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VOL.

30.

No. 10.

AUCKLAND,

N.Z.,

OCTOBER,

1910.

TWOPENCE.

below will be assailed by the falling wreckage of friend and foe alike. There will be new and strange guns and strange missiles in that conflict, and there will be fearful manoeuvres between contending crafts in their attempts to outrace and override each other for advantage of position, and to bring their instruments of mutual destruction into action." Yet we hear of mutual peace and lrrotherhood ; but actions speak louder than words! . Whilst European peoples are watching thc bewildermg race for war equipment which is going on between the Great Powers, there seems to be looming over them a cloud of trouble which has not as yet apparently attracted the attention of the Governments. Some few thoughtful 1Looming students of the signs of the times :!Danger. are noting this coming gravc dangel', and are urging that present attention should he paid to it. That prospective trouble arises from the fact that Mohammedanism is uniting its dividerl forces. Moslem hordes of everv race and hue are hoinz welderi . b together under the banner of El Senussi. ""'ho is he?" is it asked. He is the Mohammedan equivalent for the Messiah. He is "the son of an Alzcrian lawyer who o ." before 11e died in 1850, declared his son to hc the true Mahdi, and he is said to satisfy in all points the Mohammedan idea of the true Mahdi." He is now located ill the centre of Africa, 500 miles from the coast, and is cnforcing upon his followers a return to the strict simplicity of the original Moslem doctrine. Has-per's Weeldy sal's: "The faith of: J slam is the most vital influence in the world to-day. It is making converts more rapidly than all other religions combined. Its agents are swarming through all tho territories of the Old World. They have civilised immense regions of Central Africa, and have built up the scattered pagan tribes into powerful communities; they arc permeating the East Indies; they are breaking down the caste degrarlation of India." And a careful observer adds : "PanJ slamism is ready for the inevitable life and death struggle with the Christian world."

HE progress of the new art of aviation is attended with an alarming sacrifice of human 1if'e. It has become quite the common thing for us to find in our morno~"'ll~\~ ing paper the record of some fatal acci'~~~'" ~ent c?uscd by thi s latost form of human o..q; inventions. If ow significant is the fact that almost all of human inventions, of which the world boasts, exact their toll in human life, and this latest craze seems to be specially fatal. As yet its utility to men has not been demonstrated. It is true that enormous suma of money have been obtained bv the making of 1IIJe 1Rq;t {]ights, hut as vet there is no ap@reat 1lmar. parent service that can be rendered to humanity by the art. Save-and this must be noticed-that is, if it can be viewed as a saving clause that men are centring their hopes upon it as an azcnt in the Next Great War. J n view of the possible use to he made of these new engines of war, experiments have boon conducted wi th the object of finding out if these aerial machines can be reached by firing from a moving vessel. It is claimed that thc tests made show that it can be done, and, of course, endeavour will be made to perfect the arms that will be used for such purpose. That we are not alonc in our view as to the main purpose of the feverish endeavour to perfect the flying machine as an engine of war, and the guns that shall oppose them, note the significant words of Sir Hiram Maxim, the great inventor :-"We shall not have to wait 100 TcaTS for that spectacular eventuation-a fight between aerial navies, for these are bound to come with a sudden rush of wings. In the next great war, over the roar of battle below, there will speed to the conflict H tornado of flying machines, air-craft against air-craft. in a strange demoniacal encounter, while the combatant~

For twenty-five years El Senussi has worked and waited, and now, it is declared, he is convinced that the time is close at hand for the declaration of a Holy War.

146
The Holy Islamic

THE

BIBLE

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1910.

League, claiming to unite under its banner all Mohammedans, has ~slam's ~ro:::: sent out a proclamation entitled "Islam's Last Words to Europe." ctamatton. NI essiah' s H erald gives the following extracts from this document :-"Christian peoples 1 It is time that we should be heard. The hatred entertained by the people of Islam for Christians is irreconcilable. After centuries of hard work spent in the attempt to make us friendly toward you, the only result has been that we now despise you more than was ever the case in the annals of history Our most urgent prayer is that the great day may soon come when we can wipe out the last trace of your accursed rule. We now know that we are three hundred million strong. We have needed organisation and concentration, and you have forced us to take these steps. Islamic unity is now becoming a reality from one end of the earth to the other; and a holy zeal is uniting us and driving us to our inevitable destiny. We do not fear your threats or your arms."

Catholic Congress has been recently which, replying to an address of welBourne said "that they, as Catholics, at heart than to work in entire unity and co-operation with the local authorities under whose guidance 1Romisb they lived." And this in face of Slla\)itl]. the events now taking place in Spain 1 We turn to a cable dated from Rome, July 7th, and we read of a persecution against Protestants in the Province of Avellino. So bitter was the feeling roused that troops were required to conduct the persecuted Protestants out of the neighbourhood. Mr. Stuart, of the American Baptist Board of Missions, applied to the Premier for protection, and was granted a strong contingent of police, carabineers, and soldiers; but on returning to the place they were met by thousands of infuriated people howling, "Down with the Protestants I" Stones were thrown, and several of the Protestants were wounded, and the party had to take refuge in a building, and not till next day, when a reinforcement of 400 soldiers were hurried to the spot, could they leave. Rightly interpreted, the words of the Archbishop mean, that where he and his party are not strong enough to hold the upper hand they will work in unity with the local authorities; but where they hold the balance of power, woe betide those who differ from them. But why go so far from home? Let unhappy Ireland tell its own story of the present troubles, and no further comment is needed upon this honey and butter language of the Archbishop.

A great Roman held at Leeds, at come, Archbishop had nothing more

in a speech made by thexnewly-elected President of the Wesleyan Reform Union at Sheffield. Mr. J. H. Freeborough, 'Wlas lbe lRot speaking on the hope for the fu:lJ3Untll ture unity of the Christian Church, said "that he firmly believed the great agency for the unification of Christendom was the Roman Catholic Church. No other Church had the outlook, the machinery, the traditions, or the wealth and ability to bring together all the forces of Christendom. It was a strange thing to say in a Protestant Union, but the secret lay there, and if they could move that great power to the needs of humanity, the day of Christ's coming would be in our time." We do not know which to marvel at most-this man's blindness to history, or his ignorance of the Bible. Both seem to be fairly prominent. Certainly, the latter is clear to every instructed reader of the Word. He who imagines that the day of Christ's coming is to be brought in by any human organisation, Church or otherwise, needs to be put somewhere back in the A.B .. . class of Bible study to be C taught a few things. We notice that in the equipment said by him to be possessed by the RC. Church for the task of reunion, this speaker left out the Bible. Thank God, her power to exclude this book from the people is gone from a large part of area where once she ruled, and its presence in the hands, the minds, and the hearts of the people is a safeguard against any union of the Church to be effected by her power. Ecclesiastical union of that kind once existed, and it meant death to civil and religious freedom, and signified the exclusion of the Word from the people. We are glad to notice that this utterance called forth some vigorous protests from those who heard the speech. It surely appears that a new era is dawning for Spain, so long the willing tool of the Papacy. The strained relations between Madrid and the Vatican still continue. The Papacy has tried to coerce the Spanish Governmcnt, with the result that the Government refuses to submit lRew lbope to Papal dictates, and grants to for Spain. the Spanish people their religious liberty. So intolerant have been the Romish authorities, that Protestant places of worship were not permitted to have upon them any indication of their character, and in one instance the front doors of such a place were not alloweel to be opened on the plea that such opening would. advertise the Protestant faith to the detriment of thc established religion. The Prime Minister, Senor Canalejas, has declared that there is one office which the Government would not consent to serve. It declined to become once more the weapon and coercive arm of the' Vatican. It refused to impose the faith of Romc upon its people at the point of the sword. The motto of: the Government was "Liberty for all, but not liberty outside the State dotrimcn ta 1 to Spain." So far as evidence goes, King Alfonso openly favours the Reform party, and is said to be deter-

The glamour of the seeming unity of the RC. Church seems to be upon a good many who are truly classed as Ircak-kneed Protestants. An instance of this is to hand

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mined to place his throne in jeopardy rather than fail in the execution of the Government's liberal pledges to the people. It certainly looks as if the Papacy must again knuckle down, anc1 allow that in the country where for many years it has hac1 its strongest support it is now being put into a suborc1inate position. The Evangelicals are rejoicing, for now they are able to enjoy the form of religion they prefer, without the hampering restrictions imposec1 by a haughty anc1 jealous priesthooc1.

the pressure of opinion the gentleman has resignec1, but the delayed action robs him of the martyr's crown. But we are interested here in his own statement concerning the Bible. He says: "The Bible is to me a most wonderful book. A human book, anc1 valuable because it is human-but it has a divine message-a message of righteousness." Following this, he proceeds to write of the presence of certain things in the Bible which he cannot accept. But let us say,-The value of the Bible is not to be demonstrated by presenting a category of things which are rejected. In what does its true worth to the sons of men lie when all things are taken from it How much of the Bible are the Higher Critics leavwhich the critical element declare to be untrue or not ing to us? It is quite the commonplace of their writc1ivine? That which is simply a "message of righteousings anc1 speeches that the Bible is to them a new book. ness" cannot save me. There must be something which That its teachings are higher, holier, more helpful anc1 will reach to the unrighteous anc1 ll...ring him into the comforting than unc1er the view of position of the righteous by c1ealing with his past units entirety as the Worc1 of God. righteousness and freeing him from the just con se1f<1lbatis tbe But this kind of talk is to us very . quences. What, in the view of Higher Criticism, is lRestblle 1 vague, anc1 as yet we c10 not know this? Vague and sentimental phraseology will not of any serious attempt that has been made to show how satisfy the earnest inquirer. this can be. Usually, when any of these gentlemen have attempted to produce any evic1ence at all to show We deem the following paragraphs from the M isthe improvement, they evince such a lamentable lack of siona1'y Review of the World worthy of a place in our real knowledge of the Bible as to leac1 the true student columns :-"From Germany, for many years the strongto feel a blush of shame for them. They reminc1 us of hold of rationalism, of destructive higher criticism, and a story told of a soldier of Alexander the Great, who of infidelity, comes the report of a was engaged with his companions in plunc1ering the recent remarkable religious c1emonlRepelltng palace of Darius. The story runs that he found a leastration. This was directly caused lRattonaltsltt. ther bag containing the crown jewels of Persia. The by a bitter infidel attack upon prize was of immense value, but the stupid fellow, Christianity. A short time ago, the well-known unbeignorant of its value, shook out the glittering stones lieving Professor Drews, of Berlin, attacked the reality among the rubbish, anc1 went away boasting about the and historicity of Jesus Christ, in an address delivered fine bag he had found for carrying his food! On lookbefore the Monoist 'Club.' Jews and infidels heartily ing over critical works, 'we come to tIle conclusion that applauded the professor, and made so much noise that precious little is being left to us, and the wholesale it almost seemed as if few believers were to be found in carving and mutilating- destroys an otherwise coherent the German capital. But that noise awakened the sleeprecord, and takes away all point and purport from the ing believers, and caused them to rally for a religious admonitions and warnings of Scripture, and leaves us demonstration larger than has ever before been witno gospel of God to present to the sons of men. nessed in Berlin. After a number of smaller protest meetings had been held, the 'Positive Church Association for the Advancement of Evangelical Life in Here is a case in point. A minister in the South, Berlin' called a mass meeting of believing Christians to Rev. Chapple, has been requested to resign his charge the great Circus Busch for February 20. Large red because he has openly identified himself with the placards, with the inscription 'Jesus Lives,' in heavy Rationalistic Association and its representative. We type, and an announcement of the proposed meeting, are sure that no one reading the adorned the official advertising columns, found at the H lRatiollaltsttc evidence presented but must say street corner, for several days before the set date. Prominister. that the Presbytery has acted grammes, widely distributed, announced as the one subrightly. If the rev. gentleman felt ject to be discussed the direct statement 'Jesus Lives,' that his views hac1 so changed that he coulc1 no longer adding as sub-divisions (1) The Word of God proves it; preach according to his ordination vows, then he ought, (2) Personal religious experience affirms it; (3) Public ere this, to have statec1 the change of his convictions, life shows it; (4) The Church o~ Goc1 stands and fans and resigned his charge. This much shoulc1 be said with the living Christ; (5) Let us hold fast our prowithout raising the question as to which party is right fession.When the day of the mass meeting arrived, in doctrinal views. The charge that other ministers are the immense Circus Busch, which easily accommodates not in harmony with the ordination vows does not alter 8,000 people, was (according to police estimates) the above aspect of the case. To make them equally crowded by 12,000, an hour before the time of opening, culpable is not a justification. Honesty surely calls for while the surrounding streets were filled with thousands an immediate declaration of the changed view. Under

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1910.

who were unable to gain admittance. The chairman of the meeting was Police Commissioner Baron van Loebell. The speakers were some of the most prominent ministers and laymen of Berlin, and a most impressive testimony was given to the deity of Jesus Christ, and His atoning death, 'as the foundation of Christianity.

~be lDtspensational

<tbange.

"More important than this meeting seems to us the attitude of the thousands who, at its opening, crowded the streets around the Circus Busch. As soon as it became known that this multitude could not gain admission to the Circus, an attempt :all lElltbu:::: was made to rent an immense hall stasnc Manl:::: in the neighbourhood. It could not restanou. be had, and suddenly the thousands quietly went toward the Royal palace, and speedily crowded the wide Lustgarten, in front of which Luther's hymn, 'A mighty fortress is our God,' was sung throughout. Then the President of the Y.M.C.A., van Rothkirch, took the reins of the improvised meeting into his hands, and offered a most fervent prayer. In the meantime, one of the speakers of the meeting held in the Circus Busch arrived, and gave a deeply spiritual address, standing upon the steps of the great cathedral which flanks the Lustgarten. Another of the stirring German hymns was sung by more than 20,000 voices, and after that a deep devotional hymn, 'So nimm denn meine Hande.' The impression which it created was marvellous! 'rears were in the eyes of almost everyone as the multitude thus sang and prayed, 'So lead Thou me, until my blessed end, and evermore.' As the last words were sounding, the great doors of the cathedral were thrown open, and, still singing, the multitude entered, and quickly filled every corner of the spacious building. The seats usually reserved for princes, nobles, or members of the German Parliament were occupied by men of humble stations. The labourer, the merchant, the poor and the rich, the educated and the uneducated, mingled together-all one in Christ Jesus. Yet, though every available place in the house of God was occupied, Jour-fifths of those who had assembled in the Lustgarten were unable to obtain admittance, and reluctantly returned to their homes, rejoicing that, by their very presence, they had testified that, from personal experience they knew that 'Jesus lives.' In the cathedral an improvised meeting of thanksgiving and praise was held, at which Court Chaplains and other speakers addressed the multitude, and expressed the gratitude of every believer to Him who had made possible a demonstration of such magnitude and depth. 'Finally all rose and repeated the creed together with loud voice. The German daily press, which generally takes little interest in religious matters, recognised the importance of this popular demonstration at once, as a sign of religious and spiritual life. The religious papers saw in it a proof that the German masses are not so much tainted with infidelity and rationalism as is commonly supposed. May it be the beginning of a great religious revival throughout Europe!"

The distinction between the Kingdom and the Church is one which is known in less or greater degree to all your readers. The elements of difference are seldom referred to, although they constitute an important testimony to a change of dispensation, a change indeed which illustrates the super-abounding of the grace of God over all the sin of man. We propose to submit some parts of the Scripture teaching, which, in their contrasts, indicate the change referred to. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself declared that He "was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. xv. 24). And His apostle, Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, "For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that He might confirm the promises given unto the fathers" (Rom. xv. 8). So the same apostle announced to "Men of Israel and ye that fear God" that "we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers, how that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that He raised up Jesus" (Acts xiii. 32, 33). (In passing, we point out the remarkable expression in the connection, "unto our children.") It is manifest that the promises made unto the fathers included blessing to the Gentiles, the nations. The Scriptures testify that through tlle seed of Abraham all the nations would be blessed, hut blessing could come only through Israel; hence, the nations were only guests of the covenants of the promise. There is warrant for so rendering "strangers from the covenants of the promise" (Eph. ii. 12), as may be seen on a cursory examination of the Greek word translated "strangers." It is not easy to see how the nations, who were distinctly promised blessing through the promises, can be called "strangers," while the word "guests" accuratelv describes their position. A prime feature of the teaching of our Lord and' the twelve, as well as of John the Baptizer, was that they heralded the Kingdom, preached the good news of the Kingdom, i.e., that the Kingdom was at hand. In the light of that proclamation must be read the injunctions of the Gospels and of the book of Acts. To particularise, if we carry over into this dispensation our Lord's precepts in what is called "the sermon on the Mount," we must set aside the explicit teaching of Paul in his epistles. For instance, in Matt. vi. 32, 33, Luke xii. 31, there is assurance of "all these things" being furnished to each one who seeks first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Now, even a very limited experience shows that in this age many of God's worthy ones are in dire penuI'V, a clear proof that the promise in Matt. vi. 33 is not for this time. Far otherwise was it when the Lord was on earth; the command to teach one was to sell all that he had and give to the poor and to follow Him (Luke xviii. 22). Prompt obedience is seen in Matt. iv. 20, 22; ix. 9; and in Acts ii. 44, 45; iv 32 37-in these last cases at an hour when the diseiples looked for the Lord's speedy return, as may be seen from Acts iii. 19, 20. In contrast, we find in

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a people for His name. And to this agree the words of 1 Tim. v. 8, "If any provideth not for his own, and the prophets; as it is written, After these things I will specially his own household, he hath denied the faith return" (Acts xv. 14). J ames looked for the Lord's and is worse than an infidel." return "after these things." For anyone to say that When our Lord was on earth it seems that the posthe "people for His name" is the Church of this dissession of riches was incompatible with such a strong pensation is to reject Paul's emphatic teaching that trust in Him ,Yho was there as would lead a rich man that Church was a mystery revealed first to him. It is to give up all for Him, whose words were, "Woe unto quite impossible that Acts xv. 14 can refer to what was you that are rich, for ye have received your consolation" afterwards revealed to Paul, to what hacl been kept hid (Luke vi. 24); "It is easier for a camel to enter in from the ages and generations, ef. Rom, xvi, 25, 26; through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter Eph. iii. 3-10; Col. i. 26, 27. into the Kingdom of God" (Luke xviii, 25). On the Further proof of a change of dispensation may be other hand, ""V hen I sent you forth without purse and found in the cessation of all miracle at the bands of the wallet and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing" (Luke xxii, 35). It is clear that a change apostle Paul. How the Divine Power operated through him may be seen from the record in Acts, and, as eumwas coming, as indicated by the following verse in the marised, in Rom, xvi. 18, 19, yet all such operation words, "But now," etc. And Paul, writing to Timothy, ceased after the final rejection by the Jews of the grace instructs him to "charge them that are rich in this of God (Acts xxviii, 26, 28). In later years Paul (lid world," the injunction being for rich men in the Church not heal Epaphroditus (Phil. ii. 27) ; Timothy (1 Tim. of which Paul was made a minister (1 Tim. vi. 17). v. 23); Trophimus (2 'rim. iv. 20). These passages of themselves mark a distinction between Kingdom and Church, and between their disWe may again refer to the words of our Lord (Luke tinctive doctrines. And let it be most earnestly xxii. 35). After the apostles had confessed that they kept in mind that except there be such change, had lacked nothing, 'He said unto them, But now, he cvcry command of our Lord given to the apostles is that hath a purse let him take it, and likewise a wallet; in its literality binding on believers now (Matt. xxviii. and he that hath none, let him sell his cloak and buy a 20) . sword." Strange would it be indeed were there no Another instance is found in a comparison of Mark emphatic intimation here of a change of circumstances, xvi. 16-18 with the circumstances of the present age. and we may not be erring when we connect this sword with that of Rom. xiii. 4. 'I'he Lord's words are, "And these signs shall follow All these Scriptures confirm us in our belief that to them that believe: in my name shall they cast out Paul was committed something new altogether, the demons; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall teaching concerning the Church which is His Body. take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, This agrees with his writing to the Galatians, (chap. it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on ii.), that the gospel which he preached among the Genthe sick, and they shall recover." It is a promise to all tiles was not the same in all respects as that which the that belieoe >' yet let any believer ask himself whether he twelve proclaimed to the circumcision. Were it not so, is so empowered! We quote separately, in particular verses 2-9 of that chapter would be unintelligible. The reference, verse 15, "Go ye into all the world and apostle's own references elsewhere to "my gospcl," anc1 preach the gospel to the whole creation," and submit that, whatever these words cover in extent, they have to the special revelations granted to him concerning that gospel and concerning the Church of this dispenbeen fulfilled, for Paul, writing to the Colossians, adsation, corroborate the views here put forward, while verts to "the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven" (Col. i. 23). his epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, those which are so specially written for that It is asserted by some that the miraculous gifts proChurch's guidance upon earth, are remarkable for the mised in these closing verses of Mark's gospel were inconstant call to walk by faith, and by faith alone. Yet tended to establish "the Church" in its infancy, and if the conditions be the same as under the preaching were withdrawn when no longer needed. This is merely of the Kingdom, we of this time are warranted in lookbegging the question, a reading into Scripture which ing for the operation of the po\rcrs which were so maniis unwarranted, and it might reasonably be replied fest in Pentecostal days. In these epistles, however, that there never was a time when such gifts were needed there is no promise of "signs" or "gifts," and this is to establish "the Church" as at present. But, as we just because, the gospel of the Kingdom being- in abevshall see, the Church of this dispensation was not even ance, its attendant signs have ceased, and the present in existence at that time. That such "gifts" and "powers" did. operate, as recorded in the book of Acts, dispensation is one in which believers walk by faith alone, not in the very smallest measure by sight. only shows that the proclamation of that hour, to Jew Before closing, it may not be out of place to call and Gentile alike, was connected with the Kingdom. attention to the exalted posi tion of the Church of this It will be seen from Acts iii. 19-21, 26, that the apostles age, that Church which is His Bodv, as revealed proclaimed the speedy return of the Messiah, if the through the apostle Paul. The hope of: that elect nation would "repent and turn again." At a later time Church is unique, and is nothing less than "the prize of the apostle J ames declared, "Symeon hath rehearsed the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil, iii. 14). how first God did visit the Gentiles to take out of them

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'I'hat is to say, the call upwards of God in Christ Jesus, or, as the Syriac (Peshito) renders it, "the call of God from on high by Ohrist Jesus." A thoughtful perusal of verses 10-14 will solemnize our hearts when we remember that the words are written by an inspired apostle! If such effort on His part, what of us! And the only answer is that, to each one of us, the grace of our Lord abounds exceedingly, both now and throughout the ages. DECIMUS.

-0-'~~'--0--'~'

:Ecboes from Wlest Street.

'~"~'~"--0-'~'
SENTENCING THE TRANSGRESSORS. In a former paper in this series we have contended that the threat made to Adam conveyed the idea of undelayed physical death. No qualifying terms are found in connection with that language. The solemn and clear statement is made; "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." On that passage we remarked, if, when man had eaten of the forbidden fruit, God had immediately destroyed him, this language would not call for any change or further explanation. No necessity would arise to discover what meaning lay hidden in the terms employed. A swift and painless death would have amply fulfilled every requirement of the language of the text. We further contended that it is our bounden duty to endeavour to understand the terms as the would bear upon the mind of the man to whom they were addressed. The after events afford much light and instruction to us, out what did the words convey to the man at the time he heard them? We cannot for a moment imagine that to him the convenient notion would occur that a thousand-year day was intended; nor can we think that he would imagine that a long-drawn-out death by natural processes was intended. Least of all can we suppose that the grim horrors of death, with "miseries, temporal, spiritual, and eternal," would loom before his imagination. There is no difficulty whatever in the words employed, and the whole phrase stands before us with remarkable emphasis as a threat of an immediate inflicted death. So much is clear when we consider the passage unhampered with modern theories concerning man's nature, and crude fancies as to the nature of the Atonement. But it will be said, "The view taken concerning the nature of the threat is to be determined by the sentence which was actually passed upon the sinning pair when they had transgressed. Whatever our preconceptions from the language of the threat, these must give place to the facts as opened before us in the sentence." Thlls the view is that the sentence actually passed upon Adam and his wife interprets for us the meaning of the threat. But, we ask, Why should this be necessarily so? It

certainly is not true in every instance as regards human laws. The penalty for murder is death, but there are many instances in which persons who have committed murder have not been put to death. 'I'hey have been sentenced to varying sentences of imprisonment, and have not suffered the extreme penalty. Who would say that if a murderer is committed to prison during His Majesty's pleasure, that that sentence is the interpretation of the penalty of capital punishment. We submit that whatever light may be thrown by one Scripture upon another, it cannot be such light as will contradict the exactitude of Bible language. We contend therefore that the investigation should at this stage be perfectly free, and that we need not fetter it under any feeling of compulsion to find in this sentence the exact fulfilment of the penalty that was threatened. It is our duty to ask what happened when the man had transgressed. We note that the culprits humbly and truthfully state their sin when called upon for an explanation. 'I'he usual fictitious indignation which affirms that Adam casts the blame upon Eve, has no place here. Adam states the truth, and so does Eve, the latter summarising the temptation with which she was assailed in the brief statement, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." From this point onward the language used must be closely examined. :N 0 further word is heard from either of the sinning pair. The Lord God speaks, and every word He uses is weighted with meaning, must not be trifled with, nor altered to suit any theory. They listen first to the doom upon the serpent, in which, be it noted, is the clear intimation that no death penalty is to pass upon the human transgressors, for in it future destruction is threatened to the serpent, to be effected by the woman's seed. Then she must live in order to bring forth offspring. That hint is broadened into positive statement in the words addressed to the woman. As co-transgressors, both the man and the woman were liable to the threatened doom. Let us take first the sentence passed upon the woman t-s"Unto row and children; rule over the woman He said: I will greatly multiply thy SOl" thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth. and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall thee."

Perhaps it would be well for our readers to ask themselves at this stage what this sentence has in common with the threat given in Gen. ii. 17. 'I'here is no word of death, or of dying, and certainly no hint of miseries spiritual and eternal. Evidently it was originally intended that the woman should bear children, for it is said that, as a consequence of her transgression, her sorrow and her conception should be "greatly multiplied." So that the first consequence which came as a result of the sin was an increase in the number of children that should be born, with the accompaniment of personal suffering for the mother. By what manner of interpretation can the grant of an increase of posterity be viewed as a carrying out of a death penalty? And it may be well to add,

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what must be thought of that interpretation which holds that eternal misery is a part of the penalty, and which must, if believed, yield the view that God caused the multiplied increase of the human race with that doom as a possibility! 'I'hus far there is no sign of the carrying out of a threatened death penalty. Let us now look at, and carefully note, the language addressed to Adam :
"And unto Adam He said: Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded! thee saying, Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and! thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

Here is the detailed sentence actuallv passed upon Adam, and, clause by clause, it demand~ our examination, that our conclusions regarding it may be justly founded. 'I'he first words of J ehovah accept the plea that Adam had put forward, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat," and use that plea as the reason for the sentence that follows. "Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice' of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree." The man sinned under temptation, and not of his own desire. It is on record that "Adarp. was not beguiled." He knew perfectly well what he was doing, and there seems good reason for the conclusion that he knew well the state of danger into which Eve had fallen, and deliberately chose to die with her rather than live without her. We cannot but think that whilst the act of Eve was impulsive, that of Adarn must have been the result of a reasoned consideration, otherwise we know not how to understand the declaration of the apostle that Adam was not deceived. Be it noted that the first part of this sentence is a curse, but it does not fall directly upon man, but upon the ground, in order that hard conditions of life may be his portion. Whereas in the garden the products were free and abundant, outside, in the new conditions, he must wrestle with the soil to obtain a sufficiency of food. Unceasing toil, involving a labour so strenuous that the body must be wet with perspiration in the unceasing effort to keep down, or eradicate the everspringing noxious growths that would choke the herb of the field, should be his lot. Food is guaranteed, but labour must co-operate to produce it; this is the main feature of the sentence passed. But this is not death. Here is no penalty of inflicted death. This is a promise of life, and of means whereby it may be continued! And here are no allusions to miseries, spiritual and eternal. Man has lost the right to continue longer in the garden. He was placed there under conditions of test. He has failed; he cannot longer remain therefore under those conditions. It is in mercy to the man that he is spared, and is sent forth under new conditions to live and to look for the coming seed, through whom should come redemption. .But it will be said, Do not the words that follow

indicate the passing of a death penalty? He should return to the ground, "unto dust shalt thou return." It is certainly clear that here is the indication that he would die, but here is no inflicted penalty. As shown in a former paper, this man was by nature mortal, and his stay in the garden had not changed his nature. It had put him into conditions in which he could not die whilst his test continued, and by which he need not die if obedient; but when he is put forth from the garden he is thrown wholly upon his own original nature, and when that which was by nature mortal failed, then, of course, he must return unto the dust. But, we again say, this is not inflicted death; it is no infliction of the penalty of death. He who can read this story, and observe all the language, and notice the provision made in mercy for the multiplicity of seed, and 10r the food provision for man, and still say that the death penalty was here inflicted, has a gift of interpretation we do not envy. No, no, a thousand times No! The penalty of death was not inflicted upon the man. Mercy shone in that sentence that was passed. 'I'he return to dust was unavoidable, man being what he was by nature, and no longer worthy to stand as a representative of the race on trial for a racial immortality; but he is sent forth into other conditions, where he may look for an individual immortality by obedience under those new conditions, and in waiting for the promised Seed who should succeed where he himself had failed. The mercy of Goel provides these conditions, and acts promptlywith loving haste-lest man should mar the operation of these new conditions for his benefit by partaking of the Tree of Life in a state of sin. Thanks be unto God that the monstrosity believed by man to exist-an immortal sinner-was prevented by the gracious haste of God in expelling the man from the garden ere he could partake of the 'I'ree of Life and live for ever. The Lord God in merciful haste made it impossible 101' an immortal sinner to be. These thoughts we commend to the readers of this magazine. We believe that here is the true' beginning of doctrine on the great matter of Reconciliation. Here is where all search for truth on that great theme must start. Because the facts here set forth are overlooked, there are in existence many presentations of the Bible doctrine of the Atonement which are wholly irreconcilable with each other, and in the main irreconcilable with the plain statement of the Word. To begin aright, the student must begin with the penalty threatened to Adam, and must note the nature of sentence actually passed upon him. Only as the exact facts are seen and al?preciatec1 can there be any possible step taken towards understanding how the great Reconciliation is effected. But, these appreciated, the further steps can be taken without hesitation, and conclusions will be reached which will yield glory to God, and will show how man is indebted to the Redeemer for the opportunity that now comes for the ransom from death, and for the forgiveness of sins as the necessary preludes to the Eternal Life which may be possessed as a result of His sacrifice. EDITOR.

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THE 'l'HE MONTH.. DISPENSATIONAL

THE
OF OONTENTS.

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1910.

. CHANGE ..

ECHOES FROM WE,'I' S'I'HEET ASSOCIA'l'ION NOTES 'rHIS SAlI<lE JESUS " NOTES ON 'I'll PROPHETIC BOOK OF REVELATION

" 145-148 .. 148-150 150--151 " 15Z-153 153

IN 'l'HE

VISION

UNDERNEATH '. 'I'HOUGHTS FOR 'I'HE 'l'HOUGnn"{iL CnUHCH AND MISSION BAND ,, NEWS, CHHISTIAN

..

OUR BOOK TABLE

'.

" 154-156 156 157-158 158 159 WO

hitherto. The new building will call for further effort. Let us hope that by its use many' will be attracted to the meetings, and will be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, and become ardent workers in a cause, than which there is no greater for present benefits and influences, and which has unspeakable glories to follow. May the opening meetings contribute to the glory of God, the upbuilding of the brotherhood, and the salvation of men. A printed sheet has been shown to us, published as a supplement to the A ustmlian Christian, reviewing the articles which appeared in the STANDARD "The Myson tery of Christ and His Church," and a correspondent asks if we had declined to insert this in our magazine. No doubt the strange fact that it appears in a paper circulating amongst those who do not see, and are not likely to see, our papers containing the articles reviewed has prompted the question. Let us say that we knew nothing whatever of the review until it was shown us quite casually by a friend. 'I'he writer has evidently chosen this means of reply, but the wisdom of the method is not immediately apparent. If any conclusions are formed from the review adverse to the teaching of the original articles, they must of necessity be very imperfect. Many of the general statements made by the reviewer we are heartily in agreement with, as is also the writer of the articles; but the readers, not knowing our side, would imagme that we are wholly opposed. Some of the conclusions reached by the reviewer do not follow from the premisses in the articles, but his readers in the A usiroliasi Christian will not know this. He fears that the acceptance of the position taken by the articles reviewed will lead to a "new sect." He need not fear; experience shows that where they are understood they lead to unity. The trouble is, that where accepted they lead to the destruction of the unscriptural basis on which some sects exist, hence the opposition to the views. We trust that, having published the review, the A ustraliam. Ch1"istian will admit a reply from the writer of the articles, so that the readers of that estimable paper may have "an opportunity of knowing a little of what really is the nature of the teaching reviewed in the broad sheet.

"(b~ 6ibl~Standard. ~
??PG

o~

MONTH

LV
Olf'l'HE

ORGAN

New Zealand tvangelistic and Publication Association,

EDITED BY GEORGE ALDRIDGE. ASSISTED BY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS,

The Editor wishes it to be understood that, while he exercises a general supervision over the articles and Correspondence appearing in the STANDARD, responsibility for sentiments expressed rests upon the individual writer.

tlaaoctation 'IRotea.

Owing to pressure of work at printing office, the issue of this number has been unavoidably delayed. 'I'he new building now being erected for the brethren in Dunedin will be opened on the 16th of this month (D.V.). The Editor is invited to be present, and he will stay to take part in the fortnight of meetings which have been arrange cl in connection with the opening of the new structure. A hearty invitation is sent by the brethren to any to visit them on this happy occasion, and hospitality is offered to all who will accept it. We congratulate our beloved fellow workers in that Southern city on the attainment of a desire long cherished. For many years they have laboured on under diseouragements which would have wholly disheartened most; but spite Bro. Salisbury reports that in the course of his daily of the many inconveniences caused by changes from one visitations he has about completed a house-to-house unsuitable hall to another, by the love of the many visitation of Hamilton East, and intends working the waxing cold, by efforts to draw them away from their West side. The meetings in the Masonic Hall are well allegiance to the great central truths of the Word, this attended, and a growing interest is manifest in the serlittle band of believers has struggled on and kept the vices. A Bible Class has been started, at which quesflag flying, and now has erected a building in which tions are asked and thoughts are interchanged. A there shall be permanent witness borne to the Lord of 'I'he AngliLife and Glory. We, and we are sure all STANDAllD weekly choir practice has been commenced. can Mission had some diminishing effect upon the readers join with us, send them our hearty congratulameetings, but the results of it have not affected the tions for the occasion, and do sincerely pray that the Hamilton brethren except in the way of strengthening entry upon the new premises shall be not only a new them in the faith they hold. The Henry-Potts Mission incentive to Church life, but the opening of doors of is now being held, and this will probably affect the service which will be gladly entered. Before the attendance at our meetings somewhat whilst it lasts. Church lie possibilities of service to the young-SmiOur brother is convinced that there is a good field for day School work, young people's meetings, and gatherlabour in this important town, and earnestly hopes ings of the Church which have not been available

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the worthy doctor in the sentiment sentence.

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expressed in this last

that, having begun the work, the Association will be able to keep it going. The encouragement hitherto has been beyond expectations, and earnest, devoted labour will, under God's blessing, result in a gracious harvest from the seed sown. The hymn found on another page is by Judge Button, and it was read by him at a service which he conducted in .one of our city churches. The scriptural character of its language and thoughts will be apparent to our readers, and they will be interested to know that after it was read (we are informed) somebody led in prayer, and into the prayer dragged in an allusion to the "immortal soul." The incongruity of this with the sentiment of the hymn is readily apparent. The anniversary of the West Street Sunday School was held on September 4th, and was a pronounced success. The weather was beautiful, and this enabled the friends from the suburbs to be present. The enlargement of the platform permitted of a larger array of scholars to be seated before the audience. The children, under the leadership of the Superintendent, Mr. L. E. Falkner, acquitted themselves well, and their songs well appreciated by the large audiences. The afternoon address was given by Bro. C. B. King, former Superintendent of the School. The theme was "Warfare," and the Bible story on which the address was based was the familiar and always attractive record of the contest between David and Goliath. At the evening service the Editor's topic was "Given to the Lord." The offerings at afternon and evening services were devoted to the Sunday School funds. On the Wednesday evening following the Scholars' Tea was held, and to this former scholars were invited. ,,\. public meeting was afterwards held, at which an address was given by the Superintendent; the annual report was read by the Secretary. Some of the anniversary hymns were repeated, and musical items were rendered. The latter part of the meeting was given to an excellent cinematograph display. A review of our recent book, "The Prophet Daniel," by W(dchwo'l'd and Truth, a magazine published in the United States by Dr. Cameron, has given us a little quiet amusement, and we pass it on to our readers that they may share the good thing with us. It is at least a candid statement, even if it ought not to be called a review. It says: "This is a well written book, and many parts of it are to be commenelec1. When, however, a man refuses to allow that the second anc1 seventh chapters of Dani.el go over the same ground, and when he insists that the kingdoms symbolised by the four great beasts are all in the future, we want to get out of the way. It is this wild devotion to a theory and a blind determination to ignore every fact against it that brings the study of prophecy into disrepute. The author also contends that the Church is translated before anv of the Clays of the tribulation come. It is a pity that people will not be subject to the naked Word of God when they come to consider prophetic truth." It is needless to add that we arc quite in agreement with

Our good Bro. Tidman is doing yeoman service in Dunedin by his able presentations of truth, and his ready defence of it when it is assailed. At one of the recent Sunday evening addresses he reviewed a letter appearing in the evening paper which paraded some of the so-called "contradictions" of the Gospels, and he clearly showed how far was the writer from establishing his contention in a single instance. For such public defence our brother deserves not only the recognition of his brethren in the Stuart Street Hall, but also of all who are interested in Bible study. As a rule, the sceptic is permitted to fling about his wild assertions without let or hindrance, but occasionally it is worth while for Christian to show how valueless such statements are. In this case Bro. Tidman has done well. May God bless him in his further service.

Ubts Same Jesus.

(Acts i. 11; Heb. xiii. 8; Rev. xxii. 12.) Just "the same Jesus!" It fills us with gladness, That just "the same Jesus" is coming again! The same that was slain upon Calvary's mountain, Is coming in glory on this earth to reign. Just "the same Jesus" shall come in like manner As when He ascended from Oli vet's hill! Christ the Messiah, our blessed Redeemer, Is coming with blessings the whole world to fill. Just "the same Jesus"-and God will briug with Him All those who have fallen asleep in the Lord! Tell this good news to the mourner in pity! Nought else on this earth can such comfort afford. Just "the same Jesus"-no other, no strangerSays, "Behold I come quickly. Hold fast till I come!" The foe may be strong, and fierce be the battle, But soon we shall join in the conqueror's song. Just" the same Jesus." The Lord keep us watching! The signs of His coming are seen far and near. The night is far spent; the day is approaching When Christ in His glory and pomp shall appear. Just "the same Jesus," blest hope for creation! He'll bid all her groaning and travail to cease; Wil l settle the question of rule for the nations, And banish the swore! for the ploughshare of peace. Just "the same .Iesus," all Exalted to honour where The great King of kings all For over all earth He in eyes shall behold Himonce ITe was slain! nation~ shall crown Him! glory shall reign. -Glad Copies of these verses can he obtained Tidings.

from the Book Steward.

As the desert shrub flamed, and yet did not burn away, so that divine nature is not wearied by action nor exhausted by bestowing, nor has its life any tendency towards ending or extinction, as all creatural life has.-

Aleaande MacLa1"en.

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lAotes on tbe IPropbetlc IDIslon In tbe 1l300k of lRe\1elattoll.

(Continued
ven" (iv. 1).

from page 139.)

"After this I looked, and behold a door was opened in hea-

1. The advent of the Lord Jesus, who is here called Son of man, the slain Lamb, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Root of David, the Word of God, King of kings and Lord of lords, is the great event to which all other events referred to in this book lead up. It is the revelation of grievous conflicts and sore judgments which will characterise the closing years of this dispensation, but all of which are closely connected with the return of Jesus from heaven. And all the prophecies of this book (the seven epistles included) refer to the Day of the Lord ("the Lord's day," i. 10), a period of time still future. Jo portion of it has received any fulfilment during the last nineteen centuries. A profound knowledge of the history of Europe and Christendom is not a pre-requisite to the study of the Apocalypse. 2. We repeat that the Church of Christ-which is His Body-nowhere appears in this book. The completed and perfected Church has been translated to heaven before the operations described by John begin. (The revelation concerning this event is made known by Paul in 1 Thess. iv. 13-18.) The epistles to the seven assemblies concern those who will be on earth in the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The intention of the prophecies in Revelation is the same as of those recorded in Daniel, "Now, I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days" (x. 14 and 21). It is the people of Daniel and John, even Israel, who are the subjects of this book, with, of course, reference also to the character and destiny of the surrounding Gentile nations. 3. 1t may be suitable and useful just here to take a sort of bird's eye view of the revelation in order to have an intelligent idea of the visions that will pass before us. No less than thirty-one scenes will present themselves to our gaze. After a few words of introduction we have (1) The vision of the Son of man. (2) The seven epistles. (3) Vision of God's throne, the sealed book and the Lamb. (4) Opening of six-of the seven -seals. (5) The sealing of the 144,000 Israelites, and the great multitude of Gentiles which come out of the great tribulation, (6) 'I'he opening of the seventh seal and the prayers of the saints. (7) Sounding of sixof the seven-trumpets. (8) The angel with a little book. (9) The two witnesses. (10) Sounding of the seventh trumpet. (11) The opening of heaven's temple. (12) The woman and the dragon. (13) Michael and Satan. (14) The first beast. (15) The second beast. (16) The Lamb and the 144,000 sealed ones on Mount Zion. (17) The five angels and a voice from heaven. (18) Victors over the beast. (19) The seven vials (or bowls). (20) The great harlot. (21) The fall of BabyIon. (22) Rejoicing in heaven. (23) The marriage of

the Lamb. (24) The apocalypse of the Messiah. (25) The great supper of God. (26) Judgment on the beast, false prophet, and Satan. (27) Resurrection of martyrs and millennial reign; (28) Loosing of Satan and his final doom. (29) The Great White Throne. (30) N ew heavens, new earth, new J erusalem, (31) The Bride-the Lamb's wife. A solemn conclusion ends this series of marvellous visions. Let us now, so far as our space will permit, examine this God-given revelation. VISION OF GOD'S THRONE, THE SEALED BOOK, AND THE LAMB.-Chapters iv. and v. 4. Here is a change of scene. 'I'he previous vision came to J ohn on earth-in Patmos ; now a door is opened in heaven, and John, "in the Spirit," ascends thither, as did Paul many years before (2 Cor. xii. 1-4). How long after the first vision the second commenced, the writer does not say. But it destroys the idea of the whole of the book being revealed on a Sunday, for if the first three chapters were written on that day, on what days were the following visions revealed? Understand that the phrase, "The Lord's day," covers a term of years (the closing period of this age), then we are not hampered with the idea that in one day of twentyfour hours John saw and wrote oui this marvellous revelation. 5. The first thing the prophet saw was a throne. The throne is thc great central object. ,~Te know who sits there, though no name is mentioned, no figure described. It is the Eternal Father who throughout the book is spoken of as "He that sitteth upon the throne." He is distinguished from the Son in chapters vi. 16 and vii. 10. His glory was as a purple, crystalline, flashing light. That is all that can be said as to the appearance of the unnamed and ind~scribable One. The throne was encircled by a bright green rainbow. The rainbow is the well-known token of the mercy of God (Gen. ix. 1217). The rainbow round the throne is to show that though wrath is coming, there is yet mercy in store; all shall not perish, a remnant shall be saved. The floor or plain on which God's throne rested had the appearance of a crystal sea (see Ezek. i. 22; Exodus xxiv. 9-10). As the streets of the heavenly city are paved with gold (xxi. 21), so heaven itself has a base of beauty, splenclour and majesty. Standing before the throne are the seven presence angels, spirits having the appearance of torches of fire (Ps. civ. 4), burning with zeal to accomplish Gocl's judgments. 'rhe lightnings and thunclers and voices proceeding from the throne speak of coming wrath and inspire fear and awe (Ex. xix. 16). This is not the throne of grace to which we now draw near, but the throne of judgment. We are about to witness the awfully sublime scenes which will characterise "the great and terrible clay of the Lord" (J oel ii. 31). Isiah (chap. vi.) and Ezekiel (chap. i.) had similar visions of the glorious majesty of God seated on His throne. 6. Heaven is not an empty place, or devoid of all forms and ceremony. Situated in a semi-circle round

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God's throne were twenty-four lesser thrones, and seated on them personages called "elders," with golden crowns on their heads. Who are these twenty-four elders ? 'I'hey are not angels, nor redeemed men, and certainly not the glorified Church. 'I'hese elders are the heads of the heavenly priesthood, the chief priests or elders of the heavenly worship and rule, They are priests who offer "golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints" (chap. v. S). Is this the work of the Church? If so, the Romanists are right who bid us to "seek the intercession of Mary and the holy saints." These are the highest officers in the heavenly places, higher than the angels, for they stand, while these sit before the Divine presence. It is instructive to note that David arranged his priesthood into twenty-four courses (1 Chron. xxiv, 1-19). Why twenty-four? David tells us why. "For the courses of the priests the Lord made me understand in writing" (1 Chron. xxviii, 11-19), according to "the pattern of things in the heavens" (Heb. ix. 23; also viii, 5). The Temple worship on earth was modelled on that worship which is carried on in heaven, its twentyfour courses and manner of procedure was borrowed from the course and manner of the heavenly temple. These "elders" are not mortal men glorified, nor heads of the angelic band; they are of another order altogether-what may be called the aristocrats of heaven, seeing that theirs is the special honour of being seated as royal personages in the presence of God. 7. In close connection with the throne of God are four living creatures, "the first like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had the face of a man, and the fourth like an eagle." These are the four which hold pre-eminence in this world-man among all animals, the eagle among birds, the ox among cattle, the lion among beasts. Ezekiel saw them in vision (i. 5-14), and in chap. x. 20 he identifies them with the cherubim (Gen. iii. 24.). The cherubim and the living creatures are substantially the same (see also Is. vi. 2-6). The forms of their bodies wc are not told. "In the midst of the throne" may be understood as "under" the throne. The bodies were underneath the throne which rested upon them-they are the basis or supporters of the throne and the front parts or faces of the living creatures stood out from the side and bottom of the throne that rested upon their hinder parts or bodies. The throne of the Divine Majesty rests upon four living creatures. "He rode upon a cherub" (Ps. xviii. 10). Each had six wings, denoting rapidity of flight, and numerous eyes. Commentators say that these four cherubic forms are the representatives of animated nature, setting forth the whole creative-life of nature. The power of nature is no blind force, it is emploved in the service of God's providence, and all over it the stamp of reason is impressed. But what they represent we are not told, and we do not know. The discrepancy between the description of the living creatures by Ezekiel (chap. i.) and John show us that they are not designed to be regarded as actual and veritable living

beings endowed with this particular form, and constituting a distinct order of b~ngs. They are mere symbols, symbolic representations designed to teach the omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, and everwatchful providence of God. S. It is to be observed that the four living creatures lead the praise, and the twenty-four elders take second place and join in. Deepest humility and highest reverence are expressed by their lowly prostration in token of honour and homage. Their praise embraces the holiness of God and the governmental glory of God as Creator. The creation of all things is simply a realisation or manifestation of the will of God. 9. In the right hand of Him that sat on the throne was a manuscript roll (a book) scaled with seven seals. Some have thought that the contents of this book was the history of the Christian Church, and accordingly proceed to interpret the whole book of Revelation as a prophetic forecast of the history of Christendom from the time of the Apostles to the end of the Christian age. But as we proceed, we think we shall find positive evidence that it is not so; that there is no reference to the Christian Church anywhere in the book entitled "the Revela tion of Jesus Christ." In this fifth chapter we have a book fastened with seven seals, which were visible to the Apostle. Do not confound the breaking of the seals with the reading of the contents of the book, for there is not a word as to its unrolling or reading. Not till all the seven seals are broken can its contents be known. As each successive seal is broken, certain calamities befall mankind which are preliminary and preparatory to the opening of the roll; but we are not to regard the following visions as descriptive of what is to be read therein. These visions are gradual steps by means of which the grand consummation of God's purposes concerning the redemption of a lost world is at last reached, and then the moment will arrive when (the seven seals having been broken and the attendant events all accomplished) the contents of this hitherto tightly closed document shall be revealed. What is this book? Some have thought it to be the Title Deeds of the Inheritance (this earth) forfeited by the First Adam, but regained by the sacrificial death of the Second Adam-the slain Lamb. This is a beautiful and likely surmise, but John offers no explanation, and so we must wait till the other side of the resurrection morn much that is ~ow m~ste~ious shall be made plain. Only one thing IS certain, i.e., that as each seal (excepting the fifth) is broken, there is a putting forth of Almighty power in the form of heavy and still heavier judgments upon an ungodly world. . ~O. As th~ result of the challenge of the strong angel, It lS asce.rtamed that no created being throughout the whole universe can open the book or loose the seals. At this John wept bitterlv. He had been promised a sight of future events (iv. 1), and now it seemed as if the promise was to be frustrated, for the sealed book must remain closed.

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11. One of the elders reassured John. "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" had earned the right to open that book. (Does not this Israelitish title, as also "Hoot 0 f David," show us the Hebrew connection of the Revelstion? If the Christian Church was in question our Lord would surely be called by some other title than this 1) But-strange to say-not a Lion, but a Lamb, retaining the appearance of death-wounds on its body, appears. Jesus the Lamb must precede Jesus the Lion. Past payment is the basis of future power. 'I'he Lamb has seven horns, the well-known symbol of might, denoting completeness or fulness of strength. Also seven eyes, which we are told are the seven presence angels (see iii.l), by whose means he sees all things. 'rI1US is expressed the omnipotence and omniscience of the Lamb. Remember, the figures in this book of Revelation are symbols, and we must not ask awkward questions, as, for instance, how did a lamb having four feet take a book? Arms attached to a lamb are an unusual appendage. Moses Stuart says: "May we not suppose that the form under which the Saviour first appears in the august assembly of heaven was in the vision changed when He advanced to take the book?" That is to say, that as Son of man (i. 13) He received the book, the appearance of a lamb (in the vision) being exchanged for a simple human form. But He is still called "Lamb" to the end of the revelation. It is of "the Lamb's wife" (xxi. 9) we read; 'this certainly cannot be "a lamb as though it had been slain." The resurrection of Christ is not a myth but a fact. The despised and rejected of earth is the accepted and all-powerful Ono in heaven. Sacrificial virtue, aggressive strength, universal intelligence are now His qualifications. 12. The Lamb having taken the book, a great outburst of praise follows. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, who have harps, unitedly start the song. It is called "a new song," and' is in honour of the Lamb, the theme being His worthiness as Hedcemer. Notice the importance of the correction of translation in the revised version. The old rendering in the authorised version is, "Thou hast redeemed us, and hast macle -Us kings and priests: and ure shall reign on the earth" (v. 9, 10). It should be, as is generally acknowledged by modern scholars and commentators, "Thou didst purchase unto God with Thy blood men of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and rnadcst them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth." (This is the text of the revised version.) The elders-whoever they are-are not singing about themselves who are in heaven, hut about a large company of redeemed persons who are to 'l'wign upon the earth. And beside" this, the twenty-four elders are presenting to God the prayers of the saints. What saints? If the saints are the church, then the elders cannot be, and if the elders are the Church the "saints" are not. These are the saints of the Most High, of whom Daniel says, "They shall take the kingdom and possess it for ever" (vii. 18, 22, 27; Ps. cxlix. 9). These are the saints of whom Jesus spake

in Luke xviii. 7-8. The sweet smelling incense in the flat, wide-mouthed bowls (not "vials," as the A.V.) is the symbol of the fragrance and acceptability of the prayers to Goel (Ps. cxli. 2). Then the great multitude of angels standing round the throne in a circle exterior to that of the twenty-four elders, join in with a sevenfold ascription to the Lamb's worthiness. It is the highest adoration which language can designate. This is followecl by the ascription of the whole creation. It is a universal chorus, a poetic setting forth of the homage of the universe as a whole, as when the Psalmist sang, "Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps, mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying fowl; let them praise the name of the Lord" (Ps. cxlviii.). It rises from aJl quarters; creation, animate and inanimate, are represented as joining in the glad anthem. As the act of adoration commenced with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, so it concludes with them, i.e., they give the last and final response: "And the four living creatures said, 'Amen.' And the elders fell down and worshipped." Rotorua. C. Omsp (To be continned.)
BROWN.

'UlnDerneatb.
J. J. Schaumburg. U nderneath are the everlasting arms. Everlasting arms! Think of it! Underneath vVHA'f? There is an ellipsis there. Well let us fill that out-at least to a certain extent. 1. U nderneath your uncertainties. Ever feel uncertain about your salvation? Ever feel like wavering? Well, take courage. "While man may feel uncertain, Paul says, "He (God) abicleth faithful." He cannot cleny himself. Now if you are uncertain, never mind. ]\![ ay-be you ought not to know too much anyhow. One man tried to pry into an angel's business once, and could not speak for nearly ten months! . Luke 1 : 18-20. So, be careful. If you have done your share, and, you feel "blue," remember, these same "Everlasting Arms" are underneath all of your uncertainitics l Isn't that a comfort? 2. U nderneath mv sepulchre! Oh, what a blessing! ] can just lie down with the greatest ease and comfort in death, and J acob-like Goel will stuff your pillow as I sink into death with visions of resurrection ! ! Grand! Sublime! And all this for me. Well, if the Lord Jesus hadn't gOIle down and secured the keys my case would be hopeless; but through him I shall obtain a blessed resurrection, for the grcat arms of Omnipotence are under my sepulchre. And while it may appear to all around as though the Arm underneath is "short, that it cannot save," remember, in it Jie forces of omnipotence, slumbering, which when aroused, will gather up the dust of centuries and speak life into it! Praise God for these arms underneath!

.oCTOBER, 1910.

THE BIBLE STANDARD.

his loneliness and desertion, "Thou knowest that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus a nd 17ermoqenes. In view of these who became ashamed of the gospel of Christ-these, who once were leading men and! held positions of prominence in the Church-we shall do well to bear in mind the admonition, "Let him that thinketh he stanrleth, take heed lest he fa 11." THIRD GllOUP.-Most interesting are the notices "conceruing the following three. Paul was not in the habit of himself personally baptising the converts. He left this work to one of his travelling companions. The reason why, he tells us in 1 Cor. i. Ul, 17. But-perhaps, because on these occasions his assistant was absent-hc baptised C1'1SP1lS, the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, "with all his house": also Giiius, who gave generous entertainment to Paul while in Corinth, and whom afterwards he calls "Gaius, my host": also St ephano e and his household who were "the first fruits of Achaia," and who "set themselves to minister unto the saints and helped the work." Andl Paul sums up this little account by saying, "Besides these I know not that I baptised any other." FOURTH GRoup.-Then we have six persons (in Rome, in Greece, and in l\lacedonia) whom Paul calls "my kinsmen." They are And1"onio1ts, Herotlion, -Funics; Lucius, Juson, and' Sosipater. Perhaps by "kinsmen" is meant belonging to the tribe of Benjamin (Paul's tribe), rather than actual family relations. FIFTH GRoup.-A class more intimately connected with Paul's active ministry, and called "fellow workers." These are fifteen in number :-A.1-chipp1ls, who was bidden "to take heed to the ministry which thou hast receiveclJ in the Lord that thou fulfil it." Altemas, a companion of Paul at Nicopolis. Aristarchue, who was carried by the mob into the Ephesian theatre, and was in danger . of his life. Clement of Philippi. Epaphras, "who is a faithful minister of Christ: I bear him witness he ha th much labour for you." Epnphl'oditus, "my brother and fellow worker, and' fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my needs. He was sick nigh unto death, but God had mercy on him." Gosus of Macedonia, who nearly lost his life with Arista rchus in the Ephesian riot. Luke, "the beloved physician" (the writer of the Gospel and the Acts). Mark; the young man over whom Paul and Barnabas disputed and parted company. Yet all Paul's soreness over this episode vanished, for he wrote to the Colossi an Church, "If he come to you, receive him"; and later on he sent word to Timothy, "Bring Mark with thee, for he is useful to me for ministering." Philemon, the "dearly beloved," to whom an epistle was addressed. Timothy, the son of a. Hebrew woman whose father was a Gentile. Paul had him circumcised, for it would have been impossible for Paul to introduce his young companion to Jewish assemblies if this rite had been neglected. He calls him "my true child in the faith; my beloved child," and writes of "the unfeigned faith

157
that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and' thy mother Eun ice." Tit us, on the other hand (a pure-blooded Greek), Pau l refused to have circumcised, though Jewish Christians from J erusa.lern were insisting that that rite was necessary to salvation. How indispensable th is fellow worker was appears from the Apostle's words, "I found no rest because I found not Ti tus my brother." Silvanus (or Si las ) is associated with Paul in the writing of three of the epistles. This is the Si las who became Paul's companion after the departure 01' Barnabas, Tyohiohus, a faithful minister in the Lord. Urbanus, "our helper in Christ." SIX'I'H Gnoup.-Various members of the Pauline churches. The names are ten. Aq7~il(f., a Iearnedl .Iew, for some time a travelling companion of Paul's. Apollos, an eloquent Jew, born at Alexandria, who "mightily convinced the Jews that Jesus was Christ." Achaicus, Fort unat us, and St eplumas, whose arrival gladdened Paul "for that which was lacking 011 your part they have supplied." Carpus, a person at Troas, with whom Paul left a cloak. Eraetus, the chamberlain (01' Trcasnrer ) at Corinth. Jus/us, a believer in Corinth with whom Paul lodged. Onesimus, "the faihtful and beloved brother," a native of Colosse, and slave of Ph ilemon, from whom he had escaped; but was sent back to his master as a. Christian brother. Zenas, a lawyer skilled in the laws of Moses. whom Paul desired T'i tus to send to him. SEVENTH Gnoup.-These are connected directly or indirectly with the Church at Rome, to whom salutations are sent by the Apostle. Most of the names appear in the last chapter of Romans. There are twenty-five in all :-Apelles "approved in Christ." Arn-plio.tus, "my beloved in the Lord." AsyncrittlS Aristobulus, grandson of Herod the Great, whose household Paul salutes. Crescens, Eub-ulus, Ii penetue, Hermes, Hennas. Jesus, whicb is called Justus of the circumcision, "one who worshipped God, whose house joined hard: to the synagogue." Linus. Nereus, and his sister. Na,reisstbs-perhaps the favourite f'reedmall of Claudius the lDmpel'or-whose household Paul salutes. OlY111.pas. Pudens. fhilologU8. Ptitrobus, Phlegon. QttaltUS, 'the brother." Rutus, "the chosen In the Lord, and his mother." Mark xv, 21 tells us that Simeon of Cvrene, who bore OUT Saviour's cross, was the father of Alexander and Rufus. This "mother" whom Paul mentions with such respectful affection was the wife of that much-honoured man Simon. 8taohys, "my beloved." Sosthenes, "our brother." NY1l1plw8 "and the church which is in his h01ISf'." '/'131'tius, the person who wrote the Epistle to the Romans from Paul's dictn tion. 'I'rophi11tl!S, who was "lof't at Milctus sick." Paul has confer-rod' upon a fr-w of his friends and ffOllow workers an immortality. of rempmhrnnre by simply referring to them in 011e or morc of his epistles. Some of them arc also mentioned in th Acts of the Apostles. And we mav learn thercfrom that in the service of Christ there is a place and a work for every man and every woman whatever their bent, whatever their gifts.

Thoughts for the Thoughtful.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are venerable, think on these things" (Phil. iv. 8). It is both instructive and pleasant that we should have some acquaintance with the members of the early Church whos, names are inscribed in the Church epistles. As these epistles are in the main doctrinal, it is not to be wondered at that historical fragments imbedded in them should be commonly overlooked. And as the closing verses often times are "only a list of names" they are perhaps but infrequently read, and the names recorded not particularly noted. But these early followers of Christ stand at the head: of it vast multitude of others who have since their day arisen in the Church; and it may not be fanciful, but the reverse, to discover in the few hin ts which we find respecting some of them representations of special types of character which should from time to time be manifested by the followers of Christ. May we here compile a list of their names, and so group them as to aid the memory, and that one shall serve to recall another. FIRST GRoup.-Twelve Christian women shall head our list. Apphia was a female disciple to whom (conjointly with Philemon aJ1(I Archippus) Paul wrote the epistle called Philemon, whom he addresses as "our sister." Members of the family of Chloe brought intelligence of the distracting contentions in the Corinthian Church. In writing to Timothy the Apostle conveys greetings from Olaudia (supposed to be an English princess then in Rome). He beseeches Euodias and Syntyohe, a couple of disagreeing sisters, "that they be of the same mind in tbe Lord." He sends salutations to Jutia, and to Mal'y, "who bestowed much labour on us." Also to Pereis, "the beloved' which laboured much in the Lord," and Phoebe, "our sister who is a deaconess of the church, and hath been a succour Cl' of many, and of myself also." Hr speaks of Priscilla (and her husband Aquila) as "my helpers in Christ Jesns, who have for my life laid down their own necks"; and of Tryphena. and T1"yplioso, "who labour in the Lord." SECOND Gnoup.-Very sad is it to read of the six men who "did run well" (Gal. v . 7), but turned back and became apostates. Of Alemaruler and Il umenaeus WE readt they "made shipwreck con,cerning the faith." Indeed, of the former, Paul says, "Alexander the coppersmith did me mnch evil, the Lord will render to him according to his works." And of the latter we read, "I-Iymenaeus and Philetus (another apostate) concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; andi overthrow the faith of some." Demo (who in Philemon xxiv. is called "my fellow labourer") is afterwards referred to in these terms, "Demas forsook me haviruz loved this present world." AmI' specia lly mentioned as having abandoned the aged Paul when a chained prisoner in Rome are two men. He wrote to Timothy in

158
Christ draws some of every kind to himself, high and low, learned or illiterate, richly or slenderly endowed; all qualities and types of mankind' are found in His service. I ot as a task, but with grateful interest, should we let our eyes linger on the list of names of faithful men and women to whose faith, courage, and fidelity we owe so much. CARPUS.

'tHE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

OCTOBER, 1910. of three splendid addresses on the Creation. The addresses have aroused considerable interest, and, it is to be hoped, have removed some of the difficulties presented by the usual conception of the first two chapters in Genesis. At tbe first meeting of the new lyelected Deacons, Bro. Winsor was elected Church Secretary; Bro. A. Morgan, Treasurer. Bro. C. Sanders, who has filled these two positions almost continuously for the past ten years, desired to be relieved. A very hearty vote of than]{s was passed to our brother for his valuable services. The mid-week Bible Class has been fairly well attended. Bro. Watarhouse has <riven addresses on the S.s. Lessons, and, '''in addition, other important Bible themes have been discussed by the members.-Yours in the Master's service. A.W. DUNEDIN.-During the past month our meetings have been well attendedl, the services being conducted by the brethren as usual. We have had a visit from our Bro, W. G. Aldridge, of Clu-lstchurch, who was spending a few days in ou r city. We are pleased to say that 0111' new church building is now almost an accomplished fact, and (n.v.) we intend to open it on Sunday, Iflth October. We purpose holding a public tea meeting on Tuesday, the LSth, to be followed by a fortnight's mission. The Auckland brethren have kindly consented to be represented by their Evangelist, Bro. Aldridge, and we are hoping to have our Bra. Salisbury with us as well, with other brethren and sisters from Auckland and elsewhere, and! we give a hearty invitation to all sympathisers and friends to be present with us. We are deeply indebted to all those who have helped us in our effort to secure 0111'building, and we are praying that success will follow our work to the glory of Our Heavenly Father. Christian greetings to all the brethren. S.L. GEORGETOWN,B.G.-For the past three weeks the fall of heavy rains has been an experience militating against open-air work, and some of my arrangements were not carried out. I observe that the doctrine of Life only in Christ is still hated, and in places where an apparent hearty welcome was given me, and' free speech was allowed. The welcome was only superficial. It was expected that I should be drawn in. It has been said of us: "Life only in Christ is always put in the vanguard of their teaching, but it is dangerous, devilish, and destructive." I am advised not to speak upon the dOestruction of evil-doers. To such counsellors I have to reply that when expounding the Word of God I cannot explain it according to human wishes; I must speak only as it speaks. At the Y.M.C.A. Bible Class, a gentleman has lately given a course of addresses On the early chapters of Genesis, and I had an opportunity of bringing the Life views before the class. An old preacher put some questions to me at one of my street meet.ings. and this afforded me a fine opportun ity to set forth the Scripture teaching on man and his dlestiny.-W. S. EDGEJULL.

11 11

CHURCH

AND

11

MISSION NEWS.

1\

AucKLAND.-Sunday morning, August 21: BI'O. G. A. Green presided. Speaking from 1 Cor. i. IS-20: Man's weakness and failure in contrast with God's great wisdom and mercy. Christ came manifesting the works of the Father, and showed His care for us, the fallen sons of men. J n the evening Bro. Aldridge's address was on "Christ, the King of the Israelites" (John i. 51.). Philip had found Him of whom Moses and the prophets had written, and; overjoyed, desired that Nathaniel should' come and see for himself. Sunday morning, August 2S: Bro, G. Aldridge presided. 1 John iii. 14. John is writing to those who love God, and have already given themselves to His service, and expresses his certainty to those to whom he writes, for he says: "We know that we have passed from death unto life." Love, the tie that binds us one to another, and God' to man. In the evening the subject of address was "The Place called Calvary" (Luke xxiii. 33). Golgotha, the place of mockery, for His own people mocked the claims of the Crucified One. A place of prayer, for the dying Saviour prayed on the cross for the Father to forgive them. A place of promise, for there the dying thief prayed Jesus to remember him, and the answer came in a promise of remembrance. Also a place of death, for there our elJear Saviour suffered' on our behalf; but, thanks be to God, He is risen, and now sits at God's right hand, the Great and Holy One. Sunday morning, 'September 4: Bro. Chas. Garratt presided. 2 Cor. iv. Paul, writing in this chapter, SIIOWSthat those who follow the Christian course will have to undergo pcrsecution similar to that which he suffered, and' also clinches his statement in words of his own in the lOth verse of the 12th chapter. In the evening Bro. Aldridge spoke on "Given to the Lord." This was an address given to the children, it being their Sunday SCl1001 anniversary. Sunday morning, September 11: Bro. C. B. King was in the chair. His remarks were from the 55th Psalm. David's realisation of the hypocrisies prevalent he places his sole dependence 0" the Lord. We had with us in fellowship our Sister Becroft, and: two dear ones put on Christ in the open waters of baptism, a r d were received into fellowship. In the evening Bra. Aldridge spoke on "Earth, the Heritage of the Meek" (Matt.

v. 5). Christ came announcing a kingdom to be established on earth, a kingdom of peace and righteousness. The inheritance of the meek shall mean the overthrow of the proud and haughty, for the conditions that shall prevail in that kingdom shall be in keeping with the quality here mentioned. Sunday morning, September IS: Bro. Wilcock presided, speaking from Rom. xiv. 7, "No man liveth unto himself; DO man dieth unto himself." Bought with the precious blood of Jesus, we are His whether we live or die. Is it not for us, then, to live unto Him? The evening beinz wet, the attendance was very small. Bro.'" Aldridge gave a very instructive address on "Lessons from the springtime" (Song of Songs ii. 10-12). Much was said to show the beauty of the spring-time in the growth and' bloom of the trees, wherein is manifested the wonderful power of God, who only can give us the spring. The Wednesday evening Bible Class has been held during the month, with the exception of Wednesday, the 7th, the Church being occupied by the Sunday School scholars for their annual tea and after-meeting. Our Bro. Aldr idge has continued the addresses on "The Bible and Immortality," which are being much' appreciated by those who have attended the meetings. J.H.W. THAMEs.-The Church Annual Meeting was held on the 17th August, nearly all the members of the Church being present. Bro. Chas. Waterhouse was voted to the chair. The balance-sheet, pre sented by Bro. C. D. Sanders on behalf of the Deacons, showed that the contributions for the past year exceeded those of the previous twelve months by about 47, leaving a small creddt balance in hand. Bro. H. Battson read the Sunday School report, in which great satisfaction was expressed at the increased attendance. Special mention was made of the success of the scholars who went up for the S.S. Union examination. Various improvements are proposed, which, it is hoped, will aid the efforts of the teachers. Bro. Waterhouse read a full report of his work as evangelist for the past ten months. The mid-week Bible Class has been revived, andt a students' class started, which will be a great help for the future to those who take an interest in it. 528 visits have been paid; the country services at Tapu, Waiomo, and Matatoki have been continued. The following officers have been elected for the ensuing year :-Deacons, Bros. H. Battson, Gubb, Morgan, Robinson, C. Sanders, Vercoe,: and Winsor; Sunday School Superintendent, Bro. Gubb; Evangelist, Bro. Chas, Waterhouse; Corresponding Secretary, Bro. Winsor. General satisfaction was expressed at the success of last year's work, which had been undlertaken for the Master, and' to Him was given the glory. Bros. C. Sanders and Waterhouse presided at the fellowship meetings on the 21st and 2Sth respectively. Romans vi ii. was the scripture under review, and several members spoke on both occasions. During the month Bro. Waterhouse has given at the evening services a series

OCTOBER, 1910.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.
A CURIOUS

159
SUPERSTITION.

o~~o

~II~~!~
o~~
AUCKLAND.-At the meeting on Augllst 22nd the Reading Circle was continued, Bro. Page presiding. Bro. G. Aldridge pictured the Christian life as a Iife of storm and stress, in which we experienced some of the things which Bunyan made his pilgrims to pass through. After Christian and Hopeful have been travel ling for some time, they at length come to a green meadow, where they can rest. In every Christian's life comes a joyful period of rest, where all ou r trials and troubles are for a time forgotten. We should enjoy our good time; but we should also beware of what comes after. Some people desire all the pleasn nt things, and thus they go astray from the Word of God. If we get out of the way which the Lord has planned for us, then we are sure to get into trouble. Once out of the way, it is not so easy to get back. We were shown how the pilgrims got out of the way, and were overtaken by Giant Despair, who locked them up; but the Key of Promise set them free. The way to get back is by use of the Key of Promise. So ended another of the delightful readings that we are privileged to hear. On August 25th a Social Evening was held, Bro. A. Smith presiding. It differed somewhat from the usual entertainments, for mnnv games were indnlzed in. "'e were a.lso. favoured with so~gs and recitations, after which supper was handed round. Although the weather was bad, a large number was present, inclnding some of the old members of the Band. I think that all spent a very enjoyable evening. On September 5th the Roll Call Meetil:g. of the Band was held, Bro. Page preslrilng. A very instructive paper, entitled "Our Church," was read by Bro, Caradus, senr. Evcry Church member, I think, should have heard! this paper, as it dealt largely wi th the founding of our Church by the labours of Bro. G. A. Brown, who commenced a series of addresses in the Temperance Hall, now known as the Central Mission Hall in A lbert Street. These addresses aro~sed a feeling of inquiry in the hearts of the people. The result was a large number of names was enrolled and a goodly number of persons was immersed: The people were so interested! that the Choral Hall had to be tu ken. In 1881 the Bible Standa1"(1 was established, and Bros. Aldridge, Taylor, Wilcock, Dixon, and others became workers in the Church, thus giving our Bro. Brown more freedom. Many books were also put in circulation. In I R84 there were 280 names on the Church roll. When Bro. G. A. Brown left Auckland, over 2,000 attended his farewell address in the Opera House. In 1887 our Church removed from the Temperauce Ha.ll to the Foresters' Hall. In 1892 Bro. Aldridge introduced his lantern lectures. In 1892 the Christian Band was formed, and a printing press was set up, and' in

due time the present buildJing was erected. All this Iohowed the preaching of the Word of God. What more do we want than the written Word of God? Where it speaketh, let us speak; where it is silent, let us be silent, and may the blessing of God rest upon our Church. The roll call was well responded to. Message to absent members, Col. ii. 6-7. DUNEDIN.-We are pleased to rep~t a gooclJaverage attendance of Band members, and also the interest infused into the meetings by the various excellent essays given. We desire to thank Sister Hardy, of Auckland, for her paper, entitled "Our Fathers' Love and Care"; also Sister F. 'I'aylor, of Tauranga, for her essay on "Mental and Moral Culture." Both were much enjoyed, and were, we are sure, helpful to the Band. We are also indebted to Bro. Aldlridge for the loan of his slides on "Paul's Missionary Journey." We hope that the next report announces our occupancy of the ncw church; and we pray that as this is an event in our Church history, so it may also be an incentive to greater individual usefulness as Band members. We extend to all Band members a hearty invitation to our church opening ceremony, the date of which will be seen in our Church Secretary's report. "WHEREFORE ANOTHER WORDS" COMFORT ONE WITH THESE (1 Thess. iv. 18).

When the Glorified Redeemer Comes to take His people home; When the resurrection trumpet Breaks the silence of the tomb, When the sun of Glory rises, When the light of life appears, There will be such glad surprises Wiping out our former tears. REFRAIN. For we shall not sleep for ever, There shall be an end of night, Christ the shades of death shall scatter With the resurrection light. Friends we mourned so much at parting, We shall then again embrace; From the earth in beauty starting, o how dear each well known face When we laid them down in sorrow, Then our hearts were full of pain, But tb e resurrection morrow Shn.ll restore them back again. Those of us who may be living, Shali partake the jubilee; From the bondage of corruption Christ shs ll all His people free. We and they caught up together, Then shall meet Him in the air, So to be with Him for ever We shall all His glory share. Then look onward, mourning brother; Weeping sister, dry your tears, Death shall have no more dominion When the Lord of life appears. He will bring the life eternal, He will bring the endless day, And before His joy supernal Every grief shall melt away. C. E. BUTTON.

'We are always stumbling acr~ss queer superstitions here in China. .Iust lately our attention has been ea lied to a superstitions belief in connection with bridge building. Everywhere in China one sees the arched stone bridges that add so much to the quaintness of the landscape. Of course, it is rather dJifficult to construct an arched bridge and have it strong. The Chinese realise this, and say that they must have a man's soul to support the arch of the bridge. You will wonder how they are to obtain a soul, and how they make use of it in the bridge. When the bridge builder is ready for a soul he takes a bottle, and, standing by the way, calls out to passersby. If, perchance, one turns to answer, the bul lder quickly corks the bottle, and, lo! the man's soul is inside. What happens to the man who has lost his soul? He must die. The builder places- the bottle in the arch of the bridge, and then goes on with his work until it is finished. In the southern part of our city the Chinese have just been buildiug a bridge. Of course, no one wished to give his soul .to strengthen the bridge, so many of the poor people have been to consult the fortune teller. The fortune teller devised the followin means to help them :-On a bit of red cloth he wrote some characters. These little squares of cloth were sold' for ten cents each. They were fastened to the clothing and regarded as a sort of tal isman which would protect the wearer. The characters read something like this: "The stone mason is calling for a soul. Let him be responsible for one. My soul quickly return home; Let the stone mason's soul be the support for the bridge." We saw many children wearinz these little bits of red cloth. I was cmious to know if any piece of 'red cloth having these same characters wouldi possess the same charm. I found that it would be quite worthless unless purchased from the hand of the fortune teller. Now the bridge is finished, so they can "let down their hearts," as the Chinese phrase goes. The bits of red have disappeared. These people are so bound by superstition, do yon wonder that it is hard: for them to break away from the olrl life? But the Lion of Judah can break every chain, and truly make them victors again and: again.-Alice M. Haeord;

BEGINNING

OF

MAN.

""hat is a boy?" said a gentleman once at a Band of Hope meeting. 1\. little boy statted' from his seat and replied, "A boy, sir, is the beginning of a man." The boy was right; a true boy, a real boy, a boy who will be worth anything in the future, must be the beginning of a man. If he would' be a man when he grows up, he must commence to be so while he is a boy.-"F'orwm-d."

160
@ur :f8ook '(table.

THE

BIBLE

STANDARD.

OC'l'OBF;R,1910.

'[be :JBible Stall()ar().

The Bible Stanllanl MR. A. M, SKEATES, can be ordered direct from Queen Street, Auckland. the Treasurer e. d.
2 6

"BIBLE I ~'l\\lOHTA LITY": Refutation of the popular andJ traditional doctrinvs of Universal Salvation and Eternal Torment. By 1-I. G. K St. Da.lmas. London, Digby Long & Co. Price, sixpence. This booklet contains a very fine papel', read (in French) by Mr. St. Dalmas before the Ri v iern Pastors' Conference in advocacy of Conditional Immortality, and some letters sent by him to the Secretary of thp Evangelic,d Alliance nrging the deletion of the article which demands acceptance of the dogma of soul immortality as a cond ition of membership. At the ConIercuc of Riviera Pastors, held in April last, tbe following resolution was acceptedi:-"That the Riviera Pastors' Conference, recognising that the statutory principles of tbe Evangelical Alliance contain propositions (in Article viii., which implies eternal torment) which exclude from membership Christian pastors alld laymen firmly attached' to the Gospel, expresses the hope that the Committee of the Evangelical Alliance will frame its doctrinal principles in a spirit of greater comprehensiveness." Will the Alliance heed this, we wonder? The pamphlet do good service in calling attention to t.liis grave matter. TI-rE IMPI,NDING CLASH OF EMPIRES. Onto 25 cents. will

Price per annum, post free, . Single copies. . BOOK S'l'EWARD-E. PHIPPS,

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AGENTS FOR THE BIBLE STANDJ.RD: NEW ZEALAND. Auckland-Mr. Hancock, Bookseller, Qneen Street. Wellington-H. J. Barrnclough, Myrtle Crescent. Dunedin-Mr. Lawrence, Hope Street. Kaiapoi-Mr. James Holland, Rangiora-Mr. Wm. Smith, Sonth Brook. New Plymouth-Mr. F'red Goodacre, Courtney Road. East Oxford-Mr. A. England, Thames-Mr. C. Sanders, Macky Street. Timaru-Mr. H, H. King, Stafford Street. 'I'Inwa ld, Ashburton-e-Mr. Shearer. Waihi-Mr. Joseph Foster. SOUTH AUS'l'RALTA. Adelaide-Mr. C. Gamble, Magl ll Road, Stepney. NEW Sydney-Mr.
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to the Association and orders for Bible to he addressed to the Secretary, MR. ALEX. PAGE, Murdocb Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland,

The author gives an exposition of Dan. ii. and v ii., and of six chapters of the Hook of Zochariah. "'le are pleased to note that ho sees plainly that the four beasts of Daniel are not parallel with the four divisions of the image of Dan. ii.; but we are not quite prepared to accept that three of these four beasts are Great Britain, Russia, and; Germany. To us this view seems to go beyond the record. Yet there is much written by Mr. Cale which is worthy of thought in regard to it. ALIUSNE PRO NOBIS,. By John Urquhart. and Co., Melbourne. Sixpence nett. George Robertson

CHURCH
Hold Services as under: AUCKLAND-West

OF

CHRIST

Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock a.m. Fel lowshlp Meeting, 6.45 p.m., Preaching Service. Snnday School at 2,45. Wednesday evening, Bible Class at 7.45. Evangelist's address-Geo. Aldridge, Brentwood Avenne, Moun t Eden. . Secretary-Mr. J. H. Ward, Stanley Street, Arch HIll

This is a pamph let discussing the objections of Higher Criticism to the doctrine of Atonement. Those who know the excellent booklets, "Roger's Reasons," will understand us when we say that this is written in the same interesting conversational fashion. Many of the points made by "Roger" are well taken, and as good a defence of the "orthodox" view of the Atonement can be foundl in this pamphlet as in many ponderous volumes. From our sta ndpoi nt, however, as believers in Life only in Christ, there is much pertaining to the Bible doctrine of this great subject which is not recognised in the pamphlet.

MOUNT ROSKILr~. Corner Waiters Road and Emma StreetSnnday at 11 a.m, Fellowship Meeting. Snnday at 6.45 p.rn., Preaching Service. Snnday School at 2.45 p.m. HAMILTON -Masonic Sunday, Sunday, DUNIDDIN-Oddfellows' Snnday Hall, Hamilton East. at 11 a.m . F'ello wshi.p Meeting. at , Preaching. Hall, Stnart Street. at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting. 6.30 p.m., Preaching Service. Wednesday evening. at 7.45. Christian Band Meeting is held in Kroon's Reception Room, St. Andrew Street. Church Secretary-Miss S. Lawrence, Hope Street.

"Try it.-Young men and young women of our churenes, never let a stranger go away without notice; never let that chilling feeling of Ioneliness come over any person in ,the house of God. It should 'be your pleasure to make every stranger at home. Try it, and your reward' will be speedy." A candle that won't shine in one room is very unlikely to shine in another. If you do not shine at home, if your father and mother, your sister and brother, if the very cat and dog in the house are not the better and happier for your being a. Christian, it is a question whether you are really one.---J. Hudson. TuylO1-. In the tumult of the world, where every life is invaded and encroached upon by the "pride of man" and the "strife of tongues," we wrap around us the robe of God's eternal mercy in Christ Jesus, and look out undaunted upon the dangers that cannot harm us here. "The time will come," remarked a sceptic to the philosopher, "when men will no more 'believe in God than they now believe in Ghosts." "Should that time come," was the rejoinder, "they will begin again to believe in g'hosts." And this t.ime does not need to come; it is here already.

Sunday, Fellowship Meeting, at 11 a.m. Sunday School at 2.30. Sunday Evening, Preaching, 7. Chut'eh Secretary, R. M, Cameron, 'l'HAMES--Pollen Street Lecture Ball. Snnday at 11 a.m, Fellowship Meeting. Evening Service at 6,30, Snnday School at 2.30. Evangelist-Chas. Waterhonse, Heale St., Parawal. Secretary-A. Winsor, Willonghby Street. W AIHI-Church, Main Street. Sunday, 11 a.m., F'ellowsb ip Meeting, Sunday, 2,;]0 p.rn .. Sunday ~chool. Sunday Evening. at 7. a Pnblic Address, Church Secretarv-e-D. Donn ldson. Evangelist-J oseph Foster, wntht.

HELENSVILLE-Church.

'l'nrARU-Sophia Secretary's HASTINGS,

Street Hall, Address-r-H. H, King. fltafl'ord Street, 'I'Imaru.

HAWKF.S' BAYSunday at 7 p.m., in the Old Library Hall, for Fellowship, Rreal<in'1 Bread. ani! Address .. Acting Secretary'S Address'r ' J.. ,W! W""lkel'. Wfl lo wbank Road, Hast.ings. ADELAIDE, S.A.-Dl'uids' Hall. Beulnh Road, Norwood. Secretary's Address-Miss L, L. Bf ackebj, 226, Rundle St., Adelaide, S,A,

Printed by the Bm:'n' PnINTING ANDPUBLISHING COMPANY,Short, land Street. for the New 7,enlan<l Evangelistic and Publication Association. lino published by W. A, SMITH, Selwyn Road, Mt. Albert, OC'l'OBER, 1910.