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*OF SUCH IS THE // miCINGDOM OF HEAXEN And in a at that, lost From Whom all t le faith springs. Matthew 19: 14. ; / . Lord, give me again that childlike faith 'When I was a child I thought as a child, ter Which looks beyond sin's lease— And believed and understood yonkthis sin-wrecked tangled mess Front the depths of a calm untroubled faith To tRktietchless Price of Peace. That the ways of God are good. rr J SILVER . E ST6NS OF THE TIMES A family magazine dedicated to promoting evangelical Christianity, upholding Jesus Christ as man's only Saviour and soon-returning King, and presenting the Bible as the inspired Word of God and our only rule of faith.

VOLUME 85, NUMBER 6 JUNE, 1970

EDITOR - - - Robert H. Parr CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - Arthur S. Maxwell EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Graham P. Morris

HOMELY HOMILIES CIRCULATION MANAGER Allan Maberly LAYOUT Howard G. Davis ON FREEDOM FROM FEAR Fear comes from the knowledge of some fact of alarm. Freedom from fear comes not from fighting the emotion EDITORIALS of fear, but from discovering some fact which dispels it. Rather than use the lift on one such occasion, I walked Is Birth Control Christian? 2 up the eight flights of stairs to the ear specialist's waiting- Divided Europe: A Sign of Our Times 3 room. I wanted to put off the moment of meeting as His Cross Is Not Crooked 4 long as possible. I had loitered in the park. What if I never heard the sound of birds again? What if . . . ? Twenty minutes later I walked lightly down the same ARTICLES street, with perfect hearing and, it seemed, perfect see- Does It Really Matter Whether Christ Is Divine? Athol Sedgman 6 ing and rejoicing. Knowing the facts—facts in my fav- Parousia Milton Hook 8 our—made all the difference. Gold Beneath This Rainbow Walter R. L. Scragg 10 It would seem then that we might look for a fact which What a God! Nerolie Caro 12 would cover life's fear-producing situations, be they large Romance Gwen Harrowsmith 14 or small. The Bible indicates that fear came as a result The Truth About Death Dr. Desmond Ford 16 of separation from God and hence from life itself. Fear Facts, Fallacies and 539 B.C. G Rogerson 20 is associated with separation, and the last separation of Grandma's Bible Florence M. Weslake 23 death comprehends all lesser separations in making us The Fruit With Halitosis Robert H. Parr 28 creatures of bondage. Simple Words Ron Haslet+ 31 God meets this fear by providing us with the historical fact of the resurrection of Christ. It proves that there is a resurrection. We need not be separated from life, from God, from love. As the apostle says (Romans 8:15, 38, REGULAR FEATURES 39 Moffatt): "You have received no slavish spirit that A Place To Remember Roy C. Naden 5 would make you relapse into fear: you have received Lines That Linger 9 the Spirit of sonship. . . . For I ant certain that neither Our Changing World I3 death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither A Sparkling Product in a Black Jacket W. Austin Townend 24 the present nor the future, no powers of the height or of Accent on Youth Desmond B. Hills 26 the depth, nor anything else in all creation, will he able Question Box Gordon Box 27 to part us from God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord." Bible Questions Answered Dr. Desmond Ford 30 Jesus often said, "Be not afraid," and the reason was A Story for the Children Myrtle O'Hara 32 because of the close presence of Himself. As Geoffrey Bull wrote from "solitary," "Let not the pressure of the foe Crush out my love for Thee. OUR COVER PICTURE Let not the tiredness and the woe Eclipse Thy victory." This A. D. C. Currie picture captures a breath-taking scene of the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand. Is there anywhere in the world that can match the grandeur of this magnificent eokutie g. greptch scenery?

• A publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is printed and published monthly by the SIGNS PUBLISHING COMPANY (Australasian Conference Association Su heti/2 Limited, Proprietors), Warburton, Victoria, Australia, and is tion Rate3: registered as a perodical in Victoria. .20 • All subscriptions should be accompanied by cash, such remittances One-year Subscriptions: being made payable to the Signs Publishing Company. All New Paid in Australia for mailing to addresses in Australia, Zealand remittances should be made by Money Order, as N.Z. Mandated Territories, and Pacific Islands $2.25 Postal Notes or Stamps are not negotiable in Australia. Please New Zealand (N.Z. Currency) $2.25 notify changes of address promptly, stating both old and new addresses. Overseas Countries . . . ...... $3.15

SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page One interpreting signs of the times

Many have ached to know whether such things are morally Is Birth-control Christian? right, and whether they are correct in inhibiting the natural result of their mutual love. Many a young Christian IT SHOULD BE STATED at the outset that this is more couple have experienced burning doubts and the naggings of a book-review than an editorial. Editorials you can take of a barbed conscience because they felt it expedient to or leave, but book reviews are something that can open practise birth-control. Some churches have imposed a a new vista for you, especially if you take the book into virtual blanket ban on the prevention of nature taking its your life and make its message part of your philosophy. course by using so-called mechanical means of prevention. This has confused the issue until myriads of young people, It should also be made clear that this particular booklet wanting to do right, yet sucked into the maelstrom of —it runs to only thirty pages—is NOT published by the confusion by the accepted "authorities" swirling them in company (or the denomination) which publishes this all directions, have flung up their hands and disappeared magazine. It comes from the Zondervan Publishing House, into a way of life that is fraught for them with guilt com- Grand Rapids, Michigan. The author of the small mono- plexes, and plagued by the possibility that what they are graph is Clyde M. Narramore, and he, too, is not denomi- doing is wrong. nationally connected with the people who are responsible for the journal which you are now holding in your hands. And this brings me to this delightful little booklet which a quick reader may read, mark, learn and inwardly digest We mention these points in order to impress you with in half an hour, and which took us only an hour, complete this one thought—that we have nothing to sell, and that with telephone interruptions, people buzzing in and out the the entire exercise is quite objective, and that we do not office, and a minor conference over cover pictures! stand to gain any benefit from saying what we are about to Titled, "A Christian View of Birth-Control," the book- say. let plunges into the very heart of the problem. Chapter Birth-control is a double-barrelled word that has found five pertinently asks, "What Does the Bible Say?" Frank- currency in the twentieth century. In the last decade, it ness characterizes the answer. "As we turn the pages of has become more than a word; it has become a most ur- the Bible, we find very little on the subject of birth-con- gent matter. Nations engulfed in the population explosion trol," the third paragraph of the chapter says. Yet this are turning to this word and its multitudinous ramifica- does not discourage the author. He takes his readers tions, as the one hope they have of fending off starvation along a very plain path. He points out that sex relations for those they have to feed, and for ensuring for those yet are normal and therefore are encouraged in Scripture; he unborn a way of life that is better than that of their fa- quotes relevant texts to show that "children are a heritage thers.

We remember seeing in Malaysia, some two years ago, Now better known to many Australians and New Zealanders—Prince banners across the streets reminding the populace that Charles and Princess Anne. "This Is Family Planning Month," and wondering whether the honest citizens of those teeming parts needed to be reminded in such ambiguous terms. Nevertheless, we gave full marks to the government for tackling the problem of over-population, because it certainly was an important issue—even our unobservant eye could detect that. Of course, no one bothers with that unhappy word in this part of the world if anything, Australia and New Zea- land could regard themselves as UNDER-populated, and hence both nations have sprightly policies of encouraging migration. But the problem of over-population is nevertheless in the minds of all. It begins in their thinking whenever two young people establish a home. And it is a concern which is never very far from their thoughts as they live and love and found a family. (Unfortunately, the problem crops up, sometimes, before such a couple have been wed, and before that home is established, but we will ignore that complication in this short essay.) Unfortunately, those parents and potential parents— even in these favoured and relatively under-populated lands—who give credence to the Christian faith are not of one mind as to the rights and wrongs of birth-control.

Page Two June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES 225% vo. 0r 14 11, 140 i asapWs'et"'M 11.1t vg: -'41%)yink tam4' (02 o:i rea 6-0 4$0%. Ps k 'ae"' LN ts t0011M_U2Z Vor.,ie tow ,4 pws- ego, ros true rsi ert*. 1,0'0 ,4 10 rgt it‘ t4a cs' „moo, eft tit Otong tAtang •in't 4 '37", toy. stk tok •otetvel,6 • ssxroe 1.4 vo','",,76,19 .11 tIttcr4 1" 13,v¢ :fle.140%',0:1\g. fa, t yd 48 .0‘ 1/4 :v:91e2111.4e'r::%, 474i ,..4.0‘1::„.04• • , tyan4 , roo n Irtitt -0"",„ . I Se, 31.$96 tle,040 yet. 0,4en OIREVM axl vim} vproviiij V?4,,, ,::::20'0'Q ;;;f0 wzn4 00)setc,, -tz t‘ SW"' titkYc0 STO le24;Wis 9g -00, 14 eo,. tt4 OW, ‘, et ' pboa • , tr. ". ''' V, 4Yri1,,,%''''.:47-:stiS). ISII)tBY'l Ht'l'°('eM°t. b'‘an• :--,..' er‘. 1:::::::‘ , r, t, '',' ,,-1 ,,; dk.i,- le wAto . l' ,bil0"4 1 tto „wccin er, 0§, ' 93211W,'e '''''' (7.1: d. sut tte.to crO, to*- ;yen` ot ' ci", A4 tsve 150 SiSe, t'lai''''' . 90 kst$* betlikrn en. lit ,, 1 , ro k OttteCt r101. mey 440981 Se' r. to 1 c'' la* si C''''',40,0i 1- ..-ok i kOWC' ok k e`e''17,„s et' ' ,..AYIN a * '-' 0°4' knWa"-- iW'''' . wtats,1 . OS ovs Inr410,0,,, u„,..4 2,2°ro' t' CO . r wQ • cA sa.f, 40.'n'nte rots 375:8,0-- ' ,,,,., k 00), tsIsf, . 0,10 !.,.. t0,91 ,0 V>1-tq b'V'Tt440 SZ ''''. 610Ve" s 0,'" t 0.': vit,c,'''.- ' 50' °''''' ''2. oeS 04, 6 Est` cy, • I,. • k 4r' 10,4 el ec''' &jot,: , • wrg too t, k wi.otesr:ybismv:014" 2v,‘ tie et" sit co 13461, 1)6s',,` wn,"*"001eN \cri et' " Agin 1~

Improve your pidgin by reading the story of the Good Samaritan from the recently produced New Testament in Pidgin English. (Photo by courtesy British and Foreign Bible Society.)

of the Lord" and that the family that has never known from his teaching that unless we can care for a child and the patter of little feet is incomplete, though he recognizes can manage him and raise him up in the nurture of the circumstances where couples are better to remain childless. Lord, giving him what he needs and deserves, it is not Indeed, this booklet is based on two solid and substan- honouring to God to bring him into the world." Page 29. tial foundation stones: the Scriptures and common sense. The final paragraph of the book is worth the price of It is Scriptural, for instance, to emphasize that children the booklet: "It is not ours to judge another. It is the are a gift from God; it is also common sense to note that responsibility, therefore, of each couple to surrender their those who fill their homes with so many children that they lives to Christ and to follow Him. On this basis a couple are not able to support them in the proper fashion do can confidently think and pray a matter through and God incalculable harm; they are, in the words of Scripture, will give them wisdom. They then can do that which is "worse than infidels." right for them, and they can expect God's blessing." This common-sense-cum-Scripture approach may best Page 30. be summed up by quoting a short passage from the book. If young people have qualms of conscience or guilt On page 27 we see these sentiments expressed: complexes about practising birth control, the hour and "What, then, do these Scriptures show about planned the sixty cents spent on this book may bring great peace parenthood? Undoubtedly this: when a child is brought of mind. into the world, parents are responsible for his well-being. A parent's duty is to provide for his needs and to care for him. They are also responsible for his training. Cer- Rote/a N. P414 tainly parents cannot educate or 'train up' a child without devoting sufficient time to know him well and to win his confidence. "Yes, God places great responsibility upon parents, for each child that He entrusts into their care. In short, children are a sacred trust not to be dealt with haphaz- Divided Europe: A Sign of Our Times ardly. Indeed, we are charged and commanded by God to thoroughly provide for a child's welfare: SINCE THE FALL of the Pagan Roman Empire, ambitious men and governments have tried in vain to re-unite * financially the countries of Europe into one strong federation. From * educationally Charlemagne to Hitler, they tried and failed. * socially (through discipline and love) When force failed, other methods were tried. The * spiritually. most notable was the inter-marrying of the royal house- "If couples cannot meet these responsibilities, they holds of all the countries of Europe. It was hoped that by should seriously consider whether it is honouring to God the intermingling of blood, the nations would cleave to to have children. This is the teaching of the Word." each other in peaceful co-existence. Last century, the great This conclusion is re-emphasized thus: "God's Word queen of England, Queen Victoria, was related to every also teaches that we have a responsibility to care for those royal house in Europe. But this did not prevent the Ger- children which we do have. One might gain the inference mans declaring war on their "cousins" in England.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES lime 1, 1970 Page Three After the slaughter of millions in countless battles and shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be two world wars, you would think that we humans would left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and con- have learned, but no! Men still dream of a united Eu- sume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." rope, and the latest scheme, which has been in progress for Daniel 2:4,4. some years, is designed to weld together the countries of We are even now living in the time of those kings! Europe financially in the Common Market. This way, it is reasoned, the splinters of the old Roman European empire ,11- P. 1404*-4 will be once more a real force in world politics. il-4(4 Recently, Newsweek magazine (February 23, 1970) re- ported that a meeting of ministers from countries in the Common Market had achieved agreement on many mat- His Cross Is Not Crooked ters, thus clearing the decks for Britain's entry to the E.E.C. It added that one minister—Pierre Harmel of Bel- THIS IS WRITTEN on April 30, 1970. On that exact gium—stated that the agreements reached at the meeting day, twenty-five years ago, Adolf Hitler crunched down "could be described as a step toward a Federal Europe." on a cyanide tablet (it is believed) and died seconds later. We are sorry, Mr. Harmel, but your dream will never be Then an aide poured petrol over him and set it alight. a reality. Thus was the ignominious end of the man whose vaunting Europe will never be re-united under one political lead- ambition had plunged Europe—and the world—into a ership! It would be contrary to God's Word. bloodbath the like of which had never been seen before, God predicted that men would try to weld these nations and which, to date in spite of one or two close calls, has not together, but without success. It was no recent prediction been seen since. —it was made 2,500 years ago in the Old Testament Book Twenty-five years—and the memory of the man has al- of Daniel. most faded. The up-and-coming generation regards Hitler "And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: foras- as a name, nothing more; the East Germans do not even much as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: consider the Hitler taint to be theirs, since he came from and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces the "other" Germany. The West Germans are trying their and bruise. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, best to forget the man who plunged them into chaos and part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall made the name of their country a loathing and a reviling be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the among the nations. iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry Benjamin Cate, Time magazine's representative in Bonn, clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and reports that the Germans no longer hold their one-time part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and leader in awe. The millions of his countrymen who partly broken." Daniel 2:40-42. cheered the little Austrian house-painter to the echo as he Before this statement was made, Daniel had told the promised them the sun, moon and stars would rather for- king of Babylon ( the richest world power in history) that get him. In 1950, Time reports, a poll in Germany put his kingdom would be succeeded by a kingdom "inferior Bismarck at the head of the list of "effective German states- to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall men" with 35 per cent of the vote; Hitler limped in with bear rule over all the earth." Daniel 2:39. a mere 10 per cent. But in 1967 a similar poll gave Kon- Nebuchadnezzar, like most powerful rulers, had visions rad Adenauer 60 per cent of the votes, with the late (and of Babylon's being the only world power, and that it would obviously unlamented) Adolf almost a non-started with a never crumble. Through a dream interpreted by Daniel, meagre 2 per cent of recognition. Such is fame! God told him of three succeeding world powers, the last People no longer name their sons Adolf (once the of which would be divided into the ten kingdoms of Eu- most popular name among the Germans), and you look rope, as represented by the ten toes on the image of his in vain for Adolf Hitler Strasse throughout the country, dream. though once almost every village boasted at least one And these kingdoms would be "partly strong, and partly street named after the great and fearless leader. broken." Verse 42. Daniel added: "And whereas thou The passing of the knight of the swastika emphasizes sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle them- one thing: fame is transitory, and no one can be sure selves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one today that he will be remembered tomorrow. Hitler to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay." Verse 43. promised the German people a supremacy that would last The language is plain enough. Looking back down for a thousand years; today, twenty-five years after his history's corridor we can vouch for the truth of the pre- suicide, he is remembered only with disdain. diction that there would be only four kingdoms that would On the other hand, there was a certain Palestinian pea- rule the world. We can vouch for the truth that, since sant couple some nineteen and a half centuries ago who the decline of Rome, Europe has never been re-united had their Son working in their carpenter's shop; as He permanently. Many have tried—but all have failed. grew He became quite a preacher, a teacher, a healer; He God's Word stands supreme. Why is it that man still never settled anywhere for very long. But those who refuses to accept the Bible? came to know Him could never forget Him. And even If he did, it would mean such a reversal in his thinking. today He is remembered. Why? Well it's very simple, Instead of endeavouring to weld nations together, which really, and there is a similarity between the reason why by God's command will never "cleave," he could work Hitler is forgotten and Jesus Christ is remembered. Both toward the emancipation of his fellow man and look to- have as symbols the cross. The swastika was a crooked ward the conclusion of the whole matter. cross, but there is nothing crooked about the Nazarene. "And in the days of these kings [the kingdoms of Eu- rope] shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which Rota 11. P444 Page Four June 1. 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES

A PLACE TO R

By Roy C. Naden

relief we left the airport and headed for Just inside a replica of the famous Babylon—a scant fifty-odd miles away. Ishtar Gate—through which, no doubt, BABYLON Daniel and his companions were Was it H-O-T! We sped down a typi- marched—my wife and I surveyed the THE CUSTOMS ROOM was a scene cal Western highway, in a thoroughly ruins of what was once the capital of of tension and utter confusion. European Volkswagen, in a totally Eas- the world. A sign in both Arabic and No matter what the country, when tern country. Little rock and mud vil- English said, "The Hanging Gardens, you first arrive, your first appointment lages wilted along the unbelievably flat, barren, sizzling countryside. As we jour- one of the seven wonders of the world," is with a customs man. He asks you another, "The Throne Room of NEBU- whether you are carrying liquor, ciga- neyed, scenes began to come to mind ... CHADNEZZAR." A third read, "The rettes, firearms, pornographic literature, well-disciplined armies marching off to Lion of Babylon." Beside this third etc., etc. All luggage is subject to close Egypt . . . thousands of slaves being sign stood a great stone lion, sculptured scrutiny. Although on our travels our herded back . . . camel trains loaded in the days of antiquity. How fascina- cases were rarely opened, when my wife with wealth and treasure ... an ancient king of 2,500 years ago, surveying an ting, when you recall that when God and I arrived in Baghdad, we began to gave Daniel a preview of world history fear it might be a different experience! incredibly modern city and saying, "Is He used the cartoon of a lion to repre- For a reason we did not understand, this not great Babylon that I have sent Babylon! The symbols of Bible the Iraqis returning home were lined up built?" . . . Impressively dressed priests prophecy are always immensely appro- on one side of the customs bench—and climbing the temple tower to read the priate. the visitors on the other. The locals signs of the Zodiac . . . a den of lions Significantly, however, one of the last were dealt with first. I can still see one waiting to receive an aged patriarch . of the Bible's more than 300 references short, stout elderly gentleman. Maybe three Jewish P.O.Ws. being thrown into a flaming brick kiln . . . the armies of to Babylon, is in the closing chapters of this trip had given him his first experi- Revelation. Speaking of Babylon, it ence in packing a case. Maybe he was Cyrus wading up the river bed of the says, "Come out of her, My people." in a hurry. Maybe he had more goods Euphrates River to bring chaos and What do these words mean? The word than he realized. Maybe he was carry- confusion to Belshazzar's feast. "Babylon" is derived from the word ing numerous gifts for friends. The de- While driving to Babylon, the whole "Babel." At that spot, just after Noah's tails I'll never know. But the panto- Book of Daniel just sprang to life. Flood, men disbelieved the promises of mime before the customs official will al- God, and rebelled against His purposes ways be remembered. by building a tower they hoped would It was like a Jack-in-a-box affair. The reach to heaven. But God had the last moment the lid was released, the insides say. By changing their languages, the just spilled out! A shoe, a pyjama top, entire project ended in confusion. a shirt, a book, a sock, a parcel, a tie Today, the word "Babylon" is God's . . . maybe you can imagine it. Then symbol for all organizations of spiritual the customs officer with due dourness confusion. and thoroughness explored every detail Like the modern Iraqi traveller we of that bag. The perspiring old man, saw at Baghdad airport with his case with alternate looks of despair and op- in chaos, many modern Christians are timism, watched it all helplessly. Then bearing a faith crowded with confusing apparently satisfied, the official wand- traditions. God says, "Leave it. Come ered off, leaving the sufferer to the vir- away. Stand for the simple orderly ually impossible task of repacking. truth as revealed in Scripture." This Then turning to the visitors, the cus- truth, and the perfect character it toms men gave us warm smiles and did brings, is the only "luggage" you can not so much as open a brief-case! With THE LION OF BABYLON take to the Spiritual Promised Land.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1. 1970 Page Five RIUS, presbyter of Alexandria in A.D. 313, felt sure he was in line for the bishopric of Alexandria but, to his extreme annoyance, Alexander was given the coveted position. Arius, a man of subtle, bold and ambitious mind, immediately started up trouble to unseat Alexander if pos sible. At a council when Alexander had been addressing his clergy, Arius introduced the novel idea that Christ was merely a man. Alexander first counselled Arius, quoting the Scriptures to prove Christ's divinity, but Arius stubbornly refused to retract his position. Council followed council, and finally Arius died, leaving behind him a trail of strife and dissension. This heresy is still being taught to an unsuspecting public with a zeal worthy of a better cause. Does it really affect one's faith and eternal destiny whether we believe Christ was divine or merely human? Does it matter if we think that Christ was only a perfect man like Adam before his fall? Let us examine this question. Could Adam command the wild waves to be still as Does they threatened to engulf the boat, as Christ did on the Lake of Galilee when the disciples were in fear of their lives? No! Could a man alone stand before two scream- It ing devil-possessed maniacs and command the devils to come out and be obeyed? Plain common sense supplies the answer. No! Could Adam stand before a poor diseased leper, whose flesh was decayed and sloughing Really off his body, and with a compassionate touch and a word heal and restore the sufferer as Jesus did? Adam would be standing a long time at the grave calling dead Lazarus Matter to life—not only dead, but actually beginning to decom- pose. Yet Christ, the divine-human Saviour, performed this crowning miracle, proving to all who are not com- Whether pletely immune to Scripture that He was divine. What does the Bible teach about Christ being the God-man? In the first chapter of John, verses 1-4, we Christ read, "The Word was with God"; and verse 14, "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." In other words, He put on humanity over His divinity. In verse Is Divine? 3, this Word (Christ-God) is said to have made all things. Adam, being created, could not create anything. Verse 4 : "In Him was LIFE." See also Colossians 1: 12- 16, Psalm 33:6, 9. On the first page of Scripture we read in Genesis 1:1: "God" [Elohim], which is actually "Gods"—plu- ral. Genesis 1:26: "God [Elohim] said, Let us make By man in our image." Genesis 11:6, 7: "And the LORD said . . . Let us go down" to the tower builders and ATHOL SEDGMAN see what they do. When Moses stopped to see the burning bush near Mt. Horeb, Jehovah commanded him to go down to Egypt to deliver the children of Israel. Moses asked this wonderful Being His name so that he could tell the Israelites when they asked him, and God answered and said, "I AM THAT I AM" (the self-exis- tent One). Nearly 1,500 years later, when Jesus was speaking to the Jews and defending His position with

Page Six June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES the Father, He claimed for Himself that awe-inspiring the answers to their problems. Ask the drunkards, the name (see John 8:58): "Verily I say unto you, Before drug addicts, the immoral, the sick and diseased who Abraham was, I Am." The Jews apparently knew what come to Him and really take Him at His word—what do He meant better than many living today, because they they find? With shining eyes the answer is always the took up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. same, "He carried my burdens, my cares and my sins; The prophet Isaiah (758 B.C.), speaking of the son now I am happy." to be born of a virgin, declared (Isaiah 7:14): "Behold, No human, non-divine saviour could possibly do this a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call for man. Vain is the hope of any man for salvation His name Immanuel." Further details are given in whose trust is in a human saviour. chapter 9:6: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a On the cross of Calvary, was this sacrifice only that son is given; and the government shall be upon His of a perfect man? NEVER! The God-man became shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, the sin offering for all men for all ages, and as we ap- Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, proach God the Father in the name of Jesus His Son, The Prince of Peace." He intercedes for us, and pardon is ours immediately. When the time specified in prophecy drew near for Not only pardon, but, wonder of wonders, He gives us the fulfilment—the glorious entry of the God-man to His own perfect obedience, or righteousness, as a free be born—God had arrived. Mary was startled by the gift. In short, He justifies us from all past sins, and words of the angel Gabriel to her (Luke 1:35): "That gives us power to live a righteous life day by day. holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called Only Jehovah-God, the One who came to this earth the Son of God." Later, when Joseph found her to "be to put on humanity and to be made like us—to feel our with child" before their marriage, and was planning to woes and our sorrows—could properly represent us at divorce her, the mighty angel brought assurance to him. the Father's side. Instead of resisting this great truth, Matthew 1:20-23: "But while he thought on these accept it and experience the joy and peace in believing. things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not Thomas, the doubting apostle, met Jesus the risen to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is con- Lord at a later meeting, and Jesus invited him to touch ceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring His wounded side and hands. Immediately Thomas, in wonder and joy exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." If forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was Christ was not divine, then He would have corrected done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Thomas, or have been guilty of blasphemy, in receiving Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be worship due only to God. with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall Enough of the many proofs in the Bible—the evi- call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, dence is too clear and powerful to overlook—Christ is God with us." Emmanuel—GOD with us. the divine-human Son of God. As such, He is able to Paul, when writing to the Hebrews, in chapter 1, feel my woes, my temptations, my anxieties, because He verse 8, shows God the Father speaking to His Son: once walked here as a man. As God, He lives for "Thy throne, 0 God, is for ever and ever." Finally evermore and introduces me to His Father and inter- John, the beloved apostle, while serving a sentence of cedes for me at all times. His wisdom is divine, He can imprisonment on the lonely rock-bound Isle of Patmos, read my past and forgive me because of His death for saw Jesus in His glory (Revelation 1:13): "And in the the world. He can read the future because He is God, midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of and therefore can plan for me and guide my footsteps. Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt Because He is God, He can represent me at the judg- about the paps with a golden girdle"—(Christ), who ment bar of heaven. (2 Corinthians 5:10.) His right- says of Himself in verse 8, "I am Alpha and Omega, the eous life given to me as a gift, covers me when I am go- beginning and the ending," who also is "the Almighty." ing to need it most and I am assured of an entry into To emphasize His identity He said, "I am He that liveth His kingdom. and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore." On that tremendous day when this God-man returns Only a divine-human Saviour could invite ALL men in power and glory with uncounted numbers of angels, to come to Him and find satisfaction and rest of mind. when the sky is ablaze with the splendour of His person (Matthew 11:28-30.) High and low, rich and poor, and His retinue, when He comes as King of kings and educated and uneducated—all are invited to come to Lord of lords to execute judgment on those who misre- Him, and all men who avail themselves of this gracious presented Him; when He comes to deliver those who invitation discover the peace and rest the human heart trusted His divinity and loved His commandments, then is seeking. it will be seen whether it mattered whether we believed Those who respond realize in themselves relief of He was merely a perfect man like Adam or the God-man mind and release from worry when they yield all their who left His Father's side and blissful home to seek and anxieties to Him, and see Him work out so amazingly to save poor human beings lost in sin. ** SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Seven "KILL THE JEWS!" CRIED NICANOR Parousia -Head of a Warrior," by Leonardo da Vinci BY MILTON HOOK

"KILL THE JEWS, kill the Jews!" Nicanor was intent used. Learned authorities such as Moulton, Milligan, and on genocide. Twenty thousand armed men in his army, Deissman tell us that this important word was a technical pitted against only six thousand Jewish insurgents, made him term for the visit of a king,4 not, in those days, an occasion confident of victory. In fact, he was so confident he adver- for secrecy. Peaceful royal visits and armies marching to tised along the Palestinian coast that he would soon be able war were heralded publicly, and their presence was accom- to oblige the slave-traders with captured Jews for seven dol- panied with great noise and colourful display. Such a spec- lars each. tacle was not hidden from anyone. Now an army of twenty thousand men is a spectacle The word "parousia" literally means "a presence," or "be- enough to catch anyone's attention. You just can't hide so ing with." The word denotes not only the presence but also many men behind a few small trees. Consequently, news the arrival of someone. Sometimes Paul uses this word in a rapidly reached Judas Maccabeus, the Jewish reactionary, simple sense. In 1 Corinthians 16:17, he speaks of the arrival that there was a fight imminent. Thousands of Jewish pea- or "parousia" of Stephanas. Likewise the coming or "parou- sants must have scattered from their fields and watched sia" of Titus was a comfort to Paul (2 Corinthians 7:6), and from a safe distance as Nicanor's army marched towards he urged the Philippians to be as obedient in his "apousia" Jerusalem. Judas did not expect Nicanor's coming to be or absence as they were during his "parousia" or presence. secretive! / And neither it was. To advertise strength of (Philippians 2:12.) We would be straining the meaning If numbers, Nicanor thought, would instil fear into his foe. we said only Paul and the faithful church members were It did. Many Jews fled. the select few who knew of the presence of Stephanas or Friday brought the climax, with a devastating victory for Titus. And we know for certain that Paul's "parousia" in the Jews. Nine thousand of Nicanor's men lay dead on the Philippi was neither secret nor known to only the saints. battlefield, and no doubt those who watched him come For much of his stay there he was persecuted and finally rejoiced to see him flee. forced to leave the city for that very reason. (Acts 16:38-40.) He came back again later. He brought with him an army In the New Testament sense, "parousia" Is the technical of probably more than twice the size of his previous one, term for the second advent of Christ. Sixteen times it is used boasting that he would "set up a public monument of his in this context. Not one instance hints at secrecy. On the con- victory over Judas."2 He made it known he would do battle trary, some texts remind us of a dazzling spectacle seen by all. on the Sabbath day. Judas and his army braced themselves "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth against such a formidable foe. even unto the west; so shall also the coming ["parousia"] of "When as all looked what should be the trial, and the the Son of man be." Matthew 24:27. enemies were already come near, and the army was set in "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horse- shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy men set in wings, Maccabeus seeing the coming of the with the brightness of His coming ["parousia"]." 2 Thessa- multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the lonians 2:8. fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward hea- Judas Maccabeus made all the military preparations an ven, and called upon the Lord. . . . Then Nicanor and they army commander could possibly make, not forgetting earnest that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs."8 prayer in such dire extremities. In more peaceful times a Nothing at all was secretive about Nicanor's coming. But if he royal visit is likewise preceded by much preparation. Our himself had survived he would probably have preferred to life-span is a time of preparation for the "parousia" of our keep the death tally a secret. Nicanor and thirty-five thou- heavenly King. Nothing else must detract our attention sand of his army died in the battle they lost. from this prime purpose in life. The present reason for re-telling these gruesome details is to impress you with the truth that neither Nicanor's com- BIBLIOGRAPHY ing nor his presence had anything about it which approached I. 2 Maccabees 8:12. 4. G. Abbott-Smith, Manual secrecy. On both occasions, when the Septuagint Apocrypha 2. 2 Maccabees 15:6. Greek Lexicon of the New speaks of Nicanor's coming, the Greek word "parousia" is 3. 2 Maccabees 15:20, 21, 25. Testament, page 347. Page Eight June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES lines that The Shortest Day linger Though shortest and darkest, we hail thee with joy, Thou herald of better days coming, When morning shall waken with early soft light, And evening shall lengthen its gloaming.

You bring with your darkness a message of hope, Your shortness our thoughts send awinging, For soon warm sun rays will awaken the flowers, The sweet message of springtime abringing.

—Author unknown (Mrs. N. Brown).

Philosopher's Garden "See this my garden, large and fair!" Thus, to his friend, the Philosopher. "Tis not too long." His friend replied With truth exact, "THE HAND AT THE HELM" "Nor yet too wide, But well compact, I cannot always trace the onward course my ship must take; If somewhat cramped But looking backward I behold afar its shining wake On every side." Illumined with God's lights of love; and so I onward go Quick to reply— In perfect trust that He who holds the helm the course must know. "But see how high! It reaches up to God's blue sky." I cannot always see the plan on which He builds my life, But oft the sound of hammers, blow on blow—the noise of strife Not by their size Confuse me, till I quite forget He knows and oversees, Measure we men or things. And that in all details with His good plan my life agrees. Wisdom, with eyes Washed in the fire, I cannot always know and understand the Master's rule; Seeketh the things I cannot always do the tasks He gives in life's hard school; That are higher— But I am learning with His help to solve them one by one Things that have wings, And, when I cannot understand, to say, "Thy will be done." Thoughts that aspire. —Author unknown (Mrs. Hazel Williams). —John Oxenham (Lilian M. Donald).

II Each month a selection is made from readers' favourite quotations. No original matter please. Include source, author, and your own name.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Nine HARRY ANDERSON, ARTIST old

■ MILLENNIUMS AGO, when Noah looked at the disaster of the Flood, God set a sign in the sky as Beneath a pledge that He would not permit the waters to cover the earth again. The rainbow has become a symbol of God's promises to mankind—a sign of His forgiveness This and love. =nom

By Walter R. L Scragg

Page Ten June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES NCIENT GREEK MYTHOLOGY in Jesus Christ. "Come forward," He says, "you who described opportunity as a young man with a greased are thirsty; accept the water of life, a free gift to all body. Every time you tried to grasp him he slipped who desire it." Revelation 22:17, N.E.B. through your fingers. Isn't there any other way for us to find God? Listen Chasing happiness can be equally frustrating. Like a to this: "In no one else can salvation be found. For in slippery melon seed it skids away the moment you stoop all the world no other name has been given to men but to pick it up. this, and it is by this name that we must be saved." What would make you happy? Acts 4:12, Phillips. A yacht? A private jet? $100,000? A new and Gone then is the thought that self-improvement palatial home? might be the way. Or that Buddhism or Hinduism or Islam might be alternate paths. Even our favourite Look around before you decide. foible—comparing ourselves with others—offers no Before you envy Elizabeth Taylor her birthday dia- help. We must come in the way God says for us to mond ("So huge, it just couldn't be real," said one come or we do not come at all. columnist), or Julie Andrews her fame from "The Sound of Music," be sure, very sure, that they have Do you react, "I'm all right, mate"? really found gold at the end of their rainbow. Think about this: "For there is no distinction to be made anywhere: everyone has sinned, everyone falls Not too many of us face the hazard of fame and for- tune. But all of us long for our own small version of short of the beauty of God's plan." Romans 3:22, 23, Phillips. what we imagine is the "good life." "If only . . ." choruses the refrain of castles in the air and wishful Sin is the breaking of God's commandments. No thinking. psychiatrist, philosopher or anthropologist can solve the basic problem of human guilt. We cannot forgive our Some years ago a sudden turn in a road brought me own sin. We cannot cleanse our own lives. No man face to face with a glory I shall never forget. On either can do these things for us. And right here many des- side of the road stretched a long line of beautiful, danc- pair, feeling cut off from God and hope. ing pink flowers. What could they be? "But God shows His love for us in that while we Stopping, I bent to examine the beauty. Yet it van- were yet sinners Christ died for us. . . . For if while we ished as I looked. But it still shone ahead of me against were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of the setting sun. Then I saw. Summer grass had shed His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall its seed and now only the husks were left. But the we be saved by His life." Romans 5:8-10, R.S.V. setting sun had transformed their dead shells into sur- passing beauty. Here are the steps God followed in opening a way What did the grass say to me? "Unto you that fear for us to find happiness in Him: My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with heal- 1. Christ died for our sins. ing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. Even an ordinary, 2. His death, accepted by us as a sacrifice for sin, spent life awaits only the transforming of Heaven's makes us right in God's sight. Sun to glow with happiness and light. 3. This sacrifice takes away the penalty of sin from George Bernard Shaw said, "Life is no brief candle the repenting sinner. to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got 4. Through the death of Jesus we become God's hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as children. brightly as possible before handing it on to future gen- 5. Christ now lives in heaven helping us in our erations." need. But how can this life be ours? What are the steps No more cruel death has been devised than the cross. to take that will lead to this enriched experience? Men nailed to it or strung up by ropes lived for days, The Bible says that the first approach must be sometimes for a week or more. Vultures sometimes through Christ. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: preyed on victims while they still lived. No wonder no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." John 14:6. the shame of the cross comes down to us through his- Visitors wishing to see the crown jewels of Great tory. Yet when Jesus touched the cross He transformed Britain find their access to this vast beauty and wealth it into the glory and hope of the world. barred by guards and electronic devices. But there are Man could not break the chain of sinning. "The en- no barriers—race, creed, wealth, education or sin— tail of sin and death passed on to the whole human race, that keep us from receiving the wealth that God offers and no one could break it for no one was himself free SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Eleven from sin." Romans 5:13, Phillips. Christ came and Your need for forgiveness is your brightest hope. died and now "one man's obedience has the power to Present it to God through Christ in a simple prayer. present all men righteous before God." Do it now. Before you finish reading this. Pray like The experience of finding God through Jesus Christ this: is called conversion. Jesus spoke of it as "being born "Dear God, I know I need Your forgiveness. I can- again." When a man sees his need for a changed life not live a good life without Your help. I am a sinner. and asks God's help then he starts out on a new life I helped send Your Son to the cross. I am thinking of my that becomes everlasting life. "Whosoever believeth sins now. You know what they are. Forgive me be- in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." cause Jesus died for me. Thank You, Lord, in the John 3:16. name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Here is what God does, "No condemnation now Now accept the fact of forgiveness. Do not let your hangs over the head of those who are `in' Christ Jesus. feelings make you discouraged or think that God has For the new spiritual principle of life `in' Christ Jesus not heard your prayer. Your prayer has permitted di- lifts me out of the old vicious circle of sin and death." vine power to enter your life. You can say, "The life Romans 8:1, Phillips. I now live is not my life, but the life which Christ lives Ocean waters have an average depth of 11,500 feet. in me; and my present bodily life is lived by faith in the Deepest of all is Nero Deep off the island of Guam. At Son of God, who loved me and sacrificed Himself for 36,614 feet this deep tops the height of Mount Everest me." Galatians 2:20, N.E.B. by more than a mile. The Bible says, "Thou wilt cast Millenniums ago, when Noah looked at the disaster all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19. of the Flood, God set a sign in the sky as a pledge Thus God symbolizes His desire to forgive and forget. that He would not permit the waters to cover the But you say, "What do I have to do to earn forgive- earth again. The rainbow has become a symbol of ness?" God's promises to mankind—a sign of His forgiveness Nothing. Not one thing. and love. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to For you the rainbow of promise shines above the cross forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unright- of Christ. And beneath this rainbow is the gold of eousness." 1 John 1:9. You cannot buy forgiveness for forgiveness. And it is yours now for the claiming. your sins with all the wealth of the world, but you can "If a man is in Christ he becomes a new person alto- receive it free by the simple act of confessing to God in gether—the past is finished and gone, everything has the name of Jesus Christ. become fresh and new." 2 Corinthians 5:17, Phillips. To enter university you need to qualify with a cer- Jesus Christ holds out a new life—His gift to you. tain educational standard. Only wealth or fame will With Him at your side, direction and hope enter; in- give entry to some places. But God asks no qualifica- sufficiency and weakness, loneliness and fear, vanish. tions for the riches of His forgiveness. All we need do You are born into a new life. ** is come—He will forgive. But the coming must be in the right spirit. "Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to cWitat a god! repentance?" Romans 2:4, R.S.V. How do you feel toward someone who comes and The Great One from Heaven, with loving surmise confesses a wrong against you and then goes and Surveys man astounded from out of the skies. wrongs you again? Again he wrongs you, again he He sees he has fallen, surrounded with sin, confesses; and so on. After a while you question his He watches him rushing around in the din. Although He gave all, what a mess man is in! sincerity. What is man, that God should be mindful of him? God never forgets our weakness. But we limit our progress toward the happiness God gives if our forgive- God gives man spare time, so to rest from his toil— ness does not include repentance. Genuine sorrow for Man thinks he's too busy, his work it might spoil. sin will lead us to loathe that sin and try our utmost to He gives him such beauties to keep him content, forsake it. But only on greed and self-pleasures he's bent. Ungrateful, unthankful, man likes his own sin! God never turns aside genuine sorrow for sin. "I What is man, that God should be mindful of him? am writing this to you so that you may not sin; if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, What love, that our Father should work out a plan Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1, R.S.V. Whereby man can find an eternity span. "When they heard this they were cut to the heart, His promises stand for the one who will heed, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brethren, His great arms reach out with all love and with speed. what shall we do?'" Acts 2:37, 38, R.S.V. Do you Although man, ungrateful, continues in sin, What a God, that He still is mindful of him! feel the need for forgiveness? Do you know that you —NEROL I E CARO. made the burden of Calvary heavier by your sin? Are mow you a sinner? Do you feel need in your life? T±T -IL Page Twelve June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES Not All the Scots Are Tons by the Ounce By trimming a mere ounce and a Presbyterians half from the standard telephone re- Baptists from many parts of the ceiver, the Bell System has developed world, led by Baptist World Alliance a smaller, improved unit, which will President, William Tolbert, recently eventually save more than 200 tons took part in four days of celebrations of cobalt, copper, nickel and molybde- in Edinburgh to mark the centenary num per year. His First Two Hundred Years of the Baptist Union of Scotland. Recently there was an appeal for When the union was formed a hund- funds to renovate the more-than-two- red years ago, there were fifty-one Prayers in Space hundred-year-old house in Bonn, Ger- congregations. Today there are 160 many, where the great Ludwig van churches with 17,500 members. From Washington D.C. comes word that some 646,000 persons recorded Beethoven was born. The house, in signatures on petitions supporting one of the city's narrow, old-world the right of space-travelling astro- streets, has been visited by one and a Helping Them to Get Their nauts to broadcast Bible-readings and half million people during the past prayers. The petitions were presented eighty years. It is interesting to note Bearings to officials of the National Aeronautics that the great composer was born in the very year in which Australia and A new organization has been estab- and Space Administration. New Zealand were discovered—a nice lished in London to help former Ro- piece of timing. man Catholic priests, monks and nuns to adjust to secular life. Called "Bearings for Re-establishment Hardware in the Sky (Great Britain) ," it will be a full-time By a recent count, 1,607 man-made operation, succeeding a part-time or- objects are orbiting through space. "Philanderers' Paradise" ganization, "Compass," formed four Some of these are space-shot hard- Divorce-by-consent after two years' years ago for the same purpose. ware like spent rocket stages; some separation—with or without consent are active or inactive satellites like or objection—will become available Echo II. All had at one time some to Britons beginning January 1, next useful purpose, but now they await year. The controversial divorce re- After Many Days the deterioration of their orbs until form bill, variously called the "Casa- Italy's Waldensians and Methodists they skim, at last, too low into the novas' Charter" and "Philanderers' opened their first joint conference in earth's atmosphere and are burned Paradise," passed its last parliamen- Rome recently. Observers said that up. A few are in orbit around the tary hurdle when the House of Com- the sessions had great ecumenical sig- sun. mons accepted amendments made by nificance, having come about after the House of Lords, none of which more than twenty years of dialogue. affected the bill's main provisions. Lutherans Merge Transfer to Rome! After thirteen years of negotiations, a treaty providing for the merger of The Menorah The disclosure that a delegation of four Evangelical Lutheran churches — fifty Anglican clergymen paid a pri- in West Germany is scheduled to be An Authentic Likeness vate and unpublicized visit to the signed about the time this is pub- Catholic Primate of England has lished. The actual merger will be car- The earliest known depiction of the unleashed speculation that a mass ried out over the next four years. seven-branched Menorah of the Se- transfer to the church of Rome could cond Temple has been found in recent happen. An article in the London excavations in Jerusalem. Dating Sunday Telegraph suggests that a from before the birth of Christ, the large number of Anglo-Catholic clergy Bishops in Class Menorah (candelabra) was incised on may be making plans to transfer About thirty members of the Ro- a plaster wall just opposite the themselves, their churches, and their man Catholic hierarchy in the United Temple. Excavators considered it congregations from the Church of States attended classes in January to likely that the representation would England to the Roman Catholic learn "how to present the message of be an authentic likeness, since the per- Church, should an Anglican-Metho- the church more effectively through son who made it could have seen it dist merger succeed. modern media." frequently in the Temple. SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Thirteen 9Zomance...

By GWEN HARROWSMITH

THE RADIO COMPERE was indulging in a little ah, the sound of the birds and the fragrance of the flow- light-hearted humour. ers! Attuned to beauty, two hearts sang. Gone was "I never see you with that pretty girl you used to the crowd; we were Adam and Eve in the unspoiled take out." garden. "No, I married her!" Confidently marriage was planned. How the days I switched off the radio, and my mind began to dragged before the wonderful ceremony that would travel along the subject. This joke can be applied too bring to fruition the most perfect romance the world often. If not unhappy, most marriages are exceedingly had ever seen! dull. Dad and Mum settle into a comfortable enough What happens along the way to destroy that precious existence; the dutiful feeding, clothing and educating of pattern? Thinking of some dear friends with whom I their family interspersed with week-end entertainment. recently dined, I could only sigh. Where is romance? Indeed, WHAT is romance? When I arrived at their home the table was set, the Turning up my dictionaries I found these definitions: meal ready, and my charming hostess, in a pretty frock "Romance: to talk extravagantly, to build castles in and gay apron, watched the clock, worrying a little the air." One could not apply that to successful mar- as time passed. At last the sound of the key in the riage! lock! She hurried forward. The door opened, and The second dictionary said: "Idealized love, intan- her husband, with a beatific smile extended his arms— gible element in anything exciting feelings of awe, won- and the dog, as a matter of course, jumped into them. der, admiration." Still far from satisfactory. How- Murmuring fond endearments he carried the animal to ever, the meaning was better presented in the word a chair. His wife closed the door, quietly picked up his "Romanceless: without beauty, adventure or imagina- brief case and walked away. In turn I was greeted, tiveness, prosaic." then he popped his head into his daughter's room and My own definition was more to my liking. "Romance: grunted, "Glad to see you at your homework." Duty precious gift of God; a tender emotion which elevates performed, he sat down and opened his newspaper. Dad human love above that of the animal." was home! Most of us nostalgically remember our courting days. Yet this couple would describe themselves as happy Everything seemed to glow with special lustre then— enough. It is the common attitude toward "wedded the sun-drenched days and velvet, spangled nights, and bliss."

Page Fourteen June 1. 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES In contrast, let me take you to the home of some "He's never bought me a present that wasn't for elderly friends. Two years ago the wife had a serious household use," she said bitterly. "He's never stroke which left her an invalid. With the aid of a visit- once, in forty years of married life, taken me out to ing nurse, her husband cares for her, getting her out dinner or told me I look nice." of bed and into the lounge every day so that she can So from neglect had sprung hurt, then resentment— enjoy television. This is no mean task. She is plump and hate. What a price to pay for the lack of an occa- and weighty, he is small and thin. sional compliment or a thoughtful gesture! Recently, in hopeless mood, she stammered, "I am God Himself describes in His love for Jerusalem, the just a burden and a tie to Jack." sort of gifts which delight a wife. Her husband turned slowly, his eyes filling with "I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod tears of compassion. Hurrying across the room he fell you with leather, I swathed you in fine linen and cov- on his knees, taking both her knotted, helpless hands ered you with silk. And I decked you with ornaments, in his. "My darling, lovely girl," he said emotionally, and put bracelets on your arms, and a chain on your "you cared for me for so many years; it is my privilege neck. And I put earrings in your ears, and a beautiful to look after you now." crown upon your head. Thus you were decked with He forgot she was seventy, and still saw her as the gold and silver; and your raiment was of fine linen beautiful young woman he had married. Byron's and silk, and embroidered cloth; you ate fine flour poignant words ran through my mind, "Soft eyes and honey and oil." look'd love to eyes which spake again." Suddenly con- No mention here of a nice new scrubbing brush and scious of my presence, he was back on his feet, cheer- bucket, a barrel of the family's favourite biscuits, or a fully bustling about preparing a special meal to tempt roller to paint the ceiling. her appetite. No dearth of romance here! We cannot be romantic without giving. Perhaps But is romance Scriptural? The Bible tells magni- finances will not permit unrestrained liberality, but self- ficent stories that disclose God's pleasure in sensitive, denial and economy can provide the wherewithal for warm love. Perhaps the best example is found in Ruth. many a modest but thrilling surprise. Even a stroll in Filling in the narrative, we can surely understand the the park, or a meal tete-a-tete, when the children are enthralling romance which attended the first meetings otherwise engaged, provides the opportunity for closer of these lovers—Boaz, watching the graceful young wo- companionship. man as she worked in his fields; reassuring her, pro- Acknowledging need for romance, the sacred vows of tecting her from harm. Then his discreet measures marriage enjoin a man to cherish his wife. to make her his wife. One could not imagine the light (Concluded on page 19) going out of that union! Esther, too, found romance—high romance. Ahasue- rus reigned over a huge kingdom which extended from India to Ethiopia. Seeking a wife, he chose the Jewish Esther from the most beautiful virgins of the realm. His faith in her and his desire to please her were tested when a decree was issued to exterminate all Jews. Esther was asked to intervene. This was no light request. A death penalty awaited any man or woman who, without summons, approached the king inside the inner court. Only if he held out the golden sceptre was that law set aside. Yet Esther was prepared to dare much for her people's sake. We read:— "Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, opposite the king's hall. And the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court and she found favour in his sight and he held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the top of the sceptre. And the king said to her, 'What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.' " Romantic? The situation abounds in gallantry, tenderness and deep understanding. Above the pomp and protocol of court stand not the king and his queen, but a man and a woman who love. I remember speaking to a hard-faced woman, intent upon denouncing her husband.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Fifteen HILIP, remember that you must die!" impossible to balance an account without complete re- Thus said a slave of the ruler of Mace- cords, so it is hopeless to live aright without taking into don daily to his royal master, long account the approaching of life's end. With all eternity centuries ago. Modern-day Philips and stretching before us, and with the launching into that their subjects would fain forget this eternity inevitable, it is sheer insanity to live as though fact. immortal. Said Bunyan of old, "If a man would live We now live in an era which does not hesitate to well, let him fetch his last day to him, and make that publish abroad the facts of life, but which prefers to his company-keeper." ignore the fact of death. Only the foolish, therefore, refuse to ask whether "Birth, and copulation, and death. there is any truth in the traditional view that this present That's all the facts when you come to brass tacks: life is a probationary time and that the character now Birth, and copulation, and death." developed will determine destination and destiny. Fur- So wrote T. S. Eliot. But today we have reversed thermore, a frank inquiry regarding death seeks not the trend of centuries with reference to these "brass merely for some assurance of the perpetuation of one's tacks." While once death was constantly kept before own life but asks also with yearning urgency concerning all, and the other "facts" glossed over, today's practice the fate of loved ones who have gone and the possibility is the reverse. Reviewers of literature point out that of reunion with them. In practically every home there there is hardly a significant novel or play of the past exists at least one vacant chair which poses an insistent twenty years which contains a deathbed scene in it question regarding eternity. with reference to any major character, despite the fact But why ask questions which none can answer? The that such was a typical subject for writers in earlier silver-tongued infidel orator, Robert Ingersoll, at the centuries. graveside of his brother, lamented, "Life is .a narrow A certain great newspaper, known throughout the vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities. world, does not permit the use of the word death in any We strive in vain to look beyond the heights. We cry of its columns; and similarly, one of the most popular aloud—and the only answer is the echo of our wailing writers on child care, Dr. Benjamin Spock, counsels cry." Is this true, that only in vain do we strive to look parents to pass over the fact of death in discussions with beyond the heights? Was the pessimism of Bertrand their children. In harmony with the same trend is the Russell warranted when he asserted, "I believe that "beautifying" of the dead, and the transformation of when I die, I shall rot, and nothing of my ego will cemeteries into scenic parks. survive"? Despite this apparent conspiracy of silence, it is obvious to any thoughtful person that it is impossible to TWO THOUSAND years ago there appeared in live aright without taking in all the facts of life, which time and space One who solved the enigmas of life and facts include, as one of their most significant, the cer- death. He broke up every funeral He attended, includ- tainty of death. As it is impossible to solve simple mathe- ing His own. The names of Nain, Jairus, Lazarus, and matical problems without all the figures, and as it is Golgotha remain as historical allusions to Christ's Page Sixteen June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES Psalm 13:3. Over fifty times Bible writers used the The term sleep with reference to the dead. Martin Luther once stated: "As to purgatory, I think it a very uncertain thing. It is probable, in my opinion, that, with very few exceptions indeed, the dead sleep in utter insensibility till the day of judgment. . . . On TRUTH what authority can it be said that the souls of the dead may not sleep out the interval between earth and heaven, or hell, or purgatory, in the same way that the living pass in profound slumber the interval between their About downlying at night and their uprising in the morning?" —Michelet's "Life of Luther," Bohn's edition, page 133. Bible writers know nothing of the theory that the dead exist consciously in heaven or in hell prior to the resurrection. Asserted Job, "If I wait, the grave is E ATH mine house." Job 17:13. Neither the widow's son of Nain, nor Lazarus, had anything to testify concerning By DR. DESMOND FORD experience after death. It was the breath given by God which first animated the faultless body of the first man and bestowed con- sciousness, and the testimony of Holy Writ is that death simply reverses the process. "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts triumph over death. He Himself has broken its chains perish." Psalm 146:4. Thus the dust returns to the and risen victor over the grave. He is our sole authority earth "as it was," and the spirit, or breath, returns "unto in this realm, and we do well to seek His testimony God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Genesis 2:7.) regarding death. Declared our Lord, "The hour is coming, in the which Both before and after His own death Christ spoke all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall with certainty upon this theme. His words are words come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrec- of hope, courage, and assurance such as none other has tion of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resur- ever spoken on this dread topic. To those who believe rection of damnation." John 5:28, 29. Note that it in Him, He says, "Fear not; I am the first and the is from the graves that the dead come forth, not from last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I heaven or hell. am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell What a mockery the common view of immediate and of death." "I am the resurrection, and the life: he reward at death makes of Christ's invitation to the that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he righteous at the end of the world: "Enter thou into the live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall joy of thy lord." Matthew 25: 21. Paul affirms that never die." Revelation 1:17, 18; John 1 1 : 25, 26. without the coming resurrection "they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Corinthians This last cryptic statement He explains elsewhere by 15:18. Three basic Christian doctrines—the second alluding to death as being merely a sleep. Regarding advent of Christ, the judgment, and the resurrection— the dead daughter of Jairus, Christ declared, "She is not are rendered void by the heresy of the conscious state dead, but sleepeth"; and concerning Lazarus, our Lord asserted, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth." Luke 8:52; of the dead. John 11:11: Church history records that the figure of sleep became central to all early Christian thinking WILLIAM TYNDALE, famous translator of the Bible, declared to his papist opponent, "Ye, in putting about the dead and was reflected by countless catacomb inscriptions of the first century. While the pagan Ro- them [departed souls] in heaven, hell and purgatory, destroy the argument wherewith Christ and Paul prove mans practised cremation, contemporary Christian be- the resurrection. . . . If the souls be in heaven, tell me lievers buried their loved ones. The famous catacombs under and about Rome are said to house about seven why they be not in as good case as the angels be? And million dead, and these constitute seven million wit- then what cause is there of the resurrection?" (See Tyn- nesses to the fact of Christ's resurrection and the cer- dale's Preface to New Testament, edition 1534.) tainty of the coming resurrection of all. About a century later, John Milton, author of "Para- dise Lost," wrote: IN DECLARING death to be but a dreamless sleep "The death of the body is the loss or extinction of Christ was echoing words He had inspired Old Testa- life. The common definition, which supposes it to ment seers to write centuries before. Prayed the psalm- consist in the separation of soul and body, is inadmis- ist, "Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death." sible. . . . For what could be more just, than that he SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1. 1910 Page Seventeen who had sinned in his whole person, should die in his resurrected, which will not occur until 'the last day.' whole person? Or, on the other, hand, what could be —"Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the more absurd than that the mind, which is the part Dead?" page 17. principally offending, should escape the threatened death; and that the body alone, to which immortality LEST we follow the error of others and quote only was equally allotted, before death came into the world the ideas of men rather than the plain statements of by sin, should pay the penalty of sin by undergoing Scripture, the Bible is now allowed to speak for itself on death, though not implicated in the transgression?"— this subject of mortality. "The Christian Doctrine," "Of the Death of the Body." "The King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only bath immortality." 1 Timothy 6:15, 16. About the turn of this century, Dr. J. A. Beet, re- nowned Wesleyan scholar, gave study to the subject of "Seek for glory and honour and immortality." Ro- immortality and published his conclusions in a volume mans 2:7. entitled "The Immortality of the Saul." After study- "Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but ing the historic position from early centuries he have everlasting life." John 3:16. says: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. "To sum up. The phrase, the soul immortal, so fre- This is the second death. And whosoever was not quent and conspicuous in the writings of Plato, we found written in the book of life was cast into the lake have not found in pre-Christian literature outside the of fire." Revelation 20:14, 15. influence of Greek philosophy; nor have we found it in "Fire came down from God out of heaven, and Christian literature until the latter part of the second devoured them." Revelation 20:9. century. We have noticed that all the earliest Chris- tian writers who use this phrase were familiar with the "So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens teaching of Plato; that one of these, Tertullian, ex- be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of pressly refers both phrase and doctrine to him; and their sleep. 0 that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that the early Christian writers never support this doc- that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be trine by appeals to the Bible, but only by arguments past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and re- similar to those of Plato. . . . We have failed to find member me! If a man die, shall he live again? all the any trace of this doctrine in the Bible. . . . It is alto- days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change gether alien, both in phrase and thought, to the teach- come." Job 14:12-14. ing of Christ and His apostles."—Pages 53, 54. In chapter four of his book Dr. Beet considers the doctrine as held by contemporary scholars, and reviews the then-current works dealing with inherent immortality. But time and again he stresses the point that "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all these writers use little or no Scripture to support their sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the theories. For example, reviewing Dr. Salmond's book, twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet "The Christian Doctrine of Immortality," he says: shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put "Certainly he brings no proof from the Bible or else- on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immor- where for the popular doctrine of the immortality of the tality." 1 Corinthians 15 : 51-53. soul. He thus affords strong presumption that it is not taught there, and that it does not rest on any reliable evidence." (Page 72.) Again on the next page, in speaking of Dr. Welldon, he states, "He endeavours to say something for the immortality of the soul without THE unscriptural doctrine of natural immortality appealing to the Bible." teaches the autonomy of sinful man, his independence A well-known modern theologian, Dr. Oscar Cull- of God. But the gospel proclaims the reverse—namely, man, has written similarly: man's complete dependence upon God for life and "For the first Christians the soul is not intrinsically righteousness. The essence of sin is independence of immortal, but rather became so only through the resur- spirit, the feeling that one can get along without one's rection of Jesus Christ, and through faith in Him. It Maker, and it was to this attitude that Satan lured our also becomes clear that death is not intrinsically the first parents when he promised that by disobedience they Friend, but rather that its 'sting,' its power, is taken could become as God. (Genesis 3:5, R.S.V.) No won- away only through the victory of Jesus over it in His der then that this false teaching of man's conscious death. And lastly, it becomes clear that the resurrec- state in death underlies most heathen religions, spirit- tion already accomplished is not the state of fulfilment, ism, and modern heresies. It is time to return to the for that remains in the future until the body is also Biblical viewpoint.

Page Eighteen June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES If, then, Scripture declares that man is a mortal, de- The disciple who leaned on the bosom of his Lord pendent being, how may immortality become his? and who penetrated His thought more than any other "All that a man hath will he give for his life," re- has summed up the answer sought by our quest. "This cords the writer of Job, and yet the Word of Inspiration is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, declares that some will surrender even life itself for and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath love's sake. "Greater love hath no man than this, that life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. 1 John 5:11, 12. Thus there is one thing, and only one, that is stronger Christianity is rot a creed, but a Person. It is not than love for life, and that is love itself. Here is the the pursuit of mere outward ritual, but the trans- key to immortality. Our God is love. (1 John 4:8, 16.) formation of the soul by the receiving of the Son of Love is a mightier force than even death, and the love God. To have all else but Him is to have nothing; but to of Christ has "abolished death, and hath brought life receive Him is to receive all, including eternal life. and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Tim- This Victor over the grave graciously assures each one othy 1:10.) Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of today that "whosoever believeth in Him should not sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through perish, but have eternal life," and he reassures by add- Jesus Christ our Lord." ing: "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." Christ satisfied the demands of justice and paid the John 3:15; 6:37. penalty for a violated law. Because He was visited with the wages of sin, we need not be. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone ROMANCE astray; we have turned every one to His own way; and (Concluded from page 15) the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Is to cherish merely to sustain, to supply with crea- "When thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, . . . ture comforts? Turning to the dictionary again, we He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satis- find cherish means, "to hold or esteem dear; treat with fied." Isaiah 53:5, 6, 10, 11. tenderness; protect and aid; encourage; harbour in the Thus Christ could promise, "If a man keep My say- mind." Are these not the qualities of romance? ing, he shall never see death." John 8:51. Christ did not mean that a believer, through acceptance of the Yet hardly is the honeymoon over than loving ser- gospel, would immediately become immortal but rather vice, happy surprise and exciting plans are taken, if not that the natural death which comes upon all men has for granted, at least too often with slight recognition. for him lost its sting. A believer's faith in Christ If we cannot depend upon the love and attention renders death as innocuous as "forty winks." of our nearest and dearest, to whom then shall we We should notice the condition mentioned by Jesus: turn? The uninspired cry of the neglected husband "If a man keep My saying." The union of the soul or wife, "I am not understood," is an "open sesame" with Christ is accomplished by faith, but this union is for the hunting philanderer. demonstrated by obedience. He says, "Why call ye Me, Children who see their parents practising all the Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" "If ye niceties of courtship days, never doubt that love pre- know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Luke sides in their home. They are reared in the atmos- 6:46; John 13: 17. And the beloved apostle writes, phere of affection and respect which is the hall-mark "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His com- of a Christian. mandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him." 1 A father's hand on his youngster's shoulder, a voice John 2:4. warm with encouragement, urge him to progress men- While no soul is saved by obedience, neither can he tally and spiritually. Here is no nesting place for the be saved without it. Obedience testifies to the quality social misfit! He is sent into the world confident of of saving faith. While we are not saved by virtue of being loved and wanted—assured that he is important our keeping of the commandments we can certainly be to his parents, his family and to God. Filling that lost for ever by wilfully breaking them. "For if we sin home subtly, indefinably, is a sense of romance, in- wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of visible, yet stronger than steel. the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery If your marriage is beginning, establish romance. indignation." Hebrews 10:26, 27. If it is settling into boredom, introduce romance. If It is "he that doeth the will of God" who. "abideth it is tottering, an urgent romance transplant could for ever" (1 John 2:17), for the characteristic of him bring new hope and life. who has become a partaker of Christ is joyous, whole- God has given us marriage. He has adorned it with hearted surrender in all things. Such harmony with romance. Don't discard that special, glittering wrap- Heaven's way inevitably results in a life which measures ping—it will keep the gift new and untarnished for- with the life of God. ever. SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Nineteen ARRY ADLER is probably best known as a 539 B.C. To all outward appearances these state- mouth-organ virtuoso, but his artistic skills ments may seem innocent enough. Especially is this are by no means limited to that field, for he is so when 539 B.C. is supported by an impressive list also an accomplished speaker. Some years of over forty recognized historical authorities who, over ago while visiting this country he was invited to speak the last half century, have accepted, without question, on the Australian Broadcasting Commission "Guest of this date for the fall of Babylon to Cyrus.6 Further- Honour" programme. In the course of his address, di- more, we readily acknowledge the correctness of the rected primarily to youth, he offered sound advice when dating of this event, for the evidence indisputably at- he suggested that rather than be credulous, young people tests it. should not hesitate to ask, "What's the evidence?" What then are our objections? Our interest in this series is in the significance of It is the propriety of using the term "absolute date" A.D. 1914 as it relates to prophecy, and in this article with respect to 539 B.C. which is questionable. When we will turn the spotlight on the date of 539 B.C., the this date is labelled "the outstanding absolute date for basic year from which all other dates complementary to the Hebrew scriptures"' as though it were the most, if and including what is variously styled the "signifi- not the only, reliable date from which all other dates cant," "marked," "important," year of 1914, are calcu- must be reckoned backward or forward, it becomes lated by its promoters.' Specifically, our examination grossly misleading for several reasons. will be with regard to the validity of choosing 539 B.C. In the first place an exhaustive search of historical as the absolute date for pre-Christian times while spurn- chronological literature covering the period has re- ing other equally or even more secure dates. In short, vealed not a single authority who uses the term, or any we follow Mr. Adler's counsel and ask, "What's the evi- synonym of it, with respect to 539 B.C. The expression dence?" is used exclusively of this date by those interested in Before answering the question a brief review of the promoting the date A.D. 1914. main points to be considered will help define our terms But surely when such acknowledged authorities as of reference. Parker and Dubberstein, whose calculations are based

The Importance of 1914 as a Prophetic Date * PART TWO OF A SERIES FACTS, FALLACIES

On October 13, 539 B.C., Cyrus the Persian cap- on so famous and reliable a document as the Nabonidus tured Babylon and slew the Babylonian king, Belshaz- Chronicle, are cited, there can be no valid protest zar, as recorded in the fifth chapter of Daniel. This against the use of 539 B.C. as an "absolute date." precise date is said to be "the outstanding absolute date The reader of the earlier cited appeal to authority, of 539 B.C."2 To substantiate this we are told, "This unfamiliar with Parker and Dubberstein's work, would, date is made absolute by reason of the famous Nabunaid very understandably, think that this source attests, on Chronicle, which itself gives a date for the fall of Baby- the basis of the Nabonidus Chronicle, 539 B.C. as an lon and which, figure specialists have determined, absolute date. But this is far from the truth. The fact equals October 13, 539 B.C." A footnote identifies the is that not the slightest hint is given to suggest that it "figure specialists" as R. A. Parker and W. H. Dub- is an "absolute date." What is implied (though not berstein in "Babylonian Chronology, 626 B.C.—A.D. expressly stated) is that October 13 is the exact (or pre- 45."3 From this basic date the year 607 B.C. is calcu- cise) date of Babylon's fall. This is a distinctly differ- lated to be Nebuchadnezzar's nineteenth year, and this ent matter, for exact is here used in contrast to approxi- in turn "leads to the important modern date of 1914."4 mate. It is also relevant to note that absolute dates are de- This distinction is of prime importance to an intelli- fined by the advocates of 1914 as "starting points co- gent understanding of this subject. The exact day of inciding with proved secular historic dates from which the month on which the reign of Nabunaid terminated a series of Bible dates can be reckoned forward and is known from the Chronicle, whereas the exact day backward with certainty,"6 and it is with the sense spe- when certain other kings' reigns ended is known only cified by this definition that we will use the term within perhaps a week or two. This is all that the throughout this article. "figure specialists" indicate. Nowhere do they give The Key Date the slightest reason for concluding that the date of Octo- From the foregoing it is obvious that the claims in ber 13, 539 B.C., is an "absolute date." Their actual respect of this key date are crucial to the case of 1914, statement is "the Nabonidus Chronicle . . . states that hence our inquiry will centre on the accuracy of the Babylon fell VII/16/17 (Oct. 12). . . . This fixes the several declarations concerning the absolute date of end of Nabunaid's reign.

Page Twenty June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES Thus for the purpose for which it is enlisted, the lowed can be gained from the following simplified illu- appeal to both the authority and the evidence is totally stration. The difficulties of rebuilding ancient chrono- irrelevant. On the basis of this evidence the term logy can be likened to reconstructing, in its original "absolute date" is quite inappropriately applied to 539 order, a chain broken into a considerable number of B.C. As noted above, it is apparently used exclusively pieces of varying lengths. It will be apparent that by promoters of a particular doctrine for reasons which without some guide to the order in which the pieces will be considered later. belong it would be guesswork to attempt to reconstruct The Nabonidus Chronicle the chain with each piece in its proper place. How- But, what of the Nabonidus Chronicle? Does not ever, with the provision of an overall guide revealing the evidence of this reliable document justify declaring that certain specified links occupy indicated positions 539 B.C. "the outstanding absolute date"? Again the and showing that the sections are arranged in a certain answer will disappoint many. The fact is that the order, the reconstitution of the chain is facilitated. Nabonidus Chronicle is incapable of establishing any In this analogy the whole chain is the complete year as absolute in the sense of being a starting point chronology, the pieces of chain represent the reigns of for either secular or Biblical chronology. It is true the many ancient kings of that period, and the links that when this Chronicle, which briefly covers the comprising each piece are the years of each king's reign. seventeen-year reign of the king whose name it bears, The indicated positions of the several specified links are is fitted into its proper place in the general framework anchor points (or absolute dates) accurately deter- of chronology, which alone will enable the seventeenth mined by astronomical computation of modern astrono- and last year of Nabonidus to be synchronized with 539 mers from data observed and recorded by ancient as- B.C., it is valueless for chronological purposes. tronomers.8 Though it is outside the scope of this article to des- Now in the case of Nabonidus, who reigned seven- cribe all the complexities of reconstructing an ancient teen years, it is no more possible to fit his reign (556- chronological scheme, some idea of the broad lines fol- 539) into its correct place in the B.C. era without re- and 539 B.C. By G. ROGERSON was Belshazzar the king slain."

SIGNS OP THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Twenty-one lating it to some fixed point in chronology, than it the fact that the promoters of 1914 always want to would be to locate positively a piece of a seventeen-link begin any consideration of this subject from the vantage chain without some guide as suggested above. It should ground provided by "the absolute date of 539 B.C." be understood that, so far as the reign of Nabonidus is While insisting on this concession they reject the equally concerned, there is no fixed point in his reign to serve irrefutable and more abundant evidence which certifies as an anchor. The several points in the pre-Christian other dates which present obstacles to their objective. era which do serve in this capacity are all outside his It is the premise—that 539 B.C. is "the absolute date" period of reign and some of the most important are for calculating Old Testament chronology—that pro- earlier than his time. (For example the astronomically vides the launching pad for the chronological rocket located thirty-seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar began aimed to land on the target of 1914. Having got the April 22-23, 568 B.C., and ended April 11-12, 567 rocket airborne, they discard all other chronological B.C.9 evidence for the period in order to make Nebuchad- The Relevance of 539 B.C. nezzar's nineteenth regnal year 607 B.C. Once this manoeuvre is accomplished it is a simple matter (if It is from these absolute dates supplemented by other dependable data that the Nabonidus Chronicle is people will not examine the evidence) to guide the roc- located in its correct position in the chronological chain. ket onto the target, 2,520 years distant, of 19 14. It should be understood that Parker and Dubberstein— As pointed out above, there may be little difference who, do not forget, are cited as the authority—begin between an "absolute date" and an exact date but it is their chronological tables from 626 B.C. and that 539 this delicate shade of difference which is the point of B.C. is but a single link in the completely reconstructed departure. Once it is conceded that 539 B.C. is "the chain of chronology extending unbroken to the Chris- absolute date" and this apparently innocuous cuckoo's tian era. The whole work therefore either stands or egg is deposited in the chronological nest, it incubates falls as a unit. One link in the chain cannot logically be and, like all cuckoos, displaces the legitimate occupants. certified to be correctly positioned if those to which it This has been amply demonstrated in the bizarre chronological arrangement employed to establish and main- is attached are declared incorrectly located, by reason of the anchor points being in error. So far as the Chron- tain 1914 as a prophetic date. icle is concerned, it adds nothing to our knowledge of And what justification is pleaded for this fallacious the year when Babylon fell, for this is easily and posi- logic? It is declared that Bible chronology of the seventy tively determined from several other sources. years' exile (Jeremiah 25:11, 12, etc.) demands it. (This aspect will be considered in a subsequent article. But is it not conceded that 539 B.C. is accurate, and What does the Bible say regarding the "70 years"? The is it not accepted by all authorities? And if we have a answer might surprise!) precise date for a Bible event, does not this permit Meanwhile, what profit can we gain from this dis- calculations by means of Biblical chronological data cussion? "Much every way" as the Apostle Paul said in from that point? Again the evidence requires a nega- another context (Romans 3:2), but we will limit our- tive answer. selves to but one suggestion. Mr. Adler's counsel to The incomplete and often ambiguous nature of Bib- the young is wisdom for all age groups, and there is lical chronological data does not permit the reconstruc- nothing new about this, for in substance it is identical tion of a chronological scheme without reference to with the warning given 2,000 years ago by Jesus relative fixed points in secular chronology. Indeed, it is not to these very days when He said, "Take heed that no possible to calculate a single Biblical date in terms of man deceive you." Matthew 24:4. the B.C. time scale prior to 539 B.C. without relying on secular evidence. The ultimate and absolute proof of this lies in the fact that the attempt to do so has led I. The Watchtower, 1/2/69, pages 71, 72; 1/2/59, page 94; etc. to the adoption of the mathematically impossible date of 2. Id. Numerous references to this date can be found in almost 607 B.C. for Nebuchadnezzar's nineteenth regnal year any literature published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. These and the following are only given as representa- when, in fact his accession was in 605 B.C. This date tive samples. of 607 B.C. is about twenty years in error and is com- 3. See also "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," pletely irreconcilable with the evidence on which the (1963) etc., where a more recent edition of the work is cited. 4. The Watchtower, 1/2/59, page 94. dependability of the so-called "outstanding absolute 5. Id., page 93. See also, "All Scripture Is Inspired . . ." page date" of 539 B.C. rests. The fallacy of accepting a 281. date as being "absolute" while rejecting the evidence 6. The Watchtower, 15/8/68, pages 491, 492. 7. Parker and Dubberstein, "Babylonian Chronology 626 B.C.-A.D. which makes it so must be obvious to all. Yet this is 75," page 13. exactly what is done." 8. Parker and Dubberstein use the astronomic Canon of Ptolemy with its verifiable eclipse and other astronomic data as its basis Why Is 539 So Important? for this purpose, but several other astronomically fixed dates are known to chronologers. So much for the evidence. By why, some will rea- 9. This was considered last month in the first article of this series. sonably ask, the insistence on exalting 539 B.C. as the 10. A study of Parker and Dubberstein's work (available for about most reliable date of the era? The answer is not hard $2 and cited, remember, as proof for the claims concerning 539 B.C.) and the evidence on which their chronological tables to find by a process of deduction. A lead is provided in are constructed, will verify this statement.

Page Twenty-two June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES Notes in old Bibles often reveal the character of the owners, and where their interests lay. Recently I GRANDMA'S came across this thought in a very worn Bible which belonged to another old warrior for God. It was a comment on 2 Corinthians 3:18: "Think only good things, and you will look good and happy, for the BIBLE growing face is moulded to growing thoughts." Such things written down tell of a personal relationship with God, and the trend of the life. by FLORENCE M. WESLAKE In Gran's Bible there are scraps of information she had gathered over the years. And to us today her Bible is a treasured and interesting Book. It is of

Y GRANDMOTHER was not one to sit with her hands idly folded in her lap. From my earliest recollections of her, right to the end of her long life of ninety-three years, she was always busy. When we were children, she was a tireless worker in the home, on the farm, in the neighbourhood— wherever there was need. But she always found time to read her Bible. She lived by those precepts, and encouraged us to do so, too. She reared us children, and it was she who taught us our early spiritual lessons. I first heard from her lips the thrilling story of the prophet Elijah. I shall never forget the time she read of that victorious encounter of Elijah with the 850 false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, as recorded in 1 Kings, chapter 18. To this day I have never lost the wonder and admiration of the exploits of that man of God. Gran had many passages in her Bible marked with a red pencil. One of her favourite chapters was Psalm 37, particularly verse 25, which reads: "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." This was a promise she had proved true in her own little monetary value, but it is treasured because of experience. the memories it brings, and because we can sense Gran's old Bible is still with us, and as we browse her personality through its pages. But the greatest through it from time to time it seems to come alive treasures of the Book lie not in the little "extras" we with her personality. It is interesting to note some find written on the fly-leaf, but in the sacred words of the clippings she had pasted in the inside covers of the Bible itself, given us by inspiration of God. and on the fly leaf. There are words of wisdom, and This, I am sure, my grandmother had discovered for practical things that appealed to a woman of her herself. calibre, as well as snippets of family history. One Just as we find the human personality, so we thought that meant something to her was this: "Teach find the personality of Christ portrayed in the Word, me the value of a minute, the power of an hour, the and as we give that little extra time and effort to the opportunity of a day." Her faith is expressed in a reading and study of the Bible we come to know little note in her own handwriting concerning Isaiah the Person Himself as our truest Friend, and our sure 40:29-31. Underneath the text, "They that wait upon Counsellor and Guide. If we rest upon His precious the Lord shall renew their strength," she had written: promises, take heed to His admonition, and accept "I thank God for His goodness. I read this today. God Him as our Saviour, He will ever keep us in the path heard my prayers this day as I gardened, and re- that leads unerringly to the eternal city of our God. newed my strength."

SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Twenty-three

Sparkling Troduct-- in A BLACK JACKET

By W. Austin Townend

AMONG THE TRANSLATIONS NUMBER TWENTY

HY DOES a sparkling product like William Barclay's "The New Testament, A New Translation," come to us in a black jacket? I don't have the answer. So, let's forget that somewhat sombre glossy dust cover as we take a look at the goods inside it. First of all, a small confession: I have become an enthusiast after living with this translation for almost a year. You see, I have been using it for daily devo- tional reading and marking. This has been a pinnacle adventure. I started at page 261, "John's Version of the Story of the Good News," as Barclay titles the fourth Gospel, after, of course, I read the brief foreword to the entire translation (that is, Volume 1—"The Gospels and The Acts of the Apostles") and the forty-four pages captioned "On Translating the New Testament." Great reading. But something on that later. Getting back to John. Here is how Dr. Barclay leads off: "When the world began, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the nature of the Word was the same as the nature of God." Sparkling! Reading on—and you are forced to, really—you quickly come to: "But to all who did receive Him He gave the privilege of becoming God's children. That privilege was given to those who do believe that He really is what He is." Verse 12 of John 1. As to what "He [Christ] really is," there is minimal room for uncer- tainty in verse 14: "The Word became a human person, and lived awhile among us. With our own eyes we saw His glory. It was the glory which an only son receives from his father, and He was full of grace and truth." Out in the margin of this much marked copy of mine I have placed alongside of verse 14 these references, liking very much the Barclay rendering of them (a

Page Twenty-four June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES sample or two will follow), John 5:23; 5:38; 10:36, Then back came her whisper to me: "Very clear now." 37; 12:48; 14:10, 11; 16:9; 16:15; 17:2; 20:31. In case you don't have both translations at hand: King Samples: "Not to honour the Son is not to honour the James Version: "Woe unto the world because of of- Father who sent Him." John 5:23. "You do not possess fences! for it must needs be that offences come; but His [God's] word dwelling in you, because you refuse to woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" accept Him whom He sent." John 5:38. "He [the Barclay: "The tragedy of the world is the existence Father] will compel the world to see that not to believe of the things which make men sin! True, things which in Me [Jesus Christ] is sin." John 16:9. make men sin must come, but tragic is the fate of the I am waiting for one of those ardent door-knockers man who is responsible for the coming of such a thing!" who say that "Christ is not of the Trinity, there is no As you see, Barclay can make clear that which earlier Trinity," to call on me, that I might read to them such translators present as being rather cloudy. verses, culminating, perhaps, with the last verse of John's Gospel, chapter 20, Barclay's translation: "This In his pages on translating the New Testament, Bar- book was written to make you believe that Jesus is clay often pointedly quotes from two modern classics on the Messiah, the Son of God, and that your belief may the subject: "Translating the Bible" by F. C. Grant, and bring you life through His name." "The English Bible" by F. F. Bruce. And Dr. Barclay's Well, why not a little dip into some of the other objective as a translator is frankly revealed in his sentence, "In the end the translator's aim is that those four New Testament chapters of Barclay's sparkling work! Mark 1:17 and 27: " 'Follow me!' He said to who read his translation should know Christ more clearly and follow Him more nearly and love Him more them. 'I will make you into fishermen who catch men!' " dearly." Speaking personally, I can say that, with me, "They were all astonished. 'What is this?' they kept on asking. 'A new kind of teaching! A teaching with the Barclay has succeeded with his John's Gospel alone. accent of authority! When He gives His orders to the Was it not Gilbert Murray who wrote to Sybil Thorn- unclean spirits, even they obey Him!' " Matthew 5:9: dike, "Read St. John's Gospel: it's bad Greek, but it "0 the bliss of those who make men friends with each will open a door for you"? May I add that "the door other, for they shall be ranked as the sons of God." Luke is wide open" if you read John as translated by William 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He Barclay, Professor of New Testament Language and has anointed Me, to send away in freedom those who Literature in the University of Glasgow, and author of have been broken by life." Acts 9:1, 2: "Saul, still in a many books of theology including his invaluable "New frenzy of murderous threats against the disciples of Testament Words." the Lord, went to the High Priest, and asked for an True scholastic humility shines through when, in his official authorization to go to Damascus to the syna- foreword, Doctor Barclay confesses, "No one ever made gogues there. His purpose was to bring as prisoners a translation without the haunting sense of how much to Jerusalem any adherents of the Way whom he might better it might have been, and of the imperfections of find there, men and women alike." this translation no one is more conscious than I am. I No writer's blush appears on the page (308) where can but pray that in spite of the inadequacy it may shed Dr. Barclay asks, "What need is there for still another for some readers a clearer light on the book which is translation of the New Testament?" the Word of God to men." Sensibly, he gives these main reasons. 1. "There is By the way, William Barclay had a part in the trans- a sense in which a translation begins to go out of date lation of the New English Bible, and he worked for on the day when it is completed, for language is never many years with the scholars producing the "Transla- static, but always on the move." 2. "In the nature of tor's Translation," the Diaglot of the British and For- things perfection in translation is impossible. . . . How- eign Bible Society. ever much the thing is revised, and however often it is Looking inside the black dust jacket of my copy of brought back to the anvil, the perfection of the mar- "The New Testament (Volume 1), A New Transla- riage of one language to another must remain for ever tion," I see that I paid $3.25 for it new a few weeks elusive." Fair enough reasons for yet another trans- after it came on to the market from the presses of Col- lation. lins, London, in 1968. Looking now at the shelf of Recently, while sitting waiting for a religious meet- translations I bought that year, I think that that $3.25 ing to commence, I was reading Barclay's transla- was the best investment. tion and I whispered to my wife, "Read Matthew 18:7," With pleasure we anticipate the next sparkling vol- adding the query, "What does it mean?" She read in ume of Bible translation from William Barclay, and I her King James version and then whispered back to hope that it appears in time for us to talk about it in this me, "I don't know for sure." I placed Barclay into her "Among the Translations" feature of "The Signs of the hands, open at Matthew 18:7, underscored. She read. Times." ** SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Twenty-five No doubt the pause that impressed the young people most was the one above the deepest lake water in New Zealand. Below us was 1,455 feet, or about a quarter of a mile of water. Above us was a dense dark sky broken only by myriads of shining stars which reminded us of God and His overall control of the universe. At that moment the following statement of Scripture came to my mind— "Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity. . . He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:18-19. During their stay in Fiordland, the young people were told several times about the massive Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Hydro-electric power project. The project is to draw on Lake Manapouri for water, which will drop 700 feet to an underground power house and flow through six miles of tunnel to be discharged into the sea at Deep Cove. The complete project means a capacity of 700,000 kilowatts of electricity, and is another marvellous engineering master- piece. Man has again tapped nature's resources for economic gain. A book I purchased while in Fiordland reflects man's eagerness for power. It is entitled "Power from Manapouri." This hydro-electric scheme drawing on nature's resources reminds us of our personal need to tap Heaven's power resources. We desperately need daily "power from heaven." In the Scriptures, we have many guarantees that the power needed to live successful, victorious Christian lives is available. Let me quote but one. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13. Sometimes we fail in obtaining this power, for we try to flCCEN1oN unite our strength with God's strength. We need to learn the secret that it must be a union of our weakness with His strength. In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, there is a DESMOND B. HILLS talks about record of many great men of faith, and we are told how they LIFE THAT IS WORTH LIVING became saints for God. The simple explanation is hidden away in a lone verse of Scripture. Here it is: "Out of weakness [they] were made strong." Hebrews 11:34. God has good reason for choosing this method, and when we approach Him in all humility, asking for His power, we shall receive an abundant supply. The One who holds the universe in its place and sustains animal and plant life, is waiting to give Southward Ho!... power, strength and victory to His people. When water is channelled through power houses, man can HOW would you like to attend a youth camp in a fiordland produce electricity. However, a greater wonder is that when national park which covers millions of acres and is majestic man is channelled through Heaven's power house, God can in scenery? produce a new creation. When we are fully committed to This last Easter, I had the privilege of camping with over God and seek Him, we are transformed into loving and lov- sixty young people in one of the world's largest national able Christians. When our lives are controlled from above, parks. This fiordland national park, which was our home we have power to live victoriously and we also have the assu- and playground for the week-end, covers over three million rance of eternal life. acres. Deep, dense forests run from the shores of huge lakes and fiords to the snowline on the gaunt peaks of high, rugged mountains. One glance at this vast and majestic scenery explains why this region is among the world's greatest tourist attractions. This scenic national park occupies the entire south-western sector of the South Island of New Zealand. It includes many lakes such as Manapouri and Te Anau, and the famous Mil- ford track leading to Milford Sound and the granite Mitre Peak. The youth camp was held right on the shores of Lake Manapouri, almost 600 feet above sea level. The lake has often been described as "the most beautiful lake in New Zea- land." It covers about fifty-six square miles, and is studded with some thirty small forest-clad islands. The "gateway to Fiordland" is the township of Te Anau, situated at the southern end of the lake of the same name. Lake Te Anau covers 132 square miles and has a coastline of more than 300 miles. On the Saturday evening, the party boarded the luxury cruise launch "Fiordlander," and travelled for approximately two hours on Lake Manapouri. They were thrilled as they sped across the waters in this high-speed cruise launch, which had a few days before been used to convey Queen Elizabeth and the royal family. The launch stopped several times, and the skipper pointed out interesting facts and figures about the lake. The "Fiordlander" adds to the pleasure of the +rip.

Page Twenty-six June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES WHY JOIN A CHURCH? I believe in the basic principles of the teachings of Christ, such as loving one's neighbour, and doing one's utmost to improve conditions in the world; but why is it neces- sary to attend a church and associate oneself with an organization of this nature? It appears that some churches QUESTION BOX do little or nothing for their fellow man. Agreed? Agreed! Some churches would have to plead Young People's Questions guilty to the last charge you make, and Answered the great majority would have to admit that they could do more than they are by GORDON BOX doing. But don't you think it is a bit unrealistic to wipe the whole lot, just because some aren't doing their job properly? Suppose a badly needed hospital is being built, and you as an observer come WHAT IS ONE? I have been very lax Christian," it is almost certain that this up and see that some of the gang are in attending regular church, but still is not the case. This attitude is the loafing, others playing two-up, and still have my faith and quiet prayer to my- devil's anaesthetic to keep us from see- others pilfering equipment and mater- self, try to do good all round, do not ing what we are really like. The more ials. The rest of the workmen are going smoke or drink, and my children have time he spends with Christ (whether like crazy, but because of the wasters been brought up around the church. I at home or church) the more like Him employed, the job is going ahead very have a friend who is at church each he will appear, but the less prone he slowly indeed. Now, you could take one Sunday and helps in all church affairs, will be to boast about his goodness. He of a number of attitudes to the situa- but smokes and drinks and seems to pull won't be thinking about how bad he is, tion. everyone to pieces. She tells me she is Or how humble he is. He won't be 1. You could stand off and call the the Christian and I am the heathen, but thinking about himself at all. waster group all manner of uncompli- of the two of us I think I lead the better mentary names. You could even swear life. Please explain, just what is a at them when you run out of respectable Christian? derogatory adjectives, then emphasize THE IMPOSSIBLE TAKES A LITTLE that building hospitals is a good work In the words of the "Happiness Is" LONGER. It is futile to attempt the and that they are a disgrace to the song, it is "different things to different impossible. Perfection is impossible. Builders' Union. people," but to be consistent, one has to Then why do Christians attempt per- 2. You could say, "I'm going to build go to the New Testament for a defini- fection? my own hospital. I believe in the work tion, since this tells us the origin of the Because it is better to attempt some- hospitals do—so I'll start my own. This movement we call Christianity. Original thing and fail, than to attempt nothing construction company is useless!" Christianity is hardly recognizable —and succeed. 3. You could go to the construction when compared with some present-day Mortal man may not be able to fully company and offer your services, ex- schools of thought that have cashed in conceive of perfection in the sense that plaining that you want to get this job on the prestige of the name (but are God knows it, therefore in this way per- done, and you are willing to learn the almost total opposites in outlook and fection is impossible to him. business and work the skin off your fin- viewpoint). However, he can have a perfect atti- gers and the soles off your shoes in Notice these three points: tude in the sense that he is quick to order to get this hospital doing its job. 1. A Christian is a person who recog- recognize faults which are revealed to Having done this, you would join your- nizes that there is a moral standard him, and his desire to be better can be self to the group of workers who were which he fails to live up to; he violates genuine and intense. The psalmist re- really doing the job. You might even even his own standards no matter how vealed such an attitude when he said, explain (tactfully, of course) to the hard he tries. To use what has become "Create in me a clean heart, 0 God; waster group that hospitals are desper- a cliche, he's a sinner, and knows it. and renew a right spirit within me." ately needed, and would they please He recognizes that it is not only what Psalm 51:10. (The whole psalm is help you and the rest of the group to he does, but what he is that is the prob- worthy of study.) Again he says, "Keep get the job finished. lem. His nature needs changing. back thy servant also from presump- Right—the illustration is a bit weak, tuous sins; let them not have dominion 2. Jesus Christ offers to do this for admittedly, but we must remember that over me." Psalm 19:13. him, and he accepts the offer. This offer the New Testament church was estab- With this attitude, some men have at- includes forgiveness for those things lished to preach, teach, heal and help. tained great moral heights, although he has done which are wrong, includ- (See Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:15.) To they were doubtless unconscious of the ing thoughts and motives. throw out organization is to throw out fact. (See Matthew 25:37-39.) efficiency, whether it relates to a church 3. At this point, the individual may To say, "I'm far from perfect but, God or a building project. To attempt to go be said to be a Christian. Because he helping me, I want to be better than I it alone, is to over-estimate your own chooses to be guided by the principles am," is one approach to the dilemma of capacity to accomplish something worth and teachings of Jesus Christ he is our human weakness. while, and to under-estimate the help called His follower, and therefore is a To say, as you imply, "I can't be per- and good intentions and ability of your Christian. Now this doesn't mean he's fect, so I might as well go to the devil," fellow men. perfect; but his whole attitude has is to ensure that you will go just there. Because some are failing to carry on changed in that his main objective in Whether you will like your destination the example of the apostles, simply em- life is to please Christ—instead of him- on arrival is quite another matter. Sort phasizes the need for others to move in self. That's some decision, believe me, of a dead end. and do the job in hand. Church atten- and will ultimately affect everything dance should give motivation and op- he does, including smoking and drinking ).‘") portunity for greater usefulness to and church going and destructively • GORDON BOX will answer your others. To those who can take it, the criticizing other people. questions in his frank and open style. church provides ample opportunity for It does appear that your friend may Send him your questions, addressing self-sacrifice and service to those who confuse going to church with being a them to Gordon Box, Signs Publish- need help. Christian. The two are not synonymous. ing Company, Warburton, Victoria. Agreed? If anyone boasts about being a "good 3799, Australia. SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1, 1970 Page Twenty-seven The Fruit A durian-seller in Penang. with LIT0515 By Robert H. Parr

MY WIFE crinkled her nose. "Phew!" she said. However, my wife pointed out that we would be ill- "Whatever is that?" Being a little more worldly-wise, I mannered if we were to stalk off without so much as was able to tell her. "That, my dear," I said with reasonable notice to our hosts, and so we felt obliged some degree of superiority, "is a terrible stench." Two to stay. "Besides," I said, "if we eat at a restaurant, sniffs were enough to assure me that my first diagnosis we'll have to pay." So that settled it. was in no way exaggerated; it was about as bad an odour I forgot to mention that all this took place in a de- as had ever assailed my nostrils. lightful setting in Singapore, where I was attending a "It's an open drain," my wife supposed. But there conference. Our hosts had provided the most comfor- was no drain in sight. table, air-conditioned living quarters, and the meals "It is a very dead animal," I proposed, "probably in were sublime. But to be physically assaulted by a no- some inaccessible spot." good smell as one was about to enter the dining-room "How unfortunate," said my wife, "and so near the seemed more than one should be expected to endure kitchen." without complaining to the management. For two full "Not only unfortunate," I said, "but enough to put days we put up with this dreadful stench near the din- one off eating in this vicinity for some time to come; let's ing-room in stoical silence. But after two days, we came eat out." to know our hosts and the other delegates much better, Page Twenty-eight June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES so we ventured a question. Ever so tactfully as first, but But one reckons without the persuasive powers of the then moving forward with much more directness, we derisive laugh and the haughty challenge. And it takes came to grips with the situation. "What," I asked a some sort of superhuman will-power to resist "showing fellow delegate who lived in the area, "is that rather them" when they begin to infer that you will be re- unhealthy aroma that one is inclined to notice as one garded by the indigenous people as a nothing if you turn comes to the dining-room?" away from this, the most delectable of all fruits. And "0 that," he chuckled. "That's a durian." to prove it, the American-who-had-been-in-the-tropics- I thanked him, of course. A durian. I wondered too-long cut it open, took a piece of the white flesh, and how many legs a durian had, and why they had let him slurped it down with evident relish. die so close to habitation. But then, I told myself, it "Have a bit," he said, offering me a generous modi- might just be a thing, rather than a beast. I therefore cum, but naturally, ever the gallant, I deferred to my delved a little further. wife. And I have a photograph of her reaction when "And what does one actually do with a durian?" I first she tasted it, which that same gallantry, mentioned asked, rather quietly, because I didn't want the other above, prohibits me from parading in this magazine. delegates to take me for some sort of ignoramus. Her painful expression should have warned me that the taste was not unlike the odour, only more so, but I "Eat it, of course," he shouted. "You eat it! The went as a lamb to the slaughter. I tasted this terrible most delicious fruit ever to grow on a tree! Durians, fruit, and my most lingering memory is that of what I lead me to 'em, and I'll show you how to enjoy fruit!" imagine rotten onions must taste like; dreadful, foul, "But the, er, you know, the odour," I said. "What horrible are weak and sickly words to describe this repul- about that?" I felt I had him there. No self-respecting sive thing. human would purposely get himself around such a high- No wonder you can't send it by ship or aircraft; they octane stench as that. Then I added, in a flash of are too jealous of the reputation of their property to inspiration, "Are those in the store-room here bad; kept allow these all-pervading monstrosities to foul up their too long, perhaps?" ships and planes! No wonder sailors on ships carrying The rather insensitive fellow let out a roar that at- the things have threatened to mutiny! Yet the wonder tracted attention for several tables around, which meant of it is that the honest citizens of Eastern countries who all the people in the dining-room. "Our friend here," have been brought up on this abomination in fruit's he bawled, pointing to me, "thinks our durians are bad! clothing literally sell their shirts to get them! And He wants to taste one." those of Western origin who have acquired the taste Now I had said nothing about such an experiment. will put aside all other delicacies in order to enjoy the As a matter of fact, from the moment I had learned succulence and the abundance of delicacies wrapped what they were, I had made a quiet but firm decision within the flesh of this unlovely, this foul-smelling, this that a durian would never see the inside of my alimen- repulsive gastronomical grenade. One morsel, one tiny tary canal; I kind of made an unspoken promise to my sliver, and I could taste those decaying onions for tl inward parts that they would never be so desecrated. But next twelve hours; I ate peppermints, I cleaned my I reckoned without the American, who had lived in the teeth, I gargled, and then I went through the whole area for longer than he should have, obviously. Per- process again; useless. The taste remained. haps, I told myself, the heat was getting at him. He "Your mistake," my friends told me, "was that you needed a furlough. But he was hot on the scent of gave up too soon. You must persevere. You would something, and I know now, looking back on the affair, acquire the taste in a little while. What you hated that I was the unfortunate quarry. Or victim would, today you would, in a very little while, come to regard perhaps, suit the purpose of description a little better. as one of the choicest of delicacies, if only you would That night, for what the Americans call "supper," keep at it." and we in more genteel climes call "dinner" (if we are Robert B. Thurber, in a clever parody of Alexander in the more patrician class) or "tea" (if we are inclined Pope's famous lines, puts it this way: to fellowship with the proletariat), they brought in, at the end of the meal, a tremendous grey-green fruit the "Durian's a fruit in such a loathing held, size of a coconut, or bigger. This was accompanied To be detested needs but to be smelled; by shrieks of delight, howls of anticipation and emo- But, eaten oft, it ceases to annoy; tional outbursts on all sides. My wife looked at me ap- At first we gag, submit and then enjoy." prehensively; as for me, I turned the delicate shade of Which is, as Pope said in the original, exactly how the fruit itself. Nothing, but nothing, I told myself, the horribleness of vice changes in our eyes as we dally could cause me to defile my stomach with THAT stuff. with it. SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1. 1970 Page Twenty-nine ancient Israel, a revelation of the character of God. It is even a clearer "Not Wanted on revelation of God's character to us than to them; for Christ has come as the Fulfiller, and thus the Interpreter, Voyage" of the law. And God has not changed. He is still exactly what He was when Did Noah takes whales and other sea He called to Moses.. . . He is just as noly creatures into the ark? E.C. as then; just as intolerant of sin as No. The ark was a refuge only for then; just as merciful to the penitent creatures that could not survive an in- sinner who presents in faith the ap- undated world. pointed blood of atonement, as He was then. "More particularly, Leviticus is of use to us now, as holding forth, in a singu- larly vivid manner, the fundamental Heretical Evangelist? conditions of true religion. The Leviti- cal priesthood and sacrifices are no It seems to me that one of your evan- more, but the spiritual truth they re- gelists is teaching heresy. He asserts presented abides and must abide for that the heart and mind are the soul. Is ever: namely, that there is for sinful this Scriptural? P.W. man no citizenship in the kingdom of As with certain English words in our God apart from a High Priest and Med- own day, the word "soul" in Scripture iator with a propitiatory sacrifice for has more than one meaning, and only sin. . . . the context can throw light on each in- "But Leviticus presents not only a dividual instance. By way of example, ritual, but also a body of civil law for consider the following sentences: "Sing the theocracy. Hence it comes that me that air again." "Throw the ball into the book is of use for today, as suggest- the air." "She has a haughty air." The QUESTIONS ing principles which should guide hu- meaning for "air" is different in each man legislators who would rule accord- instance, and only the context can in- ing to the mind of God. Not, indeed, dicate the actual thought in each case. ANSWERED that the laws in their detail should be Similarly, the word "soul" means the adopted in our modern states; but it is whole person in such texts as Genesis certain that the principles which under- 2:7; Leviticus 23:30; Proverbs 11:25; lie those laws are eternal. The ques- Exodus 1:5; Joshua 10:28, 30, 32, etc., but tion of the relation of the civil govern- enshrines a different emphasis else- ment to religion, the question of the where. Sometimes, the word has the Readers' Questions answered by rights of labour and of capital, of land- sense of "life" as in Genesis 35:18, and holding, that which by a suggestive eu- Matthew 16:26. A third meaning is Desmond Ford, M.A., Ph.D. phemism we call the social evil,' with heart or mind. See Genesis 49:6; Num- its related subjects of marriage and di- bers 11:6; Matthew 12:18; Psalms 107: vorce—all these are claiming attention 5; John 12:27. That the traditional as never before. There is not one of meaning for soul—that of an undying these questions on which the legisla- conscious entity—is wrong, is obvious tion of Leviticus does not cast a flood from such scriptures as the following: rael over three millenniums ago. For of light, into which our modern law- "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." example, in this book there are merci- makers would do well to come and walk. Ezekiel 18:4. ful admonitions with reference to slav- ery and other social problems which "Further, Leviticus is of use to us "And they smote all the souls that God chose to ameliorate rather than to were therein with the edge of the now as a revelation of Christ. . . . The sword." Joshua 11:11. destroy at that stage. The particular book is thus a treasury of divinely cho- example quoted by the inquirer is one sen illustrations as to the way of a "Also in thy skirts is found the blood of many similar laws given to Israel to sinner's salvation."—S.H. Kellogg, "The of the souls of the poor innocents." teach them the necessity of choosing Book of Leviticus," pages 24-27. Jeremiah 2:34. constantly against confusion and com- "The literal requirements of the Levi- "For thou hast delivered my soul promise. The moral principle thus illu- tical law were fulfilled and done away from death." Psalm 116:8. strated is taught in the New Testament in Christ; they fell off, like the husks In such instances, "soul" means a as follows: of swelling seed, or like the blossoms conscious mortal person, and this is "Be ye not unequally yoked together of setting fruit; but their spiritual and probably the most frequent use of the with unbelievers: for what fellowship moral meaning remains and is fruitful word in Scripture. hath righteousness with unrighteous- for ever."—Christopher Wordsworth, ness? and what communion hath light Commentary, Vol. 1, "Introduction to with darkness? and what concord hath Leviticus," page 7. Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God Levitical Laws with idols?" 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. Such precepts as found in Leviticus liberating Verses How are we to regard the laws in 19:19 were warnings against heathen Leviticus? For example, one text says, practices, and admonitions against per- What do you make of such liberating "Neither shall a garment mingled of lin- version of God's simple yet eternal laws. verses as Colossians 2:16, 17, Galatians en and woollen come upon thee." In some instances, such as the laws on 5:1, 18, and Romans 8:14? Do not these E.W.T. & D.W.P. hygiene and diet, physical as well as make foolish any short-sighted over- Leviticus sets forth precepts which spiritual reasons existed for the divine emphasis upon the Sabbath? C.K. both prefigured the gospel and sym- requirements. Colossians 2:16, 17 reads as follows: bolically taught a primitive people the We give two representative statements "Let no man therefore judge you in need for holiness in every sphere of showing the value and use of this book meat, or in drink, or in respect of an life. The principles set forth still apply of Leviticus. holyday, or of the new moon, or of the to every Christian, but the exact appli- "Of what use can the Book of Leviti- sabbath days: which are a shadow of cation of the principle may vary now cus be to believers now? We answer, things to come; but the body is of from that which was applicable to Is- first, that it is to us, just as much as to Christ." Page Thirty June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES The reader should note that an ad- gift received by faith, but it produces joining verse refers to "the command- such gratitude in the receiver that ments of men." Verse 22. It is the henceforth the commandments are kept Love Your Neighbour? ceremonial aspects of Judaism, as over- by that faith which works by love. laid by a multitude of human laws, How can one "love thy neighbour as Romans 8:14 makes no reference to which confront us in this passage. Paul thyself" when they are shiftless, immor- the Ten Commandments, but declares al, lazy, thieves and drunkards with- certainly is not trying to undo what that "as many as are led by the Spirit God did at creation when He rested on out any idea of their own responsibili- of God, they are the sons of God," to the seventh day, or what He later did on ties to THEIR neighbours? We can't which we would add another verse, Sinai when, with His own voice, He even LIKE them, let alone love them. namely, Acts 5:32. In this passage we proclaimed the sanctity of this holy day. LM.K. are told the condition of receiving the The Jews had many "sabbath" days, Spirit mentioned in Romans 8:14. "The Our love to ourselves does not cease apart from the Sabbath of the fourth Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to commandment (see Leviticus 23), and to flow though we are often spiritually them that obey Him." The obedient their manifold traditions regarding all lazy, ungrateful, selfish, proud, glutton- heart can never be offered as the pur- rest days are here repudiated by Paul, ous, etc. Our debt to God is more than chase price of salvation, but it is the as well as the sacrificial shadowy ele- a million times greater than our neigh- condition and test of the Spirit-led life. ments of those same days. Colossians bour's debt to us according to the par- 2:16 no more wipes out the observance rable in Matthew 18:21-35. If, then, of the seventh-day Sabbath than it God can love us regardless of our fail- forbids the use of food and drink, also ings, His children will wish to follow His mentioned in the same verse. The Seed and the Fire example towards their fellow men. Galatians 5:1 and 18 reads: The commandment of love towards What is the meaning of the references our neighbours is not a call for a cer- "Stand fast therefore in the liberty to "Molech" in the Bible? The Israelites tain kind of emotion towards them. wherewith Christ hath made us free, were forbidden to let their seed pass True love is a principle rather and be not entangled again with the through the fire to Molech. What was than a feeling. It is that attitude which yoke of bondage." this seed? D.W.P. seeks good rather than ill for others. "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye Only God can create in us this attitude. Molech was an ancient fire god to are not under the law." "'Two men were in debt to a money- A verse standing between these de- whom human sacrifices were offered. The "seed" mentioned in Leviticus 20: lender: one owed him five hundred sil- clares that "in Christ Jesus neither cir- ver pieces, the other fifty. As neither cumcision availeth anything, nor un- 1-3 and elsewhere refers to the children of the Israelites. Note the following had anything to pay with he let them circumcision; but faith which worketh rendering from The Amplified Bible: both off. Now, which will love him by love." Verse 6. The "yoke of bon- most?' Simon replied, 'I should think dage" mentioned by Paul is not the Ten "And the Lord said to Moses, More- the one that was let off most.' You are Commandments, which nowhere refer over, you shall say to the Israelites, right,' said Jesus. Then turning to the to circumcision, but the entire Jewish Anyone of the Israelites or of the woman, He said to Simon, 'You see this system called the Torah (law), which strangers that sojourn in Israel, who woman? I came to your house: you particularly emphasized ceremonial gives any of his children to Molech [the provided no water for My feet; but this matters. In another place, the same fire god, worshipped with human sacri- woman has made My feet wet with her writer asserts, "Circumcision is nothing, fices] shall surely be put to death; the tears and wiped them with her hair. and uncircumcision is nothing, but the people of the land shall stone him with You gave Me no kiss; but she has been keeping of the commandments of God." stones. I also will set My face against kissing My feet ever since I came in. 1 Corinthians 7:19. Thus it is obvious that man [opposing him, withdrawing You did not anoint My head with oil; that Paul in Galatians could not have My protection from him and excluding but she has anointed My feet with been speaking against any or all of the him from My covenant], and will cut myrrh. And so, I tell you, her great Ten Commandments. Rather, he was him off from among his people; because love proves that her many sins have warning the Galatians against any de- he has given of his children to Molech, been forgiven; where little has been pendence upon outward observances as defiling My sanctuary and profaning forgiven, little love is shown.' " Luke a means of salvation. Salvation is God's My holy name." 7:41-47. N.E.B.

SIMPLE WORDS- Simple MY HOME, MY LOVED ONES THERE, cWorcio MOTHER IN THE OLD ARM-CHAIR; KIND HEARTS AND HANDS IN PRAYER.

THESE ARE THE THOUGHTS I BRING: TOIL-WORN HANDS, A WEDDING RING, THE LAMP-LIGHT'S GLOW, THE CHILDREN KNOW RON FATHER'S HOME AGAIN! HASLETT

SIGNS OF THE TIMES June 1. 1970 Page Thirty-oat A STORY FOR THE CHILDREN The Cat that Talked Myrtle O'Hara

"THAT'S MINE. You can't have it," Dale shouted as Merlene picked up his toy train. "But you are playing with something else. Can't I play with it for a little while?" his sister asked. "No, you might break it. Play with your own toys," Dale said as he snatched the train from her. Just then Mother came from the kitchen with some peaches that a neighbour had given her. She placed them on the picnic table under the pine tree and called the children to share them with her. Immediately Dale reached for the biggest and best peach. "You shouldn't take that one," Mother reminded him. "I wish I had been there," Merlene said. "I would have "Well, I'm a boy, and I'm older than Merlene, and I ought loved him so much that I am sure he wouldn't have been to get the best," he said defiantly. afraid of me." Mother looked at her little daughter, who "What about Mother?" Merlene asked. Dale didn't answer had such a way with animals that they all loved her, and she as he bit into the peach. said: "I believe he would have trusted you, dear." Mother was worried about Dale. He was becoming selfish "One day," Mother continued, "he came to me of his own and greedy. He hated to share anything with anyone, and free will. He looked steadily up into my face and seemed to always tried to get the most and the best for himself. be asking for something. Then he began to make talking sounds deep down in his throat in a way which seemed im- After they had finished eating, and sat resting in the possible for a cat to do. I was puzzled, and while I was trying shade, Mother said: "I could have eaten those peaches by to think what he wanted to tell me, he stopped 'talking' and myself in the house, but I enjoyed them ever so much more turned his head and looked towards the end of the verandah. when I shared them with you children." She sat silent for a while and then asked: "Did I ever tell you about the cat that "He was looking at another cat. She stood watching us, talked?" ready to run away if she was not welcome. I spoke to her and her expression said: 'Please let me stay. Don't send me "No, but I didn't know a cat could talk," Dale said. away.' She was so eager and hopeful. She looked from me "He came to me one day from out of the blue," Mother to the cat, and he seemed to tell her all was well because commenced. "He was such a timid, wild creature that he she came creeping towards us. Again the cat looked earnestly rushed off again before I could get a proper look at him. at me and made talking sounds. He asked me, as plainly as After that, for some weeks, I had only an occasional glimpse if he had spoken the words, to allow her to stay. He seemed of him. He was suspicious and distrustful and thought that all to say, 'You have been kind to me. Now please be kind to my attempts to be friendly were traps to catch him. Then her.' So I brought them some food and they shared it. I he had an accident. Something—perhaps a piece of sharp noticed that he allowed the stranger to eat as much as she bone—stuck in his mouth or throat, and he spent all his time wanted. She was very hungry, but at last she was satisfied, trying to get rid of it. He was in great distress, but still and then he ate what was left. would not let me near him. Then he disappeared, and I "From that day onwards I had two cats. The newcomer be- thought he had probably died. came reasonably friendly, but never completely overcame "About three weeks later, like a ghost, he appeared in the her fear of me. It was plain to see that both cats must have garden several feet away and stood looking at me. I could suffered so much at the hands of cruel people that they only guess what he had suffered by his tormented appear- could never trust anyone again. They were so happy together. ance. The look of utter misery on his face would have melted The mother cat always seemed grateful to the other cat, and a heart of stone. He stood there, with muscles tensed, ready her love for him shone in her eyes as she often rubbed herself to run at my least movement, yet pleading so desperately against his fur. He could have driven her away, but he was with his eyes for help. willing to share his food with a starving stranger," Mother "I went inside, got a saucer of milk, placed it on the said. "I thought then how much nicer that cat was than ground and moved away. Although the cat was starving, he some people are. There is no joy in being selfish and wanting would not move towards it while I remained in sight. So I everything for ourselves. A person is much happier when went inside and watched through the window. Slowly, little he shares things. by little, he came to it and drank, stopping every few se- "I was an only child," Mother continued, "and I would have conds to look around for danger signals. given all my treasures, and indeed everything I possessed, "It took weeks of feeding before he would allow me near for a brother or a sister. You don't know how fortunate you him. He always came in a round-about way to his food, keep- are, Dale, to have a sister like Merlene." ing a shrub or garden plant or the veranda post between him Dale looked at his sister and said: "Yes, she is nice—much and me. The only time he allowed me to pat him was when nicer than a lot of girls I know. I'm sorry I was mean a he was eating, and he would shrink from my touch as though while ago, Merlene. You can play with my train as much my hand burnt him. His fear of people was so intense that as you like." When he said that, Merlene looked so happy it seemed impossible for him to overcome it. that she made Dale feel happy, too.

*0) :We". • • •••• • ••• • -1Aj.sure-• :•• • • • Page Thirty-two June 1, 1970 SIGNS OF THE TIMES so refreshing. seems to touch the spot. the tantalizing flavour is hard to resist. true, not everybody likes it. but do you know anything that everybody likes? maybe this could be different. hope so. come on. try "these times" with roy naden. he's usually got something good to offer. "sample a slice and see."

2GN 8.30 p.m. STH. AUSTRALIA "These Times" 7BU-560 kc. 7.30 p.m. GSW 9 Albany RADIO last Sunday in month 2LT 7.45 a.m. 5DN-970 kc. 7.05 a.m. daily broadcast. Mon-Sat Tune in Every 2KY-1020 kc. 8.15 p.m. 7SD-540 kc. 7.55 p.m. Wednesday NORTHERN 2NX-1360 kc. 11.10 p.m. Mon-Fri "It Is Written" Sunday TERRITORY Sun-Fri "These Times" VICTORIA QTQ 9 Brisbane 8DN-1240 kc. 7.45 a.m. 2RG-1070 kc. 8.15 p.m. weekly broadcast. 3CS-1130 kc. 9.02 p.m. Mon-Fri TELEVISION 10.30 p.m. Monday 3UL-530 kc. 9.02 p.m. WEST AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES 3SR-1260 kc. 9.45 p.m. 3YB-1210 kc. 9.02 p.m. 6GE-1010 kc. 8.00 a.m. Sun-Fri "Faith for Today" "Focus On Living" 2BS-1500 kc. 7.15 a.m. 6KG-980 kc. 7.30 p.m. 2CA-1050 kc. 8.00 a.m. QUEENSLAND 4BU-1330 kc. 10.15 p.m. TCN 9 Sydney 10.30 a.m. SAS 10 Adelaide 2KA-780 kc. 7.45 a.m. 4KQ-690 kc. 9.15 p.m. TASMANIA Sun-Fri Sunday NBN 3 Newcastle 2M0-1080 kc. 9.00 p.m. 4MK-1380 kc. 7.00 a.m. 7HT-1080 kc. 7.45 a.m. 6TZ/CI-1130 kc. 8.30 p.m. HSV 7 Melb. 10.45 a.m. BTW 3 Bunbury 2N1 10.00 a.m. 4R0-1000 kc. 7.00 a.m. 7LA-1100 kc. 10.00 a.m. Sun-Fri Sunday GSW 9 Albany 2NX-1360 kc. 5.15 a.m. 4SB-1060 kc. 9.15 a.m. NEW ZEALAND 6VA-780 kc. 5.20 p.m. BTW 3 Bunbury (Programmed at times 2UE-950 kc. 10.05 p.m. 4VL-920 kc. 10.00 a.m. 4XD 11.00 a.m. Sun-Wed, Fri last Sunday in month selected by the station.) A YOUNG PERSON FACTS SHOULD KNOW

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