have introduced a Bill which increases the penalties for this offence. The International Congress on Public Morals that recently sat at Brussels was accorded a magnificent reception, the King of Belgium, the Prime Minister and his colleagues, welcomed their arrival, while ambassadors, Bishops, and other representatives of the people, vied with each other in their efforts to show sympathy with the movement., There is hope when royalty sets the example in morals that the people will 1I0t be long in I follo\Vi~lg,and if tl.lese exa:ted persons are genuine "' the~r , onthueiaem, there IS but little doubt ere long Belgium will I'be the most moral country in the world.

18

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

FEBRUARY,

1892,

Prolonged drought should ere long be a thing of the past, if the accounts of rain-making given in the North American Review are to be trusted. It. is a well-known and well accounted fact that heavy cannonading always brings on rainstorms. This is vouched for by those who have made the subjsct a study. It was then thought that if rain could be produced by discharge of explosives at a battle, a similar discharge would produce similar results in those districts where a drought existed. Experiments on a large scale were carried out recently in Texas by General Dyenforth, where there had been a drought of several months duration, and a scarcity of anything like good rain for several years. The ranch where they located themselves was one of 300,000 acres. It was swept by heavy winds, which rendered the manipulation of the balloons difficult. The plan of operations was somewhat as follows: Three lines were formed, each some two miles in length and about half a mile apart. The first line to windward consisted of a large number of ground batteries, where heavy charges of dynamite and rack-a-rock powder were fired at frequent intervals. The next line to the rear, consisted of a uum bel' of kites, flown at a con, siderablc height by electric wires, bearing dynamite cartridges suspended from them, which were fired high in the air. The third and main line was to consist of explosive balloons, which produced terrific "air.quakes" at intervals of one to two hours throughout the day. For seventeen days these operations were in progress, and the result was complete success of the most extraordinary description. The rain fell in torrents, and the northern portion of the country received the most thorough watering it had had for several years. The storm extended over many hundreds of square miles. The General who conducted these operations believes that the concussions from the explosives hring about rain by disturbing the upper currents, or by jarring the particles of moisture which hang in suspension in the air, and thirdly, by creating a magnetic fluid, which gathers and condenses the water of the surrounding atmosphere. The result of the operations carried on in Texas shows conclusively that the elements are much more under the control of man than was ever imagined. The cost of these trials, compared with the result attained, was insignificant, and drought-stricken countries may take heart that their heavy trials may yet be lightened by the judicious use of a little explosive force.

~ur 'UUlatchworb: ~he :fBible, the wbote

:fBible, ano nothing but tbe :fl3ible.'
(Paper prepared by C. C. Brown, of Tinuiru, E. Clarke)
anul read by

~ I.
'... ..':

E are assured that the various wricings collected and bound together-which we call r((~ " 'the Bible,' are the inspired words of God. Our belief is that the Old Testament is all inspired-that 'prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but that men of God spakc as they were moved by the Holy Ghost'; also, that the Jrew Testament is the outcome, the fulfilment of the promise made by Christ to His Apostles, that He would 'send the Spirit of Truth which should lead them into all truth and show them things to come.' Hence we regard as counsel of abiding value Paul's words, 'Study to shew thyself approved unto God, :1 workman that needeth not to bp, ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' We cannot here pause to distinguish .between inspiration and revelation, or to enquire whether inspiration should be regarded as verbal or plenary. Enough to say, that while each Book is marked with the individua.lity of its writer, yet each comes to us with all the authority and distinct imprint of Him, who is the Great Inspirer, whom Nebuchadnezzar called 'the Revealer of Secrets.' And no light of human reason, and no Church traditions, can in any way affect the authority of the inspired Word, The Word of God, is perfect the moment it is given. It admits of no improvement, no new light, no additions or developments. The Ancient Fathers knew no more than we know. And the most learned philosopher of this age knows no more than did the humblest saint of the first century. Now the rebel-spirit of this 'last time' in which OUl' lot is cast is manifesting itself in a self-willed departure from meek subjection to God's 'Yord. It is vain to conceal the fact that vast masses of men, from the refined Neologist who substitutes for the sure "Vord the floating dreams of a human 'consciousness,' down to the vulgar spirit-rapper who substitutes for' the same Word 'communications' imported from the unseen world by departed spirits-c-are drifting at the present hour upon the leeshore of a cheerless infidelity, there to suffer a fatal shipwreck The last phase of man's rebellion, for which the world seems rapidly ripening, is the throwing overboard altogether the Book which claims to be Heaven-sent, and to substitute in its place' anything and everything which will exalt and dignify , human nature,' which will uplift the creature to an almost equality with the Creator. And even some who profess to revere the Book, yet are, we think, unwittingly helping on the dread work by such statements as this: 'The science of the Bible is the science of the writers of tbe Bible, not the science of the Holy Spirit. They wrote according to the scientific ideas of their time. The purpose of inspiration was to enable them to know a.nd declare the way of salvation, which men could not learn of themsel ves, Had the

'[be

~rlle

\Truth.'

'You must always tell the true truth,' says little Rob, 'or 'you'll be like 'Nias and S'fira. 'Ni as, he took some money to a good man, and said that was all the money he had, and it wasn't, for he had a lot more hid away. And God heard him tell a lie, and right oft' 'Nio.s fell down and died. And then S'Iira, she told a lie just like the one 'Nias told, and she fell down and died, too. So you see you must always tell the truth.' Yes, little boys and girls must learn to speak the tr-uth, for God hears all they say, and he will surely punish sin.

FEBRUARY,

1892.

THE BIBLE STANDAR]).

19

Holy Spirit inspired the writers with scientific accuracy of language, they must have been unintelligible to those to whom they spoke, or they must have been silent altogether on the points referred to.' But if the science of the Bible is erroneous, what guarantee have we that the histo?'Y is accurate, that the comments of the writers on events passing in their day are wise and judicious, or that the forecasts (commonly called 2)?'ophecies), are anything but clever guesses that mayor may not come true 1 Brethren, we cannot consent thus to tamper with, to undermine, to decry, to bring into contempt any part of what Paul declares to be 'the Oracles of God.' I trust we are, in some small measure, 'skilled workmen.' Even though we cannot claim to be as Apollos 'mighty in the Scriptures, , yet we are not raw apprentices, ~nd we know the value of the mighty weapon we hold in our hands. It is a two-edged sword, has been wielded in many a battle, is welded of tempered steel, and has never yet failed any who u:holly depended npon it either as a weapon of offence or defence. And so our watchword can safely be, the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible. What we all need is 'illumination,' an illumination from Him who is the Author and Inspirer of the Revelation. Inspiration, so far as this age is concerned, is perfect and complete; but our illumination is a progressive process 'shining more and more unto the perfect day.' Dulness of heart, failure of memory, dimness of spiritual perfection, these things affect our illumination, our enlightenment from the Word, but given a warm, loving heart, a retentive mind, a sharpness of spiritual discernment, and that favoured individual shall have a far-sighted view of prophetic truth, a tighter grasp of precious promises, and shall walk in fellowship with God, the Author of the Book, with the Holy Spirit, the actual inspirer of the Book, and with the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom Moses, Prophets and Apostles wrote. Let us daily pray for an increased illumination, and to this end throw wide open both eye and ear gate to all opportunities, so that. 'more light' may flood our minds, and truth permeate our inner life, our very selves. As members of the Church of Christ this is the decided and immoveable position we have taken. It seems to us the only consistent one. Everything needed and necessary for the sustenance, support, and increase of our faith, is to be found between the covers of our Bible. 'Ve have no Heed to go outside to beg help from either Mr Plato 01' ~'Ir Origen. The ipse dixit of the authorised priests of the Romish Church, with their catechisms, creeds, decrees, institutes, are nought to us. And even a great deaJ of Protestant teaching is utterly worthless, for notwithstanding its boast, much of Anglican and Nonconformist teaching is based upon the traditions and opinions of men, rather than upon the unadulterated Word of God, Unreservedly and exclusi vely we rely upon the Bible as our standard, hence most appropriately our monthly organ is called TIl~ BIBLE STANDARD. All irreverent and snappish opponent 'at a public meeting once brought out the delightful sneer, " Oh, call your' journal" The Standard Bible," you seem to have a

Bible all for yourself.' 'Well,' Standard Bible' will suit as well as 'Bible Standard,' for in this case the words are almost interchangeable. The Bible is our standard, OUI' standard is the Bible. Our opponents can have it which way they please. How strange it is that we who believe Christ's words that only those who 'eat of the Bread of Life shall live forever,' should have ,1S opponents, men who are doubtless loyal and true to the Person of Christ, and yet who, if our reading is right, so sadly mangle, mutilate, and misinterpret the sacred page. We are sure they cannot find, taking the Bible as a whole, any warrant for their belief ill the natural immortality of the soul, the survival of a disembodied soul between death and resurrection, the everlasting suffering of the ungodly. The drift and tide of Scripture -is dead against them, And how strange that the approaching return of the J'ews to their own country, the personal reign of the Lord Jesus at Jerusalem, which is so closely connected with the coming millennial age and its peace and prosperity--that these truths which seem to us the very alphabet of tile Book, to lie on its very surface, should be overlooked and not recognized. And almost past belief is it how such passages as 'the gift of God is eternal life,' 'the dead know not anything'; 'He shall destroy body and sonl in Gehenna,' are wrenched, twisted and distorted, that even those who arrogate to themscl ves the title of 'orthodox,' 'seem hardly to know what such texts really mean. But our paper is limited to ten minutes, therefore, only one other word. Brethren, the shadows are lengthening. Another year lies behind us, one year less of service before us. Yet, this is no matter for regret, for the morning cometh which shall bring in the realization of those glorious things so long anticipated and talked about. Many have laughed, and will continue to laugh, at our belief in the nearness of the Second Advent; they call us credulous, they say our views are' grossly material '; they even throw epithets at us and call them arguments. Some regard us as harmless fanatics, visionary enthusiasts, dangerous heretics. But we remember that they laugh longest who laugh last, and we do not forget that 'Christ promised that those who weep now shall in the coming day' laugh.' And as to the unpleasantness of receiving the 'cold shoulder,' or to have the hatred rise even to the high water mark of public excommunication, this need not cause anxiety or trepidation, unwelcome and undesirable as such acts may be, 'Blessed are ye . . for so persecuted, they (the so-called orthodox of Israel) the prophets (deemed heretical) which were before you. ' To all detractors, misrepresentators and theological persecutors, we retort in Paul's words, ' We confess unto thee, that after the way they call heresy, so worship we the God of our fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.' And thus we, though deemed heretics, stand fast, and hold fast to the watchword of Paul, that Arch-heretic of olel, which translated into modern phraseology, is 'The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible.'

20

THE BIBLE STANDAltD.

EEBI:WAHY,

1892.

sick one ? We pmy that God would open the eyes of those who profess to love Him, that they may see the truth as it (Paper read by G . .A. Green. at the Annual Conference, is in Jesus, but how many of us go away and do our best December 25th.) to enlighten the eyes of the blind, and unfold to those we come in contact with the glorious truth we have found ~ THESEare three most important items in the life of every This is what the primitive Christians diel, even when professing Christian, The w~rdof God has much to sav persecuted it did not stop them, for they then went everyconcerning them, and the relations they should -sustain to where preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. each other in the walk and life ~f every professor. W pray and talk about the STANDARD, hope that and A careful study of the li yes'i'fC~omeof the men of faith, as revealed in the Scriptures, shows that there was what this silent mAssenger may do much good and that its circumay be termed It ratio of proportion between their faith lation may be increased greatly, but let each of us ask him, and prayer, and the activity with which they worked in self, Arn I doing all I can to bring about this much God's cause (whatever that cause for the time being may desired result? I fear the answer, if faithfully given, wculd have been), Whether we name Abraham, Moses, or Daniel be in most cases, No. If each of us do our best for the 01' any of the other worthies, we find that they were not next twelve months we shall be surprised to find what can only men of jJ?'aye1', but also men of faith and 1(;01'1.:, It be accomplished. How many are there in Auckland city appears to me that, so to speak, faith was the fulcrum on and suburbs who are aware that such a paper is in existence, which rested the lever of prayer and work, which going though published now for so many years? I am afraid many hand in hand produced the gigantic results recorded. In of us would be much mortified and astonished if their fact there can be no genuine faith and no efficacious prayer prayers were to be taken clown so that they could read unless it is accompanied and succeeded by earnest endeavour. them over afterwards, and they would be still more I fear some who pray find themselves in much the same surprised if they ever received any answers to such prayers. position as the old lady who prayed the Lord to remove an The style of prayer OUl' Lord taught His disciples opens obstacle that obscured the vicw from her front window, she simply; contains nothing but the simplest requests for then went to bed and next morning, observing it still there, such things as are absolutely neeessary, and are in accordshe remarked: 'Ah, it's there still, just as I thought.' This ance with God's mind and will; yet withal it is so comprehensive that no real need is not included in it. The .great is the faith contemplated by .J ames when he said: 'Faith need of our times, and of ourseloes in particular, is more without works is dead.' If there is to be spiritual life and growth attended with prayer that is the result of 'faith, and offered in accord-active endeavour, a close connection must be maintained ance with God's revealed will and backed up by loving, between faith, prayer, and work. The farmer may believe energetic, Christian work and service. Then we shall be rewarded with a real united Church doing good work for that he will have good crops, and he may pray much about God, and making its mark on the professing churches it, but if he fails to cultivate the soil he will pray and around, and the result will be that beholding our order, believe in vain for an abundant harvest. So it is in work, and doctrine, many will have to confess that there is connection with the things of the Kingdom. a living influence in the truths we teach, and will thus be We hear a great deal in these days about prayer meetings and holiness conventions. In some quarters they would led to examine for themselves. seem to be quite the order of the day, nor would I say a wOt:dagainst it-God alone knows how little real scriptural hoJ?nessthere is in professing Christendom at the' present time. In our own meetings, too, we often hear long and fervent prayers. And why not? This is only as it should be. 'But the all-important questions are, Are our prayers prayers of faith? Are our petitions such as rise acceptably to the throne of grace 1 Are the requests such as are in accordance with God's revealed will? Methinks if they were we should see more effort, more zeal, more energetic labour ancl'more adequate results. Many of the pray;rs of to-da; appear as if the petitioners wished to show God their knowledge and to compliment Him on His attributes. Such prayers often contain requests which it would be impossible for God to grant, as they are in direct opposition to His will. Let us only ask God for what we believe we are going to receive, and let us beware of dictating to God how He shall answer our reques~t~.- Prayer is often offered for the covery of the sick, but would not many of us be very -eh surprised if God answered it at once by healing -the Are not too many of our prayers mere empty sounds which never reach higher than the roof of the building in which they are uttered, through their not being mixed with faith and backed up with consecrated effort? If we had the faith which is the gift of God, our prayers would be far different from what they are at present, and our lives would be fired with an energy and enthusiasm that could not fail to make themselves felt. Could we grasp God's revealed mind and will, and the Divine standard He has placed before us, we should be different men and women to what we are at present. Is it not possible that we have far too much prayer in proportion to our exercise of faith and endeavour? I simply ask the question j I do not state it as a fact. However it may be, it is indisputable that we come fnr short in our faith and work. If we only could 'look away to Christ, and seeing all that He was in His perfection, realise that as He was in the world, so are we, and that we have in His life an example of the life and character that should by the gracfl of God be developed in (1,11 His followers, what an

jfaitb, ~l'a\?el', anb 'trolorh.

:B'EBRUARY,

1892.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

21

alteration it would make III us. Those who have studied the subject tell us that by the laws of environment and assimilation persons gradually become like those they associate with. So it would be with us if we lived more with Christ and studied Him we should grow more like what He was and what He expects us to be. Then our faith would be stronger, our prayers more effectual, and our labours more abundant; we should not then be minding the things that concern ourselves only, but our first interest would be to mind the things that belong to Jesus Christ. We should he like Paul when he could say: 'I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me' (Christ thinks, prays, and acts through me). If the Church is to be a living, active, working Church, the members must not look to the elders and officers of the Church, but each must see to it that they do their part, not in praying only, but also in working. Let the individual question be: 'How much do I represent my Master, whose epistle read and known of all men I am supposed to be.' And the closer the individual members of the Church represent Him, the nearer will the Church represent the Apostolic Church in faith, praye~, and work. God grant that both writer and hearers m3.Ygrow in grace, and in the knowledge and true likeness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that we may not be ashamed before Him at His coming, tllat so an abundant entrance may be granted into His everlasting Kingdom. Amen.

'JUfe in cbrtet.
iPape prepared for the Annt~al Conference by E. Carr, Dunedin, asul read by W. Rattmy.) GOD is the source of alllife-' in Him we live and move and have our being '-He the sole giver and sustainer. From Him proceeded the delegation of the life-giving power to His well-beloved son, thc Christ, and to none other. ' God gives to all lifc and breath, and all things' (Acts xvii. 25). 'For just as the Father has life in himself, in the self-same way, even to the Son gave he to have life in himself' (John v. 26); 'for just as the Father rouses up the dead, and makes them alive, thus even the Son, whom he pleases, makes alive' (John v. 26) (Rotherham's Translation) The testimony is 'that life everlasting God gave unto us, and this life is in his Son, the one who has the Son has the life, and the one who has not the Son of God, has not the life' (1 J olm v. 11). ' The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Rom. vi. 23). From these and other Scriptures we proclaim to a dying race, Life in Christ, according to the sacred oracles, with all the conditions and limitations therein expressed, and without human supplements. This great boon, by God's grace, was . the theme of Christ and the Apostles. True, in ages past, for the work of Christ was practically begun in Eden, yet the clear revelation of life in God's beloved Son if; by the Gospel (2 Tim. i. 10). For a time it was a mighty influence, and the world was so largely stirred that thc temples of idolatry were deserted by many who chose to

serve the true and living God, and to wait for His Son from Heaven; But afterwards Grecian philosophy, about the year 200, as John Darby states, with its immortal soul fiction, spread its dark clouds between the light of life and the people, and the dark ages of 'Christendom followed, with all confusion and every evil work attending .. In time men arose, cultured men, who, finding it impossible to reconcile traditional teaching with Scripture, determined to abide by the latter. tliey-.;,t>ublished the result of their investigations, and their writings are of great assistance to thc student. The Book Steward {If our Association call supply most, and give information to any enquirer. I do not intend to quote these authors, but to go where they went-to the Lord, the best of teachers, and to the Apostles, the authoritative exponents. To show how any ordinary person with his Bible and a Concordance can determine the truth for himself, it is indispensable that the mind should be di vested of all the traditional teaching. Do not assume that man is mortal and immortal. Let the word of God havc a free field. Let the terms used have the meaning which belongs to them when spoken, and let the usage of such ill Scripture determine the doctrine. Consider the context, ant! also the standing of the speaker and the spoken to; if YOll do this, I venture to say that as you proceed the conviction of the truth of Life in Christ will steadilyincrease. You will see there is a way that leadeth to death, and the true and living way, the narrow way that leadeth to life. This conviction will energize YOll to proceed. You will find that our present life-that now is-is short and its tenure uncertain. The Apostle James says it is 'a vapour, appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.' Peter quotes Isaiah to show that all flesh is as grass, which withers away, and the Lord teaches that we are not sure of even to-morrow . 'In Adam :111die.' Death hath passed upon all men, even upon those between Adam and Moses, who had not sinned like Adam. Paul, in Acts xiii., presses the fact of David's death (falling asleep) as strongly as he does David's life service. Peter, in Acts ii., emphasises the same fact in contrasting the dead ani sleeping .Davit! with thc once dead, but now risen Jesus. They had the Holy Spirit, they knew of David, of the message by Nathan from God, promising the house, the throne, the Son, who was also Lord, and they knew that part of the same message was, 'thou shalt sleep with thy fathers.' Though God said it, some Christians, as mistaught, do not believe it. But David did. By the Holy Spirit he had written: 'in death there is silence, and no knowledge nor memory, no knowledge of God nor ability to praise Him,' yet strong in hope of eternal life, he wrote, ' I shall be satisfied when I awake ill Thy likeness.' And Peter, in Acts ii., cites David as having hope of life in Christ. -Iesus said, 'I go that I muy awake him (Lazarus) out of sleep,' evidencing the power of Iife-giving He had, and Paul using death and falling asleep as synonymous, writes to the Corinthians of marriage: 'That if the husband falls asleep, the wife is free.' And on the untenable supposition that Jesus is not the resurrcctiou and the life, lie declares all who have fullcn asleep

22

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

FEBRuARY,

1892.

to h~ve ~erishe~. But Paul ShOW3 this untrue. Christ has risen, IS our life, and will raise all who are His to life, to the promised life, that life brought to light by the Gospel, that life hoped for-the one hope. Of necessity hope must pertain to a future. \Ve go down into death knowing that we will be held in Hades until He who has the key inserts it and opens the gates, and this one is He who is alive for evermore-Christ, our life. With us there is one Lord Jesus Christ, who died on Calvary, was buried, and rose again the third day as He said He would, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. He the first-fruits-the first-born from the dead to eternal life, It was not possible, for reasons given, that death could hold Him. J esus, the last Adam, who unlike the first, failed not, but stood the test under most adverse conditions. Being the begotten of God, He had a life free from the common condemnation to death (by sin came death). So giving a life that was free-being slain does not invalidate that-He gave Himself to death. Can we estimate the value of ,the life 0 civen 1 Impossible to estimate the value of an endless life, and therefore it is only as we can understand the gift of this life for us, and the great sacrifice of glory in Heaven for lowliness and suffering on earth, just in that proportion can we appreciate the sacrifice made on our behalf, and correlatively our great need. What. was given for us ~ A life, a free life, Christ's. 'Yhat do we "Iose .but fain would hold ~ Life. What is offered us in Christ? Life. Who offered it? God. Who by 1 Christ. So there is life in Christ for mortal man. Christ the sent of the Jiving Father, as living by the Father. He says you shall live because of me. He is now, as Paul writes, a life-giving spirit. He has promised, and will implement His pledge at His coming. The Scriptures put the two lives apart-the life that now is, and the life that is to come-and paradoxically bring them together. We see this by comparing Scripture with Scripture. The passages that divide are in .John xi.: 'I am the resurrection and the life.' He who is putting faith in me, even though he die, shall live ; and no one who is living anci putting faith in Me, may in any wise die for ever. In Matt. vii, : The road to life as contrasted with the road to destruction. In Matt. xix.: The incident of the young ruler as compared with Mark x., shows the old law of life and the Dew conditions under which we have life in Christ. In Luke xx.: The Lord indicates the endlessness of the life He gives. In John xvii.: The authority He has in the giving of life .. Paul (Rom. vi. 22) writes of the gifts of life to the servants of God at a coming time. Jesus, in Rev. ii., encourages to effort for good by the promise of life. Paul writes: 'When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested.' Writes again: 'I, Paul, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus,' and again, 'we shall live with Him.' The other class of passages that speak of having eteruallife now need reading in connection with Rom. iv, 17; John v. 24 Passed out of death into .life carries the idea of leaving the broad way into the narrow way. Life in. view and

I promise,

instead of death-two lives, two deaths, are topics of Scripture, and we should heed what is said of each. The figure sleep. The sleep of death carries the idea of life in Christ. It indicates an expectation of awakening. So the coming of the caller-up-the great sound-the awakening-the rising-the standing again-all fit to the truth of life in Christ, and will not fit traditional dogma. Note other terms used in this connection, we 'put on irnmortality' when Christ raises us, and not before, to 'die no more,' a life. 'Ye 'put on incorruptibility' when Christ raises us, and not till then- a quality added to the life--and wc have the duration expressed by 'everlasting,' and thus with nicety and clearness of expression, we have the three terms carrying the three idea~-Life, Incorruption, Everlasting-all condensed and continued is an Everlasting Holy Life-is Life in Christ.

'UlncIe IDaniel's :J13ible ctaee.

Froni ' TV01ds of Truth.' lO.-Tm; DOO~l OF 'rH]:; UNGODLY. , I would be glad to hear your comments upon this text in Rec. xx, lO,'remarked Arthur Sillclair And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.' '

Please observe,' replied Uncle Daniel, 'in what conueetion this text is found. It is part of that grand spectacular word picture, the Hook of l~evelatioll, and the greatest of care must be exercised in determining what is literal and what is metaphorical. There arc a number of stroll" pictures in this book which are repeated over and over again by those who delight in fiery theology, which to the unthinking are positive evidence. Let us scrutinize this text. 'In the first place, who is here referred to l' The devil,' was the answer, , And who are his companions l' 'The beast and the false prophet,' replied Arthur. , Then if we are to accept this as a description of a literal hell, it only proves that the devil, a beast and the false prophet, are to suffer its torments-that is, the representativ~s of evil forces are he.re figuratively pictured as meeting their final downfall, and It does not refer in any way to the doom of ungodly men. As to the doom of the rebels, whom the devil had deceived, will Mary please read the preceding verse.' Mary Douglas, as requested, then read Rec. xx, D, as follows:
I

And they went. up on the breadth of the earth, and compassad the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city; and lire came down from God, out of heaven, and devoured them.'

You will observe,' resumed U ncle Daniel, "tha t these ~'ebels against G~d are rl~vO'twed. Does this convey any idea of perpetuation uf existence ? Yet, if we are to seek in this Scripture evidence as to the doom of the wicked this verse is the one to accept, and not the lOth, which relates only to the devil, beast and false prophet.
I

FEnRUAR'\~,J.892.

THE BIBLE S1'ANDARD.

cannot, therefore, be, wrested to support the popular theory. 'Time will not admit of going into detail regarding other Scriptures, supposed to support this doctrine,' continued Uncle Daniel. 'Those that we have examined are the strongest texts relied on to teach the doctrine of eternal torment. We will just briefly allude to some others. First, ftIw'!'; ix. 43, 44, "the unqnenchable fire" and "undying worm." The word hell in this text in the original is Gehenna, or the Valley of Hinnom, a dumping ground for offal and dead bodies from Jerusalem. Here fires were kept continually burning, and the worm was ever feeding-a most expressive representation of the final day of destructiun. The only eternal objects in the lesson are the fire and worms, and their duration is only a question of fuel to consume, or food to devour. An almost parallel text is found in Isa. lxvi. :l4, which has no reference to a future day of judgment. 'Of like import is Jlatt. iii. l:l, speaking of" Bu?"ning up the chaff with unqueuchable fire." This also pictures destruction, and it is the fire that is unquenchable, not the lives of the wicked. , In conclusion,' said Uncle Daniel, 'we have considered every important text thought to teach the doctrine of eternal torment of the wicked, and it must be apparent that the claim that any such doctrine is taught is baseless. On the other hand, at our last meeting we demonstrated by a great mass of positive teaching, that the wicked shall "die," "be destroyed," "cut oft'," "utterly perish," "be consumed," "be no more," "he burned up root and branch," "be as though they had not been," &c. , This doom of the ungodly is reasonable and just, and in harmony with the divine character. 1 men will remain incorrigible, and SpUl'll the offers of blessing, preferring the ways of darkness to the light of truth, it is love to them, as well as to the just to remove them from the companionship of those with whom they can have 110 communion, and from the world which they deface by their wickedness,' [Concluded. ]

'Nc)w let me direct vour attention to the 14th verse of the same chapter, ~~hich David will read and then explain.' And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.' 'I should say,' remarked David, 'that this text is sufficient to for ever set at rest the question as to the literality of the lake of fire. First we find the figurative heads of powers of evil cast in, and now we read that death and hell itself are east into the same devouring flame. Death and hell, under no system of reasoning, can be considered a>;literal personalities. This, taken in connection with the next verse, and 8tH verse of the next chapter, indicates to me that the lake of fire, or second death, is a term expressive of that final force which shall wipe out for ever every evil power, condition or individual, that has been a blot upon the fair face of the universe of God.' 'But how do YOIl understand the expression, ., Shall be tormented day and night, for ever and ever 1" enquired 1\1ark Wilson. 'It has been clearly shown that the text refers to a judgment on personified organisations or forces of evil,' replied Uncle Daniel. 'This judgment comes in the shape of torment, or, more properly, " trial" for ever and ever j or as the margin of the revision reads, "unto the ages of the ages j' a strong expression calling attention to the unending period of their judgment .. 'Ye will get a further development of the lesson if we will consider another text, which is onsidered one of the very strongest in support of the theory of endless torment. I will ask Robert to read ReL'. xiv. 10, 11.' 'The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indiznation ; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever, and they have no res' day nor night, who worship the beast and his imag-e, and whosoever rcceiveth the mark of his name.' , This is 3: highly figurative Scripture, and according to thc general rule of interpretation, the propel' course is to find, if possible, a parallel tcxt. Referring to margins of your reference Bibles you will find a reference to Isa, xxxiv, 9, 10, relating to Idumea"And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shot! .qo lip for eve,.' from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever." , Yuu will observe,' resumed Uncle Daniel, 'how close a parallel this text is, and both are highly-coloured pictures of total and final destruction. The land of Idumea is a desolation, but there is no unquenchable fire there burning, sending up its smoke down through ages.' 'I find another parallel expression in Rec. xix. 3,' interrupted Arthur Sinclair, 'speaking of the destruction of Mystic Babylon, 'and her smoke rose U}) f01' ever and
eve?".'

1Ru55ia ant> tbe

3ews.

'Yes,' replied. Uncle Daniel, 'and if you will look forward to the 8th verse of the preceding chapter you will ascertain the meaning of this ascending smoke j where we read regarding this harlot power, " And she shall be utte?'ly burned with fire," Now, if like expressions, referring to .Idumea and the false church power, convey the lesson of total desolation or destruction, we are forced to conclude that this is the proper interpretation of the text under discussion. Furthermore, this text is not general in its application, but refers only to a certain class who worship the beast and his image. Again, this is a judgment upon the living disciples of the beast d1t1'ing their life time, and has 110 reference to a future and general judgment. It

IT is a remarkable coincidence that the cruel and wicked persecution of the Jews in Russia has been followed by a great famine in that country. It may be said that this is nothing more than a coincidence. The striking fact, however, is that for some thousands of years the persecution of the Jews has been followed by such' coineidences.' It may be further argued that the masses of the l-~ussiau people who will be the principal sufferers are not responsible for the diabolical cruelties of the Czar and his advisers. But that is not strictly true. It is impossible to make so absolute a distinction between the ruler and his people. Wc generally get the kind of government we deserve. No devout Christian can really doubt that the hideous atrocities which are ~ow being daily perpetrated in Itussia will bring fearful retribution upon t.he perpetrators. Already, indeed, the conduct of the Russian Government is shown to be as foolish and suicidal as it is wicked. The Jews have been practically the bankers upon whom the Russian farmers havc depended at periods of difficulty like that which has just eommenced. They are now justly deprived of the financial assistance which they have enjoyed at previous periods. Neither men nor nations can sin deliberately and flagrantly against the moral law of God without sufferine even in this world. ""
HUGH PHIOE
HUGI'IEs.

24
~\,~,./~

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

VEBRtJARY,

1892.

president, on 'Reasons for its Inauguration'; by Mr. B. Cass on 'Its Doctrinal Basis '; by Mr. W. J. Evans on b~ 'Its Basis of Membership'; and by Geo. A. Brown (secretary) on 'Its Work, and How it is to be Accomplished.' The first paragraph in a circular issued by these brethren reads :-' The Second Advent and Life only in Christ +(>J~ MONTHo::;", ORGAN ~~E>t Union of Australia has been formed by a few Christians, fJ;;1'I' Zealand Evangelistic and Publicatinn Association. who think the time has arrived when a decided advance EDITED BY (;EO. ALDRlDCE. with regard to testimony should be taken by those who AS;:, rSTED BY SPECIAJ; CONTRIBUTORS. believe in the speedy return of their Lord, and who believe that Life and incorruptibility will be imparted to all who ~ The Fjditor wishes it to be understood that, while he exercises a For it is only those who do general supervision over the articles and correspondence appearing in the are in Christ, at His coming. Stantlartl, responaibi.lity for sentiments expressed rests upon the Indivithe will of God who shall abide for ever, and who will be dual writer. privileged to be partakers of the Divine nature, and have conferred upon them the power of an endless Life, for "The Gift of God is Eternal Life, but the Wages of Sin is Death.'''

~u"'e ~\)

1131 e ~tan() ~~_lll().

'bl

--~,-?~

~'~W
.;).

B550ciation

1AOtC5.

TIllS is our Conference number. '1.'0 those who took part in the meetings we hope it will be a souvenir of no little value in helping to keep alive in the mind the memory of a very blessed day ; to others, not able to meet with us then, may it be a great help and encouragement. vVe wish our readers to make a strenuous effort to put this number into the hands of others. The pages of this will show tlJat whilst we keep well to the fore our desire to war against the current false dogmas on man's nature, we do not neglect the duty of practical exhortations to [t Christian lifc. A dear brother writes :-' If you will not be offended at a friendly hint, I would like to say that I think you are making a mistake in notgivingthe friends: through the BIBLE S'l'ANDARD columns, a fuller account of your late travels. It is not by any means too late yet, and I feel sure it would tend towards a good result. Think the matter over, and put aside your native modesty and come out with a fuller description.' Thanks, clear brother, for the recognition of the existence of our 'native modesty.' But that is not exactly the reason for declining to accede to your request. The proper time to have written this was whilst upon the journey, but, as you know, this could not be. Now it is too late, as to give anything like a sketch would trespass upon several numbers of the S'l'ANDAHD, and the matter would, before the close have lost interest save for those immediately concerned. We are much obliged for the suggestion, and beg to assure our deal' friend that our visit to his city yielded a pleasure often thought of, and often spoken of; but it would be a hard. matter to, -ite of it and find space

The president writes: - 'Our meeting was a great success. The addresses of Bros. Cass, Evans, and Brown were really good. As yet we have merely formed the Union; our future is yet to be unfolded. ,Ve think of establishing Bible readings in the suburbs, and will try to awaken interest by giving lectures wherever we can. We are even looking so far ahead ns to hope that a conference in Melbourne of believers who hold Life and Advent truths will soon be an accomplished fact. vVe shall be glad of the prayers of our New Zealand friends for tIre success of our work.' Any delays in the ilclivery of the STANDAIW should reported at once to the publisher, who will endeavour remove any irregularities that may exist. 'Ve wish to remind old and intending members scriptions for the present year are now due, Secretary would be pleased to receive the same. be to

that suband the

FonESTEHS'

HALl.,

A(jCKLAND.

Tn Ninth Annual Conference of the New Zealand. Evangelistic and Publication Association was beld on December 25, 1891, in the Foresters' Hall, Auckland: Delegates and subscribers met at 2.30 for the transaction of business. In the absence of the president (Bro, Squirrell), Bro. Aldridge was called to the chair. After prayer, the chairto do it justice. mall gave a short address, reviewing the work of the year ANOTIlrm AUSTHALlllN FOInYAHD lVlovEMENT.-A number lo God for the opportunities of believers in Life in Christ and the Second Ad vent, and expressing his gratitude the main work of the resident in Melbourne, have formed a society bearing the afforded for the spread of the truth; circulation of the t:lTANDARD-had been title of 'The Reconcl Advent and Life in Christ U nion of Association-the Australia.' The hope is cherished that this will em brace done with more spirit, and had met with more success than He felt that no Conference had been. held all in Australia who hold to these important truths. The heretofore. his hope inaugural public meeting was held on January 4th in the under more favourable auspices, and he expressed Protestant Hall, Exhibition-street, at eight o'clock. Ad- that all the business might be done with a single eye to the glory of God. dresses on thc Union were delivered by VV. B. Waine,

li:lWJ{L"ARY. 1892.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

25

At the close of the business meeting, a short prayer report, which showed meeting was held, and fervent petitions were offered for the that our stock was now Yery low, and some effort should be blessing of God to rest upon the proclamation of His made to replenish by procuring the latest and best books truth. upon the special themes advocated by the Association. So ended the first meeting, a meeting unique in many A desultory discussion here ensued as to the theological ways. This is the first occasion on which we have had .yalue of certain books which are advertised for sale by us. sisters present as delegates. The Auckland Church sent This matter was resumed at a later stage of the session. four, and these were heartily welcomed. It is the first Congratulatory letters were read from Bros. E. H. time we have met without a debit balance. 'Ve desire also Taylor, Thames j E. Carr, Dunedin j C. C. Brown, Timaru j to put on record that no harsh word was uttered, but a A. Slack, Gisborne j and};'. B. Hughes, Adelaide. The latter loving, reverent spirit pervaded all. Everything was done enclosed a resolution from the Monthly Class as follows :in harmony and love.

The minutes of the last Conference having been read and confirmed, the balance-sheet was then put before the meeting by Bro. Rattray. This proved to be a most satisfactory document, as it showed that we had finished the year without any loss. Formerly we have been under the necessity of , appealing to the generosity of the brethren to make up the annual deficit, but this was not necessary this year. Bro, French read his report of the year's issue of the STANDARD,showing a large increase in the circulation of the paper.

The earnest spirit in which the various agents and helpers have aided the Executi ve in their work was thankfully acknowledged, and a special resolution to this effect was placed on the minutes. The following is the list of officers for the ensuing year : -President, G. Squirrell j Vice-President, J. M. French; Editor, Geo. Aldridge j Publisher and Book Steward, E. H. Falkner j Secretary, 'V. Ra.ttray. These, with Bros. 1\1. Hamilton, M. Webber, and L. Wil cock, form the Executive.

Bro. Falkner gave the literature

To 'rilE BHE'flllmN

OJ,'

CHUHCH Assembled

OF

CHRIST, at Auckland, N.Z.

In Conference

At six: o'clock the delegates and friends tea provided in the basement of the hall. 'l'HE EVENING MEETING.

sat clown to a

Ureeting.--This meeting, which is the direct. outcome of Hro, Aldridge's visit to Adelaide, desires to say that ulthough absent from you in the body, we will Le with you in the spirit on the 23th inst., and trust that the blessing of our Heavenly Father may rest upon and go with that clay's work, as we believe it has hitherto clone on the labours conducted in your city. We pray that glory and honour may accrue to our 1\1aster's cause, and that in His Kingdom-which we believe to be nigh at hand-the fruits of this and other kindred meetings may be abundantly manifest. ' Muranatha.' J. ELLIS, Acting Chairman. };'RED. B. HUGHES, Secretary. Adelaide, December 11, 1891. Tbeliterature question now being in order, a spirited discussion was carried on as to the righteousness of our position in offering books for sale which on some important points directly opposed the teachings embodied in our basis of Association. Want of space will not allow the insertion of the arguments adduced for and against this subject, but eventually it was resolved that we withdraw from our book list White's 'Life in Christ,' Minton's ' Way Everlasting,' and Goodwin's' Book of Revelation.' Bro. Le Roy, as .librarian of the Auckland Church Sunday School, applied for a grant of books for the library under his charge. This was acceded to by the Conference. The BIBLE S1'ANDAHD next came under discussion. It was suggested that the editor should publish one of his discourses monthly. This was not pressed, but the editor was asked to consider whether he could agree to this. The able manner in which the STANDA lW was conducted by Bros. Squirrell, French, and Falkuer, during the enforced absence of Bro. Aldridgc, received the commendution of all.

At half-past seven a public meeting Was held in the large hall, Bro, French in the chuir, After the opening hymn and prayer, the chairman referred to the reason why he was found in his then position and said: 'V here there is a full progmllll11fl a chairman need not say much. This afternoon I had not the remotest idea that I should be here tonight. It had been arranged that I should be present at a. gathel'ing elsewhere. I meant to attend the afternoon session and did so, but thought I should be absent to-night. Circumstances have, however, transpired which liberated me from the other engagement and, enabled me to be present here. We met together this afternoon as brethren, and I am glad to say some sisters, to consider matters that are dear to us one and all, and we had a pleasant happy time. 'Ve were not all of one mind on some things, but we were all in unity and love. 'Ve all felt grateful to our Heavenly Father for the blessings that have attended the work of the Association during the year now closing. vVe talked about the Bnn.s STANDARD,and we could not help noting that the last time we met together in Conference we had very gloomy fears for its future. This afternoon we had no such fears, for the many friends interested in that paper have worked heartily for it, and the year has been fairly prosperolls. 'Ne have been cheered by the letters we have received, which speak in terms of high appreciation of our messengel'. In many places it is highly prized, and its readers are thankful for the truths they read in its pages. It is beyond us to estimate the value of that paper and the great good which we as an Association and as churches arc able to do by its moans. I wish that this may be laid to hcarb by us so tllat we may help its circu lation by cyery

26

tHE lHBLE STANDARD.

FE13l1tAItY,

1892.

possible means. Some brethren have written to us, sending greetings 1\1u1 well-wishes, telling us how much they would have liked to be present, and one or two of these deal' brethren have written papers which arc to be read here to-night, so that whilst the writers are absent in body they will be with us in spirit, and by letter. May the meeting be one of pleasure to us. Bro, Clarke then read a paper by ::VIr C. C. Brown of 'I'imaru, entitled' Our Watchword : the Bible.' Bro. Green followed next with a paper upon 'Faith, Prayer and Work.' Bro. 'VBd was the next speaker called upon. He said: I had not the faintest idea that I was to speak, but I am not the least displeased. I think the paper by OUl' Bro. Brown touched the right key in insisting that the truth of Goel was given us by inspiration. The next paper seemed, as it spoke of faith, prayer and work, to emphasise this. In all the teachings of God's Word there is a beautiful harmony and connection, and these, where seen, move the believer's heart, and inspire with determination not only to say, 'I arn a believer in this Word,' but to stand in it. There is a very tangible effect shown upon the life; the believer becomes strong, as IV hen Peter and John had

take up the angels' s.ong,' Glory to God in the highest.' But this, 'peace on earth,' presents a difficulty. It seems a paradox. 'Listen to the war cries. 'Ve almost hear the clash of steel. The war-dogs are barking to be loosed again, to Le at their destructive work. Then we listen again to the words of the Master, 'I came not to bring peace, but a sword.' 'In view of His words and the present aspect of things we are at a loss to know the purport of the angels'song. But I notice an important addition which appears in the rendering of the revised version. It now l'eacls-' On earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased.' I have, with you, believed that it refers to the coming time when men should beat their swords into ploughshares and tliei r spears into pruning hooks, but it is my conviction that whilst it refers to that time it belongs also to the present. Peace on earth, not to 'all men '; not in general, but in particular. Thus we eau understand the

Master's words, as He sent His disciples forth among 'ml'ening wolves,' ~J y peace I give unto you.' It is a grand thought that, amidst the world's din of battle and roar of cannon, there is peace in the heart of the child of God ; pe:1.ce that passeth all understanding, that the world cannot take away. Again, it is in OUt power to command How 7 God is perfect, and His healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, and the people the good pleasure of God. found fault with them. They bore all reproaches be can se word is, 'Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.' how can we please God? Sonic they knew in whom they had believed, and thcy could Knowing our imperfection, little time ago I paid a visit to a public school. The stand before high priests and rulers, knowing that Christ was at their side. If we are to be of any service for God master said, 'I should like you to heal' these boys read.' As It we must not be namby-pamby Christians. We must have When they had finished he said, ' Is not that good?' If I had paid a visit later and the truth and show its possession by ,1 godly life. Life and master he could judge. heard the Goys in :1 higher standard, their reading would Word should be in harmony. The boys looking back would find an imBro, Hattray next read a paper by E. GaIT, of have been Letter. provement as they leave the lower standards behind them Dunedin, on ' Life in Christ.' Some of us are in the first standard, some in the second, Bro. Aldridge followed with a paper entitled, 'Jesus: third or fourth; but He measure~ by the standard in which Death's Foe and Conqueror.' we are placed. I believe that it is in our power to live Bro. Wilcock, on being called to the platform, said: I lives that are well pleasing in the sight of God. Have you happen to bc one of the fortunate individuals that drew up ever thought that we can command the love of heaven ~ the programme for this night's meeting, and I took exceedIt is an encouraging thought to me, when I remember that ing care that I should be left out, However, it has happened God's angels are watching me and my actions, that somethat this is a meeting by proxy. 'I'here are so many present times those actions are well pleasing to them. There is a in spirit and absent in body, that I think I may personate wonderful chapter in Daniel that I love to read, not alone Bro, Taylor, who is unable to be with us, and thus carry out because of its prophetic utterance, but because it is there the spirit of the meeting. This is Christmas Day, and I wish said by an angel, 'Daniel, thou art a man greatly beloved.' you to think of that scene, witnessed eightecn centuries ago, He had many names, but the angel called him 'greatly and described so beautifully in the second of Luke. Mark beloved.' Can it be said of us sometimes? Are there Hot the language of the angelic chorus: some bright spots in our lives; some Christian motives , Wory to God in the highe~t actuating us 1 It is a blessed thought that these arc And on earth peace among men ill whom He is well-pleased.' possible. Thank God, away down the ages thc message Glory to God; peace to men. vVe can glorify God when comes still, peace, peace. That peace lllay be ours if we are we look out upon nature and see how His bounteous hand numbered amongst those who are well-pleasing to God, has provided enough for each and for all. Notwithstanding That is a theme I love, and one on IV hich 1 should like to what men Jllay say, it is not the fault of God that there is say more. But I must stop by saying that tile first thing anywhere not enough to eat, The world is richly stored to make us well-pleasing unto God is the acceptance of that with more than enough to satisfy all. It is man's in- message brought to the world by His Son, ' I am come that humanity that makes the millions mourn and causes the ye might have life.' In the possession of this Life we have lack of the good things which God has provided. Look at the peace of mind that God has promised to give to those the grand scheme of redemption, and as we do so our hearts who receive His Son.

"T.

Jl'EBRUARY,

1892.

tHE BiBLE STANDARD.

words, 'I am come that they might have life.' The Adamic race is a dying one, Christ came to protler life to it; but, for that life to be conferred, the death to which the race perpetually trends, and which engulfs" fit, must somehow have its power broken. '1'0 accomplish the reversal of death, we are told that Christ] gave His' Life for the life of the world.' On the ground, therefore, of a life yielded as a purchase price, Christ is empowered to offer, and to confer the gift of eternal life. Before we go. another step, we are here compelled to note, that this, lite essence (If the Gospe! for the indi'&idual, relate wholly to a matte?' of life [roin. death. It is an object which has engaged the love of God, and the sacrifice of Christ. 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' Thus the matter is primarily of divine arrangement and sanction. The love of God, and the work of Christ are combined to offer to the sinner' Eternal life,' and an escape from 'perishing.' So, the Gospel message for this age relates to the question of life. It is It 'Life message.' Chrisb is the 'Life,' and the Gospel is , the word of life.' With these few items before us as a sample of many more, we can but express astonishment that any man should view the matter of so little importance tha.t he can afford to say that henceforth he will have nothing to say about it. As already hinted, there are lllany lines of teaching which agree in affirming the position of the 'Life' question, as in the very forefront of the message, but want of time will prevent even their enumeration. There is onc, however, which we may put forward, because it is a very striking line of evidence, and because it is infrequently noticed. It may be put as our second and main question. "Vhat was the attitude of ,T esus towards death l' "Ve have always looked upon death fLS an enelJJY to the r;cf), and in tllis we are not peculiar. No one in the possession of health, with a very moderate share of happiness, desires to die. e resist death to the utmost of ou r power. When it pays its unwelcome visit to our homes and takes away a member of Oul' household, we feel that we have suffered the severest blow that can befall a son of Adani. ::::;orl'ow and tears, the confession of our powerlessness against the inroads of the dread enemy, are our only resource, save as we may cherish a brighter hope of coming reunion through resurrection. It is this latter hope which has given us our only solace. But we have been a little too hasty in our reliance upon this hope, if so be that; we are wrong ill thinking and speaking so prominently on 'Life only iu Christ'; wrong in cherishing CL hope which evinces such open enmity to death. But what was the attitude of Christ Himself, on whose 'work the whole matter turns? 1 answer, so far a<;;I can read, it was one of 1tndi~g1ti8ed lw~tilit'!J. From first to last in His earthly ministry He shows Himself in open warfare against it. He is a warrior engaging in a combat to the bitter end with the dread enemy of the race He has come to redeem. He preaches, He labours, He suffers all in the interests 'of man. To

The meeting was brought to a close by the singing of the Doxology, and never was it sung with heartier feeling, for we realised that the day had been a blessed one indeed. The mercies of the past evoked our gratitude, and the spirit of elevotion and desire for service which pervaded the addresses and papers were upon a high plane. The choir of the church, under the leadership of Bro, Seal, rendered good service to this our ninth annual meeting, and we here express our thanks to them and to all who helped in any way to make the meetings happy and profitable.

3esus, 'IDeath's jfoe ano ~onqueror.

(Pape?" read

uy

the Editor, at t/;e Annual

(lonference)

IT happens occasionally, that a chance remark is made which unintentionally trenches upon the value of somc belief dearly cherished by the listener, and which gives rise to much mental questioning, and lllay cause him to painfully and methodically go over the grounds of his belief, that the re-examination llIay either strengthen the position already taken, or show reason why it should be
discarded. :::iuch a casual, but thought-provoking remark was iuade ill my presence a short time ago. It referred to one who is eminent as a Christian, and is a preacher and writer of no mean attainments. He has written an able work relating to the question of man's destiny; a work which has done good service in leading perplexed minds' out of darkness into light.' But, now, it is said, he has resolved to write and preach no more on the important topic, 'Life only ill Christ.' As I have hinted, this gave me for the inorucnt a mental shock, and T immediately asked myself, , Why should he say this rand, 'Is this an example which I may safely follow T For if the position be a right one which he has taken, it is a virtual condemnation passed upon his former actions, and a standing rebuke to those who make so much, CLS we do, of the doctrine of conditional immortality. Furthermore, it is a very seductive prospect which opens. To preach without any especial reference to this obnoxious doctrine, is a sure passport to the favour of all who have been, hitherto, opposed to us. "Ve should thus invite the embrace of the open arms sure to be extended towards us. Tt means the practical extinction of the open advocacy of those things which have compelled us to take a distinctive position amongst believers who seck a return to Primitive Christianity, both in doctrine and practice. The brief examination which the casual remark caused rue to make, has served to strengthen me in the position already taken, and worked from. I have tried to look all round the subject; and llIy conclusion is that I dare not lessen my advocacy of the doctrine of life, nor hesitate to oppose that teaching which I believe to. be erroneous. Let us ask one or two object of Christ's mission l' questions :-' What was the "Ve can listen to His own

'~T

28

THE B1Bt.E StANDARD.

l~EBRVARY. 1892.

change the figure slightly, death is a citadel in which many captives are immured, and to which others are hourly dragged, He will storm it; and as His life story is followed, it is easy to see how He presses the war until He enters the fortress, still figliting, and comes forth Conqueror, having the keys of the citadel at His girdle. Amongst His first acts, were those merciful deeds which arrested the progress of disease and so conferred a longer lease of life, as if He would say to death, 'Stand back a little, sometime 1 will break thy power altogether.' Physical diseases were removed, not only that they might serve as credentials to Christ as the sent of God, but because they belonged to death as its servants and should be destroyed with it. His discourses, as reported by John, put this before man as the burden of his teaching; 'Men are dying. I am the li ving bread which came down from heaven : If a man shall eat of this bread he shall live forever.' 'Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life.' 'Death is working I know,' but, 'everyone that beholdeth the Son and believeth on Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.' Thus Christ sets Himself over against death. Death is in the world through sin, and it is engulfing all, that is the one side; Jesus takes the other side, and calls the attention of men to Himself. ' Death is your enemy, I am your friend, and I will break the poweL' of death and give" Life." At the time when the memorable confession is drawn from Peter as to the Messiahship of Jesus, He assures the disciples 'the gates of Hades shall not prevail against My Church.' There, the disciple takes his true position, the acceptance of that confession puts him on a sublime height, and then it is that this gracious promise is given, pointing out the dread enemy, and affording an assurance of his overthrow. The picture vouchsafed to J-ohn, yields the same assurance, ' I am the living one and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and T have the keys of death and Hades.' In the vivid imagery of that same book we are shown when the enemies of God and the Lamb are destroyed, that death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.' Thus is 'the last enemy' destroyed. Old Testament prophet, and New Testament apostle agree in showing Jesus as the implacable foe to death. ' He will swallow up death in victory,' says the prophet; and the apostle contemplating the issue of His work for the Church shouts in his gladness, '0 Death, where is thy sting 1 0 Death, where is thy victory l' But again, look a moment at the illustrations which His life-work affords. The ruler's daughter, and the widow's son, are raised from the dead. 'Yhy? Is it not that His power over death may be manifested, and that it may be clearly shown that He was at war with death. 'I'ake that other story of resurrection, as given in .T olm xi. Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, was sick. The sisters send word to the Lord, and in delicate manner, inform Him of the sad fact. But He tarries where He was until death has seized upon His beloved friend. He makes His way to Bethany, and presently He is in the midst of a weeping throng. Here is N[aI'Y, and here her sister i\Iartlm; here, also, are many

J-ews who join in the sorrow, and have endeavoured to console the grief-stl'icken sisters. It is well to take a look at the Lord here. What, are His feelings 1 It is worth noting in passing, that His first words are words which give assurance of the reversal of the power of death, ' Thy brothel' shall rise again.' The Jews have done precisely the same we may believe, but He feels in a closer relationship to this sorrow than they do. Has He not lost a loved friend? Yes, here grief seizes Him, as it seizes upon us. "Ve are sad when we heal' of death, hut it is a totally different feeling when death marches into the circle of our loved ones. I do not know that .J esus shed a tear in the presence of death when He stood by the bedside of Jairus' daughter, or when He stood by the bier, on which was stretched the widow's son. But here He joins in the weeping, and so evident is His sorrow, that the bystanders remark, 'Behold, how He 101'ed him.' Look at verse 33, and note the marginal reading: 'He was moved with indignation.' Did you ever enquire why, in such a scene, such a thing could be 1 He, assuredly, was not indignant because the sisters sorrowed, and wept so freely, for He also wept. Some have suggested that He was indignant with the Jews whose sorrow was unreal and forced, and that detestation of such mockery roused the feeling of indignation ill His gentle bosom. But that is qui.te a gratuitous hypothesis: Not a word of that appears in the story. Lazarus was evidently deeply respected, and many came to show their sympathy and the high esteem in which he was held. 'Ve have no warrant to suppose that their actions were the result of hypocrisy, "Vas there not another, and a far more cogent reason for the indignation that twice showed itself 1 Had He not lost a friend? Death was busy about Him, and He had already shown His authority over it. But this time it had come within the circle of His cherished friends, and laid its cold hand upon Lazarus whom He loved. "Vas it not necessary, in the fulfilment of the design, 'That He should be touched with the feeling of our infirmities'; that He should realise this sorrow which comes to all the sons of men. He loved Lazarus, and now comes the straining of the heart-strings, which only death can cause, and He has to suffer for Himself and with the family. Yes, death touches Him very closely, and He, so to speak, has a personal taste of its widespread power and evil. Then it is that His indignation breaks out against this awful enemy of man. 'rile conflict presses closer, He will bring this friend back to life again, and that victory should be a token of the great conquest to he accomplished when all the loved ones shall be redeemed from deaths power. Here then was shown the attitude of Jesus towards death. Words and deeds are full of testimony on this matter. Seeing this, rimy we put aside our life message? No, our zeal should be, by such an examination as this, intensified 'to white heat. I refrain from speaking of the resurrection of Christ and its testimony 011 this head, but the Word is very full and clear. So evident is it, that an apostle could sa'y, 'He hath abolished death, and brought life and incorruption to light through

an

FEBlWAHY,

1892.

THE BIBLE STANDAHD.

the Gospel.' Thus in Paul's view, J'esus was the victor !lifC will be given to all that will obey Jesus as Lord. over death, and by His conquest, had become its master. Those who accept Him according to the conditions form the When thus I contemplate the work of Christ, and His Church. They are called out. They have the sure hope of attitude against this enemy of mankind, I can no longer immortality resting upon the Divine forgiveness of sins. hesitate as to the position I must take, and whatever others They are nearer to Christ than others. The Church, the do, as I value my standing in Christ I dare do no other Bride of Christ, is now waiting for Him, that it may share than preach Christ as the' Life-giver.' He who puts aside in His life, and be with Him and like Him. Christ ' loved this feature of the message is carving from the Gospel that the Church,' and it is for Him-His chosen bride, His which was designed to show forth the work of Christ in its 'companion to all eternity. The Church is the first-fruits of strongest colours, and which was given to cheer perishing His rich heritage. It is formed of a band of believing ones mortals concerning the future. who have accepted the grace and the pardon of God, and This study strengthens my adhesion to the doctrine of who have no higher wish than to serve their Lord and to 'Life only in Christ,' and I must proclaim that truth, wait patiently for His return. For He is coming again lo rejoicing as I do in the fact, that that which is my dire receive His own to Himself, and then shall the Church be enemy, is under the heel of Christ, He fought and con- i with Christ, making, in the purposes of God, one complete quered it, and would have His servants tell the glad news to whole. His reward is the Church, and the Church shall the perishing sons of men, that 'vVhosoever believeth share in the meting out of a ward to all others. Blessed is should not perish, but have eternal life.' That meets He that is called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. humanity's deepest and ever-present need. Glorious fact! _ Joyful message! 'Since the children are sharers of flesh 'IReunion of and blood, he also partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nought him that hath the power of IN the Recieu: of the Clucrchee, a new English periodical, death, that is the devil, and might deliver all them, who Mr. GJadstone, the Bishop of Ripon, Archdeacon Farm!', through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to Hugh Price Hughes, Lord Nelson and Dr. Jos. Parker are bondage.' contributing to a symposium on the above topic . Mr. Gladstone thinks that the' prosecution of discussions and plans for the uuion of Christian bodies now severed, is 1J)1S <tbUt'cb. a matter to be regarded with much interest and desire, (Swnmal'l/ of a }Jape1' sent by ]11'0. 11ester, (1 Napier, Inu. until or unless it touches pointe where real beliefs 01' great institutions are to he compromised.' ' which teas not read, owing to the lateness of the liour.} It seems as if the' until and unless' was strong enough IN this short paper I wish to speak of Christ and His Church, 'What Christ is to the Church and what the to entirely destroy the effectiveness of the 'interest and Church is to Christ.' Can we know? Yes,1ut only by desire.' 'What evangelistic denomination is there that does the reading and study of the Scriptures. From these we not consider that its separate existence is based upon .n may 1010"'. Some suppose that the death of Christ was for difference of 'real belief l' The reunion of Christendom the Church only, but that is a mistake. 'He died for all,' will hardly be accomplished on any such bases as that which Mr. Gladstone suggests. The' Apostle's doctrine' preceeds whether in the Church 01' out of it. 0, that all could see fellowship. Lord Nelson presses the' claims of the church this, surely it would compel their worship. The life they of England, as the mother Church of English Christianity,' now enjoy He died to secure. Life was forfeited ill Adam and the providential agent for the reunion of Christendom. when he sinned, but Christ ransoms that life, and so Adam Dr. Parker is willing to leave baptism all 'open question,' and' would make excommunication upon doctrinal grounds was spared and lived out. his mortal life. Had he died on impossible' The only man he would refuse church memberthe clay he sinned, in accordance with the threat, we should ship would be one who believed in 'distinguished grace.' not have lived, and without that, there had been for us no Dr. Parker seems more afraid of Calvinism than of infidelity 'life to come.' 80 Christ purchased Adam's life, and ours or almost any form of heresy. Mr. Hughes has hope that in him, with His own blood. Thus \\'e all now live, whether Christendom will one day be united, but fears that hundreds of years will elapse before that, He evidently fails to good or bad, by virtue of the sacrifice of Christ. 'What recognize the fact that the ad vent of Christ to gather all his wondrous love is thus shown to mortal men. We read that people to himself, is near <Lt and. h Christ is the' Saviour of the world.' Ye!", He died to save Archdeacon Farrar has an article written in a very catholic the world from the threatened conSertuellce of the Adamic 'spirit, iu which he proposes to 'cheerfully and always put Sill, and thus He became the' Saviour of all men.' Again, in the forefront the eternal truths of the gospel respecting which we are unammous, and regulate to the backaround then, let me say, man now lives by virtue of this salvation. the question of organization and minor difference!';"about Oh, that all, both in the Church and out of it, could see this, which as yet we are unable to agree.' And so it goes; and they would surely adore Him for this purchased life. But organic church union is as far off as before the discussion how much more should we praise Him for the life to come? commenced. Unity is of the Spirit, begins with Him, and Christ died and rose again-that does not make man will be realized only as He dwells in us and rules in our hearts and lives. Discussion about forms and methods of immortal; but the present life affords an opportunity to organization soon cease, if He h,t~ complete control.c-. secure immortality UL'(;l1 God's provided terms, that eternal Meesiah' Herald, .

cbneteuoom.

cbnet ano

r
30

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

"
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FEBRUARY,

1892.

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1ml~~~~OMPETTTOH.S must be under eightccn ycar>: of agc. It will bc understood that the To THE EDITOR OF THI<: BIBL1, STA~D.\'RD. answers sent are the rnt ire work of the ~:;-I((:: . !~'IH,- Will you kindly give an exposition of children. r<~' -_ ~~ 'Matt, xiii. 42, 'And shall cast them into a , HTNTS. 'furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and llegin with the present set. Do not write the questions, I~ :~ gnashing of teeth.' In the New Testament, but send the answ~?'s numbered to correspond with tho critically emphasised by J. B. Rotlierham, the questions, and state where you found/hem. Write in ink. passage reads much stronger, viz.: 'And will cast them See that ~'OUI'note contains name :1I1d address, and reaches into the furnace of the fire; there will be the wailing and me not later than the 18th of the month. Competitors the gnashing of the teeth.' Note the emphasis is on the Sonth of 'Welli ngtoll, and in Australia are allowed extension word 't,hel'e.' Could any other words depict conscious of time equivalent to the time taken Ior the S'l'A",DARD to suffering, aflp1' the judgment, plainer than these 1 each their homes. To give an opportunity to those who W.R. are over the ahove-stated Itge, and who would like to com-

I~I ~'

pete, we ha vc decided to form another class ; age from These will be expected to answer Tt is somewhat difficult to give an exposition of part of a eighteen to twenty-one. the stated questions, and the eoira ones, which latter the parable. Each was delivered as a whole, and ought to he considered as such; and this ono, relating as it does to the YOllnger class need not attempt. "~rite answers to extra , kingdom of heaven,' should hare an extended review to 1I0 questions on separate sheet of paper. 1)0 1I0t keep back, it justice, The object of the question is to find out the thongh you cannot solve every question. nature of the doom here threatened. 1. Who are the persons referred to? They are Israelites, unworthy to be in the kingdom because of iniquity. 2. What is to be done with them 1 They are to be 'cast into the furnace of fire.' 3. What will happen to them? '1'he1'l; will be the wailing and the gnashing of teeth.' I note the emphasis on the word 'there.' It is a suggestive emphasis, for it causes the enquiry, "There? It points to some locality 311<1 'TilE furnace of fire' is a phrase which implies that there was some well-known teaching upon it. The' where' is 'Gehenna '-' The Valley of Hinnom '-just outside the walls of Jerusalem. No other place is spoken of to the .Iews, and Old Testament prediction had revealed this as the place of future punishment for iniquitous Israelites. That fact should largely help to determine what. is to be (lone there with sinners.
TH E APOSTLE
SECOXI)

OF TH E (rE~TILES.
~E'I'.

SEHIES-8EC'OXI)

11Ii~siulI((}'!J JOII1'Jlry,-Acts xvi, 40; xvii. 9 I. By whom was Philippi founded) , , 2. Where does Paul speak of some glflS afterwards senl him from Philippi ? ""') ". What i, t he meaning of Amphipolis, and hall' did It get lis name. ~. I/ow did Tkessalonica get its name ? , . 5. Did Paul work with his hand" as well ~: preachv in T!lessalonlca ? 6, Give the names of two members of the 1 hessaloninn Church. 7. In :'[ark's Gospel find four passages sho:ving that the disciples diet not understand that] esus was to die, and to rise agaIn from the dead. 8, Find a pa,sage in the Old Testament which speaks of His resurrection. 9. When was a similar charge urought against jesus, (See verse ,.) 10. What is meant by othrr in verse 9 )
)'0 Ill'S Second EXTRA
I

(~UI:STrOXS.

Acts xvii. 2, Paul uses the name The Christ' in a manner which implies that ils import was well understood, Can you gil't' a summary showing from the Old Testament who this personage should be and what was expected of Him ) How would you show from the New Testament, in addition to what is said in verse 3, that Jesus is' The Christ' )

r. In

;2.

Does the language depict conscious suffering? Certainly. A:\'SWERS TU FInST f-iEnTES OF SECO:\,]) SET. But it must be noted that the conscious suffering is not the I. Foretelling (Dictionary). 2. Mark i. 25; Luke iv. 41. (loom threatened, but a result of it, but it may exist before 3. Mark xvi, 17 the actual doom is felt. The question is, How will the 4. 1 Thess. ii. 2. 5. Lystra (Acts xiv, 19) furnace of fire act upon these men? Is it a real fire? Yes, 6. Jer. xxxviii, 6; Dan, vi. 16. the analogy teaches that; 'As therefore the tares arc 7. Acts iv. 31. K Because be would have lost his lift! had he allowed his prisoners to gathered up and burned. with fire,' 'Vhat will fire' do with escape (see Acts xii. 19). mortal men? ' Consume them,' 'burn them up'; these are 9. RCl11an officials who carried a bundle of rods before 11Iagistrates. Biblical terms, In view of these it is wise to note that The 1'0[1-; were used for Aogglllg criminal-, 10. Publicly. there is no word or hint that the conscious suffering f'on]{ESULTS.-_/Il correct: Margnret Green, Bible Student. Niuc ,'0/'. Nine tinuee, but there is much, both in the analogy given and in rrct and 11(rt Xo. 6: J. J. French, E. Bauson, L. Falkuer. Brewste VV. j udkin-. ];;,:,qht C01'1'CC/ plain, didactic Scripture, to show that the fire will destroy correct : i\lay2 iu! 6: r, lIelen Brewster,Lawrence. anti part If F. Lawrence, S. l;'ight correct rout jJart of 6: F. French. 8('1:('11 ('ONCct and part 0/ 2 and 6: the evil-doer, and thus consciousness will cease.

FEBRUARY,

1892,

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

2

31

B:Aldridge, E. Aldi idge. Six C01TeCt and }JCt1-t of N 0\ Iies. Four COI"'CCt and part of 2: Rose J arvis,
AXSWEHS
11.

a.u! 6: W.

TO EXTHA

qUESTlOKS.

'Spirit of divination,' a Spirit enabling the one possessed by it to foretell future events-derived from an evil source. 12. Immersion in water-commanded by Christ. H. 'The margin gives spirit of "Python," meaning that she was a priestess of the Pythian Apollo, whose chief temple and oracle was at Delphi, and to this the people flocked for information, as they do now to spiritualist mediums; so that the real source of the power mentioned was H Spiritualism" pure and simple, or in other words" Satan," for to him, and him alone, can this gleat latter day deception be credited.' 12. By the term 'Baptism,' I understand <Immersion,' or 'to consecrate by putting into'; and this is the only way the Bible bears out the term. In Matt. iii. 6, we learn that John baptized (in)' Jordan. If he had sprinkled them there would have been no need to go into. the river. Then in the 16th verse we read that when jesus was baptized He came up out of the water,' which shows that IIe must have gone into it, and such a proceeding would not have been necessary had l Ie been sprinkled. See also Mark i. IQ; Acts viii. 39. Why was this act performed, To commeruorate His death and resurrection; but the Scriptures can explain it better than T can if you will look at Rorn. vi. 4, and Col. ii. 12. Before closing this I would like to tell of an incident I once heard a preacher relate: it ran as follows :-A minister at one time had a negro servant, who, of course, went to church like the rest, but on one particular morning the gentleman preached 011 'Baptism,' and at the close of the discourse, sprinkled a number of people. The negro noticed this, and next day, ill being told to bury some potatoes, he took them to the garden and sprinkled some soil on them. \Vhen the minister expressed his surprise at such a proceeding, he was told he had buried them the same as his master did the persons the day before.Your friend, Bm1.E STUDE!';,/,. [We print the foregoing this month as the fullest reply received, but all are good. Will Bible Student, as a .matter of courtesy, favour us with name and address; not for publication, but that our rule Illay not be departed from ?] Answers-to these questions have been received [mm Helen Brewster, Rose Jarvis, Louis Falkner, and Bible Student. We are pieased with the way in which these have done their work, and heg they will try again. We hope that others will join them in this interesr ing search. Be;:sure you understand the questions, and then answer as fully as possible, giving Scripture or other proof. The following are the Prize Winners for 1891 :-A.postle of the Ccntiles : Helen Brewster, i st ; Margaret Green, zno ; Louis Falkner, 3"tl; Sydney Smith, 4th. Pnzzlc Competition: Helen Brewster, ist ; J\largaret Green, 2nd. The prizes will be forwarded in due course.

we look at the floating clouds, And in fancy trace The shining robes and the feet of brass, A nd his glorious face; 'Ve hush our breath when the glo:tllling eOIl1f'8, And can almost hear The th rilling sound of his blessed words, But he is not here. Yet courage, brothers t 'Ve have And he will not fail: Let us be patient, and watch, and Till our prayers prevail. He will surely come, as he said he Tn the light sublime ; And we shall forget, as we see h is This wn.iting time. his word, wait would, face,
FAnKINC:J1.\~L

Sometimes

MART.\N~G

':f13ebolb, lbe cometb.'

An t:5ago, in Eastern lands They watched for hi iu, . List'ning oft for his chariot wheels As the (by grew dim, A nd wondered if he wou Id come again From Oli vet. With welcoming words on their lips, they look<:'(lA ne! he tarries yet. Every year across winter snows, With wistful eyes, EfLger disciples have watched for him To come from the skies; Every year, under summer suns They have sung his praise, And cried for him from their yearning heart-sHut he still delays.

AIlCKLAND.-\Ye are plOdding all, sowing the seed and w:l.Itlllg (or the harvest. The past month has been marked by nothing tin usual. The warm weather has somewhat thinned our meetings, a number of members residing for the summer a distance from town. The influenza has held some ill its grip for a short time, hut we are glad to record that all so far attacked are recovering. In the Bible Class the readings have chiefly related to the important question, What were the gifts of the Spirit as possessed by the early believers, and why are they now absent?' The mothers' meeting has recommenced, and holds its Bible readinos every Monday afternoon at 2.30. " DllNEDTN.-vVe have pleasure in reporting that two were baptized on Saturday evening last, Bros. ~l'Neil and Haggitt, of Wangaloa. We : were cheered by their presence, and by 'he words of our aged Bro. Taylor, who came with them." He spoke both morning and evening. ''le are glad to learn that a meeting for worship will soon be held at \Vangaloa. \Ye also rejoice in the fellowship of Bro. and Sis. Pollock , and are looking forward to other additions. The Church is working ill peace and love; the meetings are well maintained. llro. Carr is pushIng forward the truths of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and trying hard to bring many to the foot of the Cross. and to obey His commancls of the Lord. \Ve are pleased to have Ilro. Can, jnn., in our midst for a short time. He will leave us soon for a distant land. Our prayers are that he will be guarded by the A lmigbty, and be prosperous in all his undertakings. The Church and Sunday School had an enjoyable picnic on New Year's Day. The Bible Class is well , attended, and we are looking forward hopefully. SYDNEY.-The brethren are still holding forth the truths we so dearly love. vVe shall be assisted by Bro. C. A. Brown, of Melbourne (who is at present in Sydney), with a course of lectures, which we hop" will bring many to recognise the necessity of putting off the old man and putting on the new one in baptism into Christ. We intend hoiding our lectures in the heart of the city. \Ve have been meeting in the suburb of Newtown for the past two years. \Ve are hoping that we shall be able to have also a permanent meeting in the city, to continue the labours of Bros. Brown and Edgebill.

current

'tRews ane !Aotes.

They died at their watch on the beacon height, And we take their place: We long, as they longed in the olden days, For the sigh t of his face; The sad earth wants him in her deep woe, 1'0 gi ve her rest; But the yetl,rs pass on, and he does not come To make us blest.

MR. CORRIE JOW,SON is issuing a periodical called Truth, which professes to appeal to the Scriptures to answer' Rationalistic, Larger Hope, Conditional Immortality, and Downgrade views.' If the 'answers' to Conditional Immortality are at all akin to those he delivered in Auckland, there is not much fear that that doctrine will suffer greatly. The present number of all Protestant missionaries in heathen lands is 4.300. A million and a half copies of' Pilgrim's Progress' have been sold to Chinamen in nine provinces in one year. There are ninety-two Christian churches and chapels in the city of Tokio, Japan. The first one was erected only twenty-five years ago.

THE BIBLE STANDAIlD.

The great Methodist World's Consulting Conference met, councilled, and parted. Five hundred able ministers convened, representing twentynine Methodist sects, and it is said that in ~he reports of the sessions, themes, and sayings of this Christian body, there- is not so much as a hare allusion to the last and near coming of the glorious I1ead of the Church, the Lord Jesus. Wonderfully strange, is it not? How is this to be explained? When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find the faith on the eart h ? "Ve heard the other day that Russian persecution of the Jews is not confineclto that land, but that Jews on hoard ship are made to suffer keenly by their Russian comrades. It is reported that a Jew on the Russian war vessel recently in Auckland waters was leading a life worse than that of a dog, by reason of the petty persecutions he had to endure from his shipmates, and that he tried to escape, but was captured and taken back, begging that he might be killed rather than sent back to the vessel, and declaring that he would end his troubles by suicide. This is the report. If trne, we ask can such things he within the precincts of our boasted free institutions? Could these have come to light earlier, we '!hink something would have been heard in Auckland from both pulpit and press against such despicable actions in our waters,

1,'F.UJlt' AI~Y. 1892.

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Hold services as under :AUCKLAND-Foresters' Hall, Karungahape Road. Sunday, at II o'clock a.rn., Fellowship Meeting. 6.45 p.m., Lecture on some important Bible Theme . Sunday School at 3. Wednesday evening, Bible Class at 7.30. Evangelist's address-Geo. Aldridge, Boston Road. Grsnonn t=-Meeting Address=-Mr. held in private houses. A Slack. North Gisborne.

,DUNEDIN-OddfellolVs' Hall, Stuart-street. Sunday, at II a.m., Fellowship Meeting. Lecture at:6.45. Sunday School at 2.45. Prayer Meeting and Bible Class every Friday evening at 7.30. Evangelist's Address=-Edwin Carr, Stafford Street. TI;i\~[ES Pollen Street Lecture Hall. Sunday, at 11 n.rn., Fellowship I\Iecting. Evening Service at 6.30. Sunday School at 2.30. Bible Class every Wednesday evening at 7.30. Evangelist's Address-E. H. Taylor, Thames,

STANDARD
~HILL[NG

'fRACTS.
PET: HUXDREll.

Xo. No. No. No.

I-A Fruitless Search. 2-The Wage of Sin, Fourteen ::I-No. Immortal Soul. 4-The Spirit in Man.

Witnesses.

THE

PROPHECY
R\'
GEORGE

ON
ALDRTDGE.

OLIVE~

1\1ELBouRNE-Eastern Arcade, Bourke-street. Sunday, at 5.30 p.I11., Fellowship Meeting. Lecture at 7 p.m. Bible Class Tuesday Evening, at 7.45. ADELAIDE, S.. \.-Meeting for ~ellolVship and Breaking of Bread, 11 a. m., 96, North Terrace. Inquiry and Discussion Class, Y. M.C. A. Parlor, Monthly, on nearest Friday to full moon. Secretary's address-F. B. Hughes, 96, North Terrace. SYD'ofEY-Warwick Hall, Station Street, Newtown, Morning meeting at 1I. Bible Class Wednesday at 7.45. Secretary's address- \V. Warner, 16 Piu-street,

P R ICE SIX PEN C R. P 0 S T E I GIlT PEN C E. , The writer deals with the matter in a masterly manner, and all through there is [L manifest wishfulness to have the arguments in harmony with the truths of the Word." -A ucldasul Evening Star. 'The position taken by 0111' old friend the author is, the literality of Scripture prophecy, and that prophecy makes no attempt to deal with general connected history, bnt is essentially Jewish and essentially critical,-i.e., it deals only with periods of great crises. In this the author substantially carries with him the judgment of his reviewer-in fact, throughout we find ourselves in practical agreement with this work, which forms a very useful handbook to these two chapters of J,fatthew and the kindred portions of Mark l\1)d Ll(.kc,'-Bible Standard, England,

Redfern.

Printed by H. BRETT, Evening Star Office, Shortland-street , for the New Zealand Evangelistic and Publication Association, and published l.y E. n. FJll.KNER, Karangahape Road, Auckland, flc)lRUARY, 1892.