The " Our Day " Series. Special Tract Offer. THE SABBATH QUESTION. A series of illustrated penny papers dealing with important Can We Keep the Sabbath? Bible truths in the light of present-day developments. Elihu on the Sabbath Is Sunday the Sabbath? OUR DAY.—This shows that the events transpiring on every The Lord's Day side are as waymarks telling of the close of this world's history. New Testament Sabbath THE COMING KING.—A continuation of the preceding number lid THE PROPHECIES. with a description of the second coming of Christ. The Eastern Question Id THE OUTCOME.—A most interesting exposition of the millen- Five Great Kingdoms id nium question. Not what men say or think about it but what Seven Last Plagues W Truth About the Millennium id the Bible plainly declares. Signs in Heaven and Earth d Lighting Up the Future REST.—A concise and convincing treatise on the subject of the Sabbath. Every Christian should read this number. 4d CHRIST'S SECOND ADVENT. SPIRITUALISM.—A. brief history of Spiritualism is here dealt How Christ's Coming Will Affect the Nations Id with, and then a fuller discussion of its modern phase is given. Heralds of His Coming Manner of Christ's Coming SUNDAY.—An excellent contribution to the literature being Nature and Object of Christ's Coming scattered far and wide on the Sabbath question. Signs of Christ's Coming THE BETTER LAND.—The Bible says a great deal more about Total, 71d. ad the home of the saved than most people are aware of. The whole fist of tracts 6d. post free. BOOKS WORTH READING.

BIBLE READINGS A really remarkable book an- THE MYSTERY A book of profound interest to every for the swering nearly 3,000 questions - UNFOLDED. Bible student. A vast field of Bible on religious subjects by direct truth is here traversed, the princi- HOME CIRCLE. quotations from the Word of pal themes being the inspiration of the Bible—the Leviti- God. The readings are contributed by more than a score cal sanctuary—the seventy weeks of Dan. ix.—the fall of of Bible students ; they are of immense value to Sunday- Babylon, Egypt, Tyre, and other Hantite kingdoms—the school teachers, ministers, and all who love to study God's kingdom of David and Solomon and what it foreshadows— Word. We earnestly commend this book to every Christian the prophetic visions of Daniel—the prophecies relating to who wants a "thus saith the Scriptures" for what he Israel—the resurrection—the seven churches—the seven believes. seals--the woman and the dragon of Rev. xii. The object of the book is to give in bold outline a comprehensive view THE GREAT Twenty centuries of church his- of the whole teaching of the Bible. This is an entirely CONTROVERSY. tory in one compact volume. new book, having only just come from the press. It is Church histories are usually of pfofusely illustrated with original engravings and is well such a voluminous nature that few people have the time or indexed. courage to read them. Here, however, the interesting facts, as they concern the great struggle between good and THE SCHOOL A simple, reliable book on health, evil, are brought together in one volume. Beginning with OF HEALTH. intended for the use of everybody in the fall of Jerusalem the history of the Christian church is the home. Technical names and traced through all its dark experiences of the first cen- phrases known only to medical men are avoided, and in a turies ; its relation to the great apostasy and the struggles wonderfully simple yet remarkably comprehensive way which finally resulted in the Reformation. The terrible the author instructs his reactors in the broad, fundamental scenes of the French' Revolution and the beneficent life- principles underlying bodily health. • In his preface he states giving influence of the exaltation of the Scriptures afford that if the homes into which this book enters are made lessons of the deepest significance in church history. sweeter and more wholesome, and the children are better cared for, if the housework is done with fewer back- OUR PARADISE If you want to know what the aches, and the roses bloom a little longer in the cheeks of. HOME. Bible says about this most inter- the wife and mother, and if the head of the household esting question get a copy of this finds himself carrying his burden with greater freedom as book. Many people think this is a subject upon which we the result of the adoption of the health principles taught can on I y speculate, bolt the Bible gives us sufficient informa- in this book, then its mission will have been abundantly tion to thoroughly establish our faith in the reality of the fulfilled. Surely this is a worthy object, and where is the future life and the home of the saved, and to dispel the home that would not be benefited by the possession of darkness and error that exists on this important question. such a treasure? 400 pages, well illustrated. A handy The book is well illustrated with original engravings. book for reference.

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INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY, LTD., STATTORIgGIIIIEP14.h' The Present Truth A Weekly Family Paper Devoted to the Teaching of Scripture Truth.

VOL. 28. WATFORD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1912. NOS. 51 and 52.

Let Us Be Kind. Let us be kind ; I assure you, Miss Bennet; you Around the world the tears of time are us be kind ; LET falling, will receive it quite safely." The way is long and lonely, And for the loved and lost these human And human hearts are asking for this For the last time Muriel returned. hearts are calling ; •blessing only— Let us be kind. " Sophie," she said in a low voice, That we be kind. . • To age and youth let gracious words be We cannot know the grief that men may "you won't take my material, and spoken ; borrow, have it made into a dress yourself, Upon the wheel of pain so many weary We cannot see the souls storm-swept by lives are broken ; and send it to me when it's old and sorrow, But love can shine upon the way to-day, They live_ in vain who give no tender worn, will you ? " token ; to-morrow ; Let us be kind. " Really, Miss Bennet," and Let us he kind. Sophie's face flushed crimson, " I Let us be kind : Let us be kind ; This is a wealth that has no measure; The sunset tints will soon be iuthe west ; don't know what you mean ! This This is of heaven and earth the highest Too late the flowers are laid then on the is a respectable place of business; treasure ; quiet breast; Let us be kind. Let us be kind. I am sure none of us would dream A tender word, a smile of love in meet, And when the angel guides have sought of doing such a thing. •I think, too, ing, and found us, A song of hope and victory to those re- Their hands will link the broken ties of you might know me better than treating, earth that bound us, even to suggest it." A glimpse of God and brotherhood while And heaven and home will brighten all " Ah, dear•, forgive 111(' if I have life is fleeting— around us ; Let us be kind. Let us be kind. —Selected. seemed rude," and Muriel laid her hand gently on the girl's ..arm. " Don't you see what I mean, what The Old Worn Dress. I am trying to show you ? You are "ANYTHING I can do for you in who came eagerly forward to serve like that dress ; you are chosen, town, mother? I'm just off." her. bought, paid for by One, but you Muriel Bennet's bright face " You must help me choose won't acknowledge it. • You are looked in at the open window of material for a new dress, Sophie," keeping back .the life that is His by her mother's sitting-room. said Muriel, after greeting her right, and using it just for your- "Why, dear, aren't you very kindly; and they were soon busy. self. Are you going to wait till it early ? "-asked Mrs. Bennet: The selection was made at last, is old and worn before You give it to Him ? " " Well, you see, mother, I want and the bill paid. to go to Simpson's before the " I think I'll ask you to send the Like a flash, Sophie saw it all. shop gets crowded to choose that parcel for me," said Muriel. "You Her face quivered and she turned new dress material, and if po'ssible, could let me have it to-day? ". away with a sob, and Muriel, I want to have a little talk with " Oh, yes, Miss Bennet.; you shall thankful that they were still .alone Sophie. She is in that department have it early this afternoon." in that part of the shop, slipped now. You remember I told you " You will be quite sure to send quietly away.—Selected. about her ? " it, won't you, Sophie ? You won't Sophie Marshall, gay and thought- forget about it, or let it be lost ? " less, was a member of Muriel's " Why, no ! " exclaimed Sophie. " Managing a Husband." Bible class—the only member " I can promise you that you will ONCE in a : while one finds in about whom Muriel did not feel have it this afternoon:" a magazine an article under the happy. For some time now she Muriel returned a minute later ; above or a similar heading. had been praying for Sophie, and Sophie was still busy at the As there are " many- men of many longing' to find some way to reach counter putting away, the rolls of minds," it stands to reason that the girl's heart. It was a sudden material. different husbands require different inspiration that sent her hurrying " I suppose, Sophie, that you will management. Without doubt many along the road to town this morn- not sell that material again to any- husbands are best managed by not ing. one else, will you ? You will being managed at all. Muriel started off• on her shop- remember that it's mine, that I've The New Testament husband ping expedition. The large house paid for it ? " needs no managing. He loves his was still almost empty when she " Why, of course not ! " The wife "'wen as Christ also loved the arrived, and it was Sophie herself girl's voice was rather indignant. church, and gave Himself for it."

804 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52

He loves her as his own body. He iaourisheth and cherisheth her "AS IT WAS even as the Lord the church." He loves her " in•particular," " even as IN THE DAYS OF NOAH." himself." He will " dwell with " her " ac- An Allegory. cording to knowledge, giving hon- our unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs IT was in the very year when and so does the moon. The sea- together of the grace of life." He Noah said the flood was to come. sons come and go just as they will be true to the letter and the There he was—a stately, noble- always did. Babies are born every spirit, of the sermon on the mount. looking, grave man—and his`three day, and old men die sometimes. Many times blest is the wife of sons. You' could see they were his Do you expect all this to be upset such a man. The Lord has put an sons, though each had a well- next week because your father says easy task on her. She finds it a marked face of his own, but none he had a vision about it ? " pleasure to " reverence her hus- of them looked so grand as their Noah heard. Turning half band." "Wives, submit yourselves old father. They were hard at around on his ladder, and looking unto your own husbands, as unto work putting the last coat of pitch with a calm, earnest face at Jubal, the Lord" sounds beautiful to her on the huge vessel they had been he said :— ears, that is, if she is a New Testa- building so long--some on ladders " Who made the sun and moon ? ment wife. plying big brushes, some bringing Who gives the seasons ? Who God pity the man who has the the pitch hot from the cauldron. sends life and . death ? He is the other• kind, and God pity the Many people were Coming and holy and living One Who has set woman whose husband is not a going all day. A wedding party His brand upon Cain. If He New Testament husband.—Mary was rather uncivil, casting looks of threatens to destroy sinners and Beam, in Bombay Guardian. mocking pity at the busy men, and offers to save all who come in here, shouting rude jokes, such as : "No I think you had better take Him at signs of rain yet, old friend! " But His word, my friend, and come." Evils of Domestic Infelicity. the greater number took no notice " No, not I. You are a good- A STRIKING comment upon the at all, never even looking at the natured fanatic. Good evening ; " evils of domestic infelicity is ark, for they lived near and had and so Jubal went on his way afforded by a recent decision of got accustomed to the thing and whistling. one of the leading railroads in the tired of it long ago. But Irad, the younger man, country, which declares against Some, however, stopped and remained, and said : " There is the employment of those having talked, two men in particular. One something in what you and Ham family difficulties and misunder- of them was a strong, comely per- say. Yes, it may be true. The standings. It is argued that diffi- son, with no signs of levity or dis- God Who made can destroy." culties of this character particu- sipation about him, in the prime of " He will destroy," said Noah in larly unfit persons for giving some four hundred years. You a low voice, but very solemnly. responsible service.' The engineer could not say as much for the " That's just what remains to be who leaves home with unpleasant other, whe was older and had a seen," said Irad. " I only admit words, the remembrance of which keen, knowing look. This man it is, of course, _quite possible. rankles in his heart throughout the arrested Ham on his way from the And it is in reason too that He * day, is unprepared for the trying Cauldron to one of the ladders with should bring some judgment on situations which unexpectedly may a pot of warm pitch. careless sinners who offer no sac- arise in the course of his labour. " Still working, I see ; as if that rifices, and misspend the Sabbath." Strong nerves, self-possession, true monstrous thing was to be of any "He will destroy everybody who bravery, and faithful service are use ! The time is nearly up that does not come into the ark with us," the results of a peaceful mind and your father spoke about, but his said Shem. And Japheth added a clear conscience. Haunting fearful prophecies don't seem any kindly : " There is room enough regret and stinging reproach are nearer coming true." for thee, friend Irad. Come." goading many men and women " But they may for all that, Irad went to the door and looked to-day into a state of nervous said Ham. in. When he had marked all the weakness, and some to ultimate " They may ! " repeated Jubal arrangements for themselves and insanity and suicide. We can do mockingly. " Haven't I told you a for the cattle, he said :— the best work for God and for dozen times it's manifest nonsense? " Well, if it's a delusion, you humanity only as we live in all All things continue as they were believe it thoroughly ; and if the good conscience from day to day. from the foundation of the world. flood does come, you will be safe —Advent Review. U.S.A. The sun rises and sets regularly, enough in there. Jubal, and many

December 19 THE PRESENT TRUTH. 805

worse than Jubal, would have been he saw a hand ; the next moment not believe Me, and go in ? " wise to take the chance. But I'm the door was shut. Then the hoarse croak of the not like Jubal. I have always been Irad did not feel so comfortable raven sounded like : " Late ! too honest and kept out of dissipation. then. " I have nobody to talk to late ! " You know I am as religious a man now, and I would rather talk to " And as it was in the days of as yourselves. Enoch was a near these worthy people than to my- Noe, so shall it be also in the days relation of mine, you remember." self. If anything happens, I can- of the Son of man. They did eat, " Believe God, then, and come not get in now, that's plain. But they drank, they married wives, with us," said Noah. I never wanted to go in. When they were given in marriage, until " Scarcely, scarcely. Not yet, at danger comes, either God will do the day that Noe entered into the any. rate. I'll wait, near and see if somethi n g ark, and the beasts come in as you say they for me, or the flood will:" I can put came, and A So Irad waited some days. He My own destroyedo had many a talk with the busy plan in them all. workers, and if scoffers appeared force." Likewise he rather took sides against them -Pays also as it with Noah and his sons. passed was in the without days of mu c h Lot ; they At length the' beasts and birds, chang e. did eat; great and small, came. Then Irad Then it did theydrank, said: "I've no doubt now that come in t h e y something is going to happen. But awful form bought, whether every single man who —cloud s, they sold, stays out of that big ark is going darkness, tempests, torrents of rain, they planted, they . builded ; but to be drowned is another matter. roaring floods! No doubt now. But the same day that Lot went out of I won't believe that." God did nothing for Irad. "Perhaps," Sodom it rained fire and brimstone When the work was all finished thought he, " God intends me to be from heaven, and destroyed them and the four men and four women saved by the ark just like the rest. all. Even thus shall it be in the had gone in, Irad noticed they did Well, I shall be saved by it. How day when the Son of man is re- not shut the door. But sometimes wise I was to stay beside it ! How vealed." Luke xvii. 26-30.—Ameri- one, sometimes another, would Noah will be astonished to see me can Tract Society. stand and cry : " Come, Irad, come, as safe as himself when all is over! " • why stand and look ? You are So Irad clii:nbed nimbly on top Choose Now. sure to perish like the rest if you of the ark by one of the ladders THE Spirit came in childhood, don't. It is but a step. Come ; And pleaded : " Let' Me in." still stained with pitch. But, ah ! the door was bolted come now. God is about to shut The ark floated. Irad tried to By thoughtlessness and sin. this door ! " be happy. But first he grew cold. The child said : " I'm too young yet ; There's time enough ; to-day But Irad smiled. " Thank you Then he grew hungry. " If I had I cannot open." Sadly all. I'm sure you mean well. But gone in I would have had shelter, The Spirit went His way. there's no fear of me ; I have a food, and company. Fool that I Again He came and pleaded In youth's bright, happy hour ; plan of my own. If a righteous was, since I have to be saved by He called, but heard no apswer, man like me was to go in, it would this ark, not to go inside." For, lured by Satan's power, The youth lay dreaming idly, be all the same as saying I.was as Soon worse thoughts came. And saying : "Not to-day ; bad as any. I never was the worse " But am I to be saved, after all ? Not till I've tried earth's treasures." of wine in my life, like others, close- The water is rising still. There AgaiirHe turned away. fisted or lavish, or a mocker of par- Again He came in mercy is not a speck of land to be seen. In manhood's vigorous prime, ents, like some. No, God. is just, I am cold and faint with hunger. But still He found no welcome ; and I have nothing to fear. And Ah, these swollen corpses dashing The merchant had no time— No time for true repentance, if danger does come, I tell you I about my feet ! " No time to think and pray— have a plan of my own. I'll stay "I am lost ! flow Safe and And so, repulsed-and saddened, The Spirit turned away. near the ark. Thank you all again." happy are those inside ! There is Once more He called; and waited ; The great door began to swing a raven ; it is waiting for my flesh! The man was old and ill ; on its hinges soon after that. . . . How shall I answer God ? He scarcely heard the whisper, His heart was cold and chill. Irad knew none of the men or After all, was I quite so good a " Go • lean me ; when I need Thee . women were near it, for he heard man as I thought ? At the best I I'll caltifor Thee," he cried ; Then, sinking on his pillow, them praying at the, time in another cannot ,say He has been unjust, Without a hope he died. part of the building. He thought for He will answer : Why did you —Selected. 806 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52

Child and Conqueror. TELL out again, ye Christmas chimes. Your oft-repeated story Of Him Who came in olden times— No outward sign of glory— A helpless Child of Heb- rew maid, [laid. In stable born, in manger

Yet though to all earth's pride and boasts This Child will be a stranger, The Captain of Jehovah's hosts Lies cradled in ' a manger. And angels, hov- ering o'er the earth, With hymns ac- claim the Sa- viour's birth. • Dependent on a mother's care— But cam'st to earth in lowly No sign of power supernal— • The Shepherd of our souls lies there, guise, Despite the certain sequel; Ordained from times eternal. Though "Man_ of 'Sorrows" be Thy See ! shepherds leave their flocks and name, bring And though the end a death of Appropriate homage to their King. shame. For Thee our race erei since its dawn Praise be to Thee Who didst not Has looked with expectation •' shrink From Thee our children yet unborn •From such humiliation ; Shall draw their inspiration ; But gav'st Thyself that we might Thou Word made flesh with man to drink dwell, The cup of free salvation ; Thou Conqueror of the powers of hell! For love so perfect, so divine, any part of the world, except in Thou didst not count it as a prize Praiser never-ceasing praise, be Egypt; and at the miraculous With God to dwell as equal ; Thine ! —Hain ilton Watts. eclipse at the crucifixion of our blessed ford." The following night the moon Voices of Warning. was completely darkened in the WE are near the close of another observer. Years and generations same inexplicable fashion. year, a time when thinking men go by without any noticeable The sign in the stars was to be and women like to look back disturbance of the heavenly bodies. their falling front heaven, and. in and review the march of events A sign in which these play a promi- November 1888, this sign was given during the twelve months. But hent part is well calculated then in the shape of an unparalleled and ever since the great awakening of to constitute an unmistakeable stupendous display of falling stars, the last century in the study of the signal to the dwellers on this earth. the most marvellous of Which -we prophecies pointing to the second Matthew's record of the words of possess any record. • advent of ,Christ,, the question of Christ indicates that the sign in Thus in impressive form were supreme interest for the Bible • the sun and moon will take the given the introductory omens that student has been :" Are there any form of a supernatural darkening. were to notify the world of the tokens that the great day is draw- Such a unique and legible token proximity . of the second advent. ing nearer: was given on May 19, 1780. The Fifty-three years elapsed between The Saviour has told us: "There darkness lasted for several hours, the darkening of the sun and shall be signs in the sun, and in extending over all New England, the fa l lijig of the stars, but in the moon, and in the stars ; and and was thought worthy of notice the interval the church had been upon the earth distress of nations, by Noah Webster in his ".Un- thorqughly awakened to the fact with perplexity ; the sea and the abridged Dictionary," by the poet that the prophecies were being waves roaring; men's hearts fail- Whittier, the astronomer Herschel, fulfilled and many voices hail been ing them for fear, and for looking and many others. Dr. Ezra Stiles, raised to herald the return of the after those things which are coming reported to be the foremost scholar Saviour. Another seventy-nine on the earth." Luke xxi. 25, 26. in New England, wrote at the time: years have passed away. since the The sun and moon and stars are " It is not recollected from history stars fell, but those years have been exceedingly regular in the phenom- that a darkness of equal intensity crowded with converging events ena they present to the ordinary and duration has ever happened in foretold by the prophetic Word, THE PRESENT TRUTH. 807 December:19 and with developments in the ' ing through the whole earth to-day. Well may the nations be filled church itself, all of which now In our own country Lord Roberts - with anxious forebodings of com- manifestly approach their goal. standsat the head of an increasingly ing doom as they contemplate the Distress, perplexity, and fearful powerful movement that is demand- troubled future. In their mad expectancy are to characterize the ing military service from every worship of the idols of militarism, closing years according to the able-bodied citizen, the beating of in their selfish and unscrupulous , Saviour's own prediction. He is the ploughshare into the sword. policies, they have song been sow- speaking of the world as a whole. Conscription already draws its ing to the wind ; soon they are to If we were to look at one nation blood-tax from the peoples of Eur7 reap as they have sown in a whirl- only we might find many dark ope : our Colonies are adopting it ; wind that shall strew the slain of _ chapters in its history, filled with soon the enlisted manhood of all the Lord from one end of the rouble and anxiety, and the words the nations will be bearing witness earth even to the other end of the oS J'esus might seem to apply with to the truth of the ancient pro- earth. - Jer. xxv. 31-33. frequency to its various stages of phecy. Not only is England - To-day we are beholding in an change and unrest. But when hu- heavily taxed for the sake of increasing degree, among the man "history is drawing to its retaining her naval supremacy : nations of mankind, the distress termination, the whole earth will her over-sea, empire is beginning andperplexity and deSpair of better be filled with anxious fear and be- to pour its treasure also into the things that the Saviour foresaw as wilderment and tribulation. same bottomless pit. From Canada, preceding His own return. In harmony with Christ's lan- Australia; South Africa, the Malay Nor is this unrestful spirit con- giiage is the state of affairs States, and the Indian principali- fined to the relations that exist throughout the wide world to-day. ties, are coming large contributions between the kingdoms. There is Europe is divided into hostile for the strengthening and increase disturbance and alarm at home as camps, in whose quarrels large of the Imperial fleet. Bigger and well as abroad. -This year we have portions of the other continents bigger ships, with heavier and seen two great struggles between are involved. Each of the Powers heavier guns, in growing numbers, master's and workmen, in the coll- - sees itself surrounded by possible must at last drain even the wealth eries and at the London docks. foes. Asia is filled with the spirit of the greatest Powers of Europe, Both sides have organized them- of change and revolution. Japan, and when the strain becomes too sleves for conflict ; each is- coming 'China, Mongolia, India, Thibet, great to endure, what then? The to look upon the- other as a natural Persia, all these names which were answer is in the mouth of all the foe. Neither regards the word of E-,- once suggestive of deep repose. and journalists to-day—ARMAGEDDON. the other withconfidence. Charges untroubled calm now conjure up We are seeing the Littlp Nations of petty tyranny, of broken faith, before our minds visions of mighty also file ,into the arena to-day. of evaded agreements, are made on armies, poWerful fleets, internal The tiny Balkan States have con- -both sides. Passion is stirred up convulsions, revolutionary changes, verted their male population into 1,3y agitators who declare that none ' and threatening confederacies. a formidable fighting machine and but the most desperate and merci- Even the strongest nations are are compelling respect for them- less measures will avail to wring arming themselves .to the teeth, selves not only from ancient op- fair treatment from the enemy. convinced that only thus can they pressors but also from the giant This fury of recrimination and %maintain their independence. empires of the world. In the class hatred is not Confined to one 'Treaties are no longer :respected; figure of the prophet, the weak or two countries. It-shows itself selfish interest is the one prevail-' states are now boasting : " I am where wages are low and where ing principle in modern statecraft. strong." Joel. iii. 10. It would they are high ; in times pf trade The military situation of the be hard to-day to find a nation depression'and in periods of pros- it`resent day is outlined with sharp that has not been "awakened," and perity ; as much if not more in' distinctness by the prophet Joel. begun to respond to the impulse self-governing communities as in, In a description of the events that to " prepare war " that is stirring monarchical stated. Society is at, usher in the great day of the Lord, all the peoples from east to west, war with itself. The very same Joel foretells the modern world- from north to south. spirit that embitters international wide campaign - of the forces of And what, according to Joel, relations rives asunder the • people militarism : " Prepare war, wake will be the end of this strenuous who compose the various nations. up the mighty men, let all the men competition in armaments? It is The struggles of internal politics of war draw neat. ; let them come the gathering of the nations to the are conducted with intensifying up : beat your ploughshares into valley of Jehoshaphat, outside bitterness; Violence increases. swords, and Your pruning-hooks Jerusalem, where the harvest of Individuals take the law--into their into\ spears ; let the weak say, I am the ages will be reaped, " for the own hands. Even the sexes are, to strong." Joel iii. 9, 10. day of the Lord is near in the a certain extent, forming them- This is the very cry that is ring- valley of decision." Verse 14. selves into hostile camps, and 808 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52 women, because denied equal privi- when Jesus Christ returns as King from the work that God is carrying leges with men in the exercise of of kings and Lord of lords to smite forward to-day, for His Word re- the vote, revenge themselves by the earth with the rod of His veals the solemn fact that the destroying property. mouth and with the breath of His earthly history of mankind is to The revelations that haye been lips to -slay the wicked. Is. xi. terminate with the greatest strug- brought to light concerning the 1-4. This good tidings is the gos- gle of all the ages between the diabolical operations of the white pel concerning His kingdom of forces of light and darkness, and in slave traffickers show that degraded which Christ spoke, which is to be that final conflict, those who re- men and women who live by minis- preached in all the world for a ceive not the love of the truth that tering to vice have declared an witness to every creature; " and they may be saved will be given actual war upon innocence and then shall the end come." Matt. over to strong delusions so that youth, so, that to-day the sins that xxiv. 1-4. ' they will believe a lie and be found, brought down divine vengeance God be Braised that while every at the Saviour's appearing, in thy" upon Sodom and Gomorrah are closing year sees the spirit of envy ranks of His enemies. 2 Thess. rampant in the centres• of civiliza- and hatred taking a firmer hold 9-13. Already the falsehoods of tion. Thus another of the signs upon humanity, bearing fruit in the great deceiver are sweeping given by Christ is appearing in our growing distress among the nations,. multitudes of Christ's professed midst to make known to us that and causing men's hearts to fail disciples into his net, and this is these' days of shame and outrage them for fear they think of its one of the saddest of the signs of are drawing to a merciful close : future developments, every passing the times. The faithful warnings "'as it was in the days of Lot, : . . year also sees this Gospel . of the left by the Apostle Paul are being even thus shall it be in the day kingdom- reaching out into nAw verified, that in the last days peril- when the Son of man is revealed." territory, speaking its message- in ous times shall come. "For men Luke xvii. 28-30. new tongues, and winning fresh shall be lovers of self, lovers of But while the air is full of hosts of converts from the ranks money, boastful, haughty, raiders, rumours of war, national, commer- of darkness. disobedient to parents, unthankful, cial, and social, while men are con- All the signs of which the Word unholy, without natural affection, tinually inventing new agencies of speaks as premonitions of the return implacable, slanderers, without destruction, and the spirit of strife of Christ are being fulfilled before self-cOntrol, fierce, no loversof good, is breeding confusion and perplexity our eyes to-day. We are living in traitors, headstrong, puffed-up, on every hand, God bids His people the days of those kingdoms that lovers of pleasure rather than lift up their heads and rejoice in were symbolized by the feet of lovers of God ; holding a- form of the assurance that their redemption .Nebu chacInezzar's image, those godliness." 2 Tim. iii. 1-5. is at hand. Luke xxi. 28. Not "liingdome/ that should not cleave How many are content to-day so only in the heavens can 44ey fead together even as iron can never long as they have a forth of godli- the sure tokens that the history of clegve to miry' clay (Dan. ii. 43), ness, while their hearts are set on sin is nearing its termination. On because they lack the essential themselves, their money, and their the earth there is being borne to principles of endurance and unity pleasures ! Yet if ever "there was every nation and kindred and and as we see the forces of disinte- a time when vital godliness was tongue and people a message bid- gration carrying on theiFdestruct- demanded, and soul-searching sin- ding men everywhere to fear God ive work, we may rejoice in the con- cerity, it is now. and give glory to Him Who made fidence that the time is near at hand them, because "the hour of His when the God of heaven -shall set • judgment is come." Rev. xiv. 6, 7. up a kingdom which shall never be Room for the Lord. This same message, while it reveals destroyed, which shall break in WITH what grave earnestnesl the true significance of passing pieces and consume all earthly would the child Jesus listen to His events, and is able to interpret the kingdoms and stand for ever and mother as she told the story of handwriting on the wall which tells ever. Dan. ii. 44. that visit to Bethlehem where He of the passing of earthly sove- Reader, if you have never was born and laid in a manger reignty, has good tidings of great thought of these things before, among the cattle because there joy concerning the better kingdom .they are worthy of your study. was no room for them in the inn. which is soon to be ushered in, You cannot afford to stand aside That first chilly welcome was to December 19 THE PRESENT TRUTH. 809 be but the opening of a chapter of He willingly surrendered the high- foxes in their holes, the Son of contempt and rejection. The Lord est place the universe knew—a man had nowhere to lay His head, of life, the Maker of all things, had seat at the Father's right hand, to He abounded in labours of love, come in the likeness of sinful flesh mingle with the weak and heavy- and sought to inspire the same for. the restoration of a ruined burdened of ezirtli that He might unselfish zeal in the disciples who

---4)66THERE WAS HO RCM MTCI ENTEE

race, but those whom He had bring them the comfort and the were drawn to His fellowship. come to help were too interested strength they needed. • Yet after all, the hard, cruel in their own affairs to bestow Jesus sought nothing for Him- spirit of selfishness. seemed to tri- much thought on Him. The inn self. His one desire was to serve umph-. Because He did not bring at Bethlehem was but a type of and bless, and for that He was them the material benefits they the crowded world, where men willing even to pour out His soul craved, the leaders of Israel set jostled one another in a rush for unto death. The ingratitude of themselves to destroy Christ's in- the best places and took thought - men did not dry lip the stream of fluence and, at length, to take His for none but themselves. How His beneficence. Although,poorer life. A black hatred for the purity different is the spirit of Jesus ! than the birds of the air or the and unselfishness that condemned 810 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52

their'own evil characters impelled own Him then. None will raise ever committeth sin transgresseth them to clathour that He be put to the cry : " Away with Him." All also the law : for sin is the trans- a shanieful death. " Crucify Him, will recognize that His is the king- gression of the law." 1 John iii. crucify Him," they vociferated, dom, and the power, and the glory, 1-4. "Sic is lawlessness." R.V. until earthly justice weakly bent and that the time has come for Accordingly we read of the peo- before the storm and gave the His enemies to disappear from ple who are made ready for Christ's Holy One and the Just into the His dominions into the darkness appearing, that they keep the com- hands of murderers. The cross they have chosen, amid wailing mandments of God and the faith that was raised on Calvary closed and gnashing of teeth. " And the of Jesus. Rev. xiv. 12. Again, the chapter begun in Bethlehem : kings of the earth, and the great we are told that the remnant- of it was the world's message to Him men, and the rich men, and the the church in the last days keep that made it : " No room." chief captains, . and the mighty God's commandments. Rev. xii. Yet although the world's atti- men, and every bondman, and 17. tude towards Christ was firmly every free man, hid themselves in We therefore turn to the com- and finally taken, and its enmity the dens and in the rocks of the mandments and proceed to ex- against Him plainly revealed, He mountains : and said to the moun- amine ourselves in their light. As still continued to plead for room tains and rocks, Fall on us, and individuals we have to confess in individual lives. His disciples hide us from the face of Him that that we have come short of the were sent forth into every corner sitteth on the throne, and from spiritual standard erected by every of the earth to tell the story of the the wrath of the Lamb : for the one of the commandments, but Redeemer's birth, and life, and great day of His wrath is come : apart from this failure, we find death, and then of His resurrec- and who shall be able to stand ? " ourselves, if observers of the first tion and ascension once more to Rev. vi. 15-17. day of the week, Sunday, deCidedly the right hand of the Father, that It will be a bright day for this at variance with the fourth com- from that throne of mercy He earth when He Who made it very mandment, which requires us to might appeal anew to the race good in the beginning once more keep the seventh day holy. that had rejected Him. To-day takes undisputed possession, and The question at once arises, Why He is still asking for a place in resumes the great and wise de- do we not as Christians obey this our hearts, saying : " Behold, I signs that sin has for so long in- commandment? Has it been can- stand at the door and knock : if terrupted. No more will the crea- celled ? If so, when, where, and any man hear My voice, and open tion reel under the load of the by whom ? the door, I will come in to him." curse and bring forth confusion We are met at first with ar Rev. iii. 20. and disease ; it shall be full of re- bewildering variety of answers to The universe never saw a sadder joicing and fertility. God Himself these questions, and soon dis- spectacle than when the Maker of will' dwell in this earth from which cover that the majority of teachers this world was excluded from His His Son was excluded, and will be are neither very clear nor very creation, crucified as an abhorred the glory and light of Hfb redeemed united on the matter. As we in- malefactor. Yet the same tragedy inheritance. And the change that vestigate for ourselves we are com- is repeated in a measure whenever Christ will bring about in this pelled to• come to the conclusion an individual soul shuts Him out world when His kingdom comes that the historical truth lies with of His rightful place in a life that and the will of God is done here those who assert that "-the Church owes its all to Him. Able to speak as it is in }leaven is a picture of substituted the Sunday for the Omnipotent words, having in. Him- the transformation that He is able Sabbath." Duchesne's Christian self the fountain of life, mighty to to work in every heart that finds Worship, p. 228. save, yet obliged to plead vainly room for Him. Next we ask, Does the charter for recognition in a life He had given by Christ to His church purchased with His , own blood ! authorize it to change the divine A tragedy indeed ! Back to the Word. commands ? The church claims Yet He cannot be excluded for As the subject of the second that it does, but cannot produce ever from the domain He created. advent of Christ is studied, the the written authority, and asserts With infinite patience He seeks to careful reader must see that the- that the same was given and pre- teach men and women the beauty commandments of God enter pro- served orally. It is to be noted, and worth of His own spirit of minently into the preparation for however, that the section of the unselfishness, but the time will that great event. For instance, church which makes this claim is come when the Rejected shall' re- John writing of the second advent denounced as a fraud and a manu- turn, not again to be spit upon, and of the purity wrought by that facturer of spurious evidence by and scourged, and crucified, but' blessed hope, goes on straightway Other sections. as King of kinds and Lord of lord's. to remind us of the standard by So we turn to the written char, The proud and great of earth will which purity is known : " whoso- • ter, the Scriptures, to see if they December 19 THE PRESENT TRUTH. 811

throw any light on the subject. (by which they always mean the The Word of God. There we find that the Sabbath Roman Catholic Church) made the 'TWAS just a word—'twas God's own change. Listen again to Duch- . word was instituted by the Creator, be- Which made the sea and land ; fore sin ever appeared, on the day esne He spake, and 10, the deeps were stirred, following man's creation. Gen. The first Christians, at a time in which Obeying His command. The hills and mountains were upreared ii. 1-3. That the same Sabbath they were still almost altogether con= gregated in the Jewish capital, took part He spake, and there was light ; will be kept for ever in the renewed • in the worship of the temple, but with- And all the heavenly hosts appeared, Created by His might. earth. Is. lxvi. 22, 23. That. God out prejudice to their own special meet- ings—those of the new synagogue which The years rolled by, that, selfsame word incorporated the Sabbath in the they had established at the very begin- Which gave the worlds their form, ten commandments. Exod. xx. 'fling. Outside Jerusalem, the highest Through Christ on earth again was 8-11. That Christ when on earth expression of their collective religious heard. life was for them, as for the Jews, in It quieted the storm ; ept_ the Sabbath, that His dis- the weekly meetings of the synagogue. Through it the dumb lips were unkealed )1es did the same (Luke xxiii. 56), These meetings took place on Saturday. The evil spirits fled ; _ From a very early period the Christians The sick and suffering ones it healed, g. charged by Christ to pray adopted the Sunday. It is possible that And raised to life the dead. that their flight' from Jerusalem at the very outset the choice of this day was not suggested by any hostility That word of old is still the same, might not necessitate violation of towards Jewish customs, but' that they It standeth firm and sure ; the Sabbath (Matt. xxiv: 20), that observed it merely in order to have side Though some reject and foes defame, by side with the ancient Sabbath, which For ever 'twill endure. . Paul honoured the Sabbath among they celebrated with their Israelite The worlds by it are held in store Jews and Gentiles (Acts xiii. 42-44), brethren, a day set apart for exclusively Till God's great judgment day, When all who now its truth ignore and repeatedly declared himself in ' Christian assemblies. The idea of im- porting into the Sunday the solemnity Shall with them pass away. full harmony with the law that of the Sabbath, with all its exigencies, If we accept this worddiVine commanded Sabbath observance. was an entirely foreign one to the primi- And cherish it within, tive Christians. This was especially Thus the only, " Lord's day " Upon our path a light will shine ; the case in regard to the prohibition of 'Twill cleanse and keep from sin : known. to the Scriptures is the work, but it was 'true also with respect 'Twill be our overcoming power, seventh, day. Christ looks for- to the worship properly so-called. The A shield amid earth's strife ; observance of the Sunday was at first. 'Twill feed our souls each day, each ward prophetically to .its obSer- supplemental to that of the Sabbath,' - hour, vance for at least another forty but in proportion as the gulf -between And give eternal life. the church and the synagogue widened, years, while Isaiah foresees its per- the Sabbath became less and less im- And soon will sound this word of God. petual observance in the world to portant, and ended at length in being Till hills and mountains shake ; entirely neglected.—Iii., page 47. 'Twill reach the sleepers 'neath earth's come. Where, then, does - the sod, change come in ? • It was centuries before this 'And cause them to awake. change was entirely brought about. Then we with them-0 blessed hour ! Searching further, we find men- Caught up to Him shall be, tion in Daniel's,, prophecy of- a The primitive Christians, says Upheld by this same word of power blasphemous power, warring Duchesne, never dreamed of making Through all eternity. t; PEARL WAGGONER. against God and persecuting His it. The substitution was made in people, that should think to change those same days that witnessed. His laws. Dan. vii. 25. Can this the entrance of many other un- "Love One Another.". power be responsible,. we wonder, scriptural superstitions and cere- IN journeying from Jerusaleth to for the change of the Sabbath ? monies. One thing is clear, Sun- Jericho, the traveller had to pass We ask one of the reformers, day'observance has no basis in the through a portion of the wilderness Melanchthon, who informs us that Scriptures. So far as God is of Judea. The road lay down a ' Daniel is referring to the Church concerned, His law stands exactly wild,. rocky ravine, which was in- of Rome, and that that fallen as He spoke 'it on Sinai, and wrote fested with robbers, and was often ' church did all that Daniel charges it with His own finger 'on the the scene of violence. It was here against it-. Concerning its attempt tables of stone. He does not that , a traveller . was attacked, to change the • divine laws, acknowledge any revision of His stripped of all that was\ valuable, li Melanchthon tells us :— statutes, nor doeS His Son', Jesus and left half dead by the wayside. Christ. The church that hails the He changeth the times and laws that As he lay thus, a priest came that auy of the six week days commanded of return of the Sayioui avidh joy, way ; he saw the man lying God .will make them unholy and idle that keeps the Commandments of days when he list, or of their own holy wounded and bruised, weltering in • days abolished make work days again, God, will be observing, not the his own blood ; but he left him and when they changed the Saturday rest-day ordained by an unfaith- without rendering any assistance. into Sunday, of eating days fasting days, of merry and glad days to marry in they ful, disobedient, blaspheming, per- He " passed by on the other side." can make sorrowful days forbidding mar- secuting church, but the one given, The.n a Levite appeared. Curious riages.—Notes on Daniel vii. 25, blessed, and sanctified by the un- to know what had happened, he When the theologians of the changeable Jehovah Himself. stopped and looked at the sufferer. Church of Rome try to explain the He was convicted of what he ought change of the ,Sabbath, they do "PREACH the word • be instant to do, but it was not an agreeable not hesitate to say that the Church in season, out of season." duty. He wished that he had not, 812 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52 come that way, so that he would Levite,, but in spirit and works he the Jews and the Samaritans was not have seen the wounded man. proved himself to be in harmony a difference in religions belief, a He persuaded himself that the with God. question as to what constitutes case was no concern of his, and he In giving this lesson, Christ pre- true worship. The Pharisees too " passed by on the other side." sented the principles of the law in would say nothing good of the But a Samaritan, travelling the a direct, forcible way, showing His Samaritans, but poured their bit- same road, saw the sufferer, and hearers that they had neglected to terest curses upon them. So he did the work that the others carry out these principles. His strong was the antipathy between had refused to do. With gentle- words were so definite and pointed the Jews and the Samaritans that ness and kindness he ministered that the listeners could find no to the Samaritan woman it seemed to the wounded man. " When he opportunity to cavil. The lawyer a strange thing for Christ to ask her for a drink. "Hold is it," sam said,. " that Thou, being a Jew, ask- est drink of me, which am a woman of Sam• aria?" " For," adds the evan- gelist, " the Jew's have no dealings with th• Samari- tans." John iv. 9. And when the Jews were so filled with murderous hatred a- gainstChrist that they rose up in the temple to stone Him, they saw him, he had compassion on found in the lesson nothing that could find no better words by him, and went to him, and bound he could criticize. His prejudice which to express their hatred than up his wounds, pouring in oil and in regard to Christ was removed. " Say we not well that Thou art a wine, and set him on his own beast, But he had not overcome his Samaritan, and hast a devil ? ' and brought him to an inn, and national dislike sufficiently to give John viii. 48. Yet the priest and took care of him. And on the credit to the Samaritan by name. Levite neglected the very work the morrow when he departed, he took When Christ asked, " Which no* Lord had enjoined on them, leav- out two pence, and gave them to- of these three, thinkest thou, was ing a hated and despised Samari- the host, and said unto him, Take neighbour unto him that fell among tan to minister to one of their care of him ; and whatsoever thou thieves ? " he answered, " He that own countrymen. spendest more, when I come again, chewed mercy on him." The Samaritan had fulfilled the I will repay thee." The priest and " Then said Jesus' unto him, Go, command, " Thou shalt love thy the Levite both professed piety, and do thou likewise." Show the neighbour as thyself," thus show- but the Samaritan showed that he same tender kindness to those in ing that he was More righteous was truly converted. It was no need. Thus you will give evidence than those by whom he was de- more agreeable for him to do the that you keep the whole law. nounced. Risking his own life, he -work than for the priest and the The great difference between had treated the wounded man as December 19 THE PRESENT TRUTH. 813

his brother. This Saniaritan re- He beheld our sore need, He under- What a busy week followed for presents Christ. Our Saviour took .our case, and identified His the two girls. Mabel seemed to be manifested for us a love that the interests with those of humanity. sewing nearly all the time, for she love • of man can never equal. He died to save His enemies. He was making a new, apron, which When we were bruised and dying, prayed for His murderers. Point- she had bought with her own He had pity upon us. He did not. ing to His own example, He says pocket-money, for a poor old lady pass' us by on the other side, and to His followers : " These things I who was nearly blind and could leave Os, helpless and hopeless, to command yob., that ye love one not sew for herself. perish. He did not remain in His another ; " " as I have loved you, Elsie was busy dressing a doll holy, happy home, where He was that ye also love one another." for the little sick girl whom she beloved by all the heavenly host. MRS. E. G. WHITE. was going to make happy. At first she wanted to give her old wooden dolly that she did not care • much about, but when mother re- minded her .that Christ gave us the best He could give, she decided that the poor little girl should have Julia, her very best wax dolly. Mother was quite willing, for she 'lmew it would do her little daugh- ter good to make the sacrifice. Keeping Christmas. Roy was a long time making up IT was just a week before Christ- mas tree. It will he fine; I would his mind what to do for the poor mas, and Mabel, Elsie, and Roy give something to be there ; that's little cripple boy whom he was were sitting round the fire making what I call keeping Christmas." going to help. It was of no use to their plans for the coming holiday. " So that is your idea of keeping give him his hoop, his top, or his " I wonder what Father Christ- Christmas, is it, Roy ?" said ball, for a cripple boy could play mas will bring me this year," said mother, who had just entered the with none of these things. At Elsie, " something nice I hope." room. " I think my chicks must last, after many a struggle with " So do I," said Roy, " I would be getting selfish, for I have heard self, he decided to spend the money like a real watch, a gold one, but I quite a lot about the things they he had been saving up foria watch don't suppose I shall get it." are going to do for their wan en- and buy a globe of goldfish. " No, indeed," said Mabel," the joyment, and what they expect to It was a very happy little trio eldest of the three, "he neverdoe. have given to them, but very little that set out on Christmas eve with bring expensive things to po about what they are going to do their mother in a cab to take their people like us. It's horrid to be for others this holiday. Christ- gifts to the poor people for whom poor ; there's Eileen Ross, now, mas is supposed to remind us of they were intended. Mabel took she always gets something good. the greatest gift ever given to man- quite a; heavy basket, for besides Last year she had a lovely neck- kind. Would it not be more in the precious apron that had cost lace of real pearls, and this year she keeping with that idea to think a her so many finger-pricks and expects to get something even nicer. little more about giving, and less anxious thoughts, she was taking he was telling me yesterday that about receiving ? " a nice cake, some fruit, and several they are going to have a grand The children looked. rather other things to her old lady. The %arty at their house on Christmas ashamed, for they knew that what many thanks which she received e. Of course, they will only mother said was true. for these welcome presents made vite • all the smart people who " Well, now," she continued, Mabel feel quite shy, but very • Ian go in fine dresses. Eileen "suppose we try to keep Christ- happy nevertheless. is going to wear a beautiful pink mas this year in the right way," Elsie's little sick girl was de- silk, with and went on to explain to them lighted with her dolly. It would " Oh, never mind about the what she meant. be hard to tell who was the hap- dresses," interrupted Roy, " that's When mother had•rfinished her pier, she or Elsie, for Elsie con- all girls think about. The best talk with them, the children were fided to mother later on that " it part of it, to my mind, will be the quite willing to fall in with her felt nicer to give Julia away than splendid things they will have to suggestion. The plan was this— to keep her." eat. Victor Ross says the eatables that each of them should choose Then they drove off to the little alone will cost pounds ; and then someone who was poorer than cottage where the cripple boy they are going to. have the house themselves and try to give that lived. The globe of goldfish was all decorated, and dozens of tiny one as much pleasure as possible placed in a large basket so that it lanterns lighted on a big Christ- this Christmas. should not be seen too soon. It is 814 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52 needless to say that the poor little Bible Predictions Examined and Found Correct. fellow was greatly pleased with his gift, and when he told Roy WHILE it is true that the Chris- the Holy Ghost," was never in- that it was the .nicest Christmas tian believer must "live by faith," tended to be forced upon men present he had ever received, Roy it is also true that he has abun- without due investigation on their there and then decided that this dance of reliable and conclusive part to satisfy them of its accuracy. was a fine way of keeping Christ- evidence upon which to rest his And there is to be found ample mas. faith. This does not mean that proof of the apostle's words to At bedtime, when the children the. evidence at his disposal will satisfy any thoughtful, reasonable, were talking about their and honest mind. own Christmas presents It is.perfectly obvious again, Roy declared that that if the ptophets of he knew he should have old were inspired by th a merry C h ri s t m as Spirit of God, their pe whether he' got any'' diction's must of ne - - presents or not, for it sity be accurately ful- was so nice to be able to filled. In order to satis- run about and enjoy fy us fully that prophecy oneself. " Yes," said is indeed " a light that Mabel, looking'round shineth in a dark place," - their cosy roeta,,! " and and that it " came not in we are not se' v'e'ty poor old time by the will of after all, and keniehow I. man," as the apostle don't envy Eileen Ross says, history must con- one bit to-night." firm the predictions How delighted they uttered by ancient Heb- were when they awoke rew seers. next morning, for in To all men the future Roy's stocking was a is dark. No one can, watch, not a gold one, with absolute certainty, but a real one all the tell what will happen a, same. Mabel's present minute ahead. Pro- was a pretty handbag, phecy, however, is the very thing she had claimed by Peter to be been wishing for. Little " a light " that pierces Elsie remarked at the the darkness o f the breakfast table that she future, and he tells us was so glad Father that men do well to take Christmas had sent her heed unto it. Now no such a lovely doll, and man can take heed to she wondered how he the " sure word of pro- knew that she wanted phecy" without givin another one to take:the it careful and honest place of Julia. study. If past predic, The children agreed tions have.been verifie that this was the hap- DELIVERING THE GOLDFISH. then the student of t piest Christmas they Bible can rest in con had Over spent, and that mother's solve every doubt and quibble that fidence that the predictions of way of keeping Christmas was the the enemy of souls may put into 'the future will likewise meet their best one after all. " Yes," said his mind. It does mean, however, fulfilment. father, " and the surest road to that, consistent with the exercise Egypt in Prophecy. happiness at Christmas time, or of faith, there is abundant proof any other time, is to follow the that the Book whence he derives Egypt enjoyed for centuries example of Him Who though He " all things that pertain unto life almost unlimited power and pros- was rich, yet for our sakes became and godliness " is God's own reve- perity. The Israelitish people poor." EDITH JACQUES. lation to man. Peter's statement suffered much- from this mighty concerning the Old Testament oppressor of nations. Many were "IT is more blessed to give than Scriptures, that " holy men . of the skilful arts and crafts that to receive." God spake asAhey were' moved by were encouraged and developed • December 19 THE PRESENT TRUTH. 815

among the Egyptians by wise and and utterly as if it had been doleful creatures : and owls shall powerful rulers. What has become swallowed -up. Nothing but a few dwell there, and satyrs shall dance of this once prosperous and mounds of earth mark the site of there. And the wild beasts shall mighty nation ? and what is the the ancient city of Nineveh. cry in their desolate houses, and condition of the land it once occu- Truly in the words of the prophet dragons in their pleasant palaces : pied ? Of national strength Egypt Nahum : " The gates of the rivers and her time is near to come, and has none. For centuries tributary are opened, and the palace dis- her days shall not he prolonged." to the Turkish empire, she is to-day solved. She is empty and void Is. xiii. 19-22. Again the more governed by England to whom she and waste." Verses 6, 10. Another sure word of prophecy has proved owes whatever prosperity she witness to the divine inspiration unerringly true. enjoys. Once flourishing and of Holy Writ. fruitful, about fourteen-fifteenths Tyre. Babylon. - of the whole country is now a In the time of the prophet -+-dreary desert expanse. In the While the kingdom of Assyria Ezekiel, the ancient city of Tyre midst of her remarkable prosperity was declining, another power was also flourished. Situated in the the Lord through the prophet rapidly rising into strength and centre of the world's traffic and Ezekiel told the story of her igno- prominence. The Babylonians, commerce, she was the mart of minious fall and subjection. "I with the aid of the Medes, con- nations. Her docks and towers, will make the land of Egypt utterly quered the Assyrians. Under its bridges and ships, and her un- waste and desolate, from the tower great and powerful ruler, Nebu- paralleled prosperity as a seaport, pf Syene even unto the border .of chadnezzar, Babylon reached the filled her with pride and opulence. Ethiopia." " It shall be the basest height of her power, even surpass- "Thy wares," says the prophet, of kingdoms ; neither shall it exalt ing Assyria in glory and magnifi- went forth out of the seas, thou itself any more above the nations : cence. No city before or since has filledst many people ; thou didst for I will diminish them, that they ever equalled the metropolis of enrich the kings of the earth with shall no more rule over the that kingdom of a golden age. Its the multitude of thy riches and of nations..." Ezek. xxix. 10, 15. huge walls and massive gates, its thy merchandise." Ezek. xxvii. temple and palaces, its streets and 33. Where is Tyre to-day ? We Assyria. bridges, its gardens and pleasure look in vain for the faintest trace The ancient and once powerful grounds, and " its perfect arrange- of that- vast maritime activity. kingdom of Assyria figures almost ment for convenience, ornament, Tyre is but an insignificant village as prominently as Egypt in the and defence, and its unlimited re- where poor fisherfolk eke out a prophetic word. Many times did sources," made it at once the won- precarious existence. Where there the kingdoms of Israel and Judah der and awe of surrounding nations. was once an imposing array of feel the tyranny and oppres- But what remains of this ancient bridges and towers and docks that sion of the Assyrians. From a wonder ? Nothing but a heap of marked Tyre a flourishing port, a small and insignificant people, ruins among which wild beasts few .huts stand, and on the de- occupying a fertile region near the prowl and creeping things lurk. serted shore may be seen a num- Tigris, sprang the mighty Assyrian So desolate and uncanny is the ber of fishing-nets laid out to dry. empire. So proud and haughty spot where once stood the "beauty Travellers tells us that the site of did that nation become that she of the Chaldees' excellency," that ancient Tyre is nothing more than on more than one occasion defied to this day, so travellers tell us, a barren rock, as bare as if it had the God of Israel. Her pride, the Arab will not be persuaded to been literally scraped. If many of power, and prosperity are vividly encamp upon it overnight. Could those who inhabited that ancient pictured by the prophelt Nahum : anything be a more perfect fulfil- port could rise from their graves " The chariots rage in the streets, ment of that prophecy uttered by and view the desolation which has they jostle one against another in Isaiah when Babylon was at the overtaken their once proud city, the broad ways: the appearance pinnacle of her power ? "Babylon, they would doubtless call to mind of them is like torches, they run the glory of kingdoms, the beauty the solemn but unheeded prophecy like lightings." Nahum ii. 4, of the Chaldees' excellency, 'shall uttered by Ezekiel in the day of R.V. Where is that mighty na-- be as when God overthrew Sodom its prosperity : "Many nations . . tion that once reared itself and Gomorrah. It shall never be shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, haughtily above all others ? Where inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt and break down her towers; I will at the present time is that " ex- in from generation to generation : also scrape her dust from her, and ceeding great city," Nineveh, neither shall the Arab pitch tent make her like the top of a rock. once the metropolis and pride of there ; neither shall the shepherds It shall be a place for the spread- the Assyrians, with its massive make their fold there. But wild ing of nets in the midst of the sea." walls, huge gates, and magnificent beasts of the desert shall lie there; " In the time when thou shalt be palaces ? Gone ! as completely and their houses shall be full of (Continued on last page.) up

816 THE PRESENT TRUTH. Nos. 51 and 52 The Present truth. ments for the home and the little Using All Our Resources. ones, notes on current events of A GENTLEMAN and his little son - Published weekly for special interest to the Bible stud- THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS, went out to work in a garden. ent, articles on health and temper- The boy was told to throW a pile ance, and items of interest from The INTERNATIONAL. TRACT SOCIETY of stones -into a ditch. After a LTD. the mission field. Our object is to Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts. while he cried out " There's one furnish interesting and profitable I can't lift. I've tried with all my Annual subscription by post, 4/4. Make reading matter for all ;members of might and I can't lift it." " No, orders and cheques payable to The the family circle, and we hope International Tract Society, Ltd., Stan- my boy, you haven't tried with all borough Park, Watford, Herts. Regis- that many who read this issue will your might, for I am here as a part tered for transmission by magazine post decide to order the paper and of your might,' and you didn't ask to Canada and Newfoundland. study with us the-important truths me to help you:" If we are Work- for which it stands. ing for God we are not only re- •-z WE wish all our readers a happy sponsible for what we can do ifi Christmas, and a personal interest our own strength., but what w(:- — in those tidings of great joy which The Old Year. can do in His:—Record of Chris- the angels announced to the shep- FAREWELL, old year, with all that you have brought me tian Work. herds in the words : " Unto you is Of grief and pain ; born a Saviour, which is Christ But not farewell to joys that you have (Concluded from page 81,5.) the Lord." given,ay these remain broken by the seas in the depths aft; A blessed store in memory's sacred garner of the waters thy merchandise SOME may see this issue of Of goodly grain. and all thy company in the midst " Greetings " for the first time. Farewell, old year with .all your sense of thee shall fall."' Ezek. xxvi. To such we would say that it is of failure 8-5 ; xxvii. 84. If the inhabitants the holiday issue of our weekly And hopes denied ; But not farewell to lessons you have of Tyre were without excuse for paper, THE PRESENT TRUTH, price taught me, disbelieving Ezekiel's prophecy, one penny. The paper is delivered May these abide To yield success that shall not fail to then surely thelv is less excuse for weekly by our agents in all the brighten those who have been privileged to principal towns of the country, Life's eventide. know of its complete fulfilment, an and where we have no agent we Farewell, old year ; it is with thoughts unanswerable proof that " the undertake to send the paper by of sadness, You know full well, mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." post without any extra charge, I wait to hear, across the great, still Wherever the holy Scriptures provided it be ordered for at least silence, are treasured and reverently stud- Your passing bell. six months. The price for a six And yet it must be said—the word of ied, peace, joy, and hope abound, months' postal subscription is 2/2. parting, as well as honesty, uprightness, Any of our publications advertised Old year, farewell ! and integrity. No book has wielded FRANCESCA such a powerful and far-reaching in these pages can be ordered influence for good as the Bible: through our agents at the pub- It refines the coarse, sobers the lished price. AND this is the message which I' drunken, subdues the angry', re- oho want to give to the pastors of the claims the fallen, and, in short, THE PRESENT TRUTH is pub- day. Preachers must experience turns the most degraded sinner into a sober, righteous, godly, hope- lished for a definite purpose, viz., the truth which they proclaim. ful man. Judged alone by its to set before those who are willing They cannot go into their studies to read on such subjects the evi- effect upon human lives it stands and hunt truths or ideas out of out pre-eminently as the Book of dences that the second coming of books, and then go and proclaim books. But more than this, it Christ is at the doors. THE .them second-hand to their people, appeals to the reason and intelli- PRESENT TRUTH also gives special and expect great results. Experi- gence of the pure and honest in attention to fulfilnients of prophecy ence cannot be borrowed, and heart. The long' list of fulfilled prophecies compels us to conclude both in the past and the present. without it a sermon is only a that the mind of God is behind it, At the same time it aims to deal second-hand affair. We cannot with all the great lines of truth and not the intellect of man. As have renewed strength in the pul- sure as Egypt is the basest of found in the Scriptures, so as to pit until we have men who have kingdoms, Nineveh is a heap of help its readers to that prepara- realized in themselves the value ruins, Babylon is demolished, and tion of heart and mind that will of what they are proclaiming. I Tyre is a place for the spreading fit them for the glorious appearing do not say that we do not already of nets, so sure is it that " all Scripture is given by inspiration of the Saviour. have many:suchrnmen, but what I of God," and wise indeed and happy deb, say is that we must have more of is the man who receives with meek- BESIDE the articles on Bible them and more of it.—Dr. W. F. ness the engrafted Word which is doctrines, there are also depart- Gunsaulus. able to save his soul. . H. F. D.