The World's Prophetic Weekly

THE WORLD'S PROPHETIC WEEKLY

•

INTERNATIONAL Vol. 74, No. 11 Disillusion and Hope — See page 2 March 18, 1947 ACME Rocket propulsion, a wartime invention, is here seen used for peacetime commerce, helping an air freighter take off from Mexico City with ten tons of bananas.

of Lords, quoted the chorus from Shel- ley's Hellas: The world's great age begins anew, DISILLUSION The golden years return. AND HOPE N November, 1918, a few days after These words were typical of the 1I the signing of the Armistice, Lord thoughts and hopes of mankind at that Curzon, speaking in the British House time. World War I was over. The enemies of freedom had been over- The Trajan column, one of Rome's most valued thrown. The world had been made monuments, erected about A. D. 80, emerging safe for democracy. Man's progress to from its wartime brick shell as peace returns to Italy. peace, plenty, and perfection, unfor- tunately interrupted by the war, could now continue. The golden years had re- Babel . . . has crashed, and the world turned. is littered with the wreckage of disil- This spirit of confident optimism con- lusionment." tinued for some time, encouraged by What can be done about it? he asks; the conclusion of peace treaties, the for- and rightly answers: "If there is any mation of the League of Nations, and healing for humanity's hurt, it must the calling of the Disarmament Con- come, not from man's side, but from ference at Geneva. God's." Then shadows began to fall again. "In this immensely critical hour," he The Disarmament Conference proved a continues, "when millions of human fiasco. The League of Nations revealed hearts are besieged by fierce perplexities; ominous rifts and dissensions. Dictators when so many established landmarks arose, bellowing their foolish slogans of the spirit are gone, old securities and arrogant nationalism. Then, sud- wrecked, familiar ways and habits, plans denly, mankind was plunged into and preconceptions, banished never to World War II, with all its frightful de- return; when the soul is destined to struction of life and property and its meet, amid the crash of old beliefs, the horrible revelation of the depths of ruthless challenge and assault of doubt depravity to which humanity can sink. and disillusionment; when history itself Significantly, no one quoted Shelley's is being cleft in twain, and no man can lines after the surrender of Germany or forecast the shape of things to come— Japan. No one is quoting them now, the church needs men who, knowing nearly two years later. Nor does any- the world around them, and knowing one expect to quote them again as apply- the Christ above them and within, will ing to man's "inevitable" progress. set the trumpet of the gospel to their Thinking men realize that "the golden lips, and proclaim His sovereignty and years" have not returned, nor can return, all-sufficiency." with the threat of atomic destruction Challenging Christian ministers to casting its grim shadow ever more meet the need of the hour, He says: menacingly over the lives of all. "Your task is to confront the rampant As a result of all the terrible happen- disillusionment of the day, and smash ings of the past few years, the present it with the cross of Christ and shame it generation has "very largely repudiated with the splendor of the resurrection." the confident optimism of its predeces- Glorious message! Yet how does it sors," says James S. Stewart, the famous combat the bitter disillusionment of our Scottish preacher, in his latest book, times? Because Calvary revealed that Heralds of God. "The great Tower of God loves man—loves him more than

Page Two SIGNS of the TIMES he can ever understand. And Olivet rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit costs. Hence 'the unheard of phenome- made plain that man has a living Sav- of happiness. non of teachers' strikes. iour, resurrected, ascended, and sitting 4. Acceptance of the over-all purpose of It is generally conceded that miners, the congress to unite men and, women at the right hand of the Majesty in the steel workers, dock laborers, and others of all religious faiths in support of the heavens—One who is ever interceding United Nations. engaged in heavy muscular tasks should for him, One who understands him, who have higher wages, but teachers who • is touched with the feeling of his in- This, evidently, is the irreducible min- mold the minds of all future citizens, firmities. imum of religious requirement. But we no. Thus, according to the N. E. A., Nor is this all. For the fact of the note there is no mention of Christ—as, seventy per cent of the schoolteachers resurrection of Christ makes certain His of course, there could not be. And what in the state of Missouri receive less than second coming in glory. good can this congress hope to achieve $2,000 a year and forty per cent less than "But this Man, after He had offered without Him? A joint resolution of $1,200, a situation characteristic of all one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down Hindus, Moslems, Shintoists, Confu- states. on the right hand of God; from hence- cianists, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants The problem is a national one, says forth expecting till His enemies be made may sound very pious and important; Dr. Roy. Smith, and "for our failure to His footstool." Hebrews 10:12, 13. but we venture to suggest that it will provide a solution we shall be paying He has not forgotten us. He will keep possess not one scintilla of value in pre- excessive costs in juvenile delinquency His promise to return. He longs for the serving the peace of the world. and a long list of other social maladies. day of final triumph over evil. As the Leaving Jesus out will get us nowhere. No nation can afford to economize on apostle Peter said: God "shall send Jesus "For there is none other name under its educational budget." Christi ,which before 'was preached unto heaven given among men, whereby we He is right. And it is to be hoped that you: whom the heaven must receive must be saved." Acts 4:12. men of vision in high places will see to until the times of restitution of all it that this situation is speedily remedied things." Acts 3:2o, 21. so that the best potential teachers, for This triune truth of a redeeming, public as well as denominational schools risen, and returning Saviour is indeed FALSE will not be driven to other professions the message for this day of disillusion- ECONOMY through sheer necessity of obtaining a Ment. It presents the one sure hope HE National Education Association livelihood. when all other hopes have failed. It is T has revealed the startling fact that Wisdom would suggest that high pri- the glorious "everlasting gospel" which throughout the United States there are ority should be given to all that pertains prophecy says shall be preached to 14,312 teaching positions vacant because to the training of children and young "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, no teachers of any kind are available, people. But let it not be forgotten that and people" in these closing years of and that 109,582 persons are teaching even when more money and better fa- • time. Revelation 14:6. under emergency certificates, meaning cilities have been provided, there will that they are only partly qualified for yet be lacking in many quarters that their responsibilities. high moral and spiritual leadership so ,(53 The basic reason for this deplorable sadly needed in these lawless and dis- IRREDUCIBLE situation is that the authorities responsi- quieting times. For teachers who can MINIMUM ble for hiring teachers have failed to provide such moral training and notice that the wages they offer bear no A World Congress of Religion is be- strength of character for the citizens of ing called for the fall of 1948 by reasonable relation to present living tomorrow, no reward could be too great. the Church Peace Union. According to ll) Seeking the secrets of the stratosphere, nine man-made "meteors" were inserted in this giant V-2 the first announcement, the purpose rocket, to be ejected at intervals after the rocket reached 120,000 feet. This made the experiment seems to be to gather together repre- visible for several hundred miles. sentatives of all religious faiths in order ARMY ORDNANC to prepare resolutions in support of the United Nations. Invitations to the congress have already been sent out to one, thousand men and women selected from the major religious faiths of the world. • Evidently the promoters of this Uto- pian scheme met some difficulties in deciding who should and who should not be invited. There are so many different religions, and so many organiza- tions whose religious nature is open to question, that they certainly had a problem on their hands. At last it was decided that delegates to the congress be asked to accept the following four points "as basic to the purpose and program of the congress": 1. A belief in a Supreme Being. 2. A desire for fellowship, understanding, and the practice of human brotherhood. • 3. Co-operation to help secure international justice, promote good will, and provide for all men everywhere the or MARCH 18, 1947 Page Three cri PURPOSE of the Cross •

A Ransom for the Race

by WILLIAM G. WIRTH •

DIVINE regeneration, not human 'mprovement, is essential to sal- • vation. Hence we must "be born again" (John 3:3); and this new birth in righteousness can come only through Christ as the Redeemer who died on the cross that the old nature of sin might be removed and our inquities purged through His sacrifice. Therefore, in His conver- sation with Nicodemus, our Lord cli- maxes the case with the statement: "As • Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." Verses 14, 15. Our faith centers not on a teaching Lord, but a dying GRAMSTORFP Saviour. Jesus Christ could not escape the bitter cup of suffering and death because He came to drink it in our stead. Since Paul "delivered" to the church "first of all" (that is of "first impor- • tance," Revised Standard Version) the As our substitute, the One who paid "God is gracious unto him, and saith, fundamental doctrine of the gospel that the penalty which we rightly deserved Deliver him from going down to the "Christ died for our sins according to at the bar of divine justice, Jesus stands pit, I have found a ransom." Job 33:24, the Scriptures," let us review some of as our blessed Redeemer. "Surely He American Standard Version. the reasons why this is so. Beginning hath borne our griefs, and carried our In His love for us Jesus identified with Paul's statement here, we find that sorrows : yet we did esteem Him Himself with us: "Forasmuch then as "Christ died for our sins." Following stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. the children are partakers of flesh and the apostle's standard of proof, "accord-. But He was wounded for our transgres- blood, He also Himself likewise took. ing to the Scriptures," we learn that sin sions, He was bruised for our iniquities: part of the same; that through death is the transgression of God's holy law, the chastisement of our peace was upon He might destroy him that had the the Ten Commandments. "Whosoever Him; and with His stripes we are power of death, that is, the devil; and committeth sin transgresseth also the healed. All we like sheep have gone deliver them who through fear of death law: for sin is the transgression of the astray; we have turned everyone to his were all their lifetime subject to bond- law." r John 3:4. "What shall we say own way; and the Lord hath laid on age." Hebrews 2:14, 15. Representatively, then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53: our Lord was made "to be sin for us, I had hot known sin, but by the law: 4-6. "Even as the Son of man came not who knew no sin; that we might bell for I had not known lust, except the to be ministered unto, but to minister, made the righteousness of God in Him." 1.1. law had said, Thou shalt not covet." and to give His life a ransom for many." 2 Corinthians 5:21. Romans 7:7. But the word does not stop Matthew 2o:28. "But God commendeth This assumption of our penalty be- with the definition of sin; it adds the His love toward us, in that, while we cause of the offended divine law ex- solemn, arresting fact that its commis- were yet sinners, Christ died for us." plains Christ's agonizing experience in sion brings upon the disobedient the Romans 5:8. How comforting and as- Matthew 26:36-42: "Then cometh Jesus sanction of death, "for the wages of sin suring it must have been to Elihu, re- with them unto a place called Gethsem, is death." Romans 6:23. viewing man's sinful state, to know that ane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye.

"Signs of the Times" March 18, 1947. Vol. 74, No. 11. $1.75 a year in the United States. Printed and published weekly (50 issues a year) by the Pacific Press Publishing Association at Mountain View, California, U. S. A. Entered its second-class matter September 15, 1904, at the post office at Mountain View, California, under Act of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, and authorized September 18, 1918. Page Four SIGNS of the TIMES here, while I go and pray yonder. And need, here we catch a glimpse of God's whether they be things in earth, or He took with him Peter and the two side, of His desire to take us unto Him- things in heaven. And you, that were sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrow- self as His children. "As many as re- sometime alienated and enemies in your ful and very heavy. Then saith He unto ceived Him, to them gave He power to mind by wicked works, yet now hath them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, become the sons of God, even to them He reconciled in the body of His flesh even unto death: tarry ye here, and that believe on His name." John 1:12. through death, to present you holy and watch with Me. And He went a little Unregenerated, we are His enemies be- unblamable and unreprovable in His farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, cause through disobedience to His law sight." Colossians 1:19-22. saying, 0 My Father, if it be possible, let and government we have placed our- "All things are of God, who hath this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not selves beyond His fellowship. "The car- reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He nal mind is enmity against God: for it and hath given to us the ministry of cometh unto the disciples, and findeth is not subject to the law of God, neither reconciliation; to wit, that God was in them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, indeed can be." Romans 8:7. "Behold, Christ, reconciling the world unto Him- could ye not watch with Me one hour? the Lord's hand is not shortened, that self, not imputing their trespasses unto Watch and pray, that ye enter not into it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, them; and hath committed unto us the • temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians but the flesh is weak. He went away have separated between you and your 5 :18, 19. "My little children, these things again the second time, and prayed, say- God, and your sins have hid His face write I unto you, that ye sin not. And ing, 0 My Father, if this cup may not from you, that He will not hear." Isaiah if any man sin, we have an advocate pass away from Me, except I drink it, 59:1, 2. Jesus has removed this offense with the Father, Jesus Christ the right- Thy will be done." through His propitiation, His satisfying eous : and He is the propitiation for our He could not. escape the cup, because the demands of Heaven's wounded sins: and not for ours only, but also for He came to drink it in our stead. In His honor. "It pleased the Father that in the sins of the whole world." 1 John own inherent deity He did not have to Him should all fullness dwell; and, 2:1, 2. die. "Therefore doth My Father love having made peace through the blood The Galilean does not reconcile us to Me, because I lay down My life, that I of His cross, by Him to reconcile all God through His spotless life, His might take it again. No man taketh it things unto Himself; by Him, I say, (Continued on page 13) from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have ft4 -s, power to take it again. This command- ritAtt4-- ailMe> 1111110 ment have I received of My Father." argmTHE John 1o:17, 18. "One of them which -441111114 41MMIZa.Kiga.; were with Jesus stretched out his hand, ItiNeWs* and drew his sword, and struck a serv- Significant Events and '.413 ant of the high priest's, and smote off TRENDS OF THE TIMES his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for Changing Minds has recently been awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology. This leader in "Neither world revolution in the interest all they that take the sword shall perish the field of radiation and heredity has dem- of one philosophy nor world conversion in with the sword. Thinkest thou that I onstrated that the offspring of fruit flies may the interest of one faith can give us the com- cannot now pray to My Father, and He be considerably changed by treating their munity we so desperately need, but only a parents with X rays, and he believes that the shall presently give Me more than world democracy of the human mind and same effect, whether for better or worse, will twelve legions of angels? But how then the human spirit," is the belief upon which be seen in humans affected by atomic radia- the United Nations Educational, Scientific, shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus tion. it must be ?" Matthew 26:51-54. and Cultural Organization is founded, according to Archibald MacLeish, United States Illegal Liquor "Thus it must be" because He delib- delegate to the Paris session of UNESCO, in erately became our Substitute, the One the New York nines Magazine. "Since wars It is illegal to sell spirits in almost one begin in the minds of men," he said, "it is in third of the counties of the United States, "who, being in the form of God, thought says the Alcohol Lesson Leaflet. Out of 3,070 God: the minds of men that the defenses of peace it not robbery to be equal with must be constructed." counties, 935 were under no-license for spirits but made Himself of no reputation, and at the close of 1945, and 2,702 cities and took upon Him the form of a servant, Divorce Increase towns and 2,014 smaller districts had made the sale of spirits unlawful. and was made in the likeness of men: Thirty-eight thousand petitions for -di- and being found in fashion as a man, vorce were filed in England during 1946, ac- Protestantism Becoming Political He humbled Himself, and became obe- cording to an estimate by Lord Jowitt, the Lord Chancellor, in a debate in the House of Indicating a desire for political action dient unto death, even the death of the Lords over the backlog of divorce cases in by Protestants, the Federal Council of the cross." Philippians 2:6-8. Truer than British courts. This compares with 670 pe- Churches of Christ in America recently elected they realized were the words of the titions in 1905, an increase of 567 per cent in to their presidency Charles Phelps Taft, son scornful Jewish leaders at Golgotha: forty-one years. To the proposition that di- of President Taft, and a lawyer long active in public affairs. Taft, an Episcopal layman, "He saved others; Himself He cannot vorces be made faster and cheaper, one way to bring the backlog up to date, Dr. G. F. said in his opening speech: "The churches save." Matthew 27:42. He gathered to Fisher, the archbishop of Canterbury, ob- . . . must study politics and must find a Himself all the penalties of our sins, jected, as quoted in the San Francisco Chron- gospel which helps a Christian politician." even as Arnold von Winkelried gath- icle: "When many people are coveting their ered into his own bosom at Sempach neighbors' wives and husbands and then by Atheism for UNESCO the pikes of the Austrians, and so legal process are obtaining them, it is an The head of the United Nations Educa- encouragement to others to think of doing tional, Social, and Cultural Organization is cleared the way for the victorious Swiss. the same thing." Dr. Julian Sorell Huxley, grandson of Henry Christ died at Calvary to reconcile us The Atom and Heredity Huxley. An eminent biologist, with years of to God, to secure for us that divine experience as director of the London Zoo, fellowship so vital to our being. If we Children born of parents exposed to the he is also a well-known atheist, quoted by radiation of an atomic bomb may show un- Time as saying: "I do not believe in God, have been treating of our Lord's death usual physical traits, is the opinion of Her- because I think the idea has ceased to be a from the human side of our essential man J. Muller of Indiana University, who useful hypothesis." s. L. M. for MARCH 18, 1947 Page Five Will Rome Rule Again?

Future of the Strange, Mysterious Kingdom on the Banks of the Tiber • by ARTHUR S. MAXWELL

Great Prophecies for Our Time---is

Vatican City, showing the area of the temporal state of the papacy in our day.

F all the phenomena of this it was that the modern Vatican state was the Vatican. Though the appointment amazing age none is more remarkable organized, with its own territory, radio was only "personal," Mr. Taylor was than the continued existence of a quaint, station, postal system, railroad station, immediately accorded the full social diminutive kingdom on the banks of and all essential signs of complete inde- status, if not the actual rank, of an am- the historic Tiber, relic of a dominion pendence. Then it was that the pope bassador to the Holy See. that once ruled a continent and indeed became a king again—king of the Why the head of this great Protestant a world. smallest, but perhaps the most influen- country should feel it necessary to make 0 Many times I have wandered through tial, dominion in all the world. such overtures to the papacy has not its massive buildings, hoary with age Following the close of World War I been fully disclosed; but whatever the and freighted with history. I have the papacy busied itself with the making real reason may have, been, the effect of gazed, astonished, upon some of its of concordats with every state willing to the appointment was undoubtedly to most closely guarded treasures, its triple accept such collaboration, until more increase papal prestige immeasurably. crowns and jewel-encrusted vestments, than forty such documents had been In an important letter to the New that recall forgotten triumphs and de- signed, giving the Roman Catholic York Times, dated May 12, 1940, James parted glory. Church priorities in religious matters in H. Ryan, Roman Catholic bishop of - Never did this citadel of political these nations and bringing to the Vati- Omaha, defending Taylor's appoint-A.1k ecclesiasticism assume such significance can more rights and privileges than it ment, wrote the following significant'', as it does at this moment. Amid the had enjoyed at any time since 1798. statement: mighty upheavals of the European na- In the United States the growth of "With the election of Pius XII now tions, this mysterious, tiny kingdom, Vatican influence is becoming more and behind us, and the memory of the al- richest of them all, has remained un- more obvious. Nationally known news- most universal approbation it received touched. papers are driven to devote ever wider still fresh in the public mind, the place In recent years ruler after ruler has attention to its activities. The radio car- of the Papacy in world affairs seems to been deposed or forced to flee from his ries more and more of its propaganda stand out in bolder relief than at almost iii capital, but the king of the Vatican has into the homes of the people. Notice- any other epoch of its long existence. In. continued on his throne with poise and ably, too, the pope is being set forth as few periods of history have the Popes confidence. a great peacemaker and benefactor, the exercised a larger influence—an interest- Even more remarkable is the increas- one to whom all the world should look ing phenomenon when one recalls the ing influence of this kingdom and its for ultimate deliverance from war. low political ebb to which the Papacy ruler in many parts of the world. It is Early in 1940, despite many vigorous had sunk at the middle of the last cen- only a few years since the pope was and influential protests, the President of tury, when, on all sides, reputable states- known as "The prisoner of the Vati- the United States appointed Myron C. men predicted its final and definitive,ft, can," from which self-imposed bondage Taylor, retired steel merchant and head annihilation within their own lifetime.. he was released by the concordat with of the intergovernmental refugee com- But from Leo XIII to Pius XII much the Italian government in 1929. Then mittee, as his special representative to water has flowed under the bridge of Page Six SIGNS of the TIMES international politics. Kingdoms that of the sea, having seven heads and ten tion, it will make a spectacular recovery. were kingdoms in the days of Pius IX horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, Wounded to death but rising again— are no more; and empires that seemed and upon his heads the name of blas- how perfectly does this depict the his- eternal then have collapsed. . . . phemy." Revelation 13:1. tory of the papacy from 1798 until the "If history is any guide to the imme- Here we read of a strange and terrify- present day! Suffering reverse after re- • diate future, state absolutism will not ing beast which, while having "seven verse, but ever striving to regain its lost be any more successful in its efforts to heads and ten horns," resembles at once power and glory; struggling against humble Rome than was the dominant a leopard, a bear, and a lion—the first seemingly insuperable odds, yet finding political ideology of the nineteenth cen- three beasts mentioned in Daniel 7. Ob- its way back along the road to world tury." viously this is another symbol of world dominion! Perhaps, after all, this great little power, its religious nature emphasized Even so has it happened. kingdom has yet some important part to by its "name of blasphemy." When, in August, 1799, Pope Pius VI play in the stirring history of our time. Reading on in the chapter, one notes passed away, a captive of France, "half Can it be that it will yet achieve its am- how many features correspond exactly Europe thought . . . that with the Pope bition to dominate the world again? with Daniel's description of the "little the Papacy was dead."—Rev. Joseph • horn." This power speaks "great things Rickaby, S. J., The Modern Papacy, What has prophecy to say on this ab- sorbing theme? and blasphemies;" it makes war with page r. It will be remembered that at the the saints, and continues for "forty and Nevertheless today, as the bishop of close of the prophecy in the seventh two months"—which is exactly 126o Omaha said, "the place of the Papacy in chapter of Daniel, which depicts the days or prophetic years. Moreover, "the world affairs seems to stand out in rise of the papacy and the outstanding dragon" gives the beast "his power, and bolder relief than at almost any other features of its long and checkered his- his seat, and great authority"—which is epoch of its long existence." tory, there occur these solemn words of a remarkably accurate description of the Despite all the setbacks received dur- condemnation: "But the judgment shall transfer of power from pagan to papal ing the nineteenth century, and the still • Rome. sit, and they shall take away his domin- more damaging blows sustained in re- ion, to consume and to destroy it unto In the midst of the prophecy, how- cent years in Germany, Poland, Russia, the end." ever, there occurs one sentence of great Mexico, and Yugoslavia, the papacy's in- significance. Referring to one of the These words were uttered concerning fluence has continued to expand until heads of the beast, it says, "1" saw one of the "little horn," and have reference, we now a vast host of adherents in every his heads as it were wounded to death; must conclude, to its fate subsequent to land on earth recognizes its authority. and his deadly wound was healed: and the conclusion of the 126o days. The One need but recall the number of na- all the world wondered after the beast." disaster that befell this power in 1798 tions represented at the Vatican, or the Revelation 13:3. was not to be the final blow; it is multitudes that attend the frequent doomed to utter and final extinction. Here is another of the daring predic- eucharistic congresses, to realize that the Consequently, if the prophecy of Daniel tions of the Bible. It announces that the deadly wound is almost healed and that 7:26 were the last word to be found in mighty ecclesiastical power, whose rise the papacy will soon be ready to play the Scriptures on this subject, we might and progress are foreshadowed here, the part that prophecy has outlined for well conclude that there is nothing more will suffer a disastrous reversal that will it in the closing scenes of history. to fear from Rome; but this is not the cause its almost complete dissolution; What that part will be, only the future last word. The Bible speaks again, illu-' and that then; contrary to all expecta- can fully reveal. In the light of the minating the final phases of the prophecies we have studied, how- agelong drama of 'this religio-po- ever, we may look with certainty litical power. for an upswing of papal fortunes. Just as the papacy, despite all eAn Important Revelation the losses it sustained during the In the thirteenth chapter of the war of 1914-18, came out of that book of Revelation there is a pre- conflict with renewed vigor and diction which is the exact counter- prestige, so by means of its mar- part of the one in Daniel 7, but velous powers of adaptability, its with added details of immense incomparable political knowledge importance. Just as the seventh and skill, it is turning the current chapter of Daniel, in it's grand world confusion to its own ad- sweep across the centuries, covers vantage. much the same ground as the sec- Nevertheless, despite all preten- ond chapter of that book, but in- sions to piety, it remains at heart cluding additional features, so the same autocratic, tyrannical does the thirteenth chapter of Rev- power that it has been since its elation similarly complement and foundation. Whenever it obtains fill out the thrilling outline of his- the upper hand in affairs of state, tory provided in Daniel 7. it will still persecute as of old. In this New Testament revela- It has been well said that the tion is brought to view the self- Roman ecclesiastical system is "in same power so accurately depicted adversity a lamb, on an equality by Daniel, but under different a fox, and in supremacy a tiger." symbolism. The prophet John All history testifies to the accuracy thus portrays what he saw in of this apt summary of papal pol- vision : A. S. MAXWELL icy, and there is no reason to be- "And I stood upon the sand of The massive wall surrounding the Vatican, with the observa- lieve that it has changed. Sad in- the sea, and saw a beast rise up out tory and radio broadcasting station antenna in the background. (Continued on page 13) for MARCH 18, 1947 Page Seven

71 Lost Prophetic Witness

AD.

S we enter the portals of the Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, Once eighteenth century we find that an in- Centers of Prophetic Preaching! creasing number of theologians, school- masters, civil servants, and poets join in the spreading chorus of prophetic exposition. The renowned Cotton Mather Further Remarkable Revelations (1663-1728), author of some 450 pub- Concerning America's Early Atti- lished treatises—a prodigious achieve- tude to Bible Prophecy ment—led the way, asserting that all the prophecies indicated that the prophesied end of the age is now nearing. Anti- christ's kingdom, he insisted, will be terminated by the second advent. The by Turkish woe' period, he believed, began in 1300. Citing the great European LEROY E. FROOM scholars of the past, Cotton Mather Author, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers presses heavily on the papal power as While the subject of Bible prophecy was being guished divines in the old country. In 1826 the the prophesied antichrist, and the sec- Drummond addressing the chairman, Hugh Mac ond advent as the glorious and only hope of the ages. Mather assured his readers that the end of the 126o years may be known, 1708), classicist and educator, who like- midst of his heavy civil responsibilities, and urged separation from the Baby- wise wrote on prophecy. His Scripture he wrote An Essay on Scripture-Pro ph- lonian antichrist. He solemnly declared Prophecies Explained (1757) deals with ecy. Holding the standard interpretation that the sands in time's hourglass are the restitution of all things, the first of Daniel 2 and 7, he expounded the beginning to run low. His. prophetic resurrection, the premillennial second four empires of prophecy. He contended catechism, and even his unpublished advent, and related themes. He actually that the little horn of Daniel 7 and the manuscripts, all emphasize the great wrote his prophetic hope into his last man of sin of Paul's prophecy are the and generally accepted positions on will, which is on record in the probate same as the papal beast of Revelation 13, prophecy, commonly held by virtually court in Boston, Massachusetts. He be- revealed by John the apostle. The year- all expositors. One extract must suffice: lieved the second advent would intro- day principle he applied to all time "Tis very certain, That there, will be duce the millennium, and that the thou- periods, particularly the 1260, 1290, 1335, no more than Twelve Hundred & sand years covered the period between and 2300 years, on the basis of the key Sixty years allow'd unto that Papal the two resurrections—those of the right- in Numbers 14 and Ezekiel 4. To him Kingdom: Tis very certain, That when eous and the wicked. Just this sentence the papacy was patently the antichrist Ten Soveraign Kings arise, in the from Cheever: of Scripture. This was the governor's broken Roman Empire, the Twelve "This coming is a personal coming, considered declaration: Hundred & Sixty years of the Papal the time of it after the destruction of "All these passages compared with Kingdom, are Commenced: And It is antichrist's kingdom, and the end of one another give so full and plain an very certain, That by the middle of the the four monarchies, as appears from account of the popes of Rome, from first Fifth century, Ten several Distinct Dan. ii. and Rev. xxi. which places to last, that a very moderate knowledge • Kingdomes, took advantage from the shew that it is an outward visible king- of history serves to satisfy us that they Distractions then upon the Roman Em- dom, which Christ, together with His are meant of them, and cannot be ap- pire, to set up for themselves. By this saints, shall have in this world."—Scrip- plied to any other time."—An Essay on Calculation, we have nothing less than ture Prophecies Explained, page 26 Scripture-Prophecy, page 27 (1724)._ a Demonstration, that the Papal King- (1757). Of particular interest and significance dom, has the last Sands, of its last Hour- Passing by many intriguing names of are the Dudleian Lectures on Roman- glass, now running for it."—Things for notables who wrote on prophecy, we ism, given over a long period of years a Distress'd People to Think Upon, pause a moment with William Burnet in Harvard College chapel. They were page 35 (1696). (1688-1729), governor of New York. founded by Chief Justice Paul Dudley Another famous man of the time was Though but a layman, he was an ear- (1675-1751) of Massachusetts, who wrote schoolmaster Ezekiel Cheever (1615^ nest student of prophecy. In 1724, in the An Essay on the Merchandize of Slaves Page Eight SIGNS of the TIMES one of the early harbingers of the last times, was strongly emphasized; and the dark day of 178o, as a predicted sign of the last days, was noted at the time. An excerpt from Timothy Dwight, conspicuous preacher, theologian, ad- ministrator, and natural leader, must suffice. He was head of Yale when blatant infidelity was rampant. He took up the cudgels with Hume and Voltaire, and challenged infidelity, meeting it with the convincing evidence of prophecy. Writing when the French Revolu- tion was at full tide, Dwight noted that the prophecies of the coming antichrist were being earnestly discussed, includ- ing its prophesied end. Here is his own expressed conviction: "The Romish Hierarchy, or ecclesiastical persecuting power already mentioned, is exhibited in the Scriptures under various names; as the Beast, the Man of Sin, the Son of perdition, and the Wicked, or rather the Lawless One. Each of these names is intended to de- note some particular characteristic of this power. Thus the Beast directly ex- hibits its ferocious, sanguinary, or persecuting character; the Man of sin its pre-eminent wickedness; the Son of perdition its certain destination to singular perdition; and the Lawless One its distinguished refusal of being restrained by HARRY ANDERSON, (OREVIEW AND HERALD the laws of either God, or man."—A Disi h discussed and preached about in New England, similar interest was being shown by distin- t prophetic conference was held at Albury Park, Surrey, England. The painting shows Henry course on Some Events of the Last Cen- le, to whose right is Joseph Wolff. Edward Irving is second to Joseph Wolff's right. tury, page 36 (18w). Dwight maintained that antichrist's ruin would come at the second advent and Souls of Men (1731). In his will in of Princeton; Samuel Langdon (1723- and the millennium begin with anti- 1750 Dudley left a bequest for a contin- 1797), Congregational president of Har- christ's destruction. He was a stalwart • uing lectureship. Certain stated lectures vard; William Linn (1752-1808), presi- premillennialist. He held that pagan were to deal with the papacy in proph- dent pro tempore of Queen's College Rome was succeeded by paganized ecy. These Dudleian speakers formed (Rutgers) ; and, finally, Timothy Christianity, and that France was the a distinguished list, being introduced Dwight (1752-1817), Congregational predicted agent of the papal overthrow. by Harvard's president Edward Hol- president of Yale. Each wrote convinc- The old-line interpretation of two cen- yoke in 1755, as the first. One of the lec- ingly on prophecy. turies of American exposition still held turers was Samuel Cooper (1725-1783), What an array, though this is not all with him, though a general abandon- Congregational pastor of Boston. His the list, not even of the college presi- ment was under way, due to new and theme Was, "Discourse on the Man of dents! But the list impressively sustains revolutionary concepts of world better- Sin." Here is an excerpt: the fact that a great cluster of illustrious ment and a utopian millennium of "By this Man, in the singular number, leaders wrote soberly and effectively on peace that had begun to captivate many the absolute monarchy in the church of prophecy. And with them are to be of the clergy. This intruding philosophy Rome is well described; though we do found a deacon, a historian, a physician, was stoutly challenged by some and not suppose any particular Pope is in- a postmaster general, clergymen of var- denied by other equally eminent schol- tended, but the Bishops of Rome in ious persuasions, and humble laymen ars. It was a transition hour, an hour succession. It gives us a general char- as well. The prophetic significance of of departure. acter of that order of men, and of those the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, as Along with the significance of the who have had the principal share in wide range of colonial exposition of their ecclesiastical administration; the prophecy that has now been recovered, chief promoters and defenders of the NOTE thus breaking the silence of the cen- Romish apostasy."—A Discourse on the Readers who are specially inter- turies, must be placed this second aston- Man of Sin, page 40. ested in the theme presented here ishing fact: Not only have such earlier Thus Harvard was tied into the plan by L. E. Froom are advised to secure concepts of prophecy largely passed that continued for nearly a century. his scholarly and fascinating work, from the thinking and expression of Because of their conspicuous positions just published, entitled The Pro- phetic Faith of Our Fathers, volume popular churchmen and civic leaders of other college presidents should be noted: .3. Price, $5. It may be secured from today, but the entire field of prophecy • Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), Congre- the publishers of the Signs of the has seemingly lost interest for the church' gational president of Princeton; Aaron Times, Mountain View, California. and secular historians to the extent that Burr (1 716-1757) , Presbyterian president (Continued on page 14)

for MARCH 18, 1947 Page Nine rko Made Saturday Sunday? • Pillars of the Christian Faith--io

The Truth About the Change HRIST made no change in the law of God. Both by precept and ex- in Sabbath Observance ample He honored and upheld its right- • eous requirements. The prophets of by FRANCIS McLELLAN WILCOX old foretold that this would be His at- titude. "The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will mag- nify the law, and make it honorable."

Isaiah 42:21. "Then said I, Lo, I come: 474 • •A c.11.:.Ec1f1;p1.. in the volume of the book it is written : • . . . • . . . • • of Me, I delight to do Thy will, 0 My A. Thu ChriStiall Church has su'rely aright,: th whirti etrorr the Jewish Church possessed.. ,ihese ferbi God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." ..Q., Mere do yom lind,• in 11w Old Tula.: 48e1 sir 1 Psalm 40:7, 8. ment, Ihrists...oloyeept:histi.tuted .by the .syasti. A. Cer Christ testified to the truthfulness of • goffn.el?. . . • would h these prophetic utterances: "Think not . • A. 19: tfic: .Bogkot. SE:5ther, chirp. 9th and to 'Church.: the last chapter or Boolcof Judith. Q, Ma that I am come to destroy the law, or 7.1.055 you. oil/4)1115r wity qf 'that entereth 1 the prophets: I am not come to destroy, Chureh has power la .itistattle festivals V- A; :y but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, precept'? • • • • • is. the dis, • Hurl she not. such powei', she could not clean ; Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or have .d one: tint.in: w h ichall modern :rid igiortiSt s . ..r07.0 put. one tittle shall in nowise pass from the cairns with her.;:--sho.could.not have substituted Sage ell law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17, the oh.3er:Vitliitit of Sunday the first day of the ing, riot • week, for .fly) oh,cyranc'e.of. iSaturtlay the. Spy- of his 18. And the apostle Paul declared that '.(2.111.1i.daY; a change for which there is no &Tip. uns faith in Christ, rather than making void the law of God, establishes it: "Do we then make void the law through faith? "Roman Catholics . . . declare that Protestants, by observing Sunday, are recognizing her power." God 'forbid: yea, we establish the law." Romans 3 :3 t. "The Catholic Church for over one divine power which Jesus Christ be- On the other hand the prophet Daniel thousand years before the existence of stowed upon her."—Rev. Peter Geier- tells us that there would arise a power a Protestant, by virtue of her Divine mann, The Convert's Catechism of • among the nations of men which would mission, changed the day from Saturday Catholic Doctrine, page 5o. seek to bring about a change in God's to Sunday. The Protesthnt world at its A prominent cardinal has stated: holy requirements. "He shall speak birth [in the Reformation of the six- "You may read the Bible from Genesis great words against the Most High, teenth century] found the Christian to Revelation, and you will not find a and shall wear out the saints of the Sabbath too strongly entrenched to run single line authorizing the sanctification Most High, and think to change times counter to its existence; it was therefore of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the and laws': and they shall be given into placed under the necessity of acquiescing religious observance of Saturday, a day his hand until a time and times and the in the arrangement, thus implying the which we never sanctify."—James Gib- dividing of time." Daniel 7:25. Church's right to change the day, for bons, The Faith of Our Fathers, 76th The aposde Paul makes unmistakable over 30o years. The Christian Sabbath ed., page 86. • reference to this same power, which he is therefore to this day the acknowledged denominates the "man of sin," who offspring of the Catholic Church, as How the Change Was Made would seek to exalt himself above God. Spouse of the Holy Ghost, without a What conditions led the church to "Let no man deceive you by any means : word of remonstrance from the Protes- adopt the first day of the week instead for that day shall not come, except there tant world."—The Catholic Mirror, Bal- of the Sabbath ordained by the Lord ? come a falling away first, and that man timore, Sept. 23, 1893. In Paul's parting exhortation to the of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; "Q. Why did the Catholic Church elders of the church of Ephesus he told who opposeth and exalteth himself substitute Sunday for Saturday? them that of their own number men • above all that is called God, or that is "A. The church substituted Sunday would arise speaking perverse things to worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in for Saturday, because Christ rose from draw away disciples after them. Acts the temple of God, showing himself the dead on a Sunday, and the Holy 20:29, 30. Even toward the end of the that he is God." 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. Ghost descended upon the Apostles on first century the church began to depart e We now inquire, Has there arisen a a Sunday. from the simplicity of the faith, and to power which has openly sought to "Q. By what authority did the Church cater to the ideas and prejudices of the change the "times and laws" of God, substitute Sunday for Saturday ? heathen world around it; and by the and particularly the Sabbath day? Ro- "A. The Church substituted Sunday end of the second century this departure • man Catholic authorities answer: for Saturday by the plenitude of that from original purity was very marked. Page Ten SIGNS of the TIMES Christianity began to wear the garb of ings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, neighbors, it saw fit to take this day ob- heathenism. The conversion of the the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turn- served by the heathen world and incor- heathen became more superficial; and as ing to the east, images at a later date, porate it into the practice of the church these men and women united with the perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, and the as a Christian institution. Declared T. church of God, they brought with them Kyrie eleison, are all of pagan origin, M. Morer, a London Anglican rector, many customs and practices of their and sanctified by their adoption into the in his Dialogues on the Lord's Day, former heathen worship. Church."—John Henry Cardinal New- written about the year 17o1: Upon the so-called conversion of Con- man, An Essay of the Development of "It is not to be denied but we borrow stantine in the beginning of the fourth Christian Doctrine. the name of this day from the ancient century, a new impetus was given to Many and devious were the methods Greeks and Romans, and we allow that the Christian faith, and the Christian by which the church in the early cen- the old Egyptians worshiped the sun, religion became the religion of the em- turies sought to win the favor of its and as a standing memorial of their ven- pire. Then began the scheming of the heathen neighbors. One of these was eration, dedicated this day to him. And various bishops and presbyters to gain the adoption of the Sunday festival. This we find by the influence of their ex- recognition at the court of the emperor. day was dedicated to the worship of the amples, other nations, and among them Rome had for centuries been the mis- sun, and upon it were held heathen the Jews themselves, doing him hom- tress of the world, and as in the affairs feasts in honor of that deity. age; yet these abuses did not hinder the of state her authority was supreme, it By a cult known as Mithraism special Fathers of the Christian church simply seemed but natural that her authority veneration was shown the Sunday festi- to repeal, or altogether lay by, the day should be conceded in spiritual matters, val. W. de C. Ravenal, writing for Dr. or its name, but only to sanctify and im- especially as Constantine recognized the I. M. Casanowicz, assistant curator, di- prove both, as they did also the pagan claims of the Church of Rome, which vision of Old World archaeology for temples polluted before with idolatrous gave to her opinions superior weight and the Smithsonian Institution, makes this services, and other instances wherein authority. statement : those good men were always tender to The popularity of the Christian reli- "The devotees of Mithra held Sunday work any, other change than what was gion in the empire served only to lead sacred because Mithra was identified evidently necessary, and in such things large numbers of the heathen to unite with the 'invincible sun.' . . . Mithra as were plainly inconsistent with the with the Christian church, more in the was an old Aryan deity, and his worship Christian religion; so that Sunday being hope of temporal gain than of spiritual is a special mystery cult developed with the day on which the Gentiles solemnly uplift. And the church, having lost its the decay of Zoroastrianism. Mithraism adored that planet and called it Sunday, sense of the true character of Christian- came to Rome from Asia Minor in 67 partly from its influence on that day ity, eagerly held out every inducement B. C. . . . It became the religion espe- especially, and partly in respect to its to augment its membership from the cially of the Roman army, and besides divine body (as they conceived it), the ranks of its heathen neighbors. Heathen Italy it spread especially along the fron- Christians thought fit to keep the same customs and festivals were modified, tiers where the [Roman] garrisons were day and the same name of it, that they given Christian names, and adopted by stationed." might not appear causelessly peevish, the church. That the Christian church might not and by that means hinder the conversion Of these unchristian methods of ad- appear "causelessly peevish," and so of the Gentiles, and bring a greater vancing the interests of a professedly hinder the conversion of its heathen prejudice than might be otherwise taken Christian church a Roman against the gospel." Catholic authority has written In the Western Church as follows: Sunday was held as a joyous "In the course of the fourth festival, in contradistinction century two movements or de- to the Lord's Sabbath, which velopments spread over the had been made a fast day; and face of Christendom, with a in the love men have for feast- rapidity characteristic of the ing instead of fasting this dis- Church; the one ascetic, the tinction between the two days other ritual or ceremonial. We was not without its effect in are told in various ways by making them favorably dis- Eusebius, that Constantine, in posed to this innovation. order to recommend the new But this change was not ac- religion to the heathen, trans- complished in a moment. The ferred into it the outward or- entrance of sin is always insid- naments to which they had ious. Error creeps gradually been accustomed in their own. into the church of God. Thus It is not necessary to go into it was with the change in the a subject which the diligence practice of the early church in of Protestant writers has made regard to the Sabbath. The familiar to most of us. The seventh-day Sabbath was ob- use of temples, and these dedi- served for several centuries cated to particular saints, and after Christ, and, indeed, after ornamented on occasions with first-day observance was in- branches of trees; incense, troduced, the observance of lamps, and candles; votive of- the two days ran parallel for ferings on recovery from ill- some time. But the popularity ness; holy water; asylums; of the church and the preju- holydays and seasons, use of Jesus made no change in the eternal law of God. He taught that it would dices of its unconverted mem- calendars, processions, bless- remain "till heaven and earth pass." ' (Continued on page 24) o r MARCH 18, 1 9 4 7 Page Eleven F_WER:70M__th-e

R AN 0 -.

Will Christ's Intercession Ever Cease?

Where has Christ carried on His [or "placed"], and the Ancient of Days work as "the one Mediator" since He The Time or the Judgment did sit. . . . The judgment was set, and ascended to heaven? the books were opened." Daniel 7:9, to. In the sanctuary of intercession in In 457 B. c., when Artaxerxes, the Per- Who first comes into judgment? sian emperor, commanded the final restora- heaven. "We have such an high priest, Those who have professed Christ as their tion. Ezra 7:21-26. who is set on the right hand of the throne Saviour. "The time is come that judgment of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister When was Christ [Greek, "the must begin at the hOuse of God." 1 Peter of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, Anointed One"] anointed by the Holy 4:17. which the Lord pitched, and not man." Spirit as the Messiah? Hebrews 8:1, 2. "Christ is not entered What challenging message goes into the holy places made with hands [the At His baptism, A. D. 27, Matthew 3: forth with angelic power at this time? Old Testament system], which are the 13-17; Acts 10:38. "I saw another angel fly in the midst figures of the true; but into heaven itself, How long a period after this was of heaven, having the everlasting gospel now to appear in the presence of God for allotted by God to the Jews asva na- to preach unto them that dwell on the us." Hebrews 9:24. tion for their acceptance of Jesus the earth, . . . saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour How very sacred is this place? Messiah? "He shall confirm the covenant with of His judgment is come." Revelation 14: "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that 6, 7. A message of judgment, based spe- the way into the holiest of all was not yet many for one week [seven years]." Daniel 9:27. cifically on this prophecy, preached by made manifest." Verse 8. Adventists, was first given effectively as What cleansing would the blood of What was to happen in the midst of part of the gospel, about the year 1844. this week? Christ finally accomplish? When the justifying of the sanctuary The cleansing, or justifying, of the heav- "In the midst of the week He shall cause is completed, by the segregation of enly sanctuary, where intercession for sin the sacrifice and the oblation to cease." those who have professed Christ unto had been carried out for centuries. "Al- "And after threescore and two weeks shall salvation, what awful sentence is pro- most all things are by the law purged with Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself." nounced? blood; and without shedding of blood is Verses 27, 26. Christ was crucified about "He that is unjust, let him be unjust no remission. It was therefore necessary three and a half years after His anointing, still: and he that is righteous, let him be that the patterns of things in the heavens or in A. D. 31. righteous still: and he that is holy, let him should be purified with these; but the What happened three and a half be holy still." Revelation 22:11. This is heavenly things themselves with better sac- years after the crucifixion, or seven the total, final close of probation. rifices than these." Verses 22, 23. years after the baptism of Christ? What event quickly follows this pro- When was this cleansing, or justi- The stoning of Stephen, A. D. 34, signal- nouncement? fying, of the sanctuary in heaven to izing the rejection of the gospel of Christ be introduced? by the Jews as a nation. Acts 6:8, 12-14; "Behold, I come quickly; and My re- 7:51, 54-60. ward is with Me, to give every man ac- "Unto two thousand and three hundred cording as his work shall be." Verse 12. days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed After the 490 years were thus con- ["justified," margin]." Daniel 8:14. cluded, how many of the 2300 years How does Christ describe in parable the separation of the saved from the How long a period of time does remained? unsaved? this indicate? Subtracting 490 from 2300 years leaves "When the Son of man shall come in A day in prophecy must be taken for a 1810 years. Adding this to A. D. 34 brings us to A. D. 1844, the date for the commence- His glory, and all the holy angels with year. Thus it was prophesied that the He- Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of brews would wander forty years in the ment of the final cleansing, or justifying, of the heavenly sanctuary. His glory: and before Him shall be gath- wilderness, a year for each day the spies ered all nations: and He shall separate had spent in Canaan. Numbers 14:34. How is this closing scene of judg- them one from another, as a shepherd Therefore the prophecy of the 2300 days ment described by the prophet Daniel? divideth his sheep from the goats: and He covers the long period of 2300 years. "I beheld till the thrones were cast down shall set the sheep on His right hand, but From what event is this period to the goats on the left." Matthew 25:31-33. be dated? "Seventy weeks [490 years] are deter- Upon what basis is this separation mined ["cut off," obviously, from the 2300 made? years] upon thy people and upon thy Holy free Bible Correspondence Course "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and City. . . . Know therefore and under- thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. "For Readers of the "Signs of the Times" who God so loved the world, that He gave His stand, that from the going forth of the are especially interested in Bible study will commandment to restore and to build be glad to know that a free Bible corres- only-begotten Son, that whosoever believ- Jerusalem unto the Messiah [Hebrew, "the pondence course is now available to them. eth in Him should not perish, but have Anointed One"] the Prince shall be seven There are no fees and no postage charges, everlasting life." John 3:16. and the only textbook is the word of God. weeks, and threescore and two weeks [483 For full particulars, write By what divine standard does the years]." Daniel 9:24, 25. Christian demonstrate his possession When was the rebuilding of Jeru- Editon of salvation through Christ? salem, after its destruction by the Bab- SIGNS OF THE TIMES "So speak ye, and so do, as they that Mountain View, California ylonians, finally and effectively com- shall be judged by the law of liberty." manded? naCrIDMIMIXIOOCIDEIL James 2:12. Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES Purpose of the Cross The Happiest Man (Continued front page 5) heaven-born teachings, His perfect example; it is only in one way—through His sacrifice. "When we were yet with- • On Earth out strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet perad- venture for a good man some would by even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we W. FLETCHER TARR were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8. "We love Him, because He first loved us." r John 4:19. "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw OT long ago I saw the person all men unto Me." John 12:32. whom someone called "the happiest man It is not His exalted teaching, His on earth." He was struggling down the stainless life and conduct that furnish middle of the main street in the town the essential lifting, drawing power for of Butterworth in Transkei, South redemption. It is His cross that brings Africa. Clad only in patched and re- about real elevation of spiritual living patched trousers, the tattered remnants and blessed communion with the heav- of a jacket, and one forlorn overshoe, enly. It is "the preaching of the cross" he was dragging behind him on a wire that is "the power of God." I Corin- a long array of battered rusty buckets, thians 1:18. To miss that, to allow our- corrugated iron, and clattering con- forgetfulness in "playing. trains." The selves to be charmed, yea, even inspired, densed-milk cans. It was a sultry, still hollow round of pleasure found in the by the matchlessness of His character, afternoon, and the rising dust from his fetid atmosphere of the beer parlor, the the purity of His teaching, the challenge twenty-foot: cavalcade enveloped him cabaret, or the night club brings an ex- of His unerring conduct,—and to rest and mingled with his sweat. But despite hilaration which is as transient as the there alone,—is to allow ourselves to it all,—nay, because of it all,—the broad- rattle of the milk cans. He remembers possess "a form of godliness," while est, most persistent smile I have ever the promise, "Thou wilt keep him in "denying the power thereof." 2 Timothy seen penetrated the dirt like the rays of perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on 3 :5• the morning sun breaking through a Thee." And he is happy. canyon. He is not blind to the trend of world "What's it all about ?" I asked a passer- events and the disasters which have Will Rome Rule? by. overwhelmed nations and brought fear (Continued from page 7) "Oh, he's crazy—stark, staring mad. into the hearts of men. In the light of his deed will be the day for the cause of He's playing trains; does it all day long. Guidebook his vision penetrates the truth and freedom when it shall be said Drags them from here to Idutywa and darkening clouds which envelop the again of this power, as indicated in Rev- back—thirty miles. But he's the happiest earth, and he sees, just beyond, a beauti- elation 13:3, "And all the world won- man on earth today. I envy him in a ful home of peace and happiness. And dered after the beast." But, thank God, way." he is happy. its revived dictatorship will be short- The happiest man on earth! Does Which is yours : the abiding happiness lived. Scarcely will its goal of universal happiness result from being oblivious of which comes from complete trust in supremacy seem to have been achieved one's surroundings, unconscious of the God, or the rattle of rusty buckets ? when appalling disaster will befall it. responsibilities of life, ignorant of the Suddenly "shall her plagues come in trend of world events ? Happiness is one day, death, and mourning, and fam- that peace of mind and tranquillity of FAITH may grow out of that moral ine; and she shall be utterly burned with soul which control one's life and per- solitude in which prayer creates only a fire: for strong is the Lord God who meate one's existence in whatever cir- sense of orphanage.—Phelps. judgeth her." Revelation 18:8. Thus cumstances he may be. It is inevitably associated with and consequent upon the correct assumption and discharge of the responsibilities of life. It not only COMING NEXT Will( exists in the face of catastrophe, but is In addition to the regular features: deepened, enhanced, and magnified thereby. That is why it is not the madman who AMERICA'S PLACE IN PROPHECY Arthur S. Maxwell is the happiest person on earth today, RIGHTEOUSNESS: BY FAITH OR WORKS Frederick Lee but the follower of Christ. The Chris- THE LESSON OF THE CROSS William G. Wirth tian, more than any other, sees about SON, REMEMBER! The Voice of Prophecy him the sorrow, the suffering, and the strife—the debris of a satanic holiday— THE HOUR OF CRISIS Francis M. Wilcox which sin has introduced; but therein WHICH WAY? Ernest Lloyd he sees his work, and in its accomplish- THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST Frank H. Yost ment he reaps a harvest of happiness. THE PLANE THAT WOULD NOT FLY Sanford T. Whitman When the cares and trials of life force themselves upon him, he does not seek for MARCH 18, 1947 Page Thirteen

does the "little horn" power of Daniel faith that is all too often lacking among 7 come to its end in utter ruin. men today. There was an acceptance Though it recovers from its wound- and application of prophecy to the times SIGNS TIMES, that has passed from the masses of men ings, though it fights its way back to a Advocating a return to the simple today. There was a reverence for the gospel of Christ, and a preparation large measure of world power, yet the for His imminent second appearing judgment of the great tribunal above word of God and its predictive portions cannot be reversed. This powerful, that is strongly lacking among the ma- EDITOR . . . . ARTHUR S. MAXWELL mysterious, religio-political system is to jority at the present time—even among ASSOCIATE EDITOR . . MERLIN L. NEFF remain until the end of time, but its the clergy. There was a soundness of CIRCULATION MGR. . H. K. CHRISTMAN ultimate and complete destruction is prophetic interpretation, buttressed by RATES in U. S. A.: Single coiSy, one year , $1.75 inevitable. It "shall be broken without the inexorable facts of history, that pro- Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.50 To Canada and other countries taking extra postage: hand." Daniel 8:25. duced conviction, and guided in depend- Single copy, one year (U. S. funds) $2.25 Clubs of five or more to one This does not mean, of course, that able understanding of the divine plan each, (U. S. funds) 1.75 of the ages. Please make all checks and money orders payable all who are now attached to its vast to "Signs of the Times," Mountain View, California. world organization will suffer this tragic We need to return to the prophetic In requesting change of address, please give both faith of our fathers. It was Biblical, old and new ,addresses. fate. By no means. The Lord knows No papers are sent except on paid subscriptions, so how many sound, and logical in its rugged essen- persons receiving the "Signs of the 'rimes" without sincere people there are be- having subscribed may feel perfectly free to accept it. longing to it—deeply religious men and tials. It was a sure platform on which women, devoted to good works, who to stand amid the conflicting philoso- would be the first to oppose any bigotry phies of men and the treacherous winds Sunday, retained also that of the Sab- or intolerance toward others. But be- of false doctrine. Let us revere and fol- bath; and from them the custom spread cause of what must inevitably happen low the sure word of prophecy. It has abroad in the Oriental Church, of dis- to the system itself, God sends to every light for our times. tinguishing this day, as well as the Sun- one of them this urgent invitation: day, by not fasting and by praying in "Come out of her, My people, that ye an erect posture; in the Western be not partakers of her sins, and that, ye Saturday and Sunday Churches, particularly the Roman, redeive not of her plagues." Revelation (Continued from page 11) where opposition to Judaism was the 18:4. bers from heathenism gradually lent prevailing tendency, this very opposition preference to first-day observance, while produced the custom of celebrating the seventh-day observance sank almost out Saturday in particular as a fast day."— The Lost Witness of sight. Neander, The History of the Christian (Continued from page 9) "The Christian church made no for- Religion and Church During the Three they are now virtually silent on the al- mal, but a gradual and almost uncon- First Centuries, Rose's tr., page 186. most universal colonial emphasis on scious, transference of the one day to With all this evidence from the Bible prophecy, the judgment, and the advent the other."—Archdeacon F. W. Farrar, and history we are forced to the one and by men whose names are otherwise fa- The Voice From Sinai, page 167. only conclusion, that the day which God miliar to every student of American his- The Testimony of Neander set apart as the great memorial of His tory. This notable modern silence is creation, the day enjoined in the law of one of the singular omissions and faults "The festival of Sunday, like all other Ten Commandments, the day observed of the historians of the times. festivals, was always only a human or- by Christ and His disciples, is the one These earlier men, be it remembered, dinance, and it was far from the inten- and only Sabbath day for our observ- were the intellectual peers of their day. tions of the apostles to establish a divine ance at the present time. Which shall Their sheer intellectual caliber and com- command in this respect, far from them, we obey, the requirements of God or the petence are attested by their high train- and from the early apostolic church, to traditions of men ? Our only recourse, ing and recognized accomplishments. transfer the laws of the Sabbath to Sun- our only safety, is to follow faithfully They intelligently discussed the revealed day. Perhaps, at the end of the second and conscientiously the instructions of plan of the ages, and their own part, century a false application of this kind God's holy word. place, and time therein. They followed had begun to take place; for men appear faithfully the gleam of prophetic light, by that time to have considered laboring which burst forth into the full morning on Sunday as a sin. . . . The Well-Trained Mind glow. They saw the sharply defined "The Jewish Christian churches [i. e., pathway. churches consisting of Jewish converts], BY GRENVILLE KLEISER There was a robustness to the colonial although they received the festival of As a host, wishing to exclude un- wanted visitors from his home, does his CUT HERE best to fill his house with guests of his own choice, so the wise man will occupy FILL IN - MAIL TODAY his mind with helpful and constructive thoughts and leave no room for the ugly CIRCULATION DEPT., PACIFIC PRESS and the false. Mountain View, California Date If the evil, the foolish, the envious, or PLEASE send the Signs of the Times for one year the selfish thought has crept in, waste to the following address. I enclose $1.75 ($2.25 in Canada and foreign). no time. Eradicate it at once before it gains a hold. Such thoughts are like in- NAME sidious and poisonous weeds. Allow them to remain a day, or an hour, and ADDRESS they take firm root, strangling the flowers with which the mental garden has been planted. It is useless to tend the flowers while Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES the weeds remain. Uproot the weeds first, then tend and cherish the flowers. Prejudice, anger, hypocrisy, self-love, pessimism, pride, envy—all these are noisome and destructive weeds in whose company no beauty can flourish. Have you ever watched an athlete in domestic surroundings ? Have you observed how the smallest movement is controlled, direct, graceful, precise? Have you observed how he rises from a seat, how he mounts stairs, how he walks ? His movements are beautiful, not from effort, but by instinct. His body has been so trained that its movements are unconsciously excellent, direct, exact, graceful. It is precisely the same with the well- trained mind. With training, the care- ful exclusion of the false and the delib- erate cultivation of the true and beautiful, the mind instinctively chooses the I good and rejects the bad. Its immediate judgments are true and just and charitable; it has the habit of hope, of humil- ity, of charity. As the mental habit grows, so actions, which are all based either on instinct or on thought, become I related to the mental habit. It takes no- effort immediately to speak justly, truly, and charitably if one's habit of thought is just, true, and charitable. One's ac. tions, like one's thoughts, become in- stinctive. Like good habits of every kind that are not inborn but have been sedulously cultivated, the habit of good thought, once acquired, must be maintained. Most of us know how easy it is, when A Book one has laboriously formed a good physical habit, to allow himself to relax. Take, as an example, the man who is a heavy smoker. He knows he is doing With the Answer himself harm. By the exercise of will and, self-discipline, he reduces his smok- ing by half, or by two thirds. He is, Is it possible to Guarantee Peace? naturally and forgivably, pleased with himself. Humanity is faced with the fundamental prob- GIVE THEM TO He relaxes. He says to himself: "Well, lem of keeping the peace. All eyes are focused YOUR FRIENDS! upon the United Nations. Will it be successful? I know'now that I can stop when I like. It must be! How can it best be done? This gi- Buy in Quantities! I've earned a holiday." And within a gantic task demands a clear understanding of month—even less, perhaps—he is smok- conflicting issues. ing as heavily as before. So it is with Give Us Peace surveys the many current prob- Prices Postpaid the formation of mental habits. It is so lems encountered in obtaining world security, 1 copy $ .3$ hard to persevere, so fatally easy to and clarifies these issues in the light of Bible 3 copies 1.00 relax. prophecy. 10 copies 1.90 20 copies 3.75 Give Us Peace is a postwar book which con- 50 copies 9.30 tains God's blueprint for a global peace. Write OUR COVER today to obtain copies of this timely pocket-size • Most children are happy when book. the time comes for them to have new shoes, but imagine the delight of this little Austrian boy Pacific Press Publishing Association Fill in. who has just received the first Mountain View, California pair he ever had. The gift was Mail today. from a large consignment of Please send me copies of your timely clothing' provided by generous book, Give Us Peace. I enclose $ Americans and distributed by the Red Cross. Who could desire Name_ • more thanks than this? Address

for MARCH 18, 1947 Page Fifteen Ancient Roman rulers forced conquered subjects to pass under the yoke to show complete submission. The Easier Load "My Yoke Is Easy and My Burden Is Light"

HETHER willingly or unwill- Can it be that it is the condition im- ingly, everyone wears a yoke. There is by plied in the words, "I am meek and no escaping it. Long ago when Rome ALMA E. McKIBBIN lowly in heart," that holds sin-bur- ruled the world, she subjected to a hu- dened souls back from freedom and miliating ceremony many of the nations rest? It is even so. One must be meek, whom she conquered. A large yoke was humble, to wear the yoke of Christ. suspended between two pillars. Each therefore it was their delight to do His The proud heart recoils and says: "No, captive, from king to lowliest subject, will. I had rather wear this heavy yoke with was required to place his head in this But in a sad hour they listened to the all its results to me than to give up my yoke, and then to pass under it. In other enemy of God and gave their allegiance own will and my own way." words, he was subjugated, which liter- to him. No sooner had they obeyed Sa- These poor souls do not realize that ally means, "under the yoke." Then it tan, than he caused them to pass under their own way is Satan's way. They are was said of that nation that they had the yoke, his yoke. He completely sub- his bond servants and do not know it. submitted; that is, they had been "sent jugated the human race. He reduced Not until we try to surrender to Christ under the yoke." mankind to helpless, hopeless serfdom do we realize how strong are the chains They were no longer free men, but under his rule. The yoke of servitude to that bind us. But Jesus is able to break subjects of Rome. They must obey her sin is heavy upon the neck of all the hu- every chain, and to let every soul go laws, do her will. They might attempt man race. free who is willing to let Him. There to rebel, but they could not succeed in All, did we say? Not quite all, for must "be first a willing mind." their rebellion. They only increased the there is a Deliverer from the bondage Submission is the key to happiness hardness of their lot. There was no of sin who says to each and every one: and success here, and to eternal life here- place to which they could go to escape "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of after. The joy, the inexpressible sense from the dominion of Rome, for Rome Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: of peace, rest, security, that comes to ruled the whole world. and ye shall find rest unto your souls. him who surrenders to God, only he God created free human beings and For My yoke is easy, and My burden is knows who has the experience. It can- gave them a marvelous power—the light." Matthew :29, 30. A few ac- not be put into words; it is above and power of choice. They were subjects of cept and are delivered. beyond all earthly ideals and compari- the Most High, but so mild and benefi- Is it not strange that everyone is not sons. It is freedom from self and sin. cent was His rule that they felt no re- eager to exchange a heavy, intolerable "0 taste and see that the Lord is good." straint, no compulsion. They were in yoke for one that is light and easy to "Submit yourselves therefore to God." perfect harmony with their Creator, bear, and that brings rest to the soul ? Psalm 34:8; James 4:7. •