John, on the

island of Patmos,
being shown the
Holy City, the
New Jerusalem,
by God's reveal-
ing angel

The Great Prophetic Drama

HE Revelation is the last book Christianity was outlawed as a form of
of the Book of books. It is the The first of a series of treason against Rome. For preaching
final installment of God's love articles on this new religion, John was sent to
letter to man. It applies more specifi- Rome, tried, condemned, and banished
cally to the last generation than to any The Book of Revelation in the year A. D. 94.
other period of the world's history, and It is the fate of prophets and
yet, it is the most neglected book of the preachers of truth to suffer persecution
Bible. Its wonderful revelations are TAYLOR G. BUNCH and martyrdom. Christ, after rebuk-
seldom expounded from the pulpit, and ing the leaders of Israel for their
are but dimly comprehended and lightly picture. We will explain its various rejection of Heaven's messengers, fore-
esteemed by the modern Christian symbols and scenes as a series of acts. told the fate of His disciples : "Where-
world. in a drama. fore, behold, I send unto you prophets,
The Revelation is written in a differ- "I John, who also 4m your brother, and wise men, and scribes : and some
ent style from that of any other book and companion in tribulation, and in of them ye shall kill and crucify; and
of the Bible. The language is more the kingdom and patience of Jesus some of them shall ye scourge in your
highly figurative than that employed by Christ, was in the isle that is called -synagogues, and persecute them from
other sacred writers, requiring great Patmos, for the word of God, and for city to city." Matthew 23 : 34. How
care in the interpretation of its symbols. the testimony of Jesus Christ." Reve- accurately this prediction was fulfilled
"No prophecy of the Scripture is of lation i : 9. The prophecy was written during the first century ! Stephen, the
any private interpretation," declared on Patmos, a rocky island eight miles first martyr, was stoned, James was be-
Peter. The Bible is its own inter- long, one mile wide, and eighteen miles headed, Philip was scourged, impris-
preter, explaining its own symbols. A in circumference, located in the rEgean oned. and crucified. Matthew was
knowledge of the other scriptures arid Sea. It has a population of between 'killed with a halberd, James the Less
of profane history are essential to suc- four and five thousand. was stoned and his brains were dashed
cess in digging out the priceless gems John had been banished during the out with a fuller's club. Matthias was.
from this great mine of truth. The cruel persecutions of the Christians by stoned, Andrew was crucified, Mark
language is also highly dramatic, writ- the Emperor Domitian, the second of was dragged to pieces in Alexandria-,.
ten in the style of a play, or drama, as the ten bloody. persecutiops by the Peter was crucified, Paul was be—
if its various scenes were acted out be- pagan Roman emperors to defend de- headed, Jude was crucified, andi
fore the prophet on a stage or were caying paganism against the advancing Thomas was thrust through with a:
thrown on the screen in a great moving and conquering Christian religion. spear. Luke was hanged, Simon,
•

READ "The Meaning of the Eucharistic Congress,'' Pages 8 and, 9.

V 0 L. 53, N O. 3,6 SEPTEMBER 14, 1 9 2 6
 Zelotes was crucified, and John was While praying, he was startled by the land the triumphant shouts of the re-
thrown into a caldron of burning oil sound of a loud voice behind him. deemed of earth, singing the grand
and later banished to Patmos. He was Who was speaking? He was not long hallelujah chorus of salvation. The
the only one who died a natural death. in doubt, for the speaker introduced vision ended with a view of Paradise
Tertullian wrote: "The blood of Himself as Jesus, his bosom friend and . restored, and the celestial city with its
martyrs is the seed of the church." elder brother, who had come to spend streets of gold, walls of jasper, and
The first gospel seed was sown in the the Sabbath with him on that lonely gates df pearl, and his own name em-
blood of martyrs, and bountiful was shore! blazoned with gems on its jeweled
the harvest. During that visit Jesus lifted the cur- foundations.
Patmos was a Roman penitentiary, tain that veiled the future, and showed The very title of the book indicates
or place of banishment, where crimi- His servant the most wonderful mov- that it was intended to be understood. doe
nals were banished to end their days in ing picture ever beheld by man, the Its name is not "The Mystery," "The
hard labor or confinement. Roman drama of life and death. No prophet Sealed Book," or "The Book of Hid-
prisoners were given two degrees of before or since has ever witnessed such den Secrets." It is "The Revelation of
punishment, according to their rank in scenes of earthly conflict and heavenly Jesus Christ.". The word revelation is
society. Political prisoners and those glory. He witnessed, as in a panoramic defined : "Act of revealing ; disclosure
who were distinguished or wealthy view, the struggles of the church mili- of what was before unknown; also,
were given an allowance. They could tant with its defeats and victories, and . that which is revealed." The contents
work for hire, were not compelled to he heard from the sea of glass in glory (Continued on page 5)
labor, and were given the liberty of the
island. The second degree of punish-
ment was given the common criminals,
and was very severe. It was either
death or banishment to hard labor for
life. The food was scanty and poor;
the criminals were clothed in rags, and
compelled to sleep on the bare floor. ith our
But few
s liberties were accorded them ;
and, under the strain, they soon died or
sank to the level of the beasts. Their
condition was one of hopeless despair.
Such Was the fate of the persecuted
Christians who were treated as com-
STEMPLE
WHITE BIBLE
mon criminals, and it is evident that
John was not favored above his com-
Christ's Gospel and God's Law
panions in tribulation. The apostle, 1. What is the gospel of Christ? .that keep the commandments of God, and
however, rose above the surrounding "It is the power, of God unto salvation to the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14: 12.
conditions, and was more concerned every one that believeth." Romans I: 16,
over the welfare of the churches under A. R. V. 8. Will hearers, or mere admitters, of the
truth be saved?
his care than over his own comfort. •
He was banished for life, with no 2. From what can the power of God save "Not the hearers' of the law are just be-
apparent hope of ever seeing again the us? fore God, but the doers of the law shall be
objects of his love and labors; and "Thou shalt call His name Jesus; for it justified ["accounted righteous," margin].
Romans 2: 13.
the Revelation was, as it were, his "last is He that shall save His people from their
testament." But a kind Providence sins." Matthew : 21. • 9. To whom only does Christ become the
was ruling affairs in the earth, and the 3. But what is sin? end, or object, of the law unto righteous-
sudden assassination of Domitian re- ness?
leased his prisoners, including John, "Sin is the transgression of the law."
John 3: 4, A. V. "Christ is the end of the law unto right-
who again had the joy of visiting the eousness to every one that believeth." Ro-
churches in Asia. 4. Then what is the purpose of the gospel mans 1o: 4.
of Christ?
JOHN'S ENVIRONMENT so. Is the obedient child of divine grace
The prophet's only companions were "What the law could not do, in that it under the condemnation of the law? •
was weak through the flesh, God, sending
criminals, many of them of the worst His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh "Sin shall not have dominion over you :
type, hardened in every form of vice and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh : that for ye are not under law, but under grace."
and sin. They were thieves, murderers, the requirement [margin] of the law might Romans 6: 14.
and traitors. John was a saint among be fulfilled in us." Romans 8: 3, 4.
the blackest criminals of a world em- II. Does the gospel of Christ make void
pire. Yet he was not discouraged. 5. Can the disobedient be saved? the perfect law of Jehovah?
He was separated from his friends and "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat "Do we 'then make the law of none effect
brethren in Christian fellowship, but the good of the land: but if ye refuse and through faith? God forbid: nay, we estab-
not from his God. He wrote : "I was rebel, ye shall be devoured." Isaiah I: lish the law." Romans 3 : 31. (Since God
in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and 19, 20. writes His law in the hearts of believers
heard behind me a great voice, as of a whom He gives eternal life, the gospel thus
6. Who only, then, will enter the holy city? establishes the law of God.)
trumpet." He did not neglect to follow
his lifelong custom and the example "Blessed are they that wash their robes
["do His commandments," A. V.] that they • 12.In what three famous texts, dealing
of his Lord to observe the Sabbath. may have the right to come to the tree of with circumcision and uncircumcision, does
He was deprived of the privilege of life, and may enter in by the gates into the Paul emphasize the fundamental purpose of
meeting with those of like precious city." Revelation. 22 : 14. the gospel of Christ?
faith, and so he found a secluded spot "A new creature" (Galatians 6: 15) with
on the rock-rimmed shore where he 7. What will the faith of Jesus enable the "faith working through love" (Galatians 5:
could commune with God. What an believer to do? 6) will love "the keeping of the command-
earnest prayer he must have offered ! "Here is the patience of the saints,, they ments of God." I Corinthians 7: 19.

Vol. 53 SIGNS of the TIMES, SEPTEMBER 14, 192.6 No. 36

Printed and published weekly by the Pacific Press Publishing Association, at Mountain View, California, T.T. S, A. Entered as second-class matter September
15, 1904, at the Mountain View, California, post office, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage, provided for
in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, and authorized September 18, 1918.
Page Two S I G N.S of the TIMES
look back over a widening gulf of the enemy; and yet, how feeble the ef- A portion of the book of Daniel was
years since I heard his last good-by forts to learn the priceless secrets' of the only part of the Bible ever sealed,
spoken in a little railway station in Him "in whom are hid all the treasures and that only till "the time of the end"
Iowa, my heart overflows for that treas- of wisdom and knowledge" ! Colos- (Daniel 12: 4). It has long since been
ured companionship that has helped sians 2 : 3. unsealed and given to the world. The
me in so many ways to understand - There are many who declare that the angel of prophecy, before closing the
more fully my heavenly Father. Revelation is a sealed book filled with Revelation, said to John : "Seal not the
Although there are many things that unexplainable mysteries never intended sayings ,of the prophecy of this book :
the Christian can not understand in the to be understood. Such sentiments for the time is at hand ;" or as ren-
wonderful plan of salvation, he knows come from the pulpit as well as from dered by another version : "Make no
that the One whom he has believed is the pew. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah secret of the meaning of the predictions
able to care for him, and nothing can is fulfilled : "The vision of all is be- contained in this book; for the time of
thrust him into the gloomy darkness of come unto you as the words of a book their fulfillment is now close at hand."
doubt. Day by day close association that is sealed, which men deliver to one Revelation 22: to, Weymouth's trans-
with heaven through prayer and study that is learned, saying, Read this, I lation. We must conclude that John
brings new revelations. He studies the pray thee : and he saith, I can not ; for followed the instruction of Gabriel, and
pages of sacred and profane history it is sealed : and the book is delivered to did not seal the scroll.
and sees with what divine exactness him that is not learned, saying, Read The Bible would be incomplete with-
each prophecy has met its fulfillment in this, I pray thee : and he saith, I am not out this final revelation which crowns
due time; and as he gazes at the beau- learned." Isaiah 29: II , 12: all Scripture with a crown of glory and
tiful life of the Saviour of men through seals all inspiration with the seal of
the great historical telescope, every 210111111111111....../.1,111.1111....111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111‘11,11111111111111111111111
the living God. In this book, heaven
doubt of His divinity is crowded out of is opened and light from the glory land
the beholder's heart. Day by day shines through to lighten the pathway
through sweet communion with heaven, of earth's weary pilgrims journeying
Jesus becomes not only a real Christ toward the celestial city.
who lived back in Judea, but also a very (Continued next week)
present Saviour with whom he can
visit as with a friend. Yes, Jesus be-
comes the Christian's all and in all, and CHRIST INDORSES DANIEL
enables him to discern Satan's camou- (Continued from page 3)
flaged trademark on the false isms
afloat. contemplation; but He approved the .r
Day by day as I look into the plan of ...... .7.•a•••
solicitude about so vital a matter. He
salvation,—a plan far too wonderful did not wave Peter, John, and James
for me to comprehend fully,—I am aside with the information that His
constrained to exclaim with John : "Be- A Christ for Every Man second coming was not a doctrine of
hold, what manner of love the Father importance and should not engage the
MELVIN E. LEDERER
hath bestowed upon us, that we should • What think you of Christ? Who say you time and concern of the Shepherd of
be called the sons of God." As the that He is? This Christ challenges the at- the flock; to the contrary, He embraced
years go by, I see more clearly the solid tention of the world by His many-sidedness.
He meets the need of all classes and condi-
the opportunity of pressing home to
foundation upon which rest God's tions of men. As deep answers unto deep, their hearts the theme of themes, that
so does He respond to the movings of each
wonderful promises to men. Truly, as soul of mankind. If we were to call the roll of 'their Lord's return. This trans-
the psalmist says, "Righteousness and of the world's workers this morning and ask
them, "What think ye of Christ?" their an-
cendent event, and not a temporal,mil-
judgment are the habitation of His swers would be something like this; and lennium, was to be their consolation
they would amaze us by their revelation of
throne." So I am quite content to wait His many-sidedness: and the fruition of their hopes.
for fuller explanation of the plan of To the artist He 'is the One Altogether With expectant hearts, the Galileans
Lovely.
salvation until that happy day when the To the architect He is the Chief Corner listened to the unfolding of the future.
faithful shall meet in the great recep- Stone.
To the baker He is the Living Bread.
In the prophecies they were to find
tion hall in heaven. To the banker He is the Hidden Treasure. their answer. It would have sufficed
(Continued next week)
To the biologist He is the Life.
To the builder He is the Sure Founda-
had Christ alone taken the responsi-
tion. bility of pushing aside the curtain of
To the carpenter He is the Door.
THE GREAT PROPHETIC To the doctor He is the Great Physician. the centuries ; but He would, have them
To the educator He is the Great Teacher. grasp the eternal truth that the words

• DRAMA
(Continued from page 2)

of the book are not concealed ; they are

,revealed. Otherwise, what would be
To the engineer He is the New and Liv-
ing Way. .
To the farmer He is the Sower and the
Lord of the Harvest.
To the florist He is the Rose of Sharon
and the Lily of the Valley.
To the geologist He is the Rock of Ages
(and it is more important to know the Rock
of Heaven's messengers, Moses and the
prophets, are inspired or the eternal
One and are absolutely dependable. It
was to press home this lesson as well as
the purpose of the book? The author of Ages than the age of rocks). to answer their question that He cited
of the Bible places in it no nonessen- To the horticulturist He is the True Vine.
To the judge He is the Righteous Judge,
the kook of Daniel. Reduced to other
tials. Every word is pregnant with the Judge of all men. terms, His answer is : "Do you inquire
To the juror He is the Faithful and True
meaning, and every sentence contains Witness. of My return and the end of the world?
a message to the human family. To the jeweler He is the Pearl of Great
Price.
If so, read the prophecies of Daniel,
All prophecy is a revelation. "Surely To the lawyer He is the Counselor, the and find your answer there. This pro-
Lawgiver, the Advocate.
the Lord God will do nothing, but He To the newspaper man He is the Good phetic book has My full indorsement.
revealeth His secrets unto His servants Tidings of Great Joy.
To the philanthropist He is the Unspeak-
It is a book that can be understood; it
the prophets." "The secret things be- able Gift. is dependable.
To the philosopher He is the Wisdom of
long unto the Lord our God : but those God. The language of the text is most
things which are revealed belong unto To the preacher He is the Word of God.
striking, and as we enter the sacred
To the sculptor • He is the Living Stone.
us and to our children forever." Amos To the servant He is the Good Master. pages of this prophetic masterpiece, let
3 : 7 ; Deuteronomy 29 : 29. "Forever" ' To the statesman He is the Desire of all
nations. us keep in mind that the book of Dan-
reaches our own day and includes the To the student He is the Incarnate Truth.
iel has Heaven's approval. Our next
To the theologian He is the Author and
book of Revelation. Prophecy is a Finisher of our faith. study will pursue these prophecies in
To the toiler He is the Giver of rest.
revelation to man of the secrets of the To the sinner He is the Lamb of God that quest of that theme of themes which
Almighty. How curious many are to taketh away the sins of the world.
concerns the present a thousand times
To the Christian He is the Son of the
learn the secrets of their neighbors ! Living God, the Saviour, the 'Redeemer, and more vitally than it did the church two
Governments in time of war pay an Lord.
thousand years ago.
enormous price to learn the secrets of (Continued next week)
for SEPTEMBER 1 4 , 1926 Page Five
 third, making a total of one hundred
The Unveiling of Christ and thirty-seven times in the first three
chapters. Twenty-six times in the
book is Jesus referred to as "the
STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF Lamb," or more than in all other
REVELATION, NUMBER TWO scriptures combined.
The world's greatest need to-day is
TAYLOR G BUNCH an unveiled vision of the Man of Cal-
vary. Like the Greeks of old, thou-
sands are saying, "Sirs, we would see
HE Revelation of Jesus Christ, He expounded unto them in all the Jesus." Mankind is getting tired of
which God gave unto Him, to Scriptures the things concerning Him- seeing the miserable imitations in the
show unto His servants things self." Luke 24: 27. It was the reve- faulty lives of His professed followers,
which must shortly come to pass ; and lation of Christ in Peter's sermon on and they need a vision of the genuine.
He sent anc,1 signified it by His angel the day of Pentecost that won three It is only by seeing Jesus as He is that
unto His servant John : who bare rec- thousand souls, and in Paul's before we can be like Him. By beholding we
ord of the word of God, and of the King Agrippa that,caused him to con- are "transformed into the same like-
testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all fess, "Almost thou persuadest me to be ness, from one degree of radiant holi-
things that he saw. Blessed is he that a Christian." Christ was the theme of ness to another" until we arrive at
readeth, and they that hear the words every Bible writer. More than one "mature manhood and the stature of
of this prophecy, and keep those things thousand times the name Jesus appears full-grown men in Christ."
which are written therein : for the time in the New Testament, and that of Divine origin. "The Revelation of
is at hand." Christ five hundred times. Jesus Christ which God gave unto
These verses contain the introduction Some one has so written the Emanci- Him" indicates that Jehovah, the
of the Apocalypse. Books usually con- pation Proclamation that as it is being Father, is the source of all revelation,
tain an introduction or a preface to the read the face of its author, Abraham Christ's position in the Godhead being
main work, giving some preliminary Lincoln, becomes visible. The Bible is that of spokesman, or the Word. Je-
information regarding the writer, the so written that every page of Scripture sus being "the brightness of His glory,
book, and the purpose of its publica- reveals to the careful reader the image and the express image of His person"
tion. This introduction contains the of the divine Author. is called Emmanuel, or "God with us."
title of the book, its divine origin, the THE GOSPELS INCOMPLETE "He that hath seen Me hath seen the
mediums of its revelations, the name of The Gospels and Epistles reveal Father," Jesus said to Thomas, there-
its author, the manner by which it is Christ in His earthly life, His work, fore the revelation of Jesus Christ is
revealed, the purpose of its publication, teachings, sufferings, death, resurrec- also the revelation of God the Father.
and the blessing pronounced on those tion, and ascension, and the early tri- Verses one and four enumerate in
who read, hear, and obey. We will umphs-of His church. But the story is their natural order God's mediums of
consider these in the order given. incomplete without the final revelation communication with men. Originating
A REVELATION OF CHRIST of the closing book. Here Jesus is pic- with the Source of all light and truth,
The title. The translators have tured in glory at the right hand of God, the revelation is given to the Son, who,
named it "The Revelation of St. John as High Priest of the heavenly sanctu-, through the Holy Spirit, delivers it to
the Divine," which is a contradiction His angel, to give in vision to His holy
• of die opening sentence of the intro- prophet, and from thence through the
duction. The inspired title is "The church to the world.
Revelation of Jesus Christ." Jesus, Name of author. The writer terms
and not John, is the author, the seer himself "John," and was doubtless the
of Patmos acting only as His secretary beloved disciple and writer of the
to write what was revealed. Prophets fourth Gospel and the three Epistles
are merely God's mediums of commu- bearing the same name. The Revela-
nication. "God bath spoken by the tion was written during the reign of
mouth of all His holy prophets since the Emperor Domitian in the year 94
the world began." "For the prophecy or 95 A. D.
came not in old time by the will of THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK
man : but holy men of God spake as Manner of revelation. The state-
they were moved by the Holy Ghost." ment, "And He sent and signified it,"
Acts 3 : 21 ; 2 Peter I : 21. indicates the method employed in the
. But the book is more than a prophecy revelations of the last book. To sig-
given by Christ ; it is a revelation of nify is to make a sign or token. The
Him. A new translation known as the events are to be portrayed in the form
Concordant gives the title as, "The of signs and symbols. Its prophecies
Unveiling of Jesus Christ," and in the are to be symbolic. Many wonder why
footnote says, "This is the unveiling of the Lord chooses to reveal truths to
a person,—Jesus Christ,—not merely a man through figurative language.
prediction revealed through Him." To Doubtless for the same reason that
reveal or unveil Jesus to man is the John the beloved disciple Christ taught in parables, that the truth
purpose of all prophecy, and, in fact, might be hid from the willingly igno-
all Scripture and the whole Bible could rant and revealed to those who hunger
appropriately be entitled the revelation, ary, as supreme Judge before whom for truth and righteousness. Said
or the unveiling, of Jesus Christ. That all nations gather, and as King of kings Gabriel to Daniel: "And none of the
is. the ,whole purpose of the gospel. and Lord of lords, reigning over -His wicked shall understand ; but the wise
The lamb offered by Abel, the test of saints in Paradise restored. The reve- shall understand." Perhaps here is the
Abraham on Mount Moriah, and the lator performs the final unveiling cere- reason for the present-day ignorance
entire sacrificial system of the Mosaic monies without which mankind can of the glorious revelations of this book.
tabernacle had no other purpose than but partially behold the Son of God. He who enters the Apocalypse laden
to reveal the Lamb of God. "Search the Forty-nine times the name of Jesus, with iniquity will have a slow and la-
Scriptures," said Christ, for "they are or equivalent pronouns, is found in borious journey, and will be none the
they which testify of Me." "And be- the first chapter, thirty-nine times in wiser when he reaches his destination.
ginning at Moses and all the prophets, the second, and forty-nine times in the (Continued on page 15)
for SEPTEMBER 2 1 . 1 9 2 6 Page Seven
 God. He was approved of Heaven, will be blessed and justified. It was the
eiff
AMERICA'S PR OP1-113T, C WSCaLY
S and through an angel was conveyed to
him twice God's message that he was
man who both heard and obeyed His
word that Christ likened unto a wise
Advocating a return to the simple
"greatly beloved.". man who built his house on a rock, en-
gospel of Christ, and a preparation abling it to withstand the test of storm.
for His imminent second appearing
A storm 'is approaching, relentless in
EDITORS THE UNVEILING OF CHRIST its fury, that will test the foundation
A. 0. TAIT A. L. BAKER F. D. NICHOL
(Continued from page 7)
CIRCULATION MANAGER
and workmanship of every character
J. R. FERREN The purpose of the prophecy is "to building. Therefore we must avoid
show unto His servants things which the sand bed, dig deep for a solid foun-
Vol. 53, No. 37 September 21, 1926 must shortly come to pass," to reveal
Mountain View, California
dation, and build for eternity. With-
future events. It is a revelation of out a willingness to obey its solemn
Christ in His relation to future history. warnings and admonitions, the study
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Members of the Godhead alone can see of the Revelation will be in vain.
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beginning, and from ancient times the it. "I testify unto every man that hear-
things that are not yet done." Isaiah eth the words of the prophecy of this
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS 46 : 9, 1o. Garfield said : "History is book, If any man shall add unto these
.Expiration. Alf issues for the month named on but the unrolled scroll of prophecy."
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Change of address. Please give both old and scroll of future history. Prophecy is and if any man shall take away from
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No papers are sent except on paid subscriptions,
God's challenge to all other gods as the words of the book of this prophecy,
so persons receiving the "Signs of the Times" with- well as to modern scholastic infidelity. God shall take away his part out of the
out having subscribed may feel perfectly free to
accept it. Skeptics can not answer the challenge book of life, and out of the holy city,
of prophecy. See Isaiah 41 : 21-23 ; and from the things which are written
48 3-6. in this book." Revelation 22: 18, 19.
. . . can I do this great wickedness, and The apostle Peter warns the Chris- The book is perfect and complete.
sin against God ?" His heart was right tian church to take heed to the sure Nothing needful has been left out, and
for the indwelling Saviour, which made word of prophecy "as unto a light that it contains no superfluities. Some
him a mighty man among men. shineth in a dark place, until the day would gladly eliminate certain portions
In the life of Moses there is another dawn, and the Day-Star arise in Your that condemn their present course and
beautiful lesson for present-day Chris- hearts." Herein lies the only safety of warn of a fearful doom, and they vir-
tians. In his youth he whole-heartedly the ship "Zion" amid the rocks and tually do so by disregarding the in-
chose to please God and to do His bid- shoals surrounding the 'entrance to the structions given. Such can not escape
ding. His was a life of faith, but with final haven. The prophetic searchlight the malediction threatened to those who
that faith was a love that led him to is needed as never before to warn of dare tamper with divine revelation.
place all at God's disposal. He that hidden dangers and guide to a safe The promised blessing is within the
anchorage. To neglect to heed, the bea- reach of all who comply with the con-
sent him was with him, because it was
con signals of prophecy is to court ditions; and shall we sell it, like fool-
in his heart to do His will. God does certain disaster. From this viewpoint
great things for and through men, but ish Esau, for a mess of this world's
alone the Revelation deserves most pottage ?
never in a greater measure than man's careful and prayerful study. . (Continued two weeks hence)
surrender to Him. The promised blessing. "Blessed is
FOR OUR ADMONITION he that readeth, and they that hear the "ANGELS are ever present where they
The• experiences of such men are re- words of this prophecy, and keep those are most needed, with those who have
corded that we may know the way of things which are written therein." A the hardest battles with self to fight,
God and the working out of the gospel similar blessing is pronounced in the and whose surroundings are the most
plan. While knowing that it requires closing chapter, "Blessed is he that discouraging. Weak and trembling
God's love, wisdom, and power in the keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of souls who have many objectionable
infinite gift of Christ to save a man, we this book." No other book of the traits of, character, are their special
must know also that man's salvation Scriptures opens and closes with such charge. That which selfish hearts
can be no more complete than is his a promised blessing. It is threefold, would regard as humiliating service,
willingness to go God's way. and will never be given in its fullness ministering to those who are wretched
Daniel's trust in God was no more until all conditions are fulfilled. We and in every way inferior in character,
complete than his surrender to God. must read, hear, and obey. Not the is the work of the pure, sinless beings
He was deeply concerned about doing hearers of the word only, but the doers from the courts above."'
the things that pleased God. Sur-
rounded as he was by adverse and
unholy influences and heathen practices,
he was fully "purposed in his heart" to Sian Here for the "SIGNS"
do his Maker's will. He was not de-
pending upon his works for righteous- 1926
ness or salvation, but with his faith To "Signs Of the Times,"
there was a measure of love that led Mountain View, California.
him to do the things that would please
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for SEPTEM.SER 2 1 , 1 9 2 6 Page Fifteen
 "Behold, He Cometh"
Studies in:the Book of Revelation—No. 3
has been exalted "far above all princi-

W E shall desig-
nate verses
four to six of
the first chapter, the
TAYL0.12. G. BUNCH

which is, and which was, and which is

to come," or from God the Father, the
pality, and power, and might, and do-
minion, and every name that is named,
not only in this world, but also in that
which is to come." Ephesians I: 21.
Dedication. All books Eternal ; "and from the seven Spirits This is the hardest lesson kings and
are dedicated to some which are before His throne," repre- those in authority have to learn. The
person, organization, senting the Holy Spirit in the fullness ten plagues on Egypt failed to teach
institution, or to the and diversity of His operations, "and Pharaoh; and Nebuchadnezzar, king of
general public. The from Jesus Christ." The entire God- Babylon, had to be driven from his
Revelation is dedicated head work together in perfect har- throne to dwell with the beasts of the
to the seven churches in the Roman mony, and are united in blessing those field for seven years before he knew
Province of Asia; namely, Ephesus, who read, hear, and obey,the prophecy. that "the Most High ruleth in the king-
Smyrna, PergamOs, Thyatira, Sardis, A REVELATION OF CHRIST dom of men, and giveth it to whomso-
Philadelphia, and Laodicea. But why ever He will." Belshazzar learned the
is it dedicated to but seven when there True to the title of the book, the
Dedication is given over to a revelation lesson too late when the sentences of
were churches also at Troas, Assos, doom were emblazoned by an unseen
Miletus, Colosse, and in many other of the character, love, and work of the
Lord Jesus. He is declared to be the writer on the palace wall, and Napo- •
cities_ and villages in the province? leon learned it after his banishment to
This is explained by the fact that seven "faithful witness," or "truthful wit-
ness."—WeTmouth. A witness is one Saint Helena. When Christ returns,
is the sacred number, signifying com- He comes as King of kings and Lord of -
pleteness and perfection. Sir William who testifies, bears testimony. The
book of Revelation is the testimony of lords.
Ramsay gives the following exposi- TURNS SCARLET INTO WHITE
tion : "There were seven groups of Jesus, the truthful Witness. His tes-
timony is dependable, He always tells "Unto Him that loved us, and
churches in Asia, each group repre- washed us from our sins in His own
sented by one outstanding and con- blood." Love is worthless unless dem-
spicuous ntimber ; these representatives onstrated. "Greater love hath no man
are seven churches. These seven rep- than this, that a, man lay down his life
resentative churches stand for the for his friends." Yet Christ's love was
church of the province, and the church greater, for He died for His enemies.
of the province in its turn, stands for Calvary is the demonstration of a love
the entire church of Christ." unexcelled. The cross alone measures
OF UNIVERSAL APPLICATION the height and depth and breadth of a
A careful study of the map of the , love that passes understanding.
Sin is a blot on human character that
province, as well as the contents of the
only the blood of Christ can wash
letters, convinces us of the plausibility
of this argument. The messages are away.. There is but one fountain for
for the Christian church in all its sin and uncleanness. Scarlet, or
phases, conditions, and future history turkey-red, is the only color that
until the church militant becomes the science has never been able to remove
church triumphant. There is no more
The book of Revelation is a revelation, of without destroying the fiber of the
Jesus Christ,—a portrait of His character
valid reason for localizing these seven and His redemptive work. cloth. The blood of Christ is a sin re-
epistles of Christ than those of Paul mover that extracts even the scarlet
addressed to the individual churches at the truth; it is "impossible for God to and leaves the character as white as
Ephesus, Corinth, Colosse,, or Rome, lie." What a contrast to the witnesses snow. (Isaiah I : 18.) The world to-
which, all agree, are universal in their of this age of "trucebreakers" who take day is filled with patent sin remedies
application, and are just as suitable for oath to tell, the truth, the whole truth, and quack sin doctors, but the remedy
of the great Sin Specialist will never
• the churches of the twentieth century and nothing but the truth, and who tell
fail the sin-sick soul who follows di-
as for those of the first. everything except the truth ! The crime rections. An enormous price was paid
The Revelation is dedicated to the of perjury is almost universal. for our redemption,—too much from
church, not to the world. Its purpose Christ is also designated as "the our viewpoint ; but the purchaser as-
is to "show unto His servants things first-begotten of the dead," or "the first sures us that He will be satisfied with
which must shortly come to pass." of the dead to be born to life."—Wey- His bargain when He presents the
Only the children of the Most High can mouth. Other scriptures speak of fruitage of His sacrifice to His Father
grasp the glories of this book, for to Him as "the first fruits of them that with "exceeding joy."
them it is dedicated. If we walk and slept," "the first-born of every crea-
talk much with God, we shall be able ture" and "the chief born from the A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS
to understand His messages, and, like dead." It can not mean that Christ was "And hath made us kings and priests
Daniel in the banquet hall of Belshaz- the first to be resurrected. Moses was unto God," or as rendered in the
zar, will recognize His handwriting, raised to life fifteen centuries before. Twentieth Century New Testament,
and be able to read the language of the • Elisha had resurrected the son of the "a kingdom of priests in the service of
heavenly Canaan. Jesus said, speaking Shunammite, and Christ had called God." The apostle Peter speaks of the
of a true shepherd, "The sheep hear Lazarus and the widow's son from the redeemed as the "royal priesthood," in-
his voice," and they "follow him : for dead. He was first in point of quality, dicating that they are members of the
they know his voice." To all others not time,—the • "choice fruifs" and royal family. The overcomer is called
his voice is that of a stranger, and they "chief born from the dead." an Israelite, meaning "a prince of
do not hear or understand. He is also "the prince of the kings God." The revelator -declares that
The blessing, grace, peace, and reve- of the earth." Because of His trium- those who have part in the first resur-
lation are declared to come "from Him phant death and resurrection, Christ rection will be "priests of God and of
for OCTOBER 5, 1926 Page Eleven
Christ, and shall reign with Him" could never forget that memorable day the hope of reward in that great day.
and also that they will be "before when, after giving them His parting Peter declared it to be the theme of "all
the throne of God, and serve Him day instruction, Jesus ascended out of their His holy prophets since the world be-
and night in His temple." Revelation midst into the cloudy chariot of angels gan." Acts 3 : 21. Paul was so thrilled
20: 6 ; 7 : 15. Christ's promise to the waiting to escort Him to Paradise. with the expectation that it was the
victor is that he shall sit with Him in Luke had described the parting scene chief topic in his sermons and epistles.
His throne and help rule the universe. as follows : "And when He had spoken It was the hope that carried him
By our sharing with Him His cross, these things, while they beheld, He was through such persecutions as few men
He will share with us His throne. The taken up ; and a cloud received Him out have endured. When the decree of
redeemed of earth will enjoy a closer of their sight. And ,while they looked Nero sent him to his martyrdom, his
relationship to God and His throne steadfastly toward heaven as He went eyes were fixed on the crown of right-
than angels and unfallen beings can up, behold, two men stood by them in eousness, which the Lord, the righteous
ever know. No wonder the victors of white apparel; which also said, Ye men Judge, shall give at that day unto all
earth are given possession of the royal of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into that love His appearing. (2 Timothy
city, the New Jerusalem, the capital of heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken 4: 8.)
the universe, into which, as kings and up from you into heaven, shall so come The present pleasure-mad and sin-
priests, they bring the glory and honor in like manner as ye have seen Him go laden generation should be sobered by
of the nations of the saved. into heaven." Acts I : 9-11. the thought that soon every eye will
"To Him be glory and dominion for- John also recalled his own record of seed Him, and all who pierce Him
ever and ever. Amen." All who long Christ's first announcement of His de- through sin will join in that bitter wail
to be citizens of a kingdom with such parture, which almost broke the hearts of the lost. But how the thought of
a ruler on the throne should join the of the disciples and brought from His His coming should quicken the pace
exiled prophet with a hearty "Amen." lips the comforting promise, "Let not and thrill the hearts of those who love
No earthly ruler remains in power long your heart be troubled : ye believe in Him and are waiting for His return !
without becoming haughty and arro- God, believe also in Me. In My
gant, and his administration filled with Father's house are many mansions: if
graft and political corruption. It is it were not so, I would have told you. AND he departed from our eyes, that
not so with the reign of King Jesus. I go to prepare a place for you. And we should return to our own hearts and
When the government of this world is if I go and prepare a place for you, I find Him there. For He departed, and
placed upon the shoulders of the Prince will come again, and receive you unto lo, He is here. He would not tarry
of Peace, "of the increase of His gov- Myself ; that where I am, there ye may long with us, yet did He never leave us.
ernment and peace there shall be no be also." John 14: 1-3. For He went back to the heaven He
end, upon the throne of David, and The fulfillment of this promise has had never quitted, because the world
upon his kingdom, to order it, and to been the hope of the church in all ages was made by Him, and He. was in this
establish it with judgment and with since Adam surrendered the dominion world, and came into this world to save
justice from henceforth even forever." of the earth to the great usurper. sinners.—Augustine.
Isaiah 9 : 6, 7, Enoch prophesied of the coming of
The prophet Daniel pictures the Christ, and Job was comforted in his
time when the God of heaven shall "set affliction with the hope of beholding IN spite of seeming discourage-
up a kingdom, which shall never be his Redeemer stand on the earth in the ments, we are never to grow faint in
destroyed," when "the saints of the latter day. David said he would be praying. An honest, persevering faith,
Most High shall take the kingdom, and satisfied when he awoke with His like- a faith that works for the very object
possess the kingdom forever, even for- ness on the resurrection morning, and that it is praying for, a faith that holds
ever and ever." Daniel 2: 44 ; 7 : 18. Daniel climaxed his great prophecies on in spite of rebuffs, is the faith that
The revelator describes the same glori- with the second advent, and died with conquers.—Theodore L. Cuvler.
ous time thus: "The kingdoms of this
world are become the kingdoms of our
Lord, and of His Christ ; and He shall
reign forever and ever." Then is given
the glad response of the redeemed host :
Eager for "WE are glad when we can spare a few copies to be
distributed among the sailors at the docks here in the
city," writes the secretary of the Buenos Aires Cor-
respondence Band. "We could use a large number
"We give Thee thanks, 0 Lord God
Almighty, which art, and wast, and art Spare among the English-speaking sailors, who are eager
for reading matter in their own language."
to some; because Thou bast taken to Far and wide over the plains and mountains of the
Thee Thy great power, and hast
reigned." Revelation II : 15, 17.
Copies Argentine Republic this little band is faithfully mail-
ing the SIGNS. Some few copies go to neighboring
countries and to the islands along the tip of South
EVERY EYE SEES HIM America.
From Medan, Sumatra, where our workers opened
"Behold, He cometh with clouds ; a series of tent meetings this spring, come words of
and every eye shall see Him, and they thanks for the aid the papers have given in helping to
also which pierced Him : and all kin- secure a large and attentive audience.
While expressing keen regret that his club had been
dreds of the earth shall wail because of cut .to only twenty-two, the principal of our West
Him. Even so, Amen." How fitting Indian Training School, Jamaica, thanks us most
that before the curtain is lifted reveal- heartily for the papers sent, and assures us that every
ing the terrible conflicts of the church one is being most carefully used. His parting word
is, "We are glad for the SIGNS, and wish we could
with the dragon, the angel of prophecy have more." He could use at least one hundred to ad-
should pass over two millenniums and vantage.
give the prophet a glimpse of the final To the cities of Burma with their towering pagodas,
triumph of Christ's kingdom !' The among the teeming millions of the plains and cities of
India, info the Himalayan foothills where the Tibetan
prophet is so enraptured with the lama and holy man of India's plains unite in repeating
thought that he cries out, "Behold, He the sacred •Bhuddist formula—in these and in many
cometh." Who cometh ? The One he others of the world's darkest corners, the SIGNS is
has just' described, who is to take the shedding its rays of light. But ever, with the words
scepter and reign forever. The One he of appreciation, comes the story of greater needs.
Wouldn't you like.to help?. Fifty SIGNS a year to any
had personally known and loved and foreign land you may choose, only $75.00; twenty-five
whose return he awaited with glad an- copies, $37.50; ten copies, $15.00; five copies, $7.50.
ticipation. The thought thrilled him Address, Cooperation Corner, SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
with joy. The parting scenes on Olivet Mountain View, California.
were still fresh in his memory. He
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 The
Revelator's
Photograph
of
CHRIST

STUDIES IN
THE BOOK OF
REVELATION
NUMBER FOUR

TAYLOR G. BUNCH

The pictures we have of

Jesus may not bear the
slightest resemblance to ,
His likeness.

H AT would the Christian world

give for a genuine photograph or
John was engaged in earnest prayer
when Jesus appeared and spoke to
him, saying, "I am Alpha and Omega,
tial beings. Abraham was a man of
prayer, .and angels visited his habita-
tion. Jacob was in prayer when a
painting of the Christ ! It would far
exceed in value the masterpieces of the the first and the last. And I turned to messenger from heaven transformed
world's greatest artists. But we have see the voice that spake with me. And his character and softened the heart of
no such picture produced by an eye- being turned, I saw seven golden his angry brother. Elijah's prayers
witness. The four Gospels are silent candlesticks; and in the midst of the closed and opened the heavens, and
regarding His physical appearance, and seven candlesticks one like unto, the called down the fiery royal chariot to
Isaiah's only reference to it in his Son of man, clothed with a garment escort him to the glory land. Daniel
graphic description of the sufferings of down to the foot, and girt about the was on his knees when Gabriel arrived
Christ is, "He hath no form nor comeli- paps with a golden girdle. His head from the throne of God to tell him he
ness; and when we shall see Him, there and His hairs were white like wool, as was greatly beloved in heaven, and to
is no beauty that we should desire white as snow; and His eyes were as a give him visions of future events.
Him." No picture could be painted flame of fire; and His feet like unto Christ was praying when He was
from this brief description. After fine brass, as if they burned in a fur- transfigured and visited by Moses and
veiling His divinity in humanity, nace; and His voice as the sound of Elijah sent from heaven to strengthen
there was nothing strikingly attractive many waters. And He had in His Him for the coming trials. Paul and
about His physical being. Men must right hand seven stars : and out of His Silas were praying at midnight when
be drawn to Him, not because of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword : an angel visitor opened the doors of the
commanding physical appearance, but and His countenance was as the sun Philippian jail, -and Stephen, the first
because of His matchless character and shineth in his strength. And when I Christian martyr, died on his knees
saving message. saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead." with a vision of the throne of God with
Revelation I: 11-17. Christ at the right hand of power. The
A WORD PHOTOGRAPH
This glorious vision was given to Revelation was given to John by his
The pictures we have of Jesus are of the exiled prophet while he was pray- royal Visitor while he was in the Spirit
doubtful origin and may not bear the ing. Only a man of prayer could be on the rock-rimmed shore of his island
slightest resemblance to His likeness. given such an experience. "Prayer is prison. God has not changed ; heav-
The revelator gives the most complete the power that moves the arm that enly beings have lost none of their in-
pen picture of Christ in all Scripture, moves the world." Praying men and terest in humanity ; and prayer has lost
but one which no artist can reproduce women have left the deepest and most none of its power. The Revelation was
on canvas. Even words are powerless lasting impressions on this sin-cursed not given without prayer, neither will
to describe Him. How those who love earth, and to them alone have been it be understood or appreciated without
Him should study and treasure this given visions of heavenly splendor and prayer.
beautiful word photograph ! the privilege of conversing with celes- Jesus introduces Himself as Alpha
Page Ten t SIGNS of the TIMES
 and Omega, meaning the first and the white hair on a venerable man or nal destiny. But the searching glance
last, being the first and the last letters woman ? of Christ does not always reveal a sin-
of the Greek alphabet. He is the A and "His eyes were as a flame of fire," polluted heart. "For the eyes of the
Z and all between of divine revelation. or "as lamps of fire" in Daniel's de- Lord run to and fro throughout the
He is introduced as the Creator in the scription. This doubtless means that whole earth, to show Himself strong in
opening verse of Genesis, and is the they are piercing, and nothing is hid- behalf of them whose heart is perfect
coming Redeemer of the closing verse den from His sight. His gaze pene- toward Him." 2 Chronicles 16 : 9.
of Malachi, and is the chief theme and trates to the darkest corner of the heart What a .welcome sight to the Lord is a
central figure of all the Old Testament and lights up sin's most secret hiding pure heart, like an oasis in the desert
scriptures between. The first verses of places. "For His eyes are upon the to the weary, thirsty traveler !
1111 the gospel narratives present Him as ways of man, and He seeth all his go- "And his feet like unto fine brass, as
the, Creator and Messiah, and the last ings. There is no darkness, nor if they burned in a furnace," or "like
verses contain the final promise of His shadow of death, where the workers silver-bronze, when it is white-hot in a
return. He is the "all and in all" of of iniquity may hide themselves." Job furnace."--Weymouth. Mirrors were
the New Testament. In a special sense 34 : 21, 22. "Neither is there any crea- anciently made of brass and copper
He is the Alpha and Omega of the last ture that is not manifest in His sight: highly polished. Perhaps this appear-
book, for it is the Revelation of Jesus but all things are naked and opened ance is caused by the reflection from
Christ. unto the eyes of Him with whom we the jeweled pavement of the throne
AGREES WITH DANIEL
have to do." Hebrews 4: 13. room as it sparkles in the brilliant light
The revelator's description of Jesus If the workers of iniquity could only from the throne. Here Lucifer's feet
is very similar to that of the prophet realize this, how different would be once shone as he "walked up and down
Daniel, who also saw Him in His su- their actions ! We wonder how the in the midst of the _ stones of fire"
pernal splendor : "Then I lifted up Lord; seeing all, can endure so much. • (Ezekiel 28: 14) ; and when the sev-
mine eyes, and looked, and behold a Only His matchless love and patient enty elders of Israel saw the Lord,
certain Man clothed in linen, whose long-suffering have stayed off His "there was under His feet as it were a
Joins were girded with fine gold of righteous judgments until all hear the paved work of a sapphire stone, and as
Uphaz : His body also was like the gospel invitation and decide their eter- (Continued on page .1t;)
beryl, and His face as the appearance
of lightning, and His eyes as lamps of K++
fire, and His arms and His feet like in
color to polished brass, and the voice
of His words like the voice of a multi-
tude." Daniel io : 5, 6. The scene had
God's INTRODUCTIONS
the same effect on both prophets. LETHA M. THURBER '
Blinded by the refulgent glory, they
fell to the ground overcome by the
vision. Can anyone read these descrip-
tions and doubt that Christ is a per-
D URING convalescence from a severe ill-
ness, a young mother sat clown at the
piano one day and began to play with
trembling fingers some .comforting hymns.
money and strength on quacks and nos-
trums. The Lord was-her only-source of
help, and in her extremity she pleaded for
sonal being ? God to hear her cry and heal her. But the
Her heart was sore with the loss of her days lengthened into weeks, and the weeks
John describes Jesus as "one like first-born; her nerves were unsteady from into months, and ever the Lord's word was,
unto the Son of man" and Daniel, as her own recent illness; she sang in a "It is good that a man should both hope and
"a certain man." He became "the seed quavering voice, and paused now and then quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."
of Abraham," clothing His divinity to wipe away the tears. Presently she The waiting was a sore trial. If only there
with human flesh that man might be came to the hymn, "We may sleep, but not was something to do while she waited ! If
able to look and live. He became one forever," and the title was so comforting she could but reach up and touch God, she
with us in our earthly battles that we that she sang the first stanza. But the knew she would be well. But where was
second was harder to sing, for it said: God? Job's words came to her, "Oh, that
might become one with Him in His
heavenly triumph. He became the Son I knew where I might find Him! . . . I go
"When we see a precious blossom forward, but He is not there ; and back-
of man and heir with us that we might That we tended with such care
ward, but I can not perceive Him." In her
become sons of God and heirs with Rudely taken from our bosom,
How our aching hearts despair." darkness and fear, in her helplessness and
Him. He shared our poverty that we inactivity, she felt as if entombed. Job had
might share His wealth, suffered our But the chorus brought its words of com- said, "If I wait, the grave is mine house,"
death that we might live His life, and fort : and as he had prayed, she entreated, "That
became our Elder Brother that we it would please God to destroy me."
"We may sleep, but not forever,
might call Jehovah our Father. Jesus There will be a glorious dawn; Though she longed for death, yet God
termed Himself the Son of man, as- We shall meet to part, no, never, seemed unjust, and she found it hard to say,
cended as the Son of man, and will On the resurrection morn." "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in
Him." There had to be days of greater
return in glory as the "same Jesus," to Gathering fresh courage from the words, darkness until, in soul agony that knew no
remain forever a member of the hu- she began the third stanza : guiding hand of reason, she said, "Lord, I
man family. For this reason His "We may sleep, but not forever, trust You with this life of mine whether I
throne is transferred to earth, and the In the lone and silent grave ;" can understand Your dealings or not. I'll
redeemed as members of the royal bear life, or death, or lingering illness."
family share in' the kingly honors. but her lips refused to form the next lines, Then God turned her captivity. He could
for they said, not work for her as long as her will was
"His head and His hairs were white
like wool, as white as snow." Daniel, "Blessed be the Lord that taketh, unsurrendered.
in describing God the Father, said His Blessed be the Lord that gave." And if it should chance that, at the mar-
riage supper of the Lamb, her seat should
"garment was white as snow, and the Sob after sob shook her body as in agony be next to Job, she will not feel as a
hair of His head like the pure wool." of entreaty she cried to the Lord to subdue stranger, for she and Job have had similar
Daniel 7: 9, 13. The Father and Son her rebellion against His will. Even as she experiences. Might it not be that, in. His
look alike, Christ being "the brightness prayed, there stole into her heart an ap- kindness, God is now acquainting you by
of His glory, and the express image of preciation of the faith, the hope, the resig- means of life's experiences with the apostles
His person." When the image of nation, on the part of Job when he could and prophets, so that you will not be lonely
is fully restored in the redeemed, who say on the death of his ten children, "The and friendless when He takes you to your
Lord gave, and the Lord bath taken away; heavenly home? God would translate into
by beholding have been "changed into blessed be the name of the Lord." .God was your life the psalms of David so that you
the same image from glory to glory," introducing Job to her. can sing with him in heaven. Let us not
they will be like their Father and Elder Several years later an incurable sickness shrink from God's introductions, but find in
Brother, who are both personal beings. fastened upon her. The physicians knew no them the voices and faces of loved ones we
What is more beautiful than snowy- help, and she was too wise to spend her shall later greet in the new earth.
for OCTOBER 1 2 , 1926 Page Eleven
 carrying on his conquests with swift- as dead, and Daniel "retained no
ness and indefatigable enterprise, and strength," fell to the ground and, when
standing without a peer among the finally bidden to arise, "stood trem-
monarchs of the East, is most fittingly
symbolized by the lion, the monarch of
N OXFORD bling." Among those with him there
was a "great quaking . . . so that they
the forest. Later, under the indolent TEACHERS' fled to hide themselves." Moses had a
similar experience when he saw the
and dissolute Belshazzar, the wings
were plucked, and the timorous heart BIBLES. glory of God, and Isaiah cried out,
of a man is indicated. Again, take the You will find an Oxford Teach- "Woe is me! for I am undone." Paul
ers' Bible, with its wonderful
bear as a symbol Of Medo-Persia. Here References and Helps, an inval-
was struck to the ground and blinded
we have a cruel and bloodthirsty na- uable aid in preparing interest- by the vision of Christ; and the appear-
ing and helpful Sunday School ance of an angel before the tomb
tion, which, though it devoured much lessons. The Helps are arranged
flesh, was never celebrated for rapid in alphabetical order, like a caused the Roman guard to fall as dead
conquests. The bear had no wings. dictionary. They are accurate, men to the ground. The wicked in the
comprehensive and up-to-date.
And if wings denote rapidity of con- great day of the Lord will cry for the
At all Book and Bible Houses
quest, four wings would indicate great or from the Publishers. rocks and mountains to fall on them
Catalog upon request.
celerity of movement. This was cer- and hide them "from the face of Him
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS that sitteth on the throne," and they
tainly true of Grecia under Alexander, AMERICAN BRANCH ,
who conquered the world in eight short 35 West 32d Street will be consumed with the spirit of His
years. New York mouth and destroyed with the bright-
Our present object; however, is not ness of His coming. See Revelation
to go deeply into the details of these 6: 13-17; 2 Thessalonians 2: 8. Only
' symbols and their counterparts in his- those who become accustomed to be-
tory, but just sufficiently to challenge holding the glory of His character now
profoundest thoughts of God and the can look upon His face then. It is far
future. As you have witnessed the un- better to fall as dead men because of a
erring response of history to the voice vision of the Christ now, than to be
of prophecy, has it not spoken to you a struck dead then. If we do not kill
in thundering tones that the Bible is sin, it will kill us. If we let sin reign
divine? How could the prophet know in our bodies, there is but one decree
years in advance that history would for us, because sin and all its dominions
furnish just four, and only four, uni- must be destroyed and Christ crowned
versal kingdoms? How did the prophet Lord of all.
know that Babylon would be followed chorus, or playing in a band or orches-
by Medo-Persia, arid that Medo-Persia tra, so well trained that it sounds like
WHO MADE THE SABBATH,
would be followed by Grecia, and that , a single voice. This text was illus-
trated at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, AND WHY?
Grecia would be followed by Rome?
where the writer heard six thousand (Continued from page 4)
The only answer to such a question is
that God is the Author of such prophe- students say grace in concert. It was as they were in the beginning; and the
cies, and that the Book is divine. Evi- the voice -of a multitude. Jesus is the seventh day being the Sabbath because
dently the blue print of prophecy has spokesman, not alone of the Godhead, of these facts, it is therefore as true
been penned by none other than the but of the unnumbered multitudes of to-day as it was in the beginning that
great Master Architect of the universe. the heavenly hosts. The harmony of the seventh day is the Sabbath of the
heaven is so great in the work of sal- Lord. And it will continue to be the
vation that the voice of Jesus ex- Sabbath as long as the above statements
THE REVELATOR'S PHOTO- presses the sentiments of .all, and His remain facts.
GRAPH OF CHRIST voice to man is the voice of a multitude. In our article next week we will note
(Continued from page 11) "Out of His mouth went a sharp what the.Scriptures have to say regard-
it were the body of heaven in his clear- two-edged sword." This is doubtless ing the first day of the week.
ness." Exodus 24: 1o. -The revelator the "sword of the Spirit, which is the
describes it "as it were a sea of glass word of God." "For the word of God
mingled with fire." No wonder is living, and active, and sharper than "SIGNS" QUESTION CORNER
Christ's feet shone like burnished brass any two-edged sword, and piercing (Continued from page 5)
as He ministered before the throne. even to the dividing of soul and spirit, well says : "Has it been commanded by
"How beautiful upon the mountains of both joints and marrow, and quick Christ or the apostles B I fear we
111 are the feet of him that bringeth good to discern the thoughts and intents of would have a hard time proving that.
tidings, that publisheth peace; that the heart." Hebrews 4: 12, A. R. V. No, it is nowhere commanded."
bringeth good tidings of good, that It was this mighty weapon in the hand Farther on, Mr. Luft writes : "Our
publisheth salvation ; that saith unto of the Holy Spirit while Peter was Lutheran Catechism says in Question
Zion, Thy God reigneth !" Isaiah 52 : preaching on the day of Pentecost that 32: 'Why, then, do we celebrate Sun-
7. The feet are here declared beautiful pricked the hearts of the multitude so day and other feasts ?' Answer: 'Not
because they carry the messengers of that they cried out, "Men and brethren, by divine command, but in order to
the good news of .salvation. Christ was what shall we do ?" That same sword have time and opportunity for public
God's messenger to earth, bringing to will one day be used to smite the na- worship.' "
lost man the good news of redemption. tions and destroy those who refuse to Can we be blamed, then, for holding
How beautiful, therefore, are the feet listen to His voice in the day of grace to the seventh-day Sabbath ? Nay, does
that carry Him from church to church and salvation. not God charge us solemnly to do so?
with messages of hope and cheer! "And His countenance was as the If our friends, prefer to observe Sun-
"And His voice as the sound of sun shineth in his strength." Daniel day simply "in order to have time and
many waters." Have you ever listened describes it "as the appearance of light- opportunity for public worship," we
to the harmonious music of a number ning," and the Twentieth Century New prefer to observe the seventh day, Sat-
of streams dashing down the mountain Testament renders it "as the sun in the urday, in harmony with the "divine
•side, their voices blending in a grand fullness of his power." No better command."
hallelujah chorus? There are no dis- earthly comparison could be found than
cords in the voices of nature. Daniel the blinding brightness of the noon-
said, "And the voice of His words like day sun, and yet the analogy is feeble, IN the economy of God, no effort,
the voice of a multitude." Like a mul- for no man can see the face of God and however small, put forth for the right
titude speaking in concert, singing in live. No wonder John fell at His feet cause, fails of its effect.—Whittier.
for OCTOBER 12,1926 Page Fifteen
 Jesus
In the Midst of the Golden Candlesticks
STUDIES IN THE BOOK
OF REVELATION—NO. FIVE
OHN was so overcome by the emn event was announced throughout
glorious vision of Jesus that he the camp of Israel by the blowing of
fell at His feet as dead. Placing TAYLOR G. BUNCH trumpets for ten days. All whose sins
His right hand on the frightened were not confessed and forgiven on
apostle, the Lord bade him arise, say- or before the Day of Atonement were
ing : "Fear not ; I am the first and the forever cut off from Israel.
last : I am He that liveth, and was In the year's services there were also
dead ; and, behold, I am alive forever- three events of outstanding importance,
more, Amen; and have the keys of namely, the Passover, Pentecost, and
hell and of death." Revelation I : 18. the Day of Atonement. These came al-
What an encouraging message to ways in their order and on definite
the exiled prophet ! He was growing dates known to all Israel.
old, and under the cruel treatment ac- The Mosaic tabernacle, with its fur-
corded such prisoners he must soon die, niture, services, and priesthood, was
perhaps a martyr's death. Jesus re- all symbolic and typical of the heavenly
minded him that He had traveled the sanctuary and the priestly ministration
road of persecution before him and had of Christ. The tabernacle was sym-
suffered martyrdom at the handy of the bolic of the royal palace ; the holy of
same cruel power, but that all the holies, of the throne room.; and the ark,
authority of the iron monarchy of of the throne of Jehovah, upheld by
Rome, with its Roman seal and cen- His constitutional law, the Decalogue.
turion guard, could not keep Him in The mercy seat symbolized Christ; the
the prison house of death. He had not cherubims, Gabriel and other mighty
only broken the bands of death, but had angels who stand next to the Lord ; and
brought with Him the keys of death the angels woven into the curtains rep-
and the grave. If the prophet should resented the angelic host surrounding
even suffer a martyr's death, the tomb His throne. The shewbread was typi-
could not hold him forever, for the cal of Christ, the bread of life ; the in-
keys were in the hands of a Friend. cense, the prayers of His saints; the
While the author of sin and death A full appreciation of the meaning of candlesticks, the churches under His
claims as his prisoners the billions who this scene necessitates a brief study of care; the court, this earth; the altar of
have died, the keys are in the keeping the Mosaic tabernacle, its furniture, burnt offerings, Calvary; and the sac-
of the Author of life, and on the resur- services, and priesthood. rificial victim, the Lamb of God.
rection morning "all that are in the The Mosaic tabernacle, or tent, was THE PLAN OF SALVATION
graves shall hear His voice, and shall eighteen by fifty-four feet, surrounded Each yearly round of service pic-
come forth; they that have done good, by an inclosure, or court. There were tured to Israel the entire plan of sal-
unto the resurrection of life ; and they two compartments, known as the holy vation and was God's means of preach-
that have done evil, unto the resurrec- place and the most holy place. The ing to them the gospel. It was typical
tion of damnation." John 5: 28, 29. court contained the altar of burnt offer- of the complete work of Christ in be-
A MESSAGE IN SYMBOLS ings; and,the holy place, the table of half of fallen man, His atonement on
shewbread, the seven candlesticks, or Calvary, His priestly ministry in the
Thus encouraged, the prophet was lamp stands, and the altar of incense.
ready for further instruction. "Write In the holy of holies was the ark of the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary,
the things which thou hast seen, and covenant containing the Ten Com- and the great day of judgment which
the things which are, and the things mandments. Its covering, known as closes His ministry before the throne
which shall be hereafter ; the mystery the mercy seat, was overshadowed by of the Eternal. See Hebrews 8 and 9.
of the seven stars which thou sawest in the two covering cherubs with out- The mediatorial work of our great
My right hand, and the seven golden stretched wings. Into the wall cur- High Priest, like that of the typical
candlesticks. The seven stars are the tains was skillfully woven the likeness priest, is composed of three parts. The
angels of the seven churches : and the of myriads of angels. first, to meet the type, must take place
seven candlesticks which thou sawest in the court of the heavenly sanctuary,
are the seven churches." THREE PARTS TO SERVICES which, according to Revelation II : I, 2,
Thus is explained the vision of the The services were composed of three is this earth. Here the sinner confesses
Son of man, dressed in a long, flowing parts, the first being in the court where his sins, and here the antitypical Lamb
robe with a golden girdle, holding the the confessions for sin were made and suffered "without the gate" and was
seven stars in His right hand, and the sacrificial victims slain. The sec- offered on Calvary's altar, and here,
walking about in the midst of the seven ond was in the holy place, and was too, Christ's priestly service began.
golden candlesticks. The sharp two- known as the daily, or continual, serv- After His ascension Jesus entered
edged sword proceeding out of His ice because the priests were always on the holy place, where the revelator sees
mouth indicates that He is speaking. duty, ministering for the people. The Him as priest ministering His own
The garments worn by Christ are not third and final service was held in the blood, and officiating as the only
described to satisfy idle curiosity. holy of holies on the tenth day of the Mediator between God and man. Here
Every statement of Scripture is fertile seventh month, which concluded the for more than eighteen centuries our
with meaning. His dress is clearly yearly round of service. This was faithful High Priest carried on His
the sacerdotal attire of a priest. Jesus known as the Day of Atonement, or the daily, or continual, service, in the
is seen officiating in a priestly office. cleansing of the sanctuary. This sol- (Continued on page 13)
for OCTOBER 16, 1926 Page Seven
His days Judah shall be saved, and "We do not call Him the Saviour, "When the even was come, they
Israel shall dwell safely : and this is His because we are certain that humanity brought unto Him many that were pos-
name whereby He shall be called, THE has had as many saviors as it has had sessed with devils : and He cast out the
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." truly good men and women." spirits with His word, and healed all
Jeremiah 23: 5, 6. Is this statement true? Is it sub- that were sick." Verse 16.
"For unto us a Child is born, unto stantiated in the experience of human "And He took the damsel by the
us a Son is given; and the government history ? Since the scholars and sci- hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi ;
shall be upon His shoulder : and His entists are dependent for their infor- which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I
name shall be called Wonderful, Coun- mation concerning Christ on the New say unto thee, arise. And straightway
selor, The mighty God, The everlast- Testament, let us turn and ascertain if the damsel arose, and walked. . . .
ing Father, The Prince of Peace." that book will harmonize with such a And they were astonished with a great
Isaiah 9 : 6. view. ' astonishment." Verses 41, 42.
"Know therefore and understand, Here is the testimony of a blind man ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY
that from the going forth of the com- whose eyes Christ opened. He said:
"Since the world began was it not These are but few of many testis
mandment to restore and to build Je- monies borne by eyewitnesses when
rusalem unto the Messiah the Prince heard that any man opened the eyes of
one that was born blind ?" John 9 : 32. Christ healed the sick, raised the dead,
shall be seven weeks, and threescore and performed multitudes of miracles
and two weeks." Daniel 9: 25. No man ever did what Christ per-
formed when here on earth. One pur- and wonders. Repeatedly the New
How can language be more clear, Testament states He 'healed immedi-
verbage more erudite, words more pose of His coming to earth was to re-
create men. ately, instantly, at once, straightway,
simple, than these expressed in the the same hour. There was no evolu-
foregoing scriptures? The common "Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature." 2 Corinthians tion about the work of Christ. He
people can comprehend them, and the gave men evidence of the method God
learned must find them charming to 5 : 17.
INSTANTANEOUS EFFECT employed at creation. Jesus did on
apprehend. earth while here what He did for earth
Among the Hebrew people, the de- How did Christ perform these won- before He clothed His divinity with a'
positaries of the sacred oracles, for ders? Did He operate by a •long- garb of humanity. God was manifest
centuries there was maintained the be- drawn-out "process ? Were the benefi- in human flesh. He used the same
lief' that Messiah is foretold in the ciaries of His divine philanthropy methods in His redemptive work that
Bible. - Every pibus, devout son of obliged to wait days, weeks, months, -He put forth in His creative work.
Abraham will pray often and with years, decades, centuries, millenniums, God, in Christ on earth, worked as He
fervency for His coming. What leads before they obtained relief ? Had through Christ, did in the beginning.
him to do this? Why has he prayed, these sick, blind, lame, maimed, halt, to Jesus gave to the race abundance of
sung, hoped for it, for centuries sighed pass through a series of slow, endless evidence that the mighty power of God
for the time? He knows that this processes before they were made was manifest through direct creation
teaching has been bequeathed to the whole ?. Such is not the record of the rather than by a process of evolution.
Hebrew posterity as a sacred legacy. New Testament. Creation, as the Bible teaches, de-
A SIGNIFICANT SATURDAY-NIGHT
"Immediately his leprosy was clares a personal God, a loving divine
SERVICE
cleansed." Matthew 8 : 3. Saviour, a direct individual salvation.
At the close of the Sabbath, on Sat- It encourages and assures men that
urday evening, every pious orthodox there is help for the needy and tried
Jewish home conducts a beautiful fam- and tempted soul in the gift which God
ily service. The father of the house gave through the Lord Jesus.
will pronounce a blessing over a glass Evolution denies a living God, a
of sweet wine, part of which blessing loving Saviour, a Friend in a time of
contains verses two and • three of need. It sends men to cold rocks, to
Isaiah 12. We here give a literal trans- barren hills, to desolate tombs, to de-
lation of the Hebrew text: cayed fungi for comfort and consola-
"Behold, God my Saviour, I will tion. It has no rainbow of promise
trust and not fear ; for my strength and around a glorious high throne, and it
song is Jehovah the Lord ; and to me offers neither cheer nor grace for the
has become to a Saviour. And ye shall The Brighter Way poor, afflicted, storm-tossed soul strug-
draw water in joy from the wells of gling in the midst of a surging sea of
ROBERT HARE human sorrow. It offers no pardon for
salvation."
There is a sweet, sweet thought in my sin ; it pictures no sinless redeemed
It is deeply significant that the words soul to-day,
"Saviour" and "salvation" in these two It rings in my heart bright and clear, heavens and earth. The Creator and
verses are derived from the identical And it whispers, "However the shadows Redeemer has assured every trusting,
may fall, trembling, confiding soul who accepts
word "Jesus." The Hebrew word When the sun shines they all disappear."
Ya-shu-a literally/ means, Jesus. Thus Oh, then let the beautiful sunshine in, the testimony of the Bible that for
As it comes to brighten life's way; such there is a blessed and a wonderful
the pious Jew located in every part of Oh, yes, let the beautiful sunshine in,
the world repeats the word, "Jesus" God's gift for every day. future which eye bath not seen, nor
each Saturday evening three times, at ear heard, nor the heart of man de-
There is a sweet, sweet song that my heart vised. "Glorious things are spoken of
this service which divides the Sabbath would sing,
from the week. How can a child of By day or darkened night,— thee, 0 city of God." Psalm 87 : 3.
Abraham believe in evolution ? What "My Father knows, my Father cares,
And He will make all bright."
relationship can possibly exist between Sing on, weary heart, sing on and be glad, JESUS IN THE MIDST OF THE
evolution and such definite, concrete, However the shadows fall; GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS
The love that would meet,your every need,
divine instruction with regard to a per- Is Master and Lord of all. (Continued from page 10)
sonal Messiah as given to the Jewish midst of the seven golden candlesticks,
people through the prophets ? There's a sweet, sweet peace fills my soul symbolic of His churches.
to-day,
The Bible offers such indubitable Deep as the flowing sea; The third and final ministration of
proof by the life of Jesus, on earth as And o'er it the starlights rise and set, Christ is in the holy of holies, before
While dawnings kiss the lea.
forever to preclude the theory of evolu- But chance of time can never change, the throne of Jehovah, where is carried
tion having anything in common with However lights may dint,. on the solemn work of judgment. The
That peace abides, like the peace of God, prophet Daniel describes this awe-
creation. Dr. Abraham M. Rihbany, Sweet as love's morning hymn.
an Evolutionist, expresses himself thus inspiring scene : "I beheld till the
with regard to Christ : thrones were cast down, and the An-
for OCTOBER 19,1 9 2 6 Page Thirteen
 amined and cleansed, and the work of TRYING TO BLUE-LAW
redemption is completed. These events ENGLAND
waratur
must also take place in the order given, (Continued front page J)
AM BATCA.3 PAORHETIC
Advocating a return to the simple
with the dates definitely known to the ries that it needs no further proof. We
gospel of Christ, and a preparation church. Daniel's great twenty-three- strongly believe that every human be-
for His imminent second appearing
hundred-day time prophecy not only ing should enjoy a weekly Sabbath;
EDITORS definitely locates these dates, but they and we are in entire sympathy with all
A. 0. TAIT A. L. BAKER F. D. NICHOL
CIRCULATION MANAGER
were also announced by heaven-sent the beautiful expressions used by the
J. R. FERREN messengers blowing the gospel trumpet. A. D. S. concerning this principle.
Vol. 53, No. 41 October 19, 1926
John the Baptist heralded the message Where we differ fundamentally with
Mountain View, California of the first advent, and pointed to Je- the Alliance is in the day that they seek
sus as the Lamb of God. The apostles to defend. The fact is that Sunday has
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
on the day of Pentecost, with a mighty no place whatever in the divine pro-
• Single yearly subscription, $2.00; six months,
demonstration, witnessed to the begin- gram. It is a papal institution, passed
$1.00. ning of Christ's heavenly ministration. on to the modern churches, with other
Club rates. To U. S. A. and all countries where The day of judgment was heralded
pound mailing rates apply, five or more copies to errors, at the time of the Reformation.
one name and address, each $1.25; to Canada and with trumpet tones, by the great reli- The only Sabbath known in Bible
all other countries taking extra postage, five or
more copies to one name and address, each $1.50. gious movement between 1833 and times was the seventh-day Sabbath,
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS
1844 A. D. The judgment-hour mes- now commonly called Saturday; and it
.Expiration. All issues for the month named on sage that completes the gospel work is was that day that was observed by
the top line of your address label are included in pictured in Revelation 14 : 6-14. Christ and the apostles, and indeed by
your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, the
paper stops at expiration date. How appropriate the symbols em- all the people of God from the days of
Change of address. Please give both old and ployed in the vision given the seer of creation onward. "Remember the Sab-
new address.
No papers are sent except on paid subscriptions, Patmos ! A candlestick, or lamp stand, bath day, to keep it holy," says the
so persons receiving the "Signs of the Times" with- as a light bearer, beautifully represents
out having subscribed may feel perfectly free to fourth commandment. "Six days shalt
accept it. the church as the light of the world thou labor, and do all thy work : but
given to hold aloft the torchlight of the seventh day is the Sabbath of the
truth. Christ is walking about in the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do
cient of Days did sit, whose garment midst of His churches, furnishing the any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy
was white as snow, and the hair of His oil that keeps the lights burning. He daughter, thy manservant, nor thy
head like the pure wool: His throne is giving them His word, represented maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy
was like the fiery flame, and His wheels by the sharp two-edged sword proceed- stranger that is within thy gates : for
as burning fire. A fiery stream issued ing out of His mouth. In His right in six days the Lord made heaven and
and came forth from before Him: hand He holds the seven stars called earth, the sea, and all that in them is,
thousand thousands ministered unto the angels of the seven churches. The and rested the seventh day: wherefore
Him, and ten thousand times ten thou- Emphatic Diaglot renders it "messen- the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and
sand stood before Him: the judgment gers," and the Weymouth Translation, hallowed it." Exodus zo: 8-11.
was set, and the books were opened. I "ministers." They are the pastors, The Puritan Sunday having now be-
saw in the night visions, and, behold, elders, or ministers, of the churches, come hopelessly a back number, may
one like the Son of man came with the represented as angels who are God's we not well ask if the time has not
clouds of heaven, and came to the messengers sent forth to minister to come for a return to the real Sabbath
Ancient of Days, and they brought the heirs of salvation. The priest was of God's commandment?
Him near before Him. And there was declared to be "the messenger of the It seems to us that one of the main
given Him dominion, and glory, and a Lord of hosts," and church officials are troubles with the A. D. S. is that its
kingdom, that all people, nations, and represented as stars. letters are in the wrong order. The
languages, should serve Him : His As Christ visits among the churches, energies of this alliance are being mis-
dominion is an everlasting dominion, He upholds His ministers, or ambas- directed. 'Instead of launching a for-
which shall not pass away, and His sadors, who preach His word ; and the lorn' hope in defense of Sunday, it
kingdom that which shall ,not be de- word preached is represented as pro- should join the Society for the Defense
stroyed." Daniel 7: 9, To, 13, 14. ceeding out of His mouth. What a of the Sabbath. Then its supporters
• Chapters eight and nine of Daniel's revelation of Christ's love and watch- would find themselves on the side of
prophecy again picture the judgment care over the church, the purchase of God, and, using God's methods, might
scene and designate it the cleansing of His blood ! The figure illustrates His rightly expect His blessing.
the sanctuary. They also definitely lo- eternal vigilance. He that keepeth When we get back to defending
cate the time when Christ would pass Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. He God's Sabbath instead of endeavoring
from the first to the second apartment walks from church to church, from to bolster up an institution that He has
of the heavenly temple to begin the congregation to congregation, from never authorized or sanctified, we may
antitypical day of atonement. At the heart to heart. His presence is the expect the divine approval to rest upon
close of the investigative judgment, the source of our light and life and joy. our endeavors.
announcement goes forth, "It is done." s

Our High Priest lays aside His priestly

robes, puts on His kingly crown ; and
human probation has forever ended. sign Here for the "SIGNS"
All who have refused the offered sal-
vation are forever cut off from the 1926
heavenly kingdom. With no longer To "Signs of the Times,"
a Mediator between an offended God Mountain View, California,
and His broken law, His wrath, un-
mixed with mercy, is visited upon the For the inclosed remittance, please enter my name for "Signs" sub-
wicked in the seven last plagues. scription as checked below.
The three great events antitypical of • Check
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_
Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES
Unto the Church at Ephesus
U
NTO the angel of the church of Ephe- STUDIES IN THE beautiful harbor on the coast, protected by
sus write; These things saith He BOOK OF a high hill and a narrow channel, Ephesus
that holdeth the seven stars in His was the leading trading city of the province
right hand, who walketh in the REVELATION of Asia. There the ships of all nations
midst of the seven golden candlesticks ; I NUMBER SIX found a peaceful haven. By imperial edict,
know thy works, and thy •labor, and thy Ephesus was made the gateway to the prov-
patience, and how thou canst not bear them ince of Asia for the Roman officials.
which are evil: and thou hast tried them TAYLOR G. BUNCH The city was adorned with beautiful
which say they are apostles, and are not, and temples built by Nero, Hadrian; and Servius,
hast found them liars: and haSt borne, and together, make up His whole outward and besides the great "Diana of the Ephesians."
hast patience, and for My name's sake hast visible character."—Sir William Ramsay. This magnificent temple, dedicated to the
labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless A comparison of the prophet's previous goddess Diana, one of the chief deities of
I have somewhat against thee, because thou vision of Christ with the introductions of the province, was 342 feet long and 164 feet
bast left thy first love. Remember therefore the seven epistles proves true the above wide, and. has been designated one of the
from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and statement. Each of the seven letters is also wonders of the ancient world. Its fame was
do the first works; or else I will come unto divided into seven parts ; namely, (t) the described by Demetrius in his passionate
thee quickly, and will remove thy candle- name of the recipient, (2) the name of the defense of his trade being ruined by the
stick out of his Place, except thou repent. sender, or author, (3) commendation, (4) preathing of. Paul. "So that not only this
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds condemnation or reproof, (5) exhortation, our craft is in danger to be set at naught;
of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. He (6) appeal, and (7) promise of reward. The but also that the temple of the great goddess
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit only variation to this order is that in the Diana should be despised, and her magnifi-
cence should be destroyed, whom all Asia
and the world worshipeth." Acts 19 :27_
THE "CITY OF CHANGE"
But the„ city of Ephesus underwent a sad'
change. The harbor gradually filled with,
sediment, carried from the mountains by the
stream flowing into it, and the city was com-
pelled to move several times to follow ,t,he
receding waters. To-day the site of the once
proud Ephesus is six miles inland, and the
entrance to the harbor a shallow sandy
beach unapproachable by ships. The once
beautiful harbor is now a pestilential morass
covered with mud and rushes. The harbor
was abandoned during the fourth and fifth
centuries A. D:, and the city suffered a simi-
lar fate, and is now a part of the desert
waste. It was indeed the "city of change."
2. The history of the local church. The
Ephesian church was orgabized by the
apostle Paul in A. D. 56 with twelve charter
members, who, after being baptized; re-
ceived the Holy Spirit and the gift of
tongues. As the result of. Paul's preaching,
the Whole city was stirred. The people were
under such conviction that they brought out
their books of magic, dealing with sorcery,
and burned them in the public square. The
value of the writings was estimated at more
than $28,000. So many of the citizens for-
Underwood sook their idols that the silversmiths were
In the pool are the remains of Diana's temple at Ephesus, as it looks to-day. On the horizon alarmed, and Demetrius and his fellow
line at the extreme left is an old Roman fort. craftsmen caused a riot that made it neces-
sary for Paul to leave the city. The apostle's
saith unto the churches; To him that over- first three letters the appeal precedes the letter to the church of Ephesus indicates a
cometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, reward, and in the last four it follows. large and flourishing congregation in that
which is in the midst of the Paradise of The speaker introduces Himself as the city. The members were noted for their
God." Revelation 2 : 1-7. One who walks about among the churches, love, unity, liberality, and missionary zeal.
keeping the lights burning and upholding ' THE CHANGE IN THE CHURCH
MORE THAN LOCAL
His ministers, symbolized by the seven stars But there came a change. Their love
Let us not forget that the seven churches in ,His right hand. waxed cold, their zeal diminished, and strife
named are representatives of the entire gos- The letter is for the church of Ephesus, and dissension took the place of unity and
pel church between the first and second and is sent to the angel, or minister, of the brotherly love. False doctrines and teachers
advents. Each of the letters to the seven church, who, as shepherd of the flock, is the multiplied regardless of the warnings and
churches has a threefold application, giving proper person to receive the message and entreaties of Paul. When the apostle called
a prophetic history of the city, local church, deliver it to the congregation. the elders of the Ephesian church to meet
and a certain period of the history of the The word Ephesus has two meanings : him at Miletus, he solemnly warned them of
church universal. The seven letters picture first, "desirable," and second, "city of the sure results of such a course. See Acts
the history of the Christian church from the change," indicating that time would •bring a 20: 29-31. In an epistle sent later, he urged
days of the apostles to the second advent of change from that which in the beginning them to "be no more children, tossed to and
Christ, in seven periods. was desirable. These definitions accurately fro, and carried about with every wind of
"Corresponding to this sevenfold•division describe: 1. The history of the city of Ephe- doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
of the church, the outward appearance of sus. Built long before Christ, the city craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to de-
the divine Author of the seven letters is enjoyed several centuries of prosperity, and ceive." Ephesians 4: 14.
divided into seven groups of attributes; and was a very desirable dwelling place. Stamped The church gradually decreased in mem-
one group of attributes is assumed by Him on coins found in her ruins was the honor- bership, was finally disbanded, and disap-
in addressing each of the seven churches, able title, "The first and greatest metropolis peared with the city.
so that the openings of the seven letters, put of Asia." Being a seaport with the most (Continued on page 10)
for NO. VEMBER'2, 1926 Page Seven
 UNTO THE CHURCH AT threat was literally carried out, and the ous the reward. Later in the book the reve-
early church, losing its torchlight, plunged lator locates the Paradise of God as being
EPHESUS the world into the Dark Ages. around His throne. Man lost his right to
(Continued from page 7) The Master appeals to all who have ears, the tree of life in the Eden paradise because
3. The history of the first century of the to take heed to His message. To reject it is of disobedience and defeat. He will regain
universal Christian church. How strikingly to spurn the pleadings of that mighty agency his lost heritage by obedience and victory.
similar to the history of. the local church! of salvation, the Holy Spirit; a danger that What an eloquent appeal for the church
Organized with twelve charter members, will surely lead to the unpardonable sin. of Ephesus to repent! but it fell on deaf
filled with the Holy Spirit as a result of the The epistle closes with the offer of a rich ears. The candlestick had to be removed.
upper-room experience, the apostolic church reward to all who take the message to heart This plaintive appeal and fearful warning
went forth conquering and to conquer. The and reform. To the overcomer, or con- applies with equal force to the modern
gift of tongues helped them reach the mul- queror, is promised the fruit of the tree of church. She, too, has lost that first love
titudes with their mighty, message on the life "in the midst of the Paradise of God." experience with its love-works, and neither
day of Pentecost, and three thousand new Victory never comes without a struggle; loves nor acts as she did at first. Shall we
members were added. Jerusalem was filled and the harder the contest, the more glori- permit history to repeat itself?
with their doctrine, and the authorities with
rage. Their prestige and income being
threatened, they began a relentless persecu-
tion that watered with the blood of martyrs
the seeds of gospel truth. The church, how-
ever, greatly prospered, and was character-
ized by love, unity, a pure faith, and an
unflagging missionary zeal.
But toward the end of the century this
desirable condition changed. Love, zeal, and
power waned, and false teachers and doc-,
trines multiplied. Paul, writing to the Thes-
salonian church in A. 0. 54, declared. "The
mystery of iniquity cloth already work." At
that early date the great apostasy had set in.
Christ first commends the church for its
works, labor, patience, hatred of evildoers,
and its ability to test false apostles. He
said, "I know your doings."—Weymouth.
He had been an unseen guest in their
assemblies and at their firesides. He was
Will You Be Elected?
acquainted with the spiritual condition of S. H. CARNAHA
every member. Nothing is hidden from
Him, whose eyes are "as lamps of fire." He RoINARILv when one speaks of "the in being chosen. or in choosing, is to believe
hears and sees all. He appreciated their
patient endurance during the cruel persecu-
tions of Nero and Domitian. False apostles,
arrayed in sheep's clothing, were increasing;
O election" we think of some local,
state, or national office to be filled.
There are appointed times in which
individuals are chosen by their fellow beings
and submit. (Compare Acts 16: 3o, 31; 2 :
37, 38; Hebrews n : 6; James 4 : 7, 8.)
Those who are chosen and predestinated,
or elected, are chosen in Christ Jesus, and
but the church had become expert in weigh- to places of trust and service in the county, have redemption through His blood. (Ephe-
ing them in the balances of Scripture, and state, or nation, or in some society or chtfrch sians 7; 1 Peter I: 18, 19.) And
finding them wanting. The same commenda- work. For these positions there may be there is "none other name" or means
tion applies to the church to-day that imi- many candidates ; but all can not be elected : whereby we can be saved. (Acts 4: 12.)
tates their example. as, says the apostle, "they which run in a The Lord has such care for His elect that
LEFT FIRST LOVE race run all, %but one receiveth the prize." during the great periods of persecution He
After praising them for their virtues, like 1 Corinthians 9: 24. cut the days short lest His chosen people
a true friend and faithful shepherd, Jesus "Now they do it to obtain a corruptible perish. And also in the last days of perilous
reproves them for their faults. How tact- crown," or temporal honors. But there is times, when Satan, knowing his time. is
fully He says: "Nevertheless I have some- another election which is of far greater im- short, will work with greater energy and
what against thee, because thou hast left portance—one of which the crown is "an lying wonders to deceive, if possible, the
thy first love," or "that you no longer love incorruptible" one, a position to which we elect, God will work especially for them,
Me as you did at first."—Weymouth. Their are chosen, not by our fellow beings, but by and at last send His angels to gather His
love had not become extinguished ; it had our Creator and Redeemer for eternity. elect from the uttermost parts of the earth.
diminished and become lukewarm. They (Mark 13 : 20, 22, 27; 2 Thessalonians 2:
Now to what are we chosen? We are
had lost their first-love experience. Christ's 7-10; I Peter 5 : 8.)
chosen a purchased or "peculiar people," "an
love was unchanged; the coldness was on The Lord, through His apostles, admon-
holy nation," and "a royal priesthood" (I
the part of the church. Jesus and the church ishes His people to "give diligence" to make
Peter 2: 9), chosen "to salvation through
are represented in the Bible as husband and their "calling and election sure ;" and to
sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the
wife, because they are bound together by develop the various Christian virtues in
truth" (2 Thessalonians 2: 13).
the same love ties. Christ exhorts His bride their experiences. (2 Peter I : 1o, 5-8.) For
"Many are called, but few are chosen." "as He which called you is holy, so be ye
to remember their first happy love experi- Matthew 22: 14. All are called to be candi-
ence, repent of her relaxed affections, and holy." I Peter 1 : 15. And every person that
dates to be elected or chosen. However, our hath this hope will purify himself, even as
return to that blissful experience from election does not depend upon our friends
which she had fallen. He calls for a speedy God is pure; for whosoever transgresseth
who may vote for us; but rather upon our God's law committeth sin. (I John 3: 3, 4.)
return to the love-works that characterized own choice in the matter.
the love-state. "Repent, and live the life you The only way we can accomplish this and
lived before" is the rendering of the Twen- Jesus, speaking to Martha of her sister be among God's elect is by obeying the truth.
tieth Century New Testament; and "Repent Mary, said : "Mary bath chosen that good (I Peter 2: 22.) God's word and law are the
at once, and act as you did at first" is the part, which shall not be taken away from truth. (Read John 17: 17; Psalm 119: 142,
Weymouth translation. There can be no her," the "one thing . . . needful." Luke 151; 19: 9, ro.) "And every man that striv-
love-works without love, and love can not 1o: 42. Joshua, that faithful spy in ancient eth for the mastery is temperate in all
be produced by works. If the church would Israel, said to his people : "Choose you this things." i Corinthians 9: 25.
renew her acquaintance with Christ and fall day whom ye will serve : . . . but as for "Even so then at this present time also
in love with Him again, the works of love me and my house, we will serve the Lord." there is a remnant according to the election
would naturally follow. Joshua 24: 15. of grace." Romans II : 5. And this remnant
The situation is so grave that He threat- We are called by the gospel—that is, by of the seed of the church are they which
ens to remove the candlestick unless there the good news of salvation. "God so loved keep the commandments of God and have
is a reformation. The church would be de- the world, that He gave His only-begotten the testimony and faith of Jesus Christ.
prived of the privilege of being the light of Son, that whosoever believeth in Him (Revelation 12 : 17; 14: 12.)
the world. He would take from her His should not perish, but have everlasting Shall you and I have a part in this
message and intrust it to another. This life." John 3: 16. The part we have to do election?
Page Ten SIGNS of the TIMES
 Smyrna as it looks
to-day. In this city
survives the only
one of the. seven
churches to which
John wrote.
Underwood

The Message to SMYRN A

Dunto the angel of the church in STUDIES IN mercial and imperial postmen, and
Smyrna write; These things without doubt John had often taken it
AN saith the first and the last,
which was dead, and is alive ; I know
THE BOOK OF
REVELATION in visiting the churches of the prov-
ince. Doubtless this is one reason
thy works, and tribulation, and pov- NUMBER SEVEN only seven .letters were sent, as the
erty, (but thou art rich) and I know other churches were off the post road.
the blasphemy of them which say they TAYLOR G BUNCH The message to Smyrna contained a
are Jews, and are not, but are the syna- prophetic history of the city, the local
gogue of Satan. Fear none of those church, and the Smyrna period of 'the
things which thou shalt suffer : behold, lem had made important decisions af- universal Christian church. The name
the devil shall cast some of you into fecting the gentile converts, the letter Smyrna has two meanings. (I) Myrrh,
prison, that ye may be tried ; and ye was sent to them by Paul and Bar- a small shrub that grew in Arabia used
shall have tribulation ten days : be thou nabas. (2) By messengers employed as a healing balm, having a bitter taste
faithful unto death, and I will give by commercial organizations. These but a very fragrant odor. The more it
thee a crown of life. He that bath an agents could be hired to carry private was bruised and crushed, the more
ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith letters to places along their route. (3) fragrant it became. Smyrna means
unto the churches ; He that overcom- Letters could also be sent by imperial "more fragrant by being crushed."
eth shall not be hurt of the second and provincial postmen. The Roman (2) "The city of life." It was to be
death." Revelation 2: 8-11. officials were continually sending mes- crushed, but not killed ; persecuted al-
• sengers to all parts of the world. This
WHY IN THIS ORDER? most to death, but still live. The
was doubtless the method employed by promise is, "I will give thee a crown
Why were the seven letters sent in John, as it is unlikely that he could hire of life."
the order named ? Every detail of a private messenger while in a Roman
Scripture has a meaning. Inspiration penitentiary, or that commercial firms • "THE CITY OF LIFE"
does not throw things together in a would be carrying on trade with barren The writer introduces Himself as the
haphazard manner. There is a reason Patmos. One who "was dead, and is alive," or
for sending the messages in the order Ephesus was about fifty miles north- "He who died and has returned to
given. A study of the map of the prov- east of Patmos, and, being the nearest, life," Weymouth's translation. He
ince will show that the seven cities received the first epistle. Ephesus was promises that those who would be
were located in a sort of circle, and also the imperial gateway of the prov- faithful unto death would be given a
they were named in the order in which ince. Running north up the coast was crown of life. The very introduction
a messenger sent from Patmos would the great Roman highway, built be- of the Smyrna letter is full of meaning.
deliver the messages. tween 133 and 13o s. c., passing It indicates a death and a renewed life,
Methods of transmitting mail then through Smyrna and Pergamos. From or a resurrection. And. such was the
were far different from our modern Pergamos had been built an imperial history of the city of Smyrna. The city
postal system. There were three means post road eastward through Thyatira, had a feature which was a cause of
of sending messages. ( 1 ) By private Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, special pride to all its citizens. In its
messenger. Most of Paul's epistles where it joined another road direct midst was a round hill called Pagus.
were carried to the churches in that from Ephesus, thus forming a circle. Encircling this hill was the principal
way; and when the council at Jerusa- This was a recognized circuit for corn- street of the city, with its garland of
for NOVEMBER 9, 1926 Page Eleven
splendid buildings. Because of its tians- had their property confiscated; The Smyrna message pictures a
splendor, .it was called the "Street of they were banished and otherwise terrible period of persecution. The
Gold" or the "Crown of Gold." The cruelly persecuted. Christ was ac- Roman emperor was "Pontifex Maxi-
citizens often referred to it as "the quainted with all their tribulations, and mus," or high priest and guardian of
crown of Smyrna." When Apollonius saw every indignity heaped upon them. the pagan religion. He was the "pro-
visited the city, he advised the proud "But thou art rich." This sounds like tector of the Roman gods." The
citizens to prefer a crown of splendid a contradiction. How is it possible to spread of Christianity endangered the
men rather than a crown of magnifi- be poverty-stricken and rich at the religion of Rome, and was considered
cent buildings. The promise "I will same time ? There is more than one high treason against the government.
give thee a crown of life" had a pe- kind of poverty, and more than one Beginning with Nero, Domitian, and
culiar meaning to the members of the kind of riches. Some of this world's Trajan, ten emperors attempted to
Smyrna church. richest men, in earthly goods, are the stem the progress of the new religion. •
"Which was dead, and is alive," or poorest in heavenly treasures, and The last and most bloody of the perse-
"is restored to life," Twentieth Cen- some of the poorest here below are cutions was by Diocletian, which was
tury New Testament. Smyrna was a reckoned the most wealthy in heaven to continue for ten prophetic days or
very ancient city, with an unknown above. ( James 2 : 5.)._ literal years. (See Ezekiel 4: 6.) This
origin but an eventful history. It was The church during this period would bitter attack began in 302 A. D. and
captured and destroyed by the Lydians be troubled with false disciples, "which ended in 312. It was the last desperate
in the year 600 B. c. Then it lay in attempt of Satan to check the spread
ruins 40o years. It was dead. The city, of Christianity by persectitions. Christ
however, was rebuilt by the Greeks, places the full responsibility of this
and soon became a flourishing center. persecution on the devil.
Constleinople,
Under Roman rule, it was one of the NO REPROOF
finest cities of Asia, containing a large Sae, Mbrt"o ca
.No reproof is given the Smyrna
and prosperous Christian church. church. It was a trying period, and
Smyrna was destroyed by earthquake they needed encouragement. It was
in the year 178 A. 1/, eighty years after wise to overlook faults during such se-
.0
receiving this letter. It was again :4 •
vere trials and help them through by
crushed to death, but was not destined Pergamos
saying, "Be of good courage." Then,
to remain dead, for it was the "city of etThijatira.
too, their faults were few. The church
life." It was rebuilt by the Roman Sardis was purified by the fires of persecution,
Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and "re- gm* "-Cebilaclelphia
phosus and brought back to its first love and
stored to life" with even more than its works, lost during the close of the
former splendor. The city later suf- ""''''''''''"''' •
Ephesus period. The church was
fered severely from earthquakes, fires, "more fragrant by being crushed."
and besieging armies. It was several The crushings were blessings in dis-
times captured ; but although often guise, for the more the church was
crushed and twice killed, Smyrna al- persecuted, the more fragrant was its
ways rose from the ruins and bruises influence. Like the Israelites, "the
with increasing life and glory. It now more they afflicted them, the more they
has a population estimated at 350,000, multiplied and grew." Exodus I : 12.
with an increasing prosperity. It is the Map showing the island of Patmos, from It is fiery trials that makes golden
only one of the seven cities still in ex- which John wrote his letters, and the
Christians. It takes the fire to burn out
seven churches to which they were sent.
istence. It has lived through passing the dross and make pure gold. Joseph,
centuries and the changing kingdoms
say they are Jews, and are not." This Moses, David, Daniel, John, and the
of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Lydia, Gre-
is one of the three scriptures where the greatest characters of earth were de-
cia, Rome, and Turkey. It is the "city
name Jew is used to represent the true veloped into the likeness of Christ in
of life."
Christian. ( See Revelation 3 : 9 ; Ro- the dark room of adversity. It is per-
PERSECUTED EVEN TO THIS DAY mans 2 : 28, 29.) The term Israel, secution that purifies the remnant of
The local church in Smyrna has re- however, is more appropriate, and is the church for the second coming of
peatedly been crushed by bitter perse- often used in both the Old and the New Christ, bringing it back to its first love,
cution and several times destroyed, but Testament to designate the church of faith, and works. It is to go through
it has always been restored to life. It God. The name had its origin the night great tribulation and be made white in
felt the full force of the cruel persecu-
tions by the pagan Roman emperors.
When the city was captured by the
Turks, its Christian citizens were mas-
Jacob wrestled with the A,ngel. His
character being changed, God changed
his name from Jacob, a deceiver and
supplanter, to Israel, an overcomer and
the blood of the Lamb, so that it is
without "spot, or wrinkle."
Prosperity has always been the
church's greatest foe, and persecution
•
sacred. The recent capture of Smyrna prince of God. All true Christians its greatest friend, even though coining
by the Young Turks, and the massa- must be overcomers and sons of God, in disguise.
cres and deportations that followed, or Israelites. The reward offered to the overcomer
are still fresh in our memories. But The spurious brethren were declared during this period of persecution and
the Christian church in Smyrna still to be of the synagogue, or church, of death was a crown of eternal life and
lives, and will doubtless continue until Satan. Satan has a church, divinely exemption from the second death. The
Christ 'returns. termed, "Mystery, Babylon the Great, first death comes to all, but is tempo-
The Smyrna period of the universal the Mother of Harlots and Abomina- rary. It is ended by the resurrection.
church was from the death of the tions of the Earth." Revelation 17: 5. Those who are faithful unto the first
apostles to the professed conversion of All who are not members of the church death will escape the second death,
Constantine in A. D. 323, covering a of Christ, the Israel of God, are of the which is eternal. It is the death of the
period of about two hundred years. synagogue of Satan. The church of wicked in the lake of fire, and from it
"I know thy works," is found in the the great adversary preaches a counter- there will be no awakening.
introduction of five of the seven letters. feit gospel of false doctrines, has its The rewards of the righteous and
To the Smyrna church He writes, "I false christs, apostles, prophets, and the wicked are just opposite,—eternal
know thy works, and tribulation, and teachers. There is a counterfeit for life and eternal death. As free moral
poverty." It was during this period every truth of the gospel of Christ, and agents, we must choose between the
that Rome endeavored to save pagan- the more like the genuine, the more crown of life and the second death.
ism by destroying Christianity. Chris- dangerous the counterfeit. Our decision settles our own destiny.
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 The EPISTLE
of CHRIST to

Pergamos
STUDIES IN THE BOOK
OF REVELATION
NUMBER EIGHT

TAYLOR G. BUNCH

history was from the professed conver-

sion of Constantine in 323 A. D. to the
year 538, or from the close of the pa-
gan persecutions, because of the in-
creasing popularity of Christianity, to
the final elevation of the Christian reli-
gion to supersede paganism as the
official religion of the state. It became
the royal religion of the Roman world.
The period is that of the transition
The old Byzantine from pagan Rome to papal Rome. The
church at Pergamos, cruel persecutions of the church have
with "Satan's seat" ceased, Christianity becomes popular
beyond
and the legal religion of the empire.
Underwood Photo
The Pontifex Maximus of paganism
becomes the defender of the Christian
ND to the angel of the church in Pergamos was a capital city, the seat faith, the officers of state become nomi-
Pergamos write ; These things of kingly power for more than five nal professors, and church officials are
saith He which hath the sharp hundred years, beginning 282 B. c. It magnified in their office. The church
sword with two edges; I know thy was first the royal city of the Attalid crushed and persecuted during the
works, and where thou dwellest, even kings; and later of the kingdom of Smyrna period is now exalted to the
where Satan's seat is : and th.ou holdest Pergamum. For two hundred fifty height of royal authority. It is the
fast My name, and hast not denied My years it was the official residence of the royal city "which reigneth over the
faith, even in those days wherein Anti- Roman governor of the province of kings of the earth." Revelation 17:18.
pas was My faithful martyr, who was Asia, as well as the members of his
GRIEVOUS WOLVES
slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. staff. From Pergamos the decrees Of
But I have a few things against thee, the Caesars were executed for the It was during this time that "griev-
province. ous wolves" entered "not sparing the
because thou hast there them that hold
The ancient city was built on an im- flock," and men arose in the church
the doctrine of Balaam, who taught "speaking perverse things, to draw
Balak to cast a stumblingblock before mense rock rising hundreds of feet out
of the plain, with perpendicular walls, away disciples after them." Acts 20 :
the children of Israel, to eat things sac- 29, 3o. The exaltation of man power
rificed unto idols, and to commit for- except,one narrow passage which was
strongly fortified and guarded. It was in the church was also prophesied of
nication. So hast thou also them that by Paul: "Let no man deceive you by
a natural fortification, a citadel prac-
hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, any means : for that day shall not
tically impregnable to the attacks of an
,„, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I enemy. The only way the city was ever come, except there come a falling away
up will come unto thee quickly, and will captured was by stratagem. From its first, and that man of sin be revealed,
fight against thee with the sword of height, or elevation, Pergamos derived the son of perdition ; who opposeth and
My mouth. He that bath an ear, let its name. exalteth himself above all that is called
him hear what the Spirit saith Tinto the God, or that is worshiped; so that he
churches ; To him that overcometh will PRIDE IN THE CHURCH
as God sitteth in the temple of God,
I give to eat of the hidden manna, and The local church of Pergamos was showing himself that he is God."
will give him a white stone, and in the affected by the spirit of the city. Be- 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. During the
stone a new name written, which no ing the residence of the procurator of Pergamos period Christianity was so
man knoweth saving he that receiveth the province and visited by the officials changed by heathen influences that it
it." Revelation 2 : 12-17. of the empire, pomp and display were virtually became "baptized paganism."
everywhere manifest. Its citizens felt "In the course of the fourth century
The word Pergamos has the mean-
themselves above those of other cities, two movements or developments
ing of ( 1 ) height, elevation, or exalta-
and the church members were contami- spread over the face of Christendom,
tion, and (2) the royal city, the city of nated by the same spirit. Pride entered,
authority, a citadel. The name would with a rapidity characteristic of the
the church became exalted, and com- church ; the one ascetic, the other ritual,
suggest a change from the Smyrna promised with the world. Pergamos
condition to a spirit of pride, haughti- or ceremonial. We are told in various
being the headquarters of the pagan ways by Eusebius, that Constantine, in
ness, and self-exaltation. The church religion for the province, the church order to recommend the new religion to
is no longer downtrodden by its yielded to pagan influences and be- the heathen, transferred into it the out-
enemies and crushed by persecution, came the abode of false doctrines and ward ornaments to which they had
but is exalted to a position of authority apostasies. been accustomed in their own."—"De-
and kingly power. The Pergamos period of Christian (Continued on page 10)
for NOVEMBER 16,1926 Page Five
 THE EPISTLE OF CHRIST seat, or earthly throne. In another into a semipagan institution—"Baby-
TO PERGAMOS sense He dwells in every individual "of lon the Great."
a contrite and humble spirit." The The warning calls for a quick re-
(Continued from page 5) pentance and' reformation, or the con-
heart of such becomes His throne.
velopment of Christian Doctrine," Christ rules the humble; Satan rules sequence of a fight with the wielder of
p. 373, by Cardinal John Henry New- the proud. Christ's church is charac- the two-edged sword. Israel faced the
man (Roman Catholic). terized by humility and meekness ; same alternative, scorned the warning,
The author of the Pergamos letter Satan's is characterized by pride and and perished by the same sword. Her
history should have sounded a fearful

•
introduces Himself as "He which hath exaltation.
the sharp sword with two edges." This In the epistle mention is made of warning to the Pergamos church of the
is clearly a description of the sharp- Antipas, who was martyred where consequences of trifling with God. It
pointed, double-bladed Roman sword, Satan dwells. Christianity was a crime is obedience and loyalty, and not apos-
known as the "cut-and-thrust sword." against the state during the Smyrna tolic succession, that counts with God.
It was the symbol of the highest official period. Christian prisoners were taken The terrible threat is followed by a
authority. The power of life and death to Pergamos from all over the province glorious reward. The "hidden manna,"
it symbolized was vested in the pro- for trial and execution. It may be that or angels' food, with which God m- s-
consul of the province, and his head- John was tried and sentenced here. teriously and miraculously fed Israel
quarters were in Pergamos. Pergamos Paul Was sent to Rome only because he during the forty years' sojourn in the
was the city that wielded the sword of exercised his right as a Roman citizen, wilderness, was to be restored to the •
Rome. and appealed to Cxsar. Some believe overcomer. The "angels' food" that
"SATAN'S SEAT" that Antipas refers to all Christians has been hidden for more than thirty
"Where Satan's seat is," or "where who were martyred because they op- centuries will be restored to the re-
the throne of Satan stands," is the ren- posed the exaltation of man in the deemed at the second advent. There is
dering of the Twentieth Century New church. But because of the period and a Jewish legend that the manna laid up
Testament. He recognized that they the cause of the persecutions, it is more before the testimony in the ark was
were living in a hard place, and assured reasonable to suppose that Antipas hidden in a , cave in Mt. Sinai, and
them that He took these circumstances means antipagan, as the martyrdoms of would be revealed at the advent of the
into consideration. The psalmist tells the Smyrna period were the result of Messiah. The promise also doubtless
us that the Lord, in His dealing with Christianity's opposition to the pagan applies to the hidden manna of God's
us, considers our birth, environment, religion. truth, hidden "from the wise and pru-
dwelling place, and opportunities, and The church is reproved because some dent" but revealed "unto babes."
judges accordingly. See Psalm 87 :4-6. of its members were holding to the THE WHITE STONE
Satan is the god, prince, and ruler doctrines of Balaam. Balaam was a
prophet of God who turned traitor to The promise of a white stone with a
of this world. He usurped the domin- new name had a special appeal because
ion of Adam, and claims the earth as secure worldly gain and honor. He led
Israel to commit fornication with the of a prevailing Roman custom. White
his principality. He has ruled the earth stones of marble or ivory in the shape
through the human governments under daughters of Moab. and to sacrifice
and bow down to their gods, and to of a cube, square, or rectangle were
his control. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, used as tickets to theaters and as tokens
Medo-Persia, Grecia, and Rome did partake of food offered to their idols.
He led Israel in an apostasy that kin- for other purposes. They were called
his bidding, and their capitals became "tessara." Such a stone, with a secret
his earthly seat. Rome, the royal city dled the anger of the Lord, and He
sent a plague that destroyed twenty- name or initial on one or all sides, was
of the Roman Empire, was Satan's used as a pass that granted its pos-
earthly capital, and the same could be four thousand Israelites.
sessor special privileges. Such a stone
said of the seat of authority in each The church in Ephesus was sound in was given the successful gladiator as a
province. Since church and state were faith, but deficient in love and love- token of victory. On it was carved
'united, and the emperor of Rome Was works ; Smyrna was still true with the "S. P.," meaning tried and proved. It
the Pontifex Maximus of the state re- lost love and works restored by perse- was also an ancient custom to carve on
ligion, the seat of civil authority was cution. The Pergamos church was the such stones the secret name of the
also the headquarters of ecclesiastical first to depart from the pure faith, and devotee's god. When initiated into the
power. The proconsul of the province to accept false heathen doctrines in a mysteries of the god, he learned for
of Asia, as the personal representative compromise with the world to gain the first time the meaning of the name.
of Caesar, was the head and defender honor and prestige with. Constantine, a The name was to be kept secret under
of ,the Roman legal religion. Three more modern Balak.

•
pain of- death. This is doubtless the
great temples were erected in Perga- THE NICOLAITANES origin of the secret sign of modern
mos in honor of pagan imperial deities, fraternal orders.
•the most celebrated being the temple of The Nicolaitanes are again men-
tioned. The Ephesian church was com- The victor in the Christian warfare
the "serpent god." This was a god in is promised a new name. Name stands
the form of a serpent entwined around mended for hating their deeds, and the
Pergamos church reproved for accept- for character. When Jacob's character
a pole, pictures of which have been
ing their doctrines. The church is ' was changed, he had to be re-named.
found on ancient coins. It is worthy of
drifting worldward. Christ has not God only can give the proper name to
note that Satan is termed "that old fit the individual character. Since the
serpent." changed. He still hates their deeds and
doctrines. Time never makes wrong redeemed are all re-made, they must
THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN also be re-named. None but the re-
right, nor evil good. The Nicola itanes
Satan's earthly headquarters are in were the followers of one Nicolas. ceiver knows the meaning of his name,
his church, "the synagogue of Satan," They practiced and taught polygamy, because the experiences which pro-
with its false doctrines, apostles, and and made no distinction between meats duced his individual character were
prophets, and its counterfeit gospel. offered to idols and other food. They different from all others, and he will
Being characterized by pride, confu- advocated compromise, and the adop- himself eyer be different ; for in all
sion, and exaltation; and having origi- tion of more liberal views. They were God's vast creation there are not two
nated in ancient Babylon, it is calld the liberalists or modernists of the objects or creatures exactly alike.
"Babylon the Great." early church. It is thought by some The promise to the, church of Per-
The earthly dwelling place, or head- that the word is derived from the gamos is also our promise. Passing
quarters, of Christ is in His spiritual G-eek word "Nikalaos," meaning, centuries have only added to its force.
temple, the church. See Ephesians 2: "those who conquer the pennle." The It should constitute a mighty appeal to
19-22. Here the Holy Spirit, as the forces had begun to work which finally modern Christendom to repent, re-
vicegerent of the Son of God, has His conquered the church and turned it form, and return to God and His word.
Page Ten SIGNS of the TIMES
 The FATE
of MODERN

jezebel
As revealed in the Thyatira Letter
Studies in the Book of
Revelation, Number 9

During the Thyatira period the true church suffered its greatest tribulation at the hand TAYLOR G. BUNCH
of the false church.

ri--1 HE message to Thyatira is the When Christianity became the reli- ings and fornications. Jezebel was
longest of the seven letters, and gion of the state, it soon ceased to be the notorious daughter of the king of
it covers the longest of the seven Christianity ; and when the church was Sidon. She became the wife of Ahab,
periods of church history. Thyatira vested with royal authority and began and queen of Israel. She was a Baal-
means: (I) sweet savor of labor, (2) to persecute those who dared to wor- worshiping pagan, and through her
sacrifice of contrition, and (3) weak- ship God according to the dictates of efforts all Israel was led into a great
ness made strong. conscience, it ceased to be the Chris- apostasy. The eight hundred fifty
The city of Thyatira was founded tian church and became "Babylon the prophets of Baal, imported and enter-
by Seleucus I about 30o a. c. It was a Great," the church of Satan, and his tained by the queen, had supplanted
garrison city on the frontier of the instrument of persecution. In chapter the prophets of God, who were perse-
province, built on the plain with no seventeen the revelator pictures the cuted and slain. These true prophets
natural fortifications. It was captured, apostate, backslidden church of this hid in the caves and in the mountains,
destroyed, and rebuilt many times. period as being drunken with false doc- and found refuge in the wilderness
The city was noted for the art of dye- trines and the blood of Saints and from the cruel persecutions. Elijah,
ing. Lydia, of Philippi, was a seller martyrs. the Martin Luther of ancient Israel,
of purple from Thyatira. (Acts 16: God's true church is now the perse- who finally brought about a reforma-
14.) A small village near the ruins of cuted, and is compelled to flee to the tion, was compelled to run for his life
the ancient city still ships large quan- mountains to find refuge during this after delivering his messages. Like
tities of scarlet cloth to Smyrna. long and dreary period. (Revelation others who were loyal to God, he was
Thyatira was a manufacturing city, 12 : 6, 14.) Christ foretold this ter- hunted like a wild beast, and a price
not only of cloth, but of instruments of rible persecution in His answer to His was put on his head. As a result of this
brass, bronze, and other metals. Its disciples as He sat on the Mount of period of apostasy and trial, all but
population was mostly of the laboring Olives. (Matthew 24 : 21, 22.) The seven thousand of the millions of Israel
class,—poor, humble, and just the op- prophet Daniel in vision saw this semi- were bowing 'their knees to Baal. The
posite of the Pergamenians. Made pagan church "make war with the church was mixed with pagan doc-
contrite by sacrifices, their lives be- saints and prevail against them," and trines that were never rooted out until
came fragrant by the blessings of "wear out the saints of the Most the organization of the apostolic
labor. The earth was cursed for man's High." Daniel 7:21, 25. It is esti- church. The period of apostasy, dark-
sake that he might be saved from the mated that a hundred million martyrs ness, spiritual drought, and persecu-
curse of idleness, for the "idle brain is sealed their faith with their blood dur- tion continued three and one-half years.
the devil's workshop." ing this period. Then came the reformation by Elijah,
The speaker introduces Himself as THE CHURCH COMMENDED Elisha, Jehu, and others, but which
the "Son of God" with eyes like a The Son of God commends the was not completed until apostolic
"flame of fire" and feet "like fine Thyatira church for its works, charity, times, when its purity brought the
brass." This language was very fa- service, faith, and patience, and es- showers of Pentecost, the early rain.
miliar to the Thyatirans who labored in pecially for the improvement toward Spiritual Jezebel was also to reign
foundries with flaming furnaces, where the close of the period that finally for 126o days, forty-two months, or
Ak they manufactured articles of fine
brought the great Reformation. "I three and one-half years. (Daniel 7:
IIIP brass and other metals. know . . . that of late you have toiled 25 ; Revelation 12 : 6, 14 ; I I : 3.) This,
A PERIOD OF PERSECUTION ' harder than you did at first," Wey- however, is prophetic time. The
The introduction indicates that dur- mouth Translation. "I know that papacy was to rule and the Dark Ages
ing the Thyatira period Christ trav- your life 'of late has been better than it were to continue for 126o years, or
eled everywhere and saw everything, was at first," Twentieth Century New from 538 to 1798 A. D. It was a period
and there was a great deal to see. Testament. Persecution is always a of spiritual darkness and drought,
Nothing escaped His piercing, pene- blessing in disguise, improving the when the paganized church persecuted
trating gaze. He saw every humble, spiritual condition of the church. The those who were loyal to God and drove
self-sacrificing Christian who stood sword, flame, captivity, and spoil were them into the wilderness for refuge,
firmly and bravely for truth against the instruments in God's hands "to try where they hid in the caves and the
greatest persecuting power the world them, and to purge, and to make them mountains, and were hunted like wild
has ever known. The period was white, even to the time of the end." beasts. Then came the great Reforma-
from 538 A. D. to the great Protestant Daniel 11:35. Weakness was made tion that broke the power of spiritual
Reformation, from the elevation of the strong, and those who knew their God Jezebel, and brought to the parched
papacy to kingly authority until that were made strong and did "exploits." church the showers of God's Holy
power was broken by the mighty (Daniel I,: 32-35.) Made humble and Spirit. The Reformation, however,
movement that swept Europe during contrite by sacrifice and persecution, will not be completed till the remnant
the sixteenth and seventeenth centu- theirs was a sweet "savor of labor." of the church is without spot or
ries. This period of persecution and The Thyatira church is severely re- wrinkle, and the windows of heaven
spiritual darkness is known in history buked for permitting spiritual Jezebel are opened for the showers of the latter
as the Dark Ages. to seduce its members with false teach- rain.
for NOVEMBER 2 3, 1 9 2 6 Page Eleven
 As a pure and modestly attired wo- pieces has been the dream and ambition church to take heed to the sure word of
man is the symbol of the church or of almost every earthly kingdom. It prophecy "as unto a light that shineth
bride of Christ ( Jeremiah 6 : 2; Reve- was the policy and practice of the iron in a dark place, until the day dawn,
lation 12 : I ; 19 : 7), so an impure, monarchy of Rome and its ecclesiasti- and the Day-Star arise in your hearts."
fallen, immodest woman is symbolic of cal successor. To the church of Thya- 2 Peter I : 19.
a backslidden, apostate church (Reve- tira these were familiar expressions. Wycliffe in the fourteenth century,
lation 17: 1-7). The union of church If they became conquerors of sin, they Savonarola in the fifteenth, and other
and state is called spiritual fornica- would some day, as members of the early Reformers were morning stars,
tion. Jezebel is a fit symbol of the royal family, inherit and possess the 'or beacon lights, heralding the ap-
apostate church of the Middle Ages. earth, and share with Christ His proaching day of gospel truth, gleams •
Christ threatens to "kill her children throne, power, and authority. (Reve- of the golden dawn when the morning
with death," according to their works. lation 3 : 2I.) star would give place to the day-star
This is the second death. "And I will give him the morning and the day-star to the Sun of Right-
HAD NOT YIELDED star." Jesus said to John, "I am the eousness that would usher in the per-
Root and the Offspring of David, and fect day. The promise is to all whose
"But unto you I say, and unto the the bright and Morning Star." Reve- dark hearts are illuminated by the
' rest in Thyatira, as many as have not lation 22: 16. Peter warned the Morning Star.
this doctrine, and which have not
known the depths of Satan, as they
speak; I will put upon you none other
burden." Revelation 2:24. This re-
fers to the Waldenses, Albigenses,
Huguenots, and others who refused to
yield to the established creed and had
"not learned the secrets of Satan" by
Iliffq1111111111111
accepting the doctrines of the "mystery
of iniquity." On them would be
leorS
placed "none other burden" or respon-
sibility. Their faith was not pure, but
they were innocent in their error. The
Bible was denied them; and they were . SPIRIT FRUITS
honest in their partial blindness. No
new light with its added responsibility NELS P. N E I LSEN
was to be given them to add to their
persecution. Additional light would be HEREBY are given unto us exceeding all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
reserved for the next period. During
the Thyatira period, the two witnesses
must do their teaching clothed in sack-
W great and precious promises : that and we all do fade as a leaf ; and our in-
' by these ye might be partakers of
the divine nature." 2 Peter I : 4.
iquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
Isaiah 64:6.
cloth. (Revelation I I : 2, 3.) By nature we are sinners. We are undone But, thank God, there is a way of escape
and lost. We have no goodness of our own. for us. Our natures may be changed. We
"Only that which you already pos-
We get vexed. We become impatient. We may become "partakers of the divine na-
sess, cling to until I come," Weymouth are jealous. Hatred and envy, yea, even ture." Through the power of God this can
Translation. Hold the light you have, murder, may be lurking in our hearts. be done. He can change our nature so that
and do not lose it, and more will be Could we carefully examine our own unre- it becomes' like His own divine nature.
added later. Truth not obeyed or put Then we will bring forth the fruits of right-
generated hearts,' we would find loathsome,
into practice is gradually lost, and leaks eousness.
cankerous sores of sin and wickedness. We Luther Burbank was called the "plant
out of the heart as water from a leak- would see selfishness and pride hidden with- wizard." He produced the Burbank potato;
ing vessel. (Hebrews 2:I.) The in the recesses of the heart, until, with he changed the hard-shelled walnut into a
admonition indicates that pressure shamefulness and remorse, we would be soft-shelled walnut, and improved the
would be brought to bear to compel compelled to abhor our own condition. We quality of the wood. From the dewberry
them to let go the truth, and also that would be forced to cry out with the great and raspberry he produced a new and
apostle, "For I know that in me (that is, in superior berry. He even took the spines
Christ's coming was approaching, and
my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." Ro- from the cactus, and made this thorny fruit
the church should begin to prepare for mans 7: 18. Such is the natural heart. Such a valuable food for stock. In like manner,
that event. Although Bibles were few is the unregenerated mind. Through the our God can take the bitter, thorny, sin-
and expensive and must be studied in prophet Isaiah, the great Heart Searcher polluted lives of men, and transform them
secret, various scriptures were tran- has graphically described our pitiful condi- by His grace into lives of holiness, fruitful- ai
scribed, committed to memory, and re- tion : "The whole head is sick, and the ness, and usefulness. By becoming partak-
peated, and the fires were kept burning whole heart faint. From the sole of the ' ers of the divine nature, we shall bring forth
until the dawn of a better day. foot even unto the head there is no sound- the fruits of righteousness, meet for His
ness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and kingdom.
"And he that overcometh, and keep- putrefying sores: they have not been closed, But what are the characteristics of the
eth My works unto the end, to him will neither bound up, neither mollified with divine nature? Ah, one of them is love, for
I give power over the nations : and he ointment." Isaiah 1: 5, 6. "God is love." Others are "joy, peace, long-
shall rule them with a rod of iron; as We are "by nature the children of wrath, suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek-
the vessels of a potter shall they be even as others" (Ephesians 2:3), and as ness, temperance." • A wonderful array of
broken to shivers : even as I received of such, we can not do that which is good, in fruitage—just the opposite of the fruits of
our own strength. According to the laws of the flesh! Instead of hatred, our lives are
My Father." Revelation 2 : 26, 27. nature, each plant will bring forth after its filled with love; instead of envy and jeal-
"He who conquers and is careful to own kind, unless its nature becomes ousy, our lives are filled with sympathy and
live My life to the end," Twentieth changed. "Can the fig tree, my brethren, kindness for others; instead of the dark
Century New Testament; or, "obeys bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?" forebodings, our souls are filled with the
My commands to the very end," Wey- James 3:21. No, thrice no, is the only blessed hope of the life to come; yea, in-
mouth Translation. The promise is to answer that can be given. "Do men gather stead of dwelling in the arctic regions of
those who get the victory and maintain grapes of thorns, or figs of thistlq? Even cold selfishness and frozen inactivity, we
so every goc7a tree bringeth ' forth good have had a change of climate, and are now
that victory till the end. To conquer is fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil dwelling in the warm sunshine of God's
not enough, we must live the victorious fruit." Matthew 7: 16, 57. This is the law presence, where the sweet fragrance of His
life. of nature, and our only hope as sinners is to Spirit fills the air. We are "partakers of
Power over the nations to rule them have our nature changed. Says the inspired the divine nature," and dwell in the atmos-
with a rod of iron and break them in Word, "We are all as an unclean thing, and phere of heaven while still upon earth.
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 A

Live Message
to a
DEAD CITY
CHRIST'S
LETTER
TO SARDIS

Studies in the Book of

Revelation—Number io

TAYLOR G. BUNCH

in the same way by Antiochus the

Great. The failure of the guards to
keep watch caused the downfall of the
city. It is now a heap of ruins with
no sign of life, "the city of death."
How full of meaning to the church
A view taken from was the admonition, "Be watchful" !
the place where
Sardis once stood, "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I
and the surround- will come on thee as a thief, and thou
ing country below
shalt not know what hour I will come
Underwood Photo
upon thee."
A church usually imbibes the spirit
ND unto the angel of the church capital of the province of Lydia, and of its city. The church of Sardis was
in Sardis write; These things later . the capital of the kingdom of characterized by overconfidence. Its
saith He that hath the seven Lydia. It was built on a hill, or •members were not constantly on guard
Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I plateau, of crumbling rock rising 1,500 against the deceptions of the enemy.
know thy works, that thou hast a name feet above the plain like a great watch- "Let him that thinketh he standeth take
that thou livest, and art dead. Be tower. The walls were perpendicular heed lest he fall." I Corinthians 40:
watchful, and strengthen the things and the city inaccessible except by one 12. The spirit of overconfidence is a
which remain, that are ready to die : passage on the south side, which was dangerous condition, a n d modern
for I have not found thy works perfect steep, hard to climb, and strongly for- Christendom may well take warning.
before God. Remember therefore how tified. It was, like Pergamos, a natural
The Jews said, "We be Abraham's
thou hast received and heard, and hold fortress. seed, and were never in bondage to any
fast, and repent. If therefore thou Sardis was one of the greatest cities man" (John 8 : 33), but they crucified
shalt not watch, I will come on thee as of primitive history, and in the estima-
their own Messiah and separated them-
a thief, and thou shalt not know what tion of the Greeks was long the great-
selves from the God of Abraham.
hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast est. But in the days of Rome its im-
Their pharisaical pride proved their
a few names even in Sardis which have portance was waning, and it was more ruin.
not defiled their garments ; and they like a city of the past living on its
The Sardis period is the church of
shall walk with Me in white: for they ancient prestige and glory. At the
the Reformation during the sixteenth,
are worthy. He that overcometh, the time of the epistle it lived only in name
seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries.
same shall be clothed in white raiment; and was hastening to its final doom.
and I will not blot out his name out of It is "that which remains." The
OVERCONFIDENCE Thyatira period was one of great per-
• the book of life, but I will confess his
The very rock on which the city was secution when the church of Satan
name before My Father and before His
built gave the impression of instability, would make war with the saints and
angels. He that hath an ear, let him
untrustworthiness, and deterioration. overcome them (Revelation 13: 7), and
hear what the Spirit saith unto the
Every rain and frost hastened the "except those days should be shortened,
churches." Revelation 3: 1-6.
crumbling process, until to-day it has there should no flesh be saved" (Mat-
A GREAT CITY OF ANTIQUITY the appearance of a heap of ruins. thew 24 : 22). Although a hundred
Sardis means ( 1 ) song of joy, (2) The natural defense of the city of million martyrs were slain, the days of
that which remains, and (3) the city Sardis made its citizens and guards persecution were shortened, and a rem-
of death. It indicates a good start but overconfident. They were often sur- nant remained.
a bad finish, a change for the worse. prised by thieves and bandits because The Reformation brought great joy
The condition is just the opposite from the walls were carelessly guarded. Be- to every child of God. As the. church
that of Smyrna, which was "the city cause the overconfident guards were in its wilderness retreat saw the prog-
of life ;" and in addressing it, Christ careless, Cyrus captured the city by ress of the cause of reform and the
declares Himself to be the One who strategem. One dark night, one of his waning power of its persecutor; as
"was dead and is alive." Sardis was soldiers scaled the bluff by means of they beheld mighty men of God doing
"the city of death," having "a name a crack in the rock. By the use of exploits, princes espousing their cause,
that thou livest and art dead." The a rope, a small army reached the the Bible printed and circulated, dark-
church was to begin with a glorious heights above and were within the city ness scattered before advancing light,
history and end in a heap of ruins. before its sleeping inhabitants were the church was indeed Sardis, "a song
The city of Sardis was founded in aware of danger. Three hundred fifty of joy."
the. year 1200 B. C. It was the princely years later the city was again captured But that happy Condition was not
for DECEMBER 7,1926 Page Eleven
 destined to continue. The Reforma- "You will certainly not know the and was symbolic of defeat, sorrow, or
tion became popular and the church hour at which I shall come to judge disgrace. White robes were worn by
prosperous. Their success gave them you" (Weymouth Translation), indi- illustrious persons and candidates for
the feeling of overconfidence. The cates that the investigative judgment high office and by tribunes and consuls
various reform churches hid behind is about to begin. Christ promised when marching before the eagles of the
man-made creeds; they felt satisfied that the few in Sardis who "had not legions into battle. The white toga
and secure without further light and soiled their garments" (Emphatic Dia- was the exclusiVe privilege of a Roman
truth as a defense against 'an ever- glott) would walk with Him in white. citizen, and was worn so universally
vigilant foe. Their zeal waned, their It is sin that defiles and soils the robe on the occasion of a Roman triumph
love diminished, and spiritual life gave of righteousness. In a few lives in that the metropolis of the world was
place to spiritual stagnation. The un- Sardis the Reformation had been car- on that day called "The White City."
completed Reformation was arrested ried on to perfection, and they died The poet Juvenal wrote :
by petty strife and divisions. with the hope of the victor's reward. "And now the Imperial Eagle, raised on high,
"I have not found thy works perfect White is symboliC of purity and vic- With golden beak, the march of majesty,
before God," or "fully performed be- tory. At the command of God the Trumpets before and on the left and right,
angel removed the filthy garments A cavalcade of nobles, all in white."
fore God" (Emphatic Diaglott). It
was a reformation in part only. It was from Joshua, the high priest, and The promise that the conquerors in
not carried far enough, and the church clothed him with the beautiful gar- the warfare with "the forces that con-
was losing even what they had gained. ments of salvation, and placed on his trol and. govern this dark world, the
Refusing to accept more light, thelight head a miter symbolic of his victory spiritual hosts of evil arrayed, against
they had became darkness. Dr. Philip over Satan. (Zechariah 3: 1-5.) us" would be given a great triumph in
Schaff, in his history, "The German The revelator saw the multitude of the celestial city of gold and walk with
Reformation," says : "The Reforma- the redeemed before the throne of God Him in white, had a real meaning to
tion of the sixteenth century is not a "clothed with white robes, and palms the Sardis church, familiar with Ro-
finale ; but a movement still in prog-- in their hands," having "washed their man customs.
•ress."—Vol. I: 7-8. Sir Robert Peel, robes, and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb." He declared that RECORDED IN A BOOK
while prime minister of England in.
1840, said, "The day is not distant, the Lamb's wife, the church, "bath The victor was also assured that his
and it may be very near, when we shall made herself ready" for the marriage name would not be blotted out of "the
all have to fight the battle of the Refor- by being "arrayed in fine linen, clean book of life." In Greek and Roman
mation over again." and white: for the fine linen is the cities the names of all citizens were re-
There can be no finished Reforma- righteousness of saints." (Revelation corded in a book. New names were
tion until every noxious weed has been 7 : 9-17 ; 19 : 7-9.) Christ as King added, and unworthy ones expunged.
rooted out of God's garden and the of kings and Lord of lords, and the To be a citizen of Rome was a great
church is fully reformed and brought angelic host following Him are pic- privilege, and to lose that citizenship by
back to the purity of the faith once tured as a great, conquering army, ar- unbecoming conduct was a calamity.
delivered to the saints. • rayed in white and riding on white The book of life contains the names of
horses, making the final victorious the citizens of the heavenly kingdom.
"You are supposed to be alive, but in
charge against the powers of evil. It is the family record containing the
reality you are dead" (Weymouth names of those who, through faith in
(Revelation 19 : I 1-2 I . )
Translation). What a terrible condi-
In Rome the white toga was a symbol Christ, have conquered. All who sin
tion ; dead, and didn't know it ! A
of triumph and joy, and the dark toga and fall from grace will have their
walking corpse, making every pretense names blotted out of the book of life,
was worn by mourners and prisoners
of life ! How could deception be and all whose names are not found
greater than to be spiritually dead, like written there when probation closes
Samson, who "wist not that the Lord will be cast into the lake of fire and
was departed from him"? This is suffer the second, or eternal, death. See
Christ's picture of the modern church Exodus 32 : 32, 33 ; Revelation 20 : 12,
with its big professions and little deeds, 15. Either our sins will be blotted out
"having a form of godliness, but deny- of the books of record or our names
ing the power thereof," living a life of out of the book of life.
pretense and show while destitute of "And I will confess his name before
spiritual life and power. May we open My Father, and before His angels."
the heart's door and let the Lifegiver Christ as our great Advocate will con-
come in with His quickening, cleans- fess or deny us before the heavenly
ing, resurrection power. tribunal as we have confessed or de-
JUDGMENT ABOUT TO BEGIN nied Him before men. To one class
The church is admonished to "re- He will say, "Come, ye blessed of My
Chance or Courage Father; inherit the kingdom prepared
member" .under what circumstances
they had heard and received the light, ROBERT HARE for you from the foundation of the
to "hold fast" and not lose what they Chance has no portion, if life holds its aim, world," and• to the other, "I never knew
Decked in its best 'tis only a name ; you: depart from Me, ye that work
had obtained, and to "reform" (Em- Miracles lie in your reach day by day,
phatic Diaglott), or carry the Refor- Just over the mountains that border the way. iniquity." Matthew 25 : 34 ; 7: 23.
mation to its conclusion. If they re- By faith in His atoning sacrifice on
Dream not of fortune, fools prate of chance,
fused to watch, He threatened to come Walk with the Master, and dare to advance; Calvary, we may have our sins erased
on them as a thief in the hour least ex- He rules the tempest, and He plans the tide; and our names inscribed in the book of
Secure in His guidance faith can abide. life, with the right to a conqueror's
pected. Comparing this warning with
Matthew 24 : 42-46, Luke 21 : 34-36, Courage scales mountains, with spirit to dare, robe and the privilege of walking with
Fearless to act its part and to share Him in white in the triumphal proces-
Thessalonians 5 : 3-5, and other scrip- In the fierce struggle that wins out the race
tures, it is evident that the Sardis When ease would turn back, in confusion of sion of the redeemed of earth.
face.
period brought the church to the
watching time. The "falling away" Fear not the frown that fortune might cast; THOSE that hope little can not grow
had taken place, the Reformation had Hold rto your purpose, be true to the last ;
After the conflict, faith wears the crown, much. To them the very glory of God
begun, and it was time to make prep- And chance holds no part in heaven's re- must be a small,thing, for their hope
aration for the return of Christ. (2 nown. of it is so small as not to be worth re-
Thessalonians 2 : 3-8.) joicing in.—George Macdonald.
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 The
CRUCIBLE TEST
of the
Modern Church •
THE EPISTLE TO
PHILADELPHIA

Studies in'the Book.of Revelation

NUMBER ELEVEN

TAYLOR G. BUNCH

O• THE angel of the church in

T Philadelphia write; These things
saith He that is holy, He that is
true, He that hath the key of David,
He that openeth, and no man shutteth ;
and shutteth, and no man openeth ; I The city of Phila-
delphia in Asia
know thy works : behold, I have set be- Minor as it looks
fore thee an open door, and no man to-day
can shut it : for thou hast a little Underwood Photo
strength, and hast kept My word, and
hast not denied My name. Behold, I eastern highlands. The city was lo- the cross long after the other cities had
will make them of the synagogue of cated near a pass in the mountains to yielded to the Mohammedan crescent
Satan, which say they are Jews, and which it held the key, with power to aroused even the skeptic historian Gib-
are not, but do lie ; behold, I will make open and shut. Thus the language of bon to admiration.
them to come and worship before thy the introduction had a peculiar mean-
feet, and to know that I have loved The Philadelphian period of the
ing to t'he Philadelphians. -Christ re- Christian church was during the nine-
thee. Because thou hast kept the word minded them of another door to which
of My patience, I also will keep thee teenth century, especially during the
He holds the key, with power to open first half. It is impossible to confine it
from the hour of temptation, which and shut.
shall come upon all the world, to try to any definite time limits, as several
Philadelphia was visited by frequent statements indicate that it reaches to
them that dwell upon the earth. Be- earthquakes and, with eleven other
hold, I come quickly: hold that fast the second advent of Christ.
cities, was destroyed in the year 17
which thou hast, that no man take thy A. D. It was often attacked and be-
The Sardis period left spirituality at
crown. Him that overcometh will I sieged, and its citizens lived in constant a low ebb. It was the "city of death."
make a pillar in the temple of My God, fear of disaster or 'the day of trial." There must be an awakening, a resur-
and he shall go no more out : and I will During earthquakes the inhabitants rection, a new reformation. Jesus in
write upon him the name of My God, fled from the city and camped outside, His great prophecy had definitely lo-
and the name of the city of My God, sometimes for weeks. Thus the prom- cated certain events as signs of His
which is New Jerusalem, which cometh ise, "He shall go no more out," was second coming. "Immediately after

•
down out of heaven from My God: especially precious. They were re- the tribulation of those days shall the
and I will write upon him My new minded of another city, the New Jeru- sun be darkened, and the moon shall
name. He that hath an ear, let him salem, in which the Christian victors not give her light, and the stars shall
hear what the Spirit saith unto the will dwell safely, with no fear of siege fall from heaven, and the powers of
churches." Revelation 3 : 7-13. or earthquake. the heavens shall be shaken ; and then
The meaning of Philadelphia is ( 1 ) shall appear the sign of the Son of
FIRST HALF OF NINETEENTH CENTURY man in heaven : and then shall all the
brotherly love, and (2) the missionary
city, indicating a change for the better Philadelphia held out against the tribes of the earth mourn, and they
from the Sardis (city of death) condi- Turks long after the other 'Cities of the shall see the Son of man coming in the
tion, a resurrection from spiritual province had fallen. During the clouds of heaven with power and great
death, a renewal of life, love, and mis- fourteenth century it stood practically glory." Matthew 24: 29, 3o. The pre-
sionary activity. alone against the Ottoman power, a dicted events took place exactly on
self-governing Christian city. It was time. May 19, 178o, the sun and moon
NEAR A MOUNTAIN PASS besieged by great Turkish armies, and, were supernaturally darkened, and
The city of Philadelphia was built although reduced to the verge of star- November 13, 1833, the greatest
by Attalus Philadelphus, from whom it vation, it held out for eleven years be- shower of falling meteors ever known
took its name. It was located on the fore it finally yielded to the besiegers in occurred. These events made a mighty
imperial post road and was the keeper 1390 A. D. Their story of heroism and stir, and called the attention of the
of the gateway to the great plateau, or endurance in holding up the banner of Christian world to the study of the

VoL 5 3 SIGNS of the,TIMES, DECEMBER 14, 1926 No. 4 9

Printed and published weekly by the Pacific Press Publishing Association, at Mountain View, California, H. S. A. Entered as second-class matter September
15, 1904, at the Mountain View, California, post office, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage, provided for
in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, and authorized September 18, 1918.
Page Two SIGNS of the TIMES
 prophecies, especially to those relating door was opened during the Philadel- reality, hypocrites. A life of hypoc-
to the second coming of Christ. The phian period, and is to remain open un- risy is a lie, and calls down the most
'books of Daniel and the Revelation til the earth is lightened with the glory terrible of heaven's maledictions. The
were studied and explained. Three of God. It was also during the same time will come when every knee shall
thousand ministers of all denomina- time that the doors of missionary op- bow and every tongue confess that
tions, in all parts of the world, began portunity were thrown open and the Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2: 1o,
to proclaim the message of a soon- evangelizing of the world was defi- II.)
coming Saviour. The power of God nitely undertaken. Japan, China, In- "Because in spite of suffering you
attended the message, and there took dia, Africa, and the isles of the sea, have guarded My word, I in turn will
place the greatest revival since Pente- closed at the beginning of the nine- guard you from that hour of trial
cost. The result of this message was teenth century, were opened to the which is soon coming upon the whole
such brotherly love and missionary gospel messengers. It was a divine world, to put to the test the inhabitants
zeal as had not been known since providence that opened these doors, of the earth." (Weymouth Transla-
apostolic days. Every believer became and no human or satanic agencies can tion.) The church and the world are
a missionary to carry the glad tidings close them until the announcement goes rapidly approaching the crucible test
to others. forth fro'm the sanctuary above, "It is of the ages, brought on by an interna-
THE KEY OF DAVID
done." Then the door of probation tional concerted movement among the
will be forever closed. "Strive to enter nations. Before Christ comes, the
The speaker introduces Himself as in at the strait gate: for many, I say church must be put to the acid test in
"He that hath the key of David." The unto you, will seek to enter in, and order to separate the chaff from the
key is used as a symbol of power and shall not be able. When once the mas- wheat and to make clear the distinction
authority. The prophet Isaiah had de- ter of the house is risen up, and hath between the church and the world.
clared of Christ : "The key of the shut to the door, and ye begin to stand Like a silversmith sitting before the
house of David will I lay upon His without, and to knock at the door, say- furnace watching the metal until the
shoulder; so He shall open, and none ing, Lord, lord, open unto us ; and he dross disappears and he can see his
shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall answer and say unto you, I know own image in the purified silver, Jesus
shall open." Isaiah 22 : 22. The angel you not whence ye are." Luke 13: uses the furnace of affliction and trial
Gabriel, in his announcement to Mary 24, 25. as a final means of purifying His
of the birth of Jesus, said : "The Lord The statement, "Behold, I will make church, and anxiously watches the
God shall give unto Him the throne of them of the synagogue of Satan, which process until the dross all disappears,
His father David : and He shall reign say they are Jews, and are not, but do and He Gan see His own image reflected
over the house of Jacob forever; and lie," denotes an era when many would •in the golden characters of His people.
of His kingdom there shall be no end." profess to be Christians, who were, in (Continued on page 14)
Luke I : 32, 33.
Since the year 6o6 B. c., when Nebu- tip
chadnezzar, king of Babylon, captured
Jerusalem from Jehoiakim and re-
moved the diadem and overturned the
throne, the house of David has re-
mained locked up, and his throne un-
occupied, and will continue so "until
He come whose right it is." Ezekiel
21 : 25-27. Christ is the rightful oc-
cupant of the throne of David, which
He will take at • His second coming.
(Matthew 25 : 31-35.) The message
indicates that the time is nearing when
Christ will open the long-closed door,
and take the throne as king.
A key gives the possessor the right
to lock and to unlock, to open and to
shut. There are at least four doors
Christians of To-day
that Jesus alone can open and shut. He THEO. G. WEIS
has, the keys of death and the grave.
"The Lord gave, and the Lord bath "They shall run, and not be weary; and "downs ;" there were places where he
taken away ; blessed be the name of the they shall walk, and not faint."—The walked, and places where he ran. He
Lord." Job : 21. Christ alone can prophet Isaiah. fought, but he never retreated ; he erred,
but, his courage never failed. Apply this to
give and take away life. No man or
even Satan can open the prison house
of death. The time is near when the
Life-giver will use His key and set the
T HE world of Olympic sports reveals
achievements of human skill and en-
durance that almost baffle the imagina-
tion. The shores of southern Italy, the
the life we daily live.
They come to all of us,--these "ups" and
"downs." At times we're making rapid
progress in the Christian way. The sky is
captives of death free. (Revelation plains of ancient Greece, the Alps of Swit- fair, the storm clouds have blown, and the
I : 18.) zerland, the woods of Finland, and the open snowdrifts are few. We're "trim," and
freshness of America,—all have trained and running a mighty pace. Then comes a
The doors into both apartments in given the world its victors and its heroes of change; the clouds hang heavy, and the road
the heavenly sanctuary are also opened sport. It was the laureled victor of Mount is slippery. Every one ahead of.us is gain-
and closed by the great High Priest Olympus that inspired Paul to call upon ing; only we are "lagging" behind. Our goal
alone. On the day of Pentecost Jesus, Christians to run that they might obtain seems a long way off." We lose faith and
opened the door into the holy place and the prize. (5 Corinthians g: 24.) confidence in our ability. We hit a steadier
began His ministration there. The Similar feats of strength and endurance pace; we walk; and, more, we sound a sor-
revelator in vision witnessed the open- inspired the prophet Isaiah to look beyond rowful retreat. Let him who played his
the success of the foot messenger and war- "taps" again sound "reveille," and, with the
ing of the door into the holy of holies rior of his day, and speak of a time when morning freshness, remember: Only those
at the beginning of the investigative "they shall run, and not be weary; and they pilgrims of whose progress it may be
judgment. "The temple of God was shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 4o: 35. prophesied, "they shall run, and not be
opened in heaven." Revelation II : 19. The path of the Christian, as Bunyan pic- weary; and they shall walk, and not faint"
Daniel's great 23oo-year time proph- tured it in "Pilgrim's Progress," was by no can God count as the true Christians of
ecy sets the date at 1844 A. D. This means • smooth. There were "ups" and To-day.
for DECEMBER 14, 1926 Page Three
AUTHOR ARTICLE "SIGNS" NO. AUTHOR ARTICLE "SIGNS" NO. AUTHOR ARTICLE "SIGNS" No.
Is the Story of Noah's Flood True? 8 Probash Chandra Dey 45 Church Wants Caesar's Seat, The 15
Geology Testifies to a Sudden Catastrophe 9 Straton, John Roach Weis, Theo. G.
Science and the Days of Creation 29 Does Prohibition Pay? 21 Slate of Life, The 1
Faith That Can Move Mountains, A 47 Stuttle, Mrs. L. D. Avery Failures of Yesterday, The 6
Digging the Bible out of Egypt's Sands 50 Oil on the Waters (Poem) 12 Switches 10
Rasmuson, Bernard I. Sunday, Billy Story of a Blacksmith, The 34
Philosophical Traveler, The ...4, 11, 12, 35, 39 Does Prohibition Pay? 21 Value of a Friend, The (Poem) 35
Reaser, George W. Tappan, Eva March Wells, George W.
Signature of Jesus Christ, The 33 Concerning Manners 15 Inspiring Promise, An 1
Reed, Lucas Albert Tefft, Byron E. • Transfigured Life, The 2
First Advent Preacher, The 11 Did the Apostles Keep Sunday? 6 God's Memorials 3
Job and Christ's Second Coming 12 Is the "Lord's Day" Sunday? 7 God's Greatest Memorial 5
Dark Day Is Coming, A 14 Thiele, Edwin R. Gospel Proves Itself, The 7
Angel's Advent Sermon, An 15 Lawlessness—a World Malady 4 Gospel, The 9
Times of Restitution, The 16 Why Do Nations Fight? 24 "Enoch Walked with God!' 14
When Shall We Go to Heaven 18 Thomason, George, M. D. Sympathy the Healer 30 •
What Precedes Christ's Coming? 19 Body Wrecker—Alcohol, The 21 "Don't Wait I Insure To-day—Before
Every Eye Shall See Him 20 Thompson, Charles the Storm!" 34
Reynolds, Keld J. Law of God, The 39 Westworth, William A.
Modern Worship of Moloch, The 6 Who Made the Sabbath, and Why? 40 Make Sure of Your Citizenship 42
America's Greatest Gift to the World 25 Does the Bible Back Sunday? 41 Wheeler, Lee S.
Church of To-morrow, The 34 Somebody Changed the Sabbath—Who Moral Aspect of Evolution, The 2
Rine, George W. Was It? 43 White, Stemple
World Federation of Churches 4 Guilty or Not Guilty? 44 Deity of Jesus Christ, The 1
How Can We Become Immortal? 13 Sabbath and Sanctification, The 45 Does God Mean What He Says? 14
Kingdom of God, The 44 Sunday the Sign of Apostasy 46 With Your Bible 32, 33, 35.37, 39
What Is the Final Authority in Religion? 50 Thompson, George B. Wight, S. E.
Robbins, F. H. Element of Eternal Power, The 1 Delighting in the Law 20
Glimpse into the Great Beyond, A 48 Moses—the Maker of a Wise Choice 7 Wilcox, Kathrina B.
Rowell, Earle A. Is Christ Dead or Alive? 15 In Tune with God 1
Testing, The ......1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9-11, 26-28, 30 That Which Endures 18 Wilcox, Llewellyn A.
Rowell, Eugene Father's Influence, A 27 New Year's Sermon, A 1
Thy Word Is Truth 17 Graveyards 29
As the Glory Fell upon Them 22 Wilcox, Milton C.
Thompson, Walter C. Menace of the Eist, The 3
Rudy, Henry L. Prophecy Proves the Bible Divine 27 Shall We Enforce or Repeal? 21
War Clouds of Europe, The 35 Bible and the Testimony of the Rocks, The 31
Czecho-Slovakia Wars over Religion 45 Do We Need a New God? 25
"Believest Thou the Prophets?" 32 Individual or the Institution, The 27
When Czecho-Slovakia Commemorated the Bible the Torchlight of the Centuries, The 33 Ex-Kaiser's Religion, The
Martyrdom of Huss 46 38
48 "If They Hear Not Moses and the Wilcox, Uthai V.
Revolting Against Theocracy Prophets" 34 Eternal Facts
What Are the Vatican's Aims in Europe? 49 5
Jew, The 35 Universal Peace But a Dream 8
Ruskjer, Soren A. Christ Indorses Daniel 36 Jesus Christ the Catalyst 20
What Does Baptism Mean? 10 Gold Head and Clay Feet, A 37
Russell, Clifford A. Prohibition as Washington Sees It 21
Prophecy and the Battle of the Marne 39 Making the Most of a Vacation 25
Jeremiah's Story of the Potter 6 God's Blue Print of the Ages 40
Sanford, Harold E. How Big Will the Next War Be? 44
Rome in Prophecy 41 Is Civilization Going Crazy? 47
To a Pine (Poem) 3 Wars and Rumors of Wars 43
Simms, Joseph Our Self-Destructive Civilization 48
15 Christ the Focal Point of Prophecy 44 Williams, Roy 0., D. D. S.
Can Miracles Happen? Thornton, L. Mitchell
Skinner, Lyndon L. As Old as Your Teeth 25
8 Age Hath Wisdom (Poem) 9 Winkler, Kate Lillian
Man from Banner Fork, The Mother-Longing (Poem) 23
Awakening of Mrs. Creech, The 12 Christ the Hope of the Ages 41
37 Little Lad to Hold, A (Poem) 26 Wirth, William G.
Spiritualism and the Radio Thurber, Letha M.
No Room in the Inn 47 Will There Be a United States of Europe? 4
"Cometh Mary Magdalene" 17 Are Women Slipping? 7
Slade, Edwin K. God's Introductions 40
Approval of God, The 37 Troubled East, The Ir 8
Slater, Sterling B. Troy, Owen A. America Enters World Court 13
Why Do the Wicked Prosper? 3 Does Your Mirror Tell the Truth? 15 Upsetting the League of Nations 19
Is Religion a Paying Investment? 5 Unruh, Bertha What and Where Is Heaven? 20
Smith, Leon A. "All Men Seek for Thee" 3 Why Do Some People Keep Sunday? 26
International Mirage, The 13 "The Fool Hath Said" 14 "Almariac of Prophecy," The 27
Earthquake, The (Poem) 25 Shadow Chasers 24 Grandeur That Was Rome's, The 28
But One Way of Salvation 37 Urquhart, Edward J. When, Where, and How Is Hell? 29
Hour of Destiny, The 41 Not Many Wise Men (Poem) 18 "He Shall Think to Change the Times
Snider, J. D. Unconquerable (Poem) 19 and the Law" 30
Value of Good Books, The 1 Eastern Dream, An (Poem) 33 What Is the Seal of God? 31
Spalding, Arthur W. Two Roads Ahead (Poem) 43 "The Hour of His Judgment Is Come" 32
Who's Driving? 5 0-Hulda of Korea 47 Is God Particular? 33
He Maketh Us to Lie Down 13 Van Kirk, Marshall B. Chicago's Eucharistic Congress 34
Shall Our Public Schools Teach Religion? 17 Cast Not away Your Confidence 10 Unpardonable Sin, The 35
Modern Society a Foe to Children 25 Voorheis, Harriet E. Meaning of the Eucharistic Congress, The 36
Why Do You "Make Him Mind"? 29 Shall We Pray? 11 Why Catholicism Is Growing in the
Is Christianity "Do" or "Don't"? 40 Votaw, Heber H. United States 37
What Is a Christian Home? 45 Does Prohibition Pay? 21 Catholic Influence in the United States ' 39
Mud Pies 47 Walker, Allen "Signs" Question Corner, The 40, 41, 43
Spicer, William A. When Will the Righteous Be Rewarded? 3 44 48
Lights Amid Darkness 3 Man Is Mortal 5 Wright, L. Ervin
Stenberg, C. E. Warren, L. Donald Blood Atonement, The 45
How to Live Christianity 40 Illusory Triumphs of a Quarter Century, The 2 Where Did Moses Get It? 46
Stevens, W. H. Webster, Edwin R. Gospel Before Christ, The 48
Haik, the Armenian Boy 44 Two Scientists Talk on Evolution 10 Was Christ's Death Necessary to Salvation? 49

THE CRUCIBLE TEST OF THE expectation of a soon-coming Deliv- Philadelphia a single high pillar, re-
re-

•
MODERN CHURCH erer ! How it fills the heart with cheer minding- travelers of the message to
mit
(Continued from page 3) and courage ! Paul was beheaded by the Philadelphian church.
Those who patiently keep, or guard, Nero, but he died in triumph, with this Two names are to be divinely written
His word have the promise of Christ's assurance: "Henceforth there is laid ort.the victors,—Christ's new name for
keeping power during the fiery trials up for me a crown of righteousness, them, to comply with their transformed
that will test men's souls. Of them it which the Lord, the righteous Judge, characters; and His own name, because
is said, "Here is the patience of the shall give me at that day : and not to me they have reached the divine standard.
saints : here are they that keep the com- only, but unto all them also that love Later the revelator sees the redeemed
mandments of God, and the faith of His appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 8. with the Lamb on Mount Sion, "hav-
Jesus." Revelation 14 : 12. The conqueror is assured of a posi- ing His Father's name written in their
Modern scholastic reasoning may at- tion as a pillar in the spiritual temple foreheads." Revelation 14 : 1. The
tempt to discredit the Scriptures, but of the Lord. The church, built on the name, or character, of God can never
God will have defenders of the faith, rock foundation with Christ as the be received by human effort ; it is im-
who will earnestly contend for and chief corner stone, is the only earthly puted to us by faith, and is received as
guard His word. institution that will stand the test of a gift. God only can write His law in
The assurance, "Behold, I come the coming 'storm, and exist through- our minds and hearts.
quickly," is an encouragement to "hold out eternity. A pillar is the most im- Christ also promises to write on the
that fast which thou hast, that no man portant part of a building, next to the overcomers the name of His city, the
take thy crown." During the last great foundation and the chief corner stone, New Jerusalem, the capital of the uni-
apostasy many will depart from the and it is symbolic of strength and sta- verse. With both His name and His
faith and lose their crowns of right- bility. address on them, "the gates of hell
eousness and their hope of eternal life. Since the first century there has been shall not prevail" to keep His saints
What an incentiveto hold fast is the standing over the ruins of the city of from reaching their destination.
Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES
 Christ's Picture of the Modern'
ND unto the angel of the church of
the Laodiceans write; These
things saith the Amen, the The
faithful and true witness, the begin-
ning of the creation of God ; I know LAODICEAN
thy works, that thou art neither cold
•nor hot : I would thou wert cold or hot. MESSAGE
So then because thou art lukewarm,
and neither cold or hot, I will spue thee
out of My mouth. Because thou say- Studies in
est, I am rich, and increased with the book of
goods, and have need of nothing; and
knowest not that thou art wretched, Revelation, •
and miserable, and poor, and blind, NUMBER
and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me TWELVE
gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest
be rich ; and white raiment, that thou
mayest be clothed, and that the shame
of thy nakedness do not appear; and TAYLOR G.
anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that
thou mayest see." Revelation 3 : 14-18. BUNCH
THE REMNANT CHURCH The north transept of Westminster Abbey
Being the last of the seven, the
Laodicean message applies especially
to the last period, or stage, of the doorkeeper of the pass. In the pass He had said to the other churches and
Christian church, to the "remnant of were a number of famous hot, cold, and was about to say to the Laodicean
her seed" in the last generation. It is lukewarm springs, whose waters were church was true, for it was spoken by
indeed a sad comment on twentieth- supposed to have healing properties. "the faithful and true Witness."
century Christianity.. It is a terrible The city became famous as a health "These are the words of the Un-
revelation, but one hundred per cent resort, and the sick came from all parts changing One."—Twentieth Century
true, because given by the "faithful and of the Greek and Roman worlds to be New Testament. He is the "same
true Witness," who never misrepre- benefited by these mineral springs and yesterday, and to-day, and forever"
sents or exaggerates. mud baths. (Hebrews 13: 8), and with Him there
Laodicea has the meaning of "judg- Laodicea was also a manufacturing "is no variableness, neither shadow of
ing of the people," and is "the city of center. In the valley was produced a turning" ( James I : 17). The church
compromise." The Laodicean message valuable wool, soft in texture, and may change, but Christ, never. The
is due in the time of the judgment. The glossy black in color, highly esteemed Laodicean church has compromised
door into the holy of holies was opened because used to make black garments with the world, but Jesus looks upon it
during the Philadelphian period, and of various kinds. It was also a com- with the same antipathy as in Ephesus,
remains open until the judgment has mercial city with large markets con- Pergamos, and Sardis. He still loves
finished its solemn work in heaven and trolled mostly by Jews, of whom there righteousness and hates iniquity.
the church has carried the judgment- were 7,500 men, besides women and The Laodicean message is a fearful ,
hour message to the ends of the earth. children. A school of medicine was indictment, picturing a deplorable con-
See Daniel 7 : 9-13 ; Rev. 14 : 6-14. also located in this health resort, where dition, but it is the testimony of "the
Living in such a solemn time, the ointments were made especially for the faithful and true Witness." He doesn't
Laodicean church should present a far eyes and ears. A sort of tabloid, or gloss over or whitewash conditions to
different picture. Yuring the typical powder, and also a salve for the eyes make them appear better than they
day of atonement all Israel were on were manufactured and exported to all really are. His testimony is depend-
their knees around the sanctuary in parts of the Greek and Roman worlds, able. Truthful witnesses are so scarce
prayer and confession ; but Laodicea, giving the city a world fame. in this generation of false accusers
with full knowledge of the solemnity A PROUD CITY
that the ninth commandment is almost
of the hour, has compromised with the universally transgressed, but it is im-
Laodicea was characteristic of any possible for the true Witness to lie.
world. The remnant loses its pioneer prosperous commercial city,—self-sat-
spirit of sacrifice, brotherly love, and The Author of the letter further de-
isfied, proud, and boastful. The citi- clares Himself to be "the Beginning of
missionary zeal, and, like ancient Is- zens were proud of its wealth, prosper-
rael and the Pergamos church, is en- •the creation of God" (Revelation 3:
ity, and fame. The local church par- 14), or the "Beginning and Lord of
feebled and deceived by compromises took of the spirit of the city. The
with worldly influences. ' God's creation."—Weymouth Transla-
language employed by Christ in His tion. This can not mean that Christ
HOT, COLD, AND LUKEWARM SPRINGS letter to the Laodiceans was far from was the first created. being, for He is
The city of Laodicea was founded by meaningless. Those addressed were the "only-begotten of the Father." It
Antiochus II. It was located on the very familiar with all the terms em- rather signifies that all created things
great highway from Ephesus to Syria, ployed. had their beginning with Christ, the
which entered through the "Ephesus "These things saith the Amen." agent of God's creation. That all
Gate" on the west and left the city Revelation 3: 14. Amen indicates the things were created by Christ as the
through the "Syrian Gate" on the east. end, as of a prayer or sermon. It is spokesman of the Godhead is 'abun-
The post road from Pergamos joined the last message and final warning to dantly proved by many Scriptures. See
the imperial highway at Laodicea. The the last church before probation closes. Hebrews I : I, a; Ephesians 3: 9; John
city was located near a pass in the It is an appropriate introduction to the : 1-3 ; Colossians I : 13-16.
mountains, known as the "Gate of last of the seven messages. Amen also What a splendid introduction to the
Phrygia," and acted as the guard or means "So be it," or "It is true." All last-day church living in a generation
Page Four SIGNS of the TIMES
 dicean church. Sardis and Laodicea works. The church is busy planning,
Church are the only two of the seven wholly
condemned. Both make false preten-
sions, and are self-deceived. Sardis
organizing, raising money, erecting
great edifices, and establishing institu-
tions. She is busy with programs,
posed as being alive while dead, and campaigns, conventions, and social
saturated with the evolutionary theory Laodicea as being "rich, and increased functions. Like Israel of old and like
of the beginning of things! It is a re- with goods," and in "need of nothing," modern spiritual Babylon, she is de-
buke to the modern scholastic philoso- while being destitute of everything ceived by her many activities, and
phy that denies that "in the beginning needful, "wretched, and miserable, and shouts victory and progress while
God created the heaven and the earth" poor, and blind, and naked" (Revela- spiritually retreating toward Egypt.
(Genesis I : 1), and that the earth and tion 3 : religion of sham and A LUKEWARM TASTE
man had their origin with a Creator hypocrisy.. And, saddest of all, she Laodicea is lukewarm. Either cold
instead of in a cloud of nebula and a knows not her true condition. It or hot is declared preferable to this
polliwog evolved into their present state is significant that Sardis and Laodicea intermediate state. The person who is
through the operation of natural laws. are the only two of the seven cities that cold knows it and makes an effort to
"Through faith we understand that the are to-day absolutely deserted, without get warm. There is more hope for a
worlds were framed by the word of even a hut or neighboring village. cold sinner than for a lukewarm pro-
God, so that things which are seen There is no complaint made of fessing Christian. Lukewarmness is a
were not made of things which do ap- Laodicea's doctrines. Her great light. condition of self-satisfaction and com-
pear." Hebrews II : 3. Christ is not and privileges and knowledge of the fort. It is conducive to sleep, which is
only the "Beginning and Lord of God's solemn judgment in session in heaven practically impossible when either cold
creation" (Revelation 3 : 14, Wey- make her more responsible than the or hot. Lukewarm water is also
mouth Translation), but He upholds church in any other period, and the nauseating to the taste, hence the
"all things by the word of His power" malediction is pronounced accordingly. threat, "I will spue thee out of My
(Hebrews 1:3). See Matthew II : 20-24. "I know thy mouth." Verse 16. "Before long I
No commendation is given the Lao- works." There seems to be no lack of (Continued on page 14)

401

THE MANNER of CHRIST'S COMING

ONCERNING the manner of Christ's com-
C ing, the Bible declares : "Unto them
that look for Him shall He appear the
second time , without sin unto salvation." CARLYLE B. HAYNES
"He shall come in His own glory, and in
His Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke
9:26.
A description of the exact manner of the
Hebrews g : 28. Christ, when He 'comes the second coming of Christ was given by the
second time, will come in an open, public angels who spoke to the disciples at the time
manner ; there will be nothing secret about This appearing of Christ is a world-wide of Christ's ascension. "While they looked
it; there will be nothing hidden from the appearing. He will be seen and will appear steadfastly toward heaven as He went up,
eyes of men. He will "appear," that is, He to all the world, not merely to a certain class behold, two men stood by them in white
will be seen by the people dwelling on the which may be expecting Him, not merely to apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee,
earth. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the church, not merely to the righteous, but why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this
the glorious appearing of the great God and to every living soul on the earth. This is same Jesus, which is taken up from you
our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus 2: 13. very clearly stated. "Then shall all the into heaven, shall so come in like manner as
A WORLD-WIDE APPEARING tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see ye have seen Him go into heaven." Acts
The second coming of Christ will be an the Son of man coming in the clouds of 1: to, II.
appearing, not at all a secret, hidden coming heaven with power and great glory." Mat- He went away visibly; He will return
thew 24: 30. visibly; He went away personally; He will
at death, as many to-day preach; nor that
spiritual, invisible coming, unrecognized by It is "all the tribes of the earth" who return personally, "this same Jesus." He
the world, that some expect. Christ will shall see Christ when He comes. This truth went away literally; He will return literally.
appear. His coming will be literal, personal, that the coming of Christ will be witnessed He went away with clouds, "a cloud received
visible. It will be a real coming, not the by the entire world is repeated by John : Him out of their sight" (Acts I : g) ; "be-
coming of "a spirit being," an "invisible "Behold, He cometh with clouds ; and every hold, He cometh with clouds" (Revelation
eye shall sec Him, and they also which I: 7), "and they shall see the Son of man
Lord," but of the very same Jesus who
walked with His disciples on the hills of pierced Him." Revelation I: 7. The idea, coming in the clouds of heaven" (Matthew
Galilee. The Bible emphasizes this thought then, that Christ will come secretly, taking 24: 30).
that the Lord will appear when He comes. one here and one there, and that this infor-
mation will become known to the rest of HE WILL COME WITH WRATH
There is no need of any misunderstanding
here. mankind only by the absence of those who And when Christ comes the second time,
"When Christ, who is our life, shall ap- have been taken away, is untrue. He will come with wrath to destroy His
pear." Colossians 3 : 4. A DEMONSTRATION OF POWER adversaries. He will not come to reign as
"When the Chief Shepherd shall appear." AND GLORY
king over a world that has been converted,
I Peter 5: 4. and which has laid down its arms. His
"And now, little children, abide in Him ; The coming of Christ will be accompanied wrath will blaze forth against unregenerate
by such a demonstration of power and glory men, and they will be consumed by the
that, when He shall appear, we may have
confidence." I John 2: 28. that nothing in all the annals of history brightness of His coming and overwhelmed
"We know that, when He shall appear, we will compare with it. The Lord will not by the glory of His presence. When
shall be like Him; for we shall see Him." even come in silence, for we read: "The wicked men shall see Him coming they will
Lord Himself shall descend from heaven call for the rocks and the mountains to fall
1 John 3: 2.
"Be found unto praise and honor and with a. shout, with the voice of the Arch- on them and hide them from the face of
glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." angel, and with the trump of God." I Thes- Him that sitteth upon the throne, and from
salonians 4: 16. the wrath of the Lamb. (Revelation 6:
I Peter I : 7.
"Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus His coming will be visible: "As the light- 15-17.)
Christ." 1 Timothy 6 : 14. ning cometh out of the east, and shineth This is the great event which lies in the
"Who shall judge the quick and the dead even unto the west ; so shall also the coming immediate future, in this very generation,
at His appearing and His kingdom." 2 of' the Son of man be." Matthew 24: 27. and this is the manner of its occurrence.
Timothy 4: I. His coming will be overwhelming in glory Let the reader yield his life to the Lord,
"They shall see the Son of man coming in and majesty: "They shall see the Son of that he may hide in this time of trouble,
the clouds of heaven with power and great. man coming in the clouds of heaven with and may be prepared to meet the LOrd in
glory." Matthew 24 : 30. power and great glory." Matthew 24: 30. peace.
for TANUARY 4, 1 9 2 7 Page Five
sion that the use of meat as an article
of diet is contrary to nature, harmful,
and indefensible. But many, while
convinced that flesh foods are harmful,
never heed the call and prepare for the SI
coming Bridegroom. "I will spue thee
out of My mouth" is not an idle threat.
God's dealings with ancient Israel and
AM OR, •.S
ig

PROPHETIC WISISISLV
Advocating a return to the simple
aIMES
are fearful lest the omission of this with Pergamos should be a fearful gospel of Christ, and a preparation
for His imminent second appearing
class of food from their dietary might warning to Laodicea. He will not al-
deprive the system of certain needful ways be trifled with ; there is a limit to .. _ „, EDITORS
F. D. Nictioc
A. O. TAI- - A. L. BAKER
elements, and in the end prove disas- His forbearance. CIRCULATION MANAGER
trous. The experience of thousands of THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY PHARISEES
T. R. FERREN
vegetarians proves that this fear is Vol. 54, No. 1 January 4, 1927
groundless. The testimony of the Like Israel, Laodicea is satisfied with Mountain View, California
highest authorities in dietetics is that a her condition. She feels that she has
all the light and truth available, and is SUBSCRIPTION RATES
well-balanced diet can be attained from In United States:
strictly vegetarian sources. in "need of nothing." The Bible con- Single copy, one year $1.50
tains no picture of a greater deception, Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.25
During the World War the questions unless it be Christ's description of the To Canada and other countries taking extra postage:
of diet and food supply were of para- Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank
Clubs c
Se
b of five or more to one address, each 1.50
mount importance to the nations. The Thee, that I am not as the rest of men." Please make all checks and money orders payable
International Scientific Food Commis- Luke 18 : I I, A. R. V. The Laodi- to "Signs of the Times," Mountain View, California.
sion was called upon to decide upon a ceans are the twentieth-century Phari- NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS
minimum meat ration consistent with sees. Laodicea is poor, and imagines _ Expiration. All issues for the month named on
public welfare. After due investiga- ythoeurtospublsieniqptoifony.oufTnaldedssrearsenelawt ainrearvcalnuedeediiiine
she is rich; wretched, and feels per-
tion, the Commission decided that it fectly satisfied ; miserable, and thinks paper stops at expiration date.
was unnecessary to fix a minimum she is happy; blind, and boasts of her
Chaa igreesosf address. Please give both old and
new
meat ration, "in view of the fact that wisdom and vision ; naked, and goes papers evins7lheexggt ono ci subscriptions,
g personsetreceiving
SONO rs'e "Signs the
no absolute physiological need exists around as if on dress parade. Could out naving subscribed may perfectly free to
for meat, since the proteins of meat accept it.
self-deception be more complete? We
can be replaced by other proteins of can hardly imagine anyone unless in-
animal origin, such as those contained sane or drunken being under such a
in milk, cheese, and eggs, as well as by church accepts the Laodicean message,
delusion. The church is beguiled by a acknowledges the application, accepts
proteins of vegetable origin." silly, blind, all-embracing optimism that
In a United States Department of the Great Physician's diagnosis, and
refuses to recognize existing facts. applies the remedy.
Agriculture circular by C. F. Lang- Closing her eyes to her wretched state,
worthy and Caroline L. Hunt, occurs Speaking of the Laodicean condi-
Laodicea is proud, boastful, and self- tion of the church, an English writer
the following statement : "It is of conceited. Although spiritually sick
course possible to eat meat dishes less says : "There are no words hot enough
and dying, she keeps the Great Physi- or strong enough to expose the Laodi-
frequently [than once a day] or to omit cian outside the door. There is no hope
meat from the diet altogether, for it cean folly, imagining she is rich and
of a change for the better until the increased with goods and has need of
has beeri determined that all the neces-
sary protein and energy may be ob- nothing, when in God's sight she is
tained from other materials, if one so wretched, and miserable, and poor, and
desires, and the diet is so arranged that blind, and naked, lukewarm, and only
it remains well balanced." fit to be spewed out of His mouth as an
In the light of all these facts, shall object of loathing. . . . We need a
we allow appetite, formed by habit or weeping prophet to-day. 'Oh that my
head were waters, and mine eyes a
the fancies of our palate, to dictate to
us our menus ? or shall we let reason fountain of tears, that I might weep
sit on the throne, and we confine our day and night for . . . my people !'
diet to the articles of food provided by We need leaders and people who are
nature for man? "Whether therefore capable of grasping the situation as it
ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, is in reality in God's sight, unaffected
do all to the glory of God." r Co- by the chloroform of unscriptural
teaching and precepts of men, with
rinthians io : 31. What Is Your Autograph? which the church is kept in her blissful
• GEORGE B. THOMPSON dream of self-satisfaction. . . . The
CHRIST'S PICTURE OF THE many tears of such a man . . . caused
MODERN - CHURCH I T is related of Moffat, the great mission-
ary, that the night he was leaving Eng- by an enlightened understanding of
land for his field of labor in Africa, a few of
(Continued from page 5) his friends met with him for the last time. spiritual realities and a superior knowl-
During the evening, a pious young lady, edge of both God and man and things
will vomit you out of My mouth." wishing to have his autograph, presented her
—Weymouth Translation. To the Lao- album, and asked him for his autograph. as they are in truth, are like the tears of
Taking the album, he wrote the following Jesus over His beloved city, Jerusa-
diceans, with their hot, warm, and cold lines:
springs, the illustration used by Christ lem."
"My album is a savage breast, THE SURE REMEDY
was strikingly forceful. Where darkness reigns and tempests wrest,
The Laodicean church is asleep. She Without one ray of light. The condition however, is not hope-
To write the name of Jesus there
says, "Peace, peace ; when there is no And point to worlds both bright and fair less, because a complete remedy has
And see the savage bow in prayer
peace" ( Jeremiah 6: 14), and by her Is my supreme delight." been provided. When the church ac-
words and actions says, "My Lord de- Reader, is this your "supreme delight"?
cepts the message, prays for the heav-
layeth His coming" (Luke 12 : 45). or are you absorbed in pleasure, in the enly anointing that opens her eyes and
Jesus represented her present condi- political stew, in seeking after fame and restores her vision, and, realizing her
worldly treasure,—things which in a few
tion by the parable of the ten virgins. years at most will vanish? Nothing can be spiritual poverty, weeps over her sins
All "slumbered and slept" until awak- of greater importance than the making of and accepts the remedy, then will come
such a life that, when the storms blow, when
ened by the midnight cry, "Behold, the death sits by your bedside and begins to a reformation that will transform
Bridegroom cometh." Matthew 25: feel for your heartstrings, you can be sure Laodicea into "a glorious church, not
that you are ready, that you have done your
5, 6. The five who had made the neces- best, and that, with complacence, you can having spot, or wrinkle" (Ephesians
sary preparation went in to the wed- commit all into the hands of Him who loved 5: 27), prepared for the latter rain of
us, and gave Himself for us. Pentecostal power that completes the
ding. An awakening call must come to
Laodicea. Sad thought that many will gospel work.
Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES
 The LAODICEAN REMEDY
Studies in the Book of Revelation
NUMBER THIRTEEN

ric HE Laodicean message is the

Great Physician's diagnosis of ' TAYLOR G. BUNCH
thy nakedness do not appear; and
anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that
His modein sin-sick church. thou mayest see." Revelation 3: 18.
The situation must be very grave to and naked, she boasts of riches, prog- The success of a remedy depends on
warrant such bold frankness on the ress, and prosperity. The situation obedience to the physician's counsel.
part of the sin specialist. He makes would be hopeless if there were no Christ's advice is "Buy of Me." There
no attempt to evade the truth or to cure. The same Physician' who gives is no other place to purchase a genuine
conceal the facts. The crisis demands the diagnosis provides a sure and com- sin cure. There are a number of self-
drastic measures and, in a final effort plete remedy. styled sin doctors and patent sin reme-
to arouse His sleeping and self- "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold dies. But these fake remedies contain
deceived people, He sends them the tried in the fire, that thou mayest be narcotics that deaden the pain of sin
most startling message ever given. rich ; and white raiment, that thou may- conviction and deceive its victims by
This condition of modern pharisaism is est be clothed, and that the shame of blinding their eyes to their true condi-
so nauseating to Christ that He threat- tion. They bring temporary relief
ens to vomit them out of His mouth while the disease is doing a permanent
unless there is a speedy reformation. injury. Soothed and blinded by the
The Laodicean message is very simi- inoculation of self-deception, the Lao-
lar to that sent to ancient Israel. dicean church has lost its sense of the
(Isaiah I : 4-6, ii-i6 ; Amos 5 : 21-23.) exceeding sinfulness of sin.
The very things God Himself had re- While Christ urges us to "buy" of
quired of them had become so formal Him, the remedy is within reach of all.
that He now despised their works. A The invitation is, "Come, . . . he that
religion of sham, hypocrisy, and cold, bath • no money" and buy "without
rigid legalism has ever been loathsome money and without price." Isaiah
to Him who craves sincere, heartfelt 55 : I. The remedy is for the Laodi-
devotion. ceans, and who could possibly be more
poverty-stricken than they? The only
"IS THERE NO PHYSICIAN?" cost is a complete surrender to His will,
The Great Physician offered Israel a a willingness to take His counsel, to
remedy. "For the hurt of the daughter confess and forsake sin, and to let
of my people am I hurt; I arn•black : Jesus have His way in the life.
astonishment bath taken hold on me. The wealth promised is the gold of
Is there no balm in Gilead ; is there no faith and truth "tried in the fire."
physician there? why then is not the "The words of the Lord are pure
health of the daughter of my people words ; as silver tried in a furnace of
recovered ?" Jeremiah 8 : 21, 22. His earth, purified seven times." "The
plaintive plea was : "Wash you, make word of the Lord is refined." Psalm
you clean ; put away the evil of your 12 : 6 ; 18 : 3o, margin.
doings from before Mine eyes ; cease to The word of God has stood the.acid
do evil; learn to do well; seek judg- test of skeptical criticism and has gone
ment, relieve the oppressed, judge the through the fires of persecution. None
fatherless, plead for the widow. Come are richer than the children of faith
now, and let us reason together, saith who believe the word of God. They
the Lord : though your sins be as are heirs of the kingdom with riches
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; untold. The church, instead of boast-
though they be red like crimson, they ing of its truth, should be seeking for
shall be as wool. If ye be willing and more light with a living faith that
obedient, ye shall eat the good of the leads to obedience.
land : but if ye refuse and rebel, ye
WHITE RAIMENT
shall be devoured with the sword : for
the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." •"White raiment" is also promised to
Isaiah I : 16-20. cover the shameful nakedness of Lao-
Refusing the remedy, the disease be- dicea. Oh that the church, boasting
came incurable, and Israel was finally in its own works. could get the vision
rejected. Sacred or profane history of the prophet of old ! `-`But we are
does not record a sadder lamentation all as an unclean thing, and all our
than that of Jesus over His beloved righteousnesses are as filthy rags ; and
city and nation. "0 Jerusalem, Jerusa- we all do fade as a leaf ; and our in-
lem, thou that killest the prophets, and iquities, like the wind, have taken us
stonest thein which are sent unto thee, away." Isaiah 64 : 6. Most of the
how often would I have gathered thy citizens of Laodicea wore black gar-
children together• even as a hen ments made from the black wool pro-
gathereth her chickens under her duced in the valley, but they were
wings, and ye would not ! Behold your familiar with the meaning of the white
house is left unto you desolate." Mat- robe, or toga, worn by the proud Ro-
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if
thew 23 : 37, 38. any man hear My voice, and open the door, man citizen as a symbol of victory.
Modern Israel has reached a similar I will come in to him, and will sup with him, The Laodicean church needs the
and he with Me."
state and, alas, she knows it not. Luke- change of raiment given Joshua the
warm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind, high priest by the angel at the com-
for JANUARY 11, 1927 Page Thirteen
mand of God. (Zechariah 3 : 1-5.) resort, the Lord uses trials and perse-
The filthy rags of self-righteousness
must be exchanged for the white robe
cutions as a purifying process. Try-
ing days await Laodicea, an acid test SI
of the righteousness of Christ. The is coming; a storm relentless in its fury
church can never attend the marriage will sift her like wheat. When the Advocating a return to the simple
supper of the Lamb without making sifting, shakinc, time is over, those who gospel of Christ, and a preparation
for His imminent second appearing
"herself ready" by being "arrayed in emerge from the refining furnace are
EDITORS
fine linen, clean and white." The white described as "a glorious church, not ,A. 0. TAIT A. L. BAKER F. D. NICHOL
linen represents "the righteousness of having spot, or wrinkle, or any such CIRCULATION MANAGER
J. R. FERREN
saints." Revelation 19: 7, 8. This gar- thing." Ephesians 5: 27.
ment of righteousness, or right doing, Vol. 54, No. 2 January 11, 1927
"Behold, I stand at the door, and Mountain View, California
is put on by meeting the requirements knock: if any man hear My voice, and
of God's great standard of righteous- open the door, I will come in to him, SUBSCRIPTION RATES
ness, His law. (Psalm ii9 : 172 ; and will slip with him, and he with InSingle United States:
copy, one year $1.50
Isaiah 51 : 7.) Me." Revelation 3 : 20. Here is the Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.25
Eyesalve is promised to the blind secret of Laodicea's failure. Christ, To Canada and other countries taking extra postage:
Single copy, one year $2.00
Laodiceans to restore their spiritual the Great Physician, has been kept out- Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.50
vision. The church is blind to its own side the door. The church is so de- Please make all checks and money orders payable
to "Signs of the Times," Mountain View, California.
condition and need. "They seeing see ceived, self-sufficient, and satisfied that
not, . . . neither do they understand." her Lover and best Friend is refused NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS
Matthew 13: 13. The wise man de- .Expiration. All issues for the month named on
admission. He is willing and anxious the top line of your address label are included in
clared, "Where there is no vision, the to enter and remedy the situation, but your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, the
paper stops at expiration date.
people perish." Proverbs 29: 18. This He will not force an entrance. He Change of address. Please give both old and
does not apply alone to prophetic vi- knocks, and entreats, but all in vain. Is new address.
No papers are sent except on paid subscriptions,
sion ; it has even a stronger application there no one at home? Yes, inside is a so persons receiving the "Signs of the Times" with-
to spiritual vision. A church may have wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and out having subscribed may feel perfectly free to
accept it.
prophetic vision and at the same time naked church, but so deceived that she
be spiritually blind. Such was the con- knows not her condition. She is in
dition of Israel even during the lives of need of everything He has to give. He My Father in His throne." To the
her greatest prophets, and when the brings great wealth, beautiful gar- church in -its worst state is promised
Great Prophet was among them He ments, and eyesalve to restore her vi- the most glorious reward as an incen-•
declared that the blind were leading the sion, all "without money and without tive to reform. The promise indicates
blind, and both were headed for the price." The Prince of Peace is not that the time is near when Christ will
ditch. None are so blind as those who seeking entrance into the heart because cease to be priest and begin to reign as
think they have all the light and who do He has no other place to lodge. The king. All who let Him in to sit on
not want to see their sins. Such is the royal palaces of heaven are open to the throne of their hearts and at their
condition of the Laodiceans. Him ; worlds upon worlds would tables to sup and abide with them, He
The eyesalve is the anointing of the gladly welcome Him ; the city of gold will permit to enter His palace, sit with
Holy Spirit, God's agency for opening in the paradise of God opens its pearly Him at the wedding feast, share with
blind eyes and convincing of sin, of gates to receive Him. But He craves Him His throne, and help Him rule the
righteousness, and of judgment. (Acts the love and companionship of the universe.
10 : 38 ; I John 2 : 20, 21, 27; John 16 : church purchased by His own blood,
IS.) the object of His supreme affection. LITERATURE WANTED
Such an anointing is the church's He does not even expect the whole THE following persons desire late clean
greatest need. It would change the church to let Him in : "If any man hear copies of Seventh-day Adventist literature
for use in missionary work:
situation very quickly. Such a 'vision My voice" makes it an individual mat- A. H. Koenig, College of the Pacific,
completely transformed the character ter. He goes from heart to heart seek- Stockton, California.
of Job from unparalleled egotism to a ing an entrance where He can abide California. W. C. Curtis, Route I, Box 81, Van Nuys,
place in the dust where he abhorred and sup and enrich the host. He calls George Beerman, 1038 East Grant Street,
himself. The proud, boastful Pharisee, on the 'Laodicean church to "behold" Portland, Oregon.
Saul of Tarsus, was changed to the Him standing at the door. A vision of
humble Paul the apostle by a revelation the Lamb of God will completely trans- How often we look upon God as our last
that temporally blinded him physically form the church. and feeblest resource! We go to Him be-
but permanently opened his spiritual cause we have nowhere else to go. And
"To him that overcometh will I grant then we learn that the storms of life have
eyes. Oh that the Laodicean church to sit with Me in My throne, even as I driven us, not upon the rocks, but into the
might have such an experience ! also overcame, and am set down with desired haven.—George Macdonald.
A MESSAGE OF LOVE
"As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten: be zealous therefore, and re-
pent." Revelation 3 : 19. Notwith- Sign Here for the "SIGNS 59

standing its severity, the Laodicean

message is one of love. "For whom 1927
the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and To "Signs of the Times,"
scourgeth every son whom He re- Mountain View,. California.
ceiveth." Hebrews 12 : 6. Defective
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Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES
 Heaven's Throne Room,
The Supreme Court, and the Grand Jury
HE second scene in the great pro- STUDIES IN THE vitation only, and then not until the guest
phetic drama that completes the reve- BOOK OF REVELATION, ' was especially dressed for the occasion and
lation, or unveiling, of Jesus Christ Number Fourteen drilled in the etiquette of the court. Even
is pictured in chapters four, five, and the queen who entered into the presence of
six. The curtain is lifted on a new series of TAYLOR G BUN'CH the king unbidden took her life into her own
events that again carry us down to the final hands.
climax of earth's history. John had stood before the Roman gover-
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door nor of the province of Asia and perhaps
was opened in heaven ; and the first voice before the Emperor Diocletian. He was con-
which I heard was as it were of a trumpet demned and sentenced by the highest earthly
talking with me; which said, Come up tribunal; and although a prisoner of Rome,
hither, and I will show thee things which he is granted the privilege of a visit in vision
must be hereafter. And immediately I was to the throne room and court of the supreme
in the Spirit : and, behold, a throne was set Judge and Ruler of the universe, before
in heaven, and one sat on the throne." whom even Diocletian and all earthly judges
Revelation 4: I, 2. and rulers must some day render an account
"After this" doubtless refers to the previ- of their conduct.
ous scene, or the vision of Jesus among the The seer of Patmos was not privileged
seven golden candlesticks, and His letters to to see the person of Jehovah because of the
the seven churches. The voice heard • canopy of light and glory that veiled Him.
through the open door, that rang out like The scene here described is the investi- Sardius .and jasper were the first two of the
the clear blast of a trumpet, was the same gative judgment, the session of the grand twelve stones on the breastplate of the high
voice that first addressed the revelator at jury which precedes the general judgment priest, representing the twelve tribes of
the beginning of his vision; the One who of heaven's supreme court. It is a picture Israel. The occupant of the throne is still
had just spoken to the seven churches, the of court week in heaven. The prophet the God of Israel, or the Overcomer.
author and central figure of the book, and Daniel was given a vision of the same The rainbow round about the throne in-
of whom it is the revelation. solemn scene : "I beheld till the thrones were dicates that He is a covenant-keeping God,
AN OPEN DOOR cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, and that He is not slack concerning His
The message, "Come up hither, and I will whose garment was white as snow, and the promises, but will fulfill them to His people.
show thee things which must be hereafter," hair of His head like the pure wool: His (See Genesis 9: 12-17.) We live in a gen-
reveals the purpose of the vision, which is throne was like the fiery flame, and His eration of "trucebreakers," when men are
also the purpose of the entire book, as re- wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream slack in fulfilling their promises ; but God
vealed in the introduction. It is one of the issued and came forth from before Him: never forgets His word or disappoints His
most thrilling prophecies of future events thousand thousands ministered unto Him, people. In the Weymouth Translation, the
in all the Bible. and ten thousand times ten thousand stood rainbow is described as "encircling the
"I looked and saw a door in heaven before Him: the judgment was set, and the throne." It is not broken by a horizon, but
standing open."—Weymouth's Translation. books were opened." Daniel 7: 9, to. makes a complete circle of the throne, and
It was as if the curtain was raised so the Both prophets speak of thrones being represents the unbroken circle of God's love
prophet could behold the scene. A door was "set," "placed," or "cast down," referring for man. The color of the bow was "like
opened, and he saw what transpired with- doubtless to the Oriental custom of placing, unto an emerald." The emerald stone in the
in,—a privilege accorded to but a favored or casting down, the movable royal mats, high priest's breastplate was symbolic of
few. He beheld the most sublime and awe- or thrones. Judah of the kingly line; a royal color. The
inspiring sight ever witnessed by mortal The Scriptures do not leave us in dark- One encircled by the emerald bow is the
man. The door is identified by what John ness regarding the time when the heavenly King, or Ruler, of the universe.
saw within. It is the door into the holy of grand jury begins its work. When Paul TWENTY-FOUR THRONES
• holies in the heavenly temple. The prophet stood before Felix, he reasoned of "judg-
ment to come," and at the time the revela- "And circling the throne were tVventy-
beholds the throne and throne room of f our thrones."—Emphatic Diaglott. Like the
Jehovah. The opening of this door was re- tion was given to John, Jesus was still in,
the holy place, and his visions of the judg- bow, the twenty-four thrones completely en-
ferred to in Christ's letter to the Philadel- circled the central throne. Different ver-
phian church. The prophet is later given an- ment were always of a future event. Martin
Luther, in the sixteenth century, declared sions of the Bible speak of the occupants of
other vision of the opening of this door at these thrones as "elders," "senators," or
the time of the judgment: "And the temple that the judgment would begin in about
three hundred years. In the seventh chapter "councilors." They are really the grand
of God Was opened in heaven, and there was jurors, assisting in the work of investiga-
seen in His temple the ark of His testa- of Daniel, the judgment scene is located
after the 1260 years of papal supremacy and tive judgment. They are arrayed in white
ment; and there were lightnings, and voices, robes, symbolic of victory. They have been
and thunderings, and an earthquake, and before the second coming of Christ; and in
his next vision and its explanation the date redeemed from the earth, having conquered
great hail." Revelation II : 19. sin and its author through the blood of the
A study of the Mosaic sanctuary and its of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary,
or the investigative judgment, is definitely Lamb. (See Revelation 5:8-1o.) The
services, which were typical of the heavenly, crowns are also symbolic of victory and the
identifies the room as the most holy place. located. The time will be considered more
fully in a future article. right to rule. They are "clothed in white
The vision was not of events then tran- robes, with victors' wreaths of gold upon
spiring, but of "things which must be here- IN THE THRONE ROOM their heads."—Weymouth's Translation.
after." At the time the vision was given,
In a subsequent vision the revelator de- How did these redeemed men reach
Jesus was still in the holy place, as revealed
in the previous scene. scribes a world message just preceding the heaven since such a transition is impossible
coming of Christ, calling upon the inhabi- without a translation or a resurrection?
COURT WEEK IN HEAVEN tants of the earth to "fear God, and give Enoch and Elijah were translated and
"And immediately I was in the Spirit : glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment Moses was resurrected, making possible
and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and is come." (See Revelation 14: 6-14.) When their appearance and visit with Jesus on the
one sat on the throne. And He that sat was the time comes for the judgment-hour mes- mount of transfiguration, and also a place
to look upon like a jasper and a sardine sage, the event will no longer be future. among the twenty-four judges in the heav-
stone : and there was a rainbow round about Such a warning message is now being enly court. The other elders were doubtless
the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. heralded to all mankind. selected from those who were resurrected
And round about the throne were four and It is considered .a great privilege to visit when Christ arose, and who ascended with
twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four the throne room of an earthly king, and be Him as trophies of His victory and first
and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white presented to his royal majesty. Especially fruits of the plan of redemption. (See
raiment; and they had on their heads crowns was this true in Oriental countries in an- Matthew 27: 50-53: Ephesians 4:, 8, margin.)
of gold." cient times. The visit could be made by in- Matthew records their resurrection, Paul
for ASAFICH 1. I92 Page'Eleven
their ascension, and John sees them in he tried to stop; but as often as he tried, he When one has experienced the new birth,
heaven assisting Christ in His priestly min- became discouraged, and returned to his old it is natural for him to obey the law of
istration. habit, using tobacco more than before. God. That regeneration makes the Chris-
In the Mosaic tabernacle service the high Some one came to his home town, and tian a new creature. That is the meaning of
priest had many assistants ; so our great preached the truth. He longed to obey, but our Saviour's words when He said, "That
High Priest is assisted in the work of atone- that habit was 'in control, and he had no which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that
ment by a jury of our fellow men. One of courage to try. His conviction of duty grew which is born of the Spirit is spirit." " John
the best safeguards of justice in the English till he was in hopeless despair. One night 3: 6. From this it is evident that Christ
law was the inauguration of the jury system, a train was delayed, and he remained long would have us understand that when a man
giving a man the right to demand a trial at the office. During this time, being alone, is born again he is a spiritual being. It can
before his peers. Shall man be more just he earnestly prayed that the Lord would not but be natural for a spiritual being to
than God ? take away his appetite for tobacco. About bear the fruits of the Spirit. •"For they that
HE QUALIFIED FOR JUDGE
one o'clock, his faith laid hold on the prom- are after the flesh mind the things of the
ise of God, and full and complete victory flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the
Jesus could not qualify to act as a just and came to him. He was baptized, became a things of the Spirit. For the mind of the
merciful advocate and judge till He had worker, and has never had one desire for flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is
placed Himself in man's fallen condition. tobacco from that day till now. life and peace." Romans 8: 5, 6.
(Hebrews2 : 16-18; 4: 15.) For this reason
the final judgment of the wicked world and Brother B was a minister. He had "You must be good before you can do,
fallen angels will be given to the redeemed preached some years, and was a very suc- good.. You can not exert an influence that
of earth. (Daniel 7: 22 ; I Corinthians 6: cessful soul winner. In his testimony he will transform others until your own heart
2, 3; Revelation 20 : 4-6.) Because angels said that from the day he joined the church, has been humbled and refined and made
have never been clothed in sinful flesh with he had never had a conscious moment of tender by the grace of Christ. When this
its manifold temptations they can never leisure that the desire for tobacco did not change has been wrought in you, it will be
qualify to do more in the judgment than to haunt him. When alone, on the trains, day as natural for you to live to bless others as
act as witnesses. No person is qualified to and night, he longed for tobacco. It had it is for the rose bush to yield its fragrant
render just judgment against another unless been eight years since he tasted it, still that bloom, or the vine its purple clusters."
he has endured the same or similar tempta- appetite raged and demanded satisfaction. Absolute perfection may not be attainable
tions, and come off victorious. Doubtless When asked if he had eier used it since in the flesh ; but certainly the Scriptures
this is the reason we must pass through a quitting, he replied, "No, I have never teach holiness, obedience, and freedom from
great variety of temptations and experiences yielded once !" known disobedience. The Christian has this
that we may be merciful and sympathetic Both these men had victory. Both were .slogan ever with him: "Reckon ye also your-
toward others who are tempted and tried. dead to sin. Each, had an equal right to re- selves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto
Let us cease complaining under trials, know- joice in the Lord for His great salvation. God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6 : 1.
ing that the process is necessary to qualify
us to help judge the world during the
thousand-year general judgment when "the
saints shall judge the world." As Christ re-
fused to judge before the time, and before
He had become fully qualified, let us post-
pone our sentences till the schooling is com-
plete and judgment is "given to the saints
of the Most High."
If I were to be tried in an earthly court, it
would be without fear of injustice, if
a judge, attorney, and jury could be found
who at some time had been in the same situ-
ation and yet had gained the victory over
the temptation. Let us rejoice that our
cases before the supreme heavenly tribunal MY FAVORITE TEXT and WHY y,
are in the hands of such a judge, advocate,
and jury. With implicit confidence, we can
approach the day of trial before such a court "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
with full assurance of a just verdict, for, sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."— i John .r: 9.
"justice and judgment are the habitation of
Thy throne." Psalm 89: 14. JOSEPH SCHNETZLER
South Lancaster, Massachusetts

THE VICTORIOUS LIFE true these attainments will yield power,

(Continued from page 9)
for indulgence, but he need not yield. He
I F I were to choose one text of Scrip-
ture for the foundation of my hope of
eternal life, I think my mind would
but the power is of no eternal value. A
great many professed Christians are
turn to I John I: 9, "If we confess our wobbling in and out of the narrow way
may have victory through faith in Christ. sins, He is faithful and just to forgive because they fail to reach up with the
A man who used tobacco became a Chris- us our sins, and to cleanse us from all hand of faith and make this promise real
tian and stopped its use; but year after year unrighteousness." in their everyday experience. ,
the appetite remained, and he hungered for There are many scriptures similar to There is another promise that is very
the indulgence. Was he dead to that thing? this, conveying the same thought; but helpful if one is tempted to reach after
Yes, as far as disobedience was concerned. this promise is so plain, so concise, so this world's riches. Peter at one time
The habit had no power to bring him into positive, that there is no room for doubt. sought the glory of this world, but later
captivity as long as he reckoned himself It reaches all .the way from heaven to he attained to an experience for which
dead to it. earth and back again. We not only have he could bless the Lord. He wrote :
Oftentimes the fleshly desire remains, and the thought of pardon in this text, but if "Blessed be the God and Father of our
we forsake our sins and cooperate with Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath be-
there is a continual warfare against some Christ in renouncing our defects of char-
appetite or carnal desire; yet, if the Chris- gotten us again unto a lively hope, . . .
acter as the Bible points them out, we to an inheritance incorruptible, and unde-
tian continually puts up a victorious fight, are assured of a complete cleansing; the filed, and that fadeth not away, reserved
and never yields to the temptation, he is past is made just, and the future is made in heaven for us." I Peter i : 3, 4.
dead to that weakness as long as he refuses hopeful.
As long as Satan reigns, we shall have The Lord is so good that He will for-
to yield to its demands. give us and cleanse us and give us eternal
Again, a complete victory c8mes to the to subdue self. There is no point to
which we can come and say we have life, and then prepare a place and a man-
Christian, so that he is never tempted to sion for us that will never diminish in
return to the evil from which he has been ' fully attained. Therefore, we find this
promise very helpful and needful every value. If a man will get a correct view
delivered, and never has to fight that battle step of the way. of these facts, and grasp them through
over again. Two ministers of my acquaint- A great many Christians to-day are faith, how can he hesitate to join the
ance once related their experiences, which making the mistake of seeking for power company that are on the highway to eter-
were directly opposed one to the other. instead of cleansing., Some are seeking nal glory? He will surely break away
Brother A, who was a railroad man in a power through the avenue of knowledge; from the crowd that is going the broad
Southern state, was an inveterate user of some through the avenue of riches. It is way that leads to destruction.
tobacco. He wished to stop,' and many times
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 light by day and in the searchlight by

On e(The Sea of Glass" ,

night; the famous aurora borealis, or
northern lights, with their ribbonlike
streams of varied colors, radiating
JOHN SEES MYRIADS OF BEINGS from the region of the north magnetic
pole and extending to the zenith, form-
WORSHIPING A CREATOR ing into various shapes and flickering
and dancing in the sky like fire-fairies
Studies in the Book of Revelation
of the night—these pale into insignifi-
Number Fifteen
cance before the celestial glory wit-
nessed by the prophet in his vision.
T A Y L O R G. BUNCH The word "beasts" used in the
Authorized Version is a very unfortu-
nate translation, and conveys a false
UT from the throne there came only the appearance 'of glass. "As it impression of the character and work

(0 flashes of lightning, and voices,

and peals of thunder, while in
front of the throne seven blazing lamps
were, a sea of glass like to crystal" is
the Douay translation, and "seemed to
be a sea of glass, 'resembling crystal,' "
of the four symbolic beings before the
throne. Better translations are, "crea-
tures," "living ones," and "living
were burning, which are the seven the Twentieth Century New Testa- creatures." Their position before the
Spirits of God." Revelation 4: 5, Wey- ment. Crystal is any substance that is throne will help us to identify them.
mouth. What a scene of supernal clear and concrete like ice or glass. In They are "within the space before the
beauty and dazzling splendor ! In com- a later vision the revelator describes throne and round the throne."—
parison how trifling and insignificant the scene thus : "And I saw as it were Twentieth Century New Testament.
the pomp and pride of earthly mon- a sea of glas mingled with fire." Reve- The Weymouth Translation locates
archs ! how pale the flickering torch of lation 15 : 2. When Moses, 'Aaron, Na- their position still more definitely :
human glory ! ihu, and the seventy elders of
dab, Ab "And midway between the throne and
While the revelator's Vision could Israel on Mount Sinai were given a the elder s, and surrounding the
not penetrate the cloud of glory that view into the celestial throne room, the throne." The four living creatures are
veiled the Occupant of the throne, he floor was described as follows : "And closer to the throne than the twenty-
was given sufficient evidence that he they saw the God of Israel: and there four elders, and next to the Holy
was in the audience chamber of the was under His feet as it were a paved •Spirit in their relation to it.
great Eternal and was actually listen- work of a sapphire stone, and as it were
EZEKIEL'S VISION
ing to His voice. The seven blazing the body of heaven in his clearness."
lamps before the throne are symbolic Exodus 24: 1o. The prophet Ezekiel, It is evident to the reader that the
of the Holy Spirit, the third person of in describing the office, position, and language describing the lionlike, calf-
the. Godhead, in the fullness and com- glory of Lucifer before his fall, said: like, manlike, and eaglelike creatures
pleteness of His power and operations. "Thou wart upon the holy mountain of with six wings and many eyes, is sym-
The seven lamps of fire before the God ; thou hast walked up and down in bolic. It signifies the strength, bold-
throne in the holy of holies must not be the midst of the stones of fire." Eze- ness, courage, perseverance, wisdom,
confused with the seven golden candle- kiel 28.: 14. judgment, and swiftness of the beings
sticks in the holy place representing the The glory of the scene is too wonder- represented. The prophet Ezekiel was
seven churches. It is from the torches ful to describe, and the various proph- given a vision of the same scene, and
before the throne that the candlesticks ets used the best illustrations this earth describes it in language almost identi-
are lighted, so that the church becomes affords to convey to the mind and im- cal with that used by John. After de-
the light of the world. From these agination a picture of the dazzling scribing them, he said : "The living
torches also comes the fire that burns brightness of the pavement, or floor, of creatures ran and returned as the ap-
out the dross and purifies the soul from Jehovah's throne room. Try to im- pearance of a flash of lightning." (See
sin and uncleanness. From them also agine the effulgent glory of the illumi- Ezekiel I : 1-14.) Isaiah had the same
the apostolic church received the holy nation caused by the ruby-red sardius vision, and plainly identifies these crea-
fire and Pentecostal power that lighted and the brilliant jaiper light from the tures before the throne as seraphims,
the earth with the glory of the gospel throne and the emerald light from the or angels, who are God's special mes-
message. A rebaptism of Holy Spirit encircling bow of promise mingled sengers and hold positions next to the
fire is the modern church's greatest with the white and red lights from the members of the Godhead and are high
need, for which every Christian should flashes . of .lightning and blazing in the councils of heaven. (Isaiah 6:
earnestly pray and prepare. Such a torches, all reflected on the glittering 1-3.) Lucifer was once a covering
world Pentecost is promised for the pavement of precious stones. The cherub, and "walked up and down in
final gospel proclamation. (See Joel "Tower of Jewels" at the San Fran- the midst of the stones of fire" before
2 : 28-32 ; Revelation 18 : 1-4.) cisco Exposition, glittering in the sun- the throne, and that is where John saw
the "living creatures." Gabriel, who
THE SEA OF GLASS was "caused to fly swiftly" (Daniel
"And before the throne there was a 9 : 21) to answer Daniel's prayer and
sea of glass like unto crystal: and in explain his vision and who declared,
the midst of the throne, and round "There is none that holdeth with me in
about the throne, were four beasts full these things, but Michael your prince"
of eyes before and behind. And the (Daniel To : 21), is doubtless the angel
first beast was like a lion,, and the who took the place made vacant by
second beast like a calf, and the third Lucifer's fall and is one of the beings
beast had a face as a man, and the represented by the "living creatures."
fourth beast was like a flying eagle. To Zacharias the angel said : "I am
And the four beasts had each of them Gabriel, that stand in the presence of
six wings about him; and they were God ; and am sent to speak unto thee,
full of eyes within : and they rest not and to show thee these glad tidings."
day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Luke I : 19. He was no doubt the angel
Lord God Almighty, which was, and sent by Christ to signify the visions of
is, and is to come." Revelation 4: 6-8. the Revelation to the captive prophet.
Other texts and versions make it What else can the four living creatures
clear that the sea before the throne had represent ? It is not reasonable to sup-
for MARCH 8, 1927 Page Eleven
pose that in such a detailed description consciousness ; for He Himself has Evolutionists, whether they realize it
of the throne room and its occupants, made it plain to them. For, from the or not, in giving the credit of their
the powerful cherubims and seraphims, very creation of the world, His invis- existence to "birds or beasts or rep-
who are so close to the throne and have ible perfections—namely His eternal tiles" are offering "divine honors and
such an important part in the plan of power and divine nature—have been religious service to created things,
salvation, should be overlooked. rendered intelligible and clearly visible rather than to the Creator." How dis-
"And when those beasts give glory by His works, so that these men are cordant are the notes in the evolution-
and honor and thanks to Him that without excuse. For when they had ary song with that sung around the
sat on the throne, who liveth •forever come to know God, they did not give throne of the Creator by the celestial
and ever, the four and twenty elders Him glory as God nor render Him choir ! Boasting of their superior num-
fall down before Him that sat on the thanks, but they became absorbed in bers, wisdom, and scholarship, the ex-
throne, and worship Him that liveth useless discussions, and their senseless ponents of an hypothesis, falsely
forever and ever, and cast their crowns minds were darkened. While boasting termed science, are a small minority
before the throne, saying, Thou art of their wisdom they became utter out of harmony with the ripened sci-
worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and fools, and, instead of worshiping the entific wisdom of the whole universe.
honor and power : for Thou hast imperishable God, they worshiped im- Their evolution jazz song disturbs the
created all things, and for Thy pleasure ages resembling perishable man or re- melody of the hallelujah chorus of all
they are and were created." Revelation sembling birds or beasts or reptiles. creation.
4: 9-ii. For this reason, in accordance with How sweet in the ears of the Creator
The prophet Ezekiel describes Luci- their own depraved cravings, God gave and the worshipers around His throne
fer before his fall as being a covering them up to uncleanness, allowing them must sound the harmonious notes in
cherub "full of wisdom and perfect in to dishonor their bodies among them- the song of the saints of earth as they
beauty." (See Ezekiel 28.) The reve- selves with impurity. For they had join in giving to Him the praise and
lator also sees the seraphims as leaders bartered the reality of God for what honor due His holy name !
of the praise service on the crystal sea. is unreal, and had offered divine hon-
When they give glory, honor, and ors and religious service to created
thanks to their sovereign ruler in a things, rather than to the Creator— IF a man is unhappy, remember that
song of "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God He who is forever blessed. Amen." his unhappiness is his own fault, for
Alnlighty," it is the signal for the hosts Romans I : 19-25, Weymouth Transla- God made all men to be happy.—Epic-
of heaven to worship God and join in tion. taus.
the mighty chorus that sounds His,
praises.
The twenty-four elders, redeemed
from among men and victors over their
enemies in the battles of earth, are
overcome by the glory of the scene and
a sense of their own unworthiness.
Arising in reverence from their
thrones, they remove their crowns and
cast them before the throne of Jeho-
vah, and, prostrating themselves in
adoration and submission, ascribe glory
and honor and power to the One whose
love made possible their presence
among the celestial beings of heaven.
They declare that God is worthy of " Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
homage and praise because He is the I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
Creator of all things. "At Thy bidding with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 4r: ro.
they came into being and were
created."—Twentieth Century New ROY C. BAKER
Testament. Denver, Colorado
FUNDAMENTALIST JUDGES
The twenty-four redeemed judges
are not modernists ; they are not evolu-
T ms is my favorite text, and it has
been for more than half a score
of years, because these Gibraltar
promises,, pregnant with meaning, have
promised companionship amid these
troubled times. He answers my unasked
question by adding, "Be not dismayed ;
for I an thy God." What condescension
tionists. Their statement implies that is this ! The Creator and Sustainer of
if God did not create all things He was brought comfort and joy to my heart
when inborn fear and outward circum- the vast universe promises to be with
not worthy of their praise and wor- me and to be my God! I am unworthy
ship, and that they were giving Him stances had driven peace out of my life.
of the least of His notice, for I am a
There can be no peace, no calm, no con-
homage because He did create all sinner, and by nature an .enemy of God ;
fiding trust, where fear rules the heart. but He asks to journey with me, and I
things.
Fear is an enemy of God and man. But am happy with Him.
It is quite significant that at the very the first three words of this text, "Fear
time the church on earth is being per- Not only does the Lord promise to go
thou not," bear a very personal message with me, not only does He promise to be
meated with the evolutionary teory to me when the black clouds of dis- my God, but He pledges Himself to a
and men are giving the credit of crea- couragement hang low. These words are task, and that task is to "strengthen," to
tion to the lowest forms of animal cell so human, yet so divine, that one can al- "help," and to "uphold" me. He volun-
life, up in heaven around the throne of most hear the "Peace, be still" in them. tarily agrees to help me in crushing the
Jehovah, seraphims and cherubims, the Why am I not to fear when stout uprisings of self. He promises strength
twenty-four elders, and the unnum- hearts all about me are deeply troubled in beating back the waves of sin that seek
bered millions of the angelic host are and perplexed over the turmoil of na- to- engulf me. He will uphold me with
tions; when the active working of revo- divine power even though dangers seen
ascribing to Him the glory and honor
lution and anarchy threaten stable gov- and unseen are lurking near; and when I
of creation. ernments with disaster, and a thousand appropriate these blessed promises to my-
The apostle Paul gives a 'graphic dangers appear on the morning horizon? self I shall be able to show others the
description of those who honor the "For I am with thee" is the basis for my grandeur and the glory of a life resting
creature instead of the Creator : "God trust in Him. My attention is arrested, in God ; for He promises all these things
is angry : because what may be known my heart beats slower as I ponder this by the right hand of His righteousness.
about Him is plain to their, inmost 0
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 The BREAKING of the SEVEN SEALS
•
STUDIES IN
ND I saw in the right hand of THE BOOK OF revelations of the future from a higher(
Him that sat on the throne a source.
book written within and on the
REVELATION While Lucifer, the fallen angel, can
back side, sealed with seven seals. And NUMBER SIXTEEN reveal anything in the past, and, be-
I saw a strong angel proclaiming with cause of his vast experience and knowl-
a loud voice, Who is worthy to open edge of human nature, can make fairly
the book, and to loose the seals thereof ? T Al( L O R G. BUNCH accurate predictions of the future, and,
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, as in the Case of the death of Saul, has
neither under the earth, was able to power to fulfill many of them, he can
open the book, neither to look thereon. not actually read our thoughts or see
And I wept much, because no man was sacred pages has not come forth with- the future. "Surely the Lord God will
found worthy to open and to read the out penitential tears and diligent do nothing, but He revealeth His
book, neither to look thereon." Reve- searchings of the Scriptures by Luther, secret unto His servants the prophets."
lation 5: 1-4. Calvin, Knox, the Whitefields, Wes- Amos 3: 7. This promise will be kept
The vision of the previous chapter leys, and others. The walls of their by the bow-encircled, covenant-keeping
is here continued. The praise service study rooms were stained with prayer ' God, and, since the seven scrolls con-
ended, the prophet's attention is again breaths and the carpets with tears. tain important secrets for the church,
attracted to the occupant of the throne. "They that sow in tears shall reap in their seals must be broken and their
He sees a book, or scroll, in the right joy." • contents revealed.
WHAT SECRETS?
hand of Jehovah, which reaches "And one of the elders saith unto
through the veil of glory that envelops What secrets were wrapped up in me, Weep not : behold, the Lion of the
Him. It was a scroll of scrolls, or seven , those seven scrolls? At the beginning tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath
scrolls in one, each of which was firmly of the vision the voice through the prevailed to open the book, and to loose
sealed. To conform to the description open door said to John : "Come up the seven seals thereof. And I beheld,
in the vision and to the custom of the here, and I will show you things which and, lo, in the midst of the throne and
time iri the sealing of papyrus scrolls, are to happen in the future." Wey- of the four beasts, and in the midst of
the comma must be moved so that it mouth's Translation. Since the pur- the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been
reads : "A book [scroll] written within, pose of the vision was to reveal the fu- slain, having seven horns and seven
and on the backside sealed with seven ture, we must conclude that the sealed eyes, which are the seven Spirits of
seals." The writing was within, and scrolls contained records of future God sent forth into all the earth. And
the seals without. The scrolls were events. Who is able to break the seals He came and took the book out of the
sealed so that the contents of but one that lock the future? Who is able to right hand of Him that sat upon the
were revealed with the breaking of read the record of events wrapped up throne." Revelation 5 : 5-7.
each seal. in the closed scroll of prophecy? IN THE THRONE ROOM
"History is but the rolled scroll of
WHO IS ABLE? Christ's earthly victory gave Him
prophecy."—Garfield. Prophecy, there-
,The mighty angel who heralds the fore, is the rolled scroll of history. The the exclusive right to do what no other
challenge to all present and to the prophet's heart is almost broken be- being in the universe could do. "The
whole universe is doubtless one of the cause "no man .is able" to break the Lion which belongs to the tribe of
cherubims before the throne, and is seals of the seven rolled scrolls of his- Judah, the Root of David, has tri-
probably Gabriel. With a loud voice he tory that was of such vital importance umphed, and will open the book and
cries : "Who is worthy to open the to the church. break its seven seals." Weymouth's
book, and to loose the seals thereof ?" Mr. Samuel Gornpers, writing in Translation. The Twentieth Century
The challenge is greeted with profound McClure's Magazine a few years ago, New Testament renders it : "The Lion
silence. There is not an angel or crea- said : "The future lies in the lap of te conquered . . . and can therefore open
ture in heaven or in earth who is gods, and into that lap not.even the the book with its seven seals."
worthy or able "to open the scroll or wisest men of earth have been able to In the vision Jesus is symbolized by
look within it." Emphatic Diaglott. look." No palmist, clairvoyant, astrol- "a Lamb as it had been slain," or, as
The cherubims, seraphims, twenty- oger, or fortune teller is able to see the given in other translations, "standing
four elders, and the angelic host cease future further than their_ ability to as if killed," "seemed to have been sac-
their singing, and a dead silence reigns. guess or to fulfill their own predictions. rificed," "looked as if He had been
None step forward to take the book No human being can actually see be- sacrificed." He is "the Lamb of God,
from the right hand of the Eternal, yond the veil that separates the present which taketh away the sin of - the
. The prophet John, realizing that the from the future. Nor can angels, un- world," "the Lamb slain from the
scroll must contain information of aided by a member of the Godhead, foundation of the world:" He is the
vital interest to the church, is so over- see future events. Not one in all the One 'typified by the offering of Abel
come with disappointment that he be- angelic host before the throne offered and by every sacrificial lamb slain in
gins to weep. According to different to break the seals and unroll the scrolls the Mosaic sanctuary service. The
translations, he "wept much," "wept of prophecy. Even Gabriel, who gave symbol of the slain Lamb indicates that
long;". "wept bitterly." Benson de- to Daniel, a captive in Babylon, and to Christ's sacrificial atonement on Cal-
clared that "the Book of Revelation John, a prisoner on Patmos, their won- vary has an important part in the work
was not written without tears, neither derful prophetic visions, now remains of investigative judgment.
without tears can it be understood." silent and helpless. He is able to reveal The location of the Lamb in the
A few generations ago the Bible was future events to the prophets only as throne room is more definitely located
practically a sealed book. The marvel- they are revealed to him by members of by the two previously quoted transla-
ous light that now shines from its the Godhead. Angels must get their tions : "Midway between the throne
Page Eight SIGNS of the TIMES
 The seven eyes are said to represent His blood they have been redeemed
the "seven Spirits of God sent forth "out of every kindred, and tongue, and
into all the earth." While the solemn people, and nation."
work of judgment is going on in Notwithstanding their position
heaven, a message will be heralded to around the throne, the twenty-four
all nations under the leadership of the counelors are looking forward with
Holy Spirit. By the final mighty out- glad anticipation to the time when they
pouring of His Spirit, God will "con- will be reunited with their earthly com-
vince the world of sin, and of right- rades, and "reign on the earth."
eousness, and of judgment." John 16: "And I beheld, and I heard the voice
8, margin. This final world-wide mes- of many angels round about the throne
sage is described in Revelation 14: and the beasts and the elders : and the
6-14. number of them was ten thousand
"And when He had taken the book, times ten thousand, and thousands of
the four beasts and four and twenty. thousands ; saying with a loud voice,
elders fell down before the Lamb, hav- Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to
ing every one of them harps, and receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
golden vials full of odors, which are and strength, and honor, and glory,
the prayers of saints, And they sung a and blessing." Revelation 5 : I I, 12.
new song, saying, Thou art worthy to COUNTLESS ANGELS
take the book, and to open the seals
The revelator sees and hears the
thereof : for Thou wast slain, and hast
voices of "countless angels," or
redeemed us to God by Thy blood out
"myriads of myriads and thousands of
of every kindred, and tongue; and
thousands," "in a circle of the throne."
people, and nation ; and hast made us
Emphatic Diaglott. (See also Daniel
unto our God kings and priests : and
7: 9, to.) Let us summarize the entire
we shall reign on the earth." Revela-
scene in the throne room. In the center
tion 5: 8-1o.
is the throne of the Eternal, and beside
The twenty-four elders are not only it the sacrificed Lamb, symbolic of
our redeemed fellow men but are de- Christ. Surrounding them in their
clared to be a kingdom of priests as- order are the seven blazing lamps rep-
sisting Christ in His work as the great resenting the Holy Spirit ; the four
High Priest. They offer the incense living creatures, or the cherubims and
which represents "the prayers of God's seraphims ; the twenty-four elders ;
people." Weymouth's Translation. and last the "innumerable company of
How beautiful this picture, and how angels." This gives some idea of the
comforting to know that when we size and glory of the heavenly temple.
pray, our prayers are made fragrant to This is the supreme tribunal before
Jehovah 'by incense from golden vials which we all have a case pending.
in the hands of our own fellow crea- None can escape justice there; the
tures who were redeemed as the first judges are not respecters of persons,
fruits of the plan of salvation„ and can not be bought, and from the deci-
are now ministering for us before the sion rendered there can be no appeal.
throne! "And every creature which is in
A NEW SONG heaven, and on the earth, and under
Because they are the first fruits of the earth, and such as are in the sea,
Christ's victory, their song of .redemp- and all that are in them, heard I saying,
tion through His blood was -never sung Blessing, and honor, and glory, and
before they reached the sea of glass, power, be unto Him that sitteth upon
and is therefore a new song. It is also the throne, and unto the Lamb forever
new in the sense that it will never grow and ever. And the four beasts said,
old because of its depth of meaning Amen. And the four and twenty elders
and the message it carries. The more fell down and worshiped Him that liv-
the redeemed behold of the glories of eth forever and ever." Revelation
the eternal world and realize the cost 5 : 13, 14.
of their redemption, the more meaning THE REBELLION ENDED
"The importance of Calvary will grow
as the eternal ages roll on." they will see in the song of Calvary. Before the breaking of the seals and
Almost all the songs of earth grow old the unrolling of the scrolls with their
and lose their popularity ; but not so fearful record of future events that
and the four living creatures," or, with the song of Christ's redeeming would doubtless bring more tears and
"Within the space between the throne love. Repetition will only make it sorrow to the prophet, the Lord carries
and the four creatures." Being the sweeter and more melodious. The de- him in vision past intervening years
second person of the Trinity, Christ is sire of unfallen worlds to hear it sung and events to a sinless universe and
where He belongs, next to Jehovah. will result in a tour of the universe by restored Paradise when all created be-
The symbolic Lamb has seven horns the redeemed, to sing for them the ings in all His vast dominion with one
and seven eyes. Horns are symbolic hallelujah chorus of salvation, for none voice and in perfect harmony ascribe
of power, and seven would doubtless can sing it except the victors from blessing, honor, glory, and power to
represent perfection or plenitude of earth's conflict. (See Revelation 14 : Jehovah on the throne and to Christ
power. The seven eyes symbolize per- I-5 ) . the Lamb. There is no place left for
fection of wisdom and foresight. He To one who still believes in the fun- an ever-burning hell with its writhing
is omnipotent, omniscient, and omni- damentals of Christianity it is en- victims and their cursings and discords.
present. He sees all. "The eyes of the couraging to know that while men on Not one created being is out of har-
Lord run to 'and fro throughout the earth, even in the sacred' desk, are mony, and there is not one discordant
whole earth, to show Himself strong discrediting the sacrificial atonement note. '
in the -behalf of them whose heart is of Christ, -around the throne of God in The "Amen" indicates that the re-
perfect toward Him." 2 Chronicles heaven our own fellow beings are sing- bellion is ended, the cruel reign of sin
16 : 9. ing the praises of the Lamb because by has closed forever its sad career, and
• for MARCH 15, 1927 Page Nine
peace and harmony are again restored. principle, and of their own free choice, stead, all standing room was taken,
The very picture should inspire every by the converting power of that word with many turned away, unable to
Christian to join the living creatures in and the influence of God's Holy Spirit, get in. And this instance of filling up
saying "Amen," meaning, "So be it." not only will there be no need for ap- places of worship through the preach-
Hasten on, glad day ! 0 time, speed peal to worldly law-making bodies to ing of the truths of God's word is not
swiftly by, and come, happy day, when enact laws seeking to compel adherence an isolated one, by any means.
the church militant can join the heav- to some religious regulation, but it will "Preach the word," is God's instruc-
enly choir in singing, "Worthy is the also be found that this will be the "new tion to ministers. This means that the
Lamb that was slain to receive power, covenant" method of filling God's word of God contains the gospel of
and riches, and wisdom, and strength, salvation. What can not be found in
house with worshipers, despite busi-
and honor, and glory, and blessing" ! the Bible has not salvation in it. If the
ness, baseball, newspapers, moving pic-
The importance of Calvary will Sunday Sabbath can not be found in
grow as the eternal ages roll on, and ture shows, automobiles, or radios.
the Scriptures, then it, too, acts no
the mighty chorus will swell with THE REAL , REASON part in salvation. Yet "Preach the
greater and still greater momentum. It is easy to lay nonattendance at word" still stands, as also does that
It will be the science and song of the church to amusements and outside at- significant statement from Christ's own
redeemed throughout the endless ages. tractions. The real reason, however, is lips when He said, "In vain they do
With such a never-ending song re- that the word of God is not preached worship Me, teaching for doctrines
minding them of the cost of their re- from the pulpit. In London recently the commandments of men." Matthew
demption, it will be impossible for sin a visiting minister from America, be- 15 : 9.
to reenter and again mar the harmony longing to the denomination publishing
and destroy the peace of the universe. this paper, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, "MEN and women must be awakened
No being while singing such a song was hunting the place of a fellow to the duty of self-mastery, the need
can crucify afresh the Son of God, nor preacher's meetings in North London. of purity, freedom from every de-
will the saints on earth now who learn Alighting from a tram car near where praving appetite and defiling habit.
to sing the first notes of the song of he supposed the place to be, at first he They need to be impressed with the
redeeming love. It will bring victory thought himself mistaken as he saw a fact that all their powers of mind and
over sin, and give us the final privilege line of people for more than a block body are the gift of God, and are to
of joining the celestial chorus in the waiting to get into a large theater. Yet be preserved in the best possible con-
song that will never die. dition for His service."
this proved to be the place. The
preacher was using his Bible within
SHALL WE FORCE PEOPLE that place of assemblage night after Do not talk much, neither long at a
INTO CHURCH? night, and that word (for which the time. Few can converse profitably
(Continued from page 8)
multitude hungered) drew this large above an hour. Keep at the utmost
keep the law of God, these holy pre- concourse of • people. There were no distance from pious chitchat, from re-
cepts being written upon the fleshly empty seats in that assembly hall. In- ligious gossiping.—John Wesley.
tables of the heart. And all this is made
possible through the life, death, and
resurrection of the Son ,of God. The
power of that resurrection life of His
enables us to walk in newness of life
in Him who came to live the law of
God and not to destroy it. And Sun-
day keeping had no part in that sinless
life He lived, by the which we are to be
sanctified, saved ; but the keeping holy
of the seventh day did form a part of
His righteous life.
"God commendeth His love toward -MY FAVORITE TEXT and WHY
us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. . . . For if, when we
were enemies, we were reconciled to " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our
God by the death of His Son, much sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' ' z John 1: g, A. R. V .
more, being reconciled, we shall •be
saved by His life." Romans 5: 8-to. FRED C. CLARK
Topeka, Kansas
And God's word still stands :
"The seventh day is the Sabbath of
the Lord thy God." Exodus zo : to.
"The Sabbath was made [in Eden,
T HERE are many helpful texts in the
word of God; but the wonderful
promises of forgiveness and cleans--
ing found in i John I : 9 have made it my
Thus began. our journey .toward the
heavenly city. He is so holy and I am so
inclined to sin that I could not have gone
very far with Him on this journey ex-
Genesis 2: 1-3] for man [the entire
favorite. When I first sought my Sav- cept for daily cleansing in His precious
race], and not man for the Sabbath: blood. All along the way He has never
iour for the forgiveness of sin, I learned
therefore the Son of man is Lord also failed me; but every time I have needed
something of the meaning of the text,
of the Sabbath." Mark 2: 27, 28. and ever since that happy hour it has and sought His cleansing, it has been
To secure God's holy Sabbath as been to me as a city of refuge. As, soon
granted; and thus we continue our walk
well as the other nine precepts. of the together.
as I realized I was a sinner and met the
law written upon the hearts of the We have not yet reached the city; but
conditions specified, forgiveness and
people (and not upon civil statute when at last I have been made like Him,
cleansing were mine; and as the blessed and He has presented me faultless with
books), therefore, is the legitimate reality dawned on my darkened mind, exceeding joy before the Father, the
work of the church. When preachers joy unspeakable and full of glory filled meaning of this beautiful text will be
stick to their legitimate business of my soul. It was then I knew I had passed fully understood. For then fshall know
making Christians through appealing from death unto life, and was a son of as never before that it was only because
to the consciences of men, by preaching God. Being born again, I now desired to my Redeemer was faithful and just to
the word of God, as they are com- keep close to Jesus, my Elder Brother; forgive my sins and to cleanse me from
manded to do. laying upon their hearts so when He knocked at the door of my all unrighteousness that I was fitted to
heart, I gladly let Him in. share in the overcomer's reward.
the burden of becoming followers of
the meek and lowly Christ through
Page Ten SIGNS of the TIMES •
 The
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
HE revelator's vision of the four

T STUDIES IN THE of the Roman Empire," we glean the fol-

horsemen is one of gripping interest. lowing facts as to the spread of Christianity
In recent years it has been dramatized BOOK OF REVELATION and the probable number of its adherents
and put on the screen, and in this NUMBER SEVENTEEN by the close of the second century: "The
way has attracted public attention. It is a progress of Christianity was not confined
aart of the great prophetic drama, "The to the Roman Empire," but, "the new reli-
velation of Jesus Christ," and is one of
le scenes in the greatest picture ever be-
TAYLOR G. BUNCH gion, within a century after the death of its.
divine Author, had already visited every
held by mortal man,—a scene filled with part of the globe." As to numbers, the con-
prophetic symbols of startling and momen- gregation at Rome had 5o,00o members, and
tous events. "wreath of victory," the success that in Antioch, ioo,000; or one fifth of its
"And I saw when the Lamb opened one crowned the efforts to conquer sin and population were professed Christians. The
of the seals, and I heard, as it were the possess its stronghold's. It is a fitting and historian thinks that a conservative esti-
noise of thunder, one of the four beasts beautiful picture of the church in its mate of the Christian population of the em-
saying, Come and see. And I saw, and be- purity and Pentecostal power, starting out pire could safely be put at one twentieth of
hold a white horse : and he that sat on him to conquer the world. the total population, which would be abotit
had a bow : and a crown was given unto Both sacred and profane history testify 5,000,000 in the empire alone.
him : and be went forth conquering, and of the purity of the church and the rapid.
That these estimates are very conserva-
to conquer." Revelation 6: I, 2. and triumphant success of Christianity
tive is proved by the writings of Lucian and
during the apostolic period.
OPENING THE FIRST SEAL Pliny at the end of the first century. While
"Much of the history of the Christians in governor of Pontus and Bithynia, Pliny
The breaking of the first seal revealed the first two centuries of the Christian era
the future events contained in the first of wrote to the Emperor Trajan lamenting
is very obscure. They spread far and wide the magnitude of the "evil" of Christianity.
the seven scrolls. As the seals were broken throughout the world, but we know very
by Christ, the events recorded on each scroll He affirmed that the pagan temples were
little of their ideas or their ceremonies and almost deserted, that the sacred victims
were acted out. In Weymouth's Transla-
tion the horses and their riders are rep- scarcely found any purchasers, and that the
•"superstition" had not only infected the
resented as appearing in answer to the call
of the living creatures. "And I heard one cities, but had even spread itself into the
of the four living creatures say, as if in a villages and open country of those two
provinces.
voice of thunder, Come. And I looked and
a white horse appeared, and its rider car- Further, the fact that early in the fourth
ried a bow; and a victor's wreath was given century Christianity became the _religion of
to him; and he went out conquering and in the empire shows the wonderful advance-
order to conquer." ment it had made.
That the seven seals present symbols rep- THE SECOND SEAL IS OPENED
resenting the changing conditions of the
"And when he had opened the second seal,
church from the time the apostles began
I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
their activities under the great gospel com-
And there went out another horse that was
mission to the close of human probation is
red: and power was given to him that sat
evidenced by a comparison of the wording
thereon to take peace from the earth, and
of the first five seals with the history of the
that they should kill one another : and there
church covering those periods. The proph-
methods during that time. . . . But what- was given unto him a great sword." Reve-
ecy begins with the conquests of a pure, lation 6: 3, 4.
aggressive church, and • closes with silence ever their local differences, everywhere
they seem to have carried much of the As in the first seal, the horse again sym-
in heaven as the King of kings, accompanied
spirit of. Jesus ; and though everywhere bolizes the condition of the church, and the
by the angelic host, descends to gather the
they aroused bitter enmity and active rider its responsible .leadership. Drifting
faithful of all the dark, intervening ages.
counterpropaganda, the very charges made away from the purity of the apostolic
While the letters to the seven churches
cover the history of Christianity in a series against them witness to the general good- period, the church is rapidly taking on doc-
ness of their lives."—"The Outline of His- trines and practices characteristic of that
of seven messages, the seven seals picture
tory," Wells, Vol. I, page 59o. rival of the church of Christ, symbolized in
the same periods by use of symbols—one
"Animated by an unparalleled missionary chapter seventeen, and designated "Babylon
appealing to the ear and the other to the eye.
spirit, His [Christ's] followers traversed the Great."
A WARRIOR VS. A CONQUERING ARMY the length and breadth of the empire, The apostle Paul warned the churches
The reader must not confuse the unnamed preaching everywhere the 'glad tidings.' . . . under his care of the dangers then at hand
horseman of the first seal with the rider of In less than three centuries the pagan em- (Acts 2o: 28-3o; 2 Thessalonians 2 : 3-7) ,
the nineteenth chapter. The first is a war- pire had become Christian not only in name, and history attests to the fact that his pre-
rior going forth conquering and to conquer;' but also very largely in fact."—Myers, dictions were true and his warnings timely.
the second pictures a triumphant conquer- "General History," page 282. "During this indefinite time a consider-
g army. The first rider carries the bow Merivale's "History of the Romans" able amount of a sort of theocrasia seems
Mr grace with which he sends to the heart (chapter 54, Vol. 6) speaks of the early to have gone on between the Christian cult
darts of love that convict of sin; the church as "a sect so unobtrusive as well as and the almost equally popular and widely
weapon of the second is a mighty two- innocent," "presenting to surrounding pa- diffused Mithraic cult, and the cult of
edged sword with which he smites and ganism the first and purest of zeal beauti- Serapis-Isis-Horus. From the former it
destroys the nations. The first rider with fied by character." would seem the Christians adopted Sun-day
his victor's crown represents Christianity's "The preachers of Christianity went forth as their chief day of worship instead of the
first successful attack or charge against the from Judea for the moral conquest of the Jewish Sabbath, the abundant use of candles
forces of iniquity; while the horseman of empire and the world. Much as we may ad- in religious ceremonies. . . . The contri-
the nineteenth chapter, crowned with many mire the enthusiasm of the Jewish patriots, butions of the Alexandrine cult to Christian
crowns, is leading the final "charge of the which does honor to our common humanity, thought and practices were even more con-
white brigade," which completes the con- still more freely may we sympathize with siderable. In the personality of Horus, . . .
quest of the earth, and puts an end to the inspiration of these soldiers of Christen- it was natural for the Christians to find an
rebellion. dom, who left fathers and mothers, home illuminating analogue in their struggles
The symbol used in the first seal is that and country, and all the associations on with the Pauline mysteries. From that to
of the fleetest and most effective fighting which they had fed from infancy, for the the identification of Mary with Isis."—"The
part of the armies of that age ; namely, glory of God and the love of a spiritual Outline of History," Wells, Vol. 1, pages
mounted archers, or bowmen. White,- the Redeemer."—Vol. 6, page 460. 590, 591.
symbol of purity and victory, represents From Volume 2, chapter 15, page 15o, of "The bottom questions which he [Con-
the condition of the early church; and the Gibbon's "History of the Decline and Fall stantine] had to confront were essentially
for MARCH 22, 1927 Page Thirteen
religious. His great principle of action attempt to conquer the world by the power
looked to the union of one body of the of carnal weapons.
Christian and the pagan populations of the Woe to the church and to the world when
empire. . . ., A persecution broke out, in the sword of the state is substituted for the THE WORLD'S PROPHETIC WEEKLY
which one body of the Christians became sword of the Spirit ! The fearful conse-
quences are graphically portrayed by the Advocating a return to the simple
the persecutors of the other. The bloody gospel of Christ, and a preparation
bitterness of paganism was paralleled by two remaining Apocalyptic horsemen, and for His imminent appearing
the intolerance born of fanaticism among should serve as a dreadful warning to mod-
the believers."—Ridpath's "History of the ern Christendom. EDITORS
World," Vol. 3, page 329. A. 0. TAIT A. L. BAKER F. D. NICHOL
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Gibbon, in Volume 4, chapter 47, of his J. R. FERREN
"History of the Decline and Fall of the THE STAGGERING NAR-
Roman Empire," tells the story of these COTICS PROBLEM Vol. 54, No. 12 March 22, 19.
bloody struggles which lasted for 250 years. (Continued from page 2) Mountain View, California
The rider of the red horse took "peace
from the earth, and that they should kill dicts in the United States, just as
every class has cancer. SUBSCRIPTION RATES
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and persecution. They fought over the na- to cure the nation of addiction is to To Canada and other countries taking extra postage:
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ture of Christ, the incarnation, the Trinity, restore liquor. The claim that Prohi- Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.50
as well as over positions in the church.
bition drove drinkers to drugs was Please make all checks and money orders payable
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A NEW BATTLE STANDARD recently investigated by several com-
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briefly view the church of this period from unanimous report was that of the
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the other angle mentioned in the prophecy. Change of address. Please give both old and
"And there was given unto him a great
many thousands of addicts who came new address.
No papers are sent except on paid subscriptions,
sword." ,What sword is here referred to— before them, not one in a hundred, had so persons receiving the "Signs of the Times' with-
out having subscribed may feel perfectly free to
the mighty two-edged sword of the Spirit, used liquor in any form at any time. accept it.
or the sword of Caesar? The following All evidence goes to show that those
authentic historical comment on the period who use liquor do not care for drugs,
will suffice to answer the question: "This and will not take drugs to supply its MEAT EATING AND HIGH
act of Constantine [using the Christian lack, but will endeavor to secure the BLOOD PRESSURE
cross as his standard] constituted a turning drink in some way ; and, on the other (Continued from page 9)
point in the history of the Roman Empire,
and especially in that of the Christian
hand, addicts never take to liquor from vegetable sources, must be used
church. Christianity had come into the when unable to get the drug, but will very sparingly, among which are eggs,
world as a religion of peace and good will. commit any crime in order to secure cheese of all kinds, nuts, beans and
The Master had commanded His disciples the drug. The two habits may run other legumes, macaroni, etc. Breads
to put up the sword, and had forbidden its parallel in the body politic, but do not and other cereal products should be
use by them either in the spread or in the cause each other.
defense of the new faith. For three cen- supplemented by very liberal amounts
The narcotics problem, then,. is a of fruit and green vegetables. Milk
turies now His followers had obeyed lit-
erally this injunction of the Founder of the highly complicated one, and can not may be used freely. Those who desire
church, so that a, Quaker, nonmilitary spirit be solved by a few jaunty phrases. to eat meat must admit that even the
had up to this time characterized the new True, if we could control the source of healthiest flesh food, as free as pos-
sect. By many of the early Christians the the poison supply, if the nations of the sible from infections, causes a loss of
profession of arms had been declared to be world would get together and agree to
incompatible with the Christian life. Now
working efficiency ; is the basic factor
produce only the amount actually nec- in premature old age, in degeneration
in a moment all this was changed. The essary for the scientific and medicinal
most sacred emblem of the new faith was of the vital organs,—especially the
made a battle standird, and into the new
needs of the world, the problem would blood vessels and kidneys, producing
religion was infused the military spirit of be solved so far as creating new ad- high blood pressure, apoplexy, and
the imperial government that had made that dicts is concerned. But we would still Bright's disease ; and is the occasion
emblem the ensign of the state. From the have the problem of the million victims of many sudden deaths in persons ap-•
day of the battle of Milvian Bridge a mar- in this country, and many millions in parently in good health. Meat eating
tial spirit has animated the religion of the other countries,—all sick people, and
Prince of Peace. Since then Christian
does not usually produce external ap-
all needing intelligent care. pearances of disease. It undermines
warriors have often made the cross their
battle standard. This infusion into the How do we come to have a narcotics the health by degeneration of the vital
church, of the military spirit of Rome was problem, anyway? This subject will parts of the body, and this insidiously.
one of the most important consequences of be considered in succeeding articles. It is therefore the more deceptive.
the espousal of the Christian cause by the
Emperor Constantine."—Myers, "General
History," pages 300, 3or.
The great sword in the hand of the rider
of the red horse was the sword of the Ro- Sign Here for the " SIGNS "
pan Empire, delivered to the church in the
days of Constantine when the church and 1927
state were united. It was the church of the To "Signs of the Times,"
apostolic period that was given the sword
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Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES
The Black and the Pale Apocalyptic Horse
The warning voice from the martyred dead
AFTER the startling revelations of Studies in the Book of American Standard Bible says that it
future events as pictured by the Revelation implies "great scarcity." In the par-
symbolic horsemen of the first able of the wheat and the tares Christ
two seals, with what breathless interest , NUMBER EIGHTEEN calls the wheat "the children of the
the prophet, the twenty-four elders, kingdom," In harmony with this in-
and the angelic host must have awaited TAYLOR G. BUNCH terpretation, during the period covered
the breaking of the third seal ! As "the by the third seal, there must have been
Lion of the tribe of Juda" broke the a "great scarcity" of true children of
seal and unrolled the scroll, the author- the kingdom. There was, however, a
itative "Come" of the third seraphim much cheaper grade of believers, who
brought to view another apocalyptic were more plentiful. The symbol
horse and its rider. might also represent the commercial
"And when He had opened the third spirit that had entered the church and
seal, I heard the third beast say, Come dominated it during that period. The
and see. And I beheld, and lo a black house of prayer, like the temple in
horse ; and he that sat on him had a Jerusalem at the time of Christ, had
pair of balances in his hand. And I become a place of merchandise, of
heard a voice in the midst of the four buying and selling. Enormous profits
beasts say, A measure of wheat for a were made from the sale of relics of
penny, and three measures of barley all sorts, the administering of the ordi-
for a penny ; and see thou hurt not the mind, as productive of comfort and nances, burials, etc. The church had
oil and the wine." Revelation 6: 5, 6. innocent sin. But in the beginning of become a great commercial enterprise.
THE MIDNIGHT OF THE WORLD the eighth century, in the full magni- The command from the throne,
Black is just the opposite of white, tude of the abuse, the more timorous "See thou hurt not the oil and the
and is incapable of reflecting light. It Greeks were awakened by an appre- wine," indicates God's solicitude for
is symbolic of evil, error, sorrow, de- hension, that under the mask of Chris- the Spirit and the Word, which were
feat, and moral and spiritual darkness, tianity, they had restored the religion in danger during that period. Not-
and fitly represents the semipagan of the fathers."—Id. withstanding the corruption in the
church of the Dark Ages. Pure, un- "A PAIR OF BALANCES IN HIS HAND" church, the suppression of the Scrip-
adulterated Christianity, symbolized
by the white horse, gives place to bap- The rider had "a pair of balances in tures and the consequent Dark Ages
tized paganism. The church's com- his hand." This doubtless refers to the in Europe, the Holy Spirit continued
promise with the world has become long contest between the civil rulers His work for mankind, and His fruits
complete; the faith once delivered to and the bishops, known in history as still witnessed to the world that the
the saints is corrupted; the sword of "The Investiture Contest," to deter- promise of Christ is sure and can not
Caesar has become her only weapon, mine whether the church or the state be abridged, "Lo, I am with you alway, •
and is bathed in the blood of martyrs. should dominate in the matters of gov- even unto the end of the world."
The smothering of the gospel light ernment. This balancing between a THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH SEAL

has ushered in the midnight of the "world king" and a "world priest," "And when He had opened the
world. which finally was decided in favor of fourth seal, I heard the voice of the
Note the following from Gibbon's the latter, is very concisely told in fourth beast say, Come and see. And
"History of the Decline and Fall of Myers' "Medieval and Modern His- I looked, and behold a pale horse : and
the Roman Empire :" "The sublime tory," chapter it, beginning on his name that sat on him was Death,
and simple theology of the primitive page in. and Hell followed with him. And
Christians was gradually corrupted; Balances are also symbolic of judg- power was given unto them over the
and the monarchy of heaven, already ment. "Thou art weighed in the bal- fourth part of the earth, to kill with
clouded by metaphysical subtleties, ances, and art found wanting" was the sword, and with •hunger, and with
was degraded by the introduction of message of doom on the palace wall of death, and with the beasts of the
a popular mythology, which tended to Belshazzar. The balances in the hand earth." Revelation 6: 7, 8.
restore the reign of polytheism." of the rider of the black horse indi- Pale is an unnatural color syrnibolic
Following this statement, we are cates that the church has entered poli- of sickness and death. The leaders of
told that as early as the fifth century tics and its bishops have become judges the church had so far departed from
the church services were a duplicate of of civil as well as religious questions. the gospel that made them the minis-
those held in the pagan temples. "The The church instead of the Scriptures ters of life that they became the min-
Christians of the seventh century had has become the sole and supreme judge isters of death, with power to slay the
insensibly relapsed into a semblance of of religious faith and practice. Her fourth part of the earth. "His rider's
paganism ; their pUblic and private chief bishop "as God sitteth in the name was Death, and the Lord of the
vows were addressed to the relics and temple of God, showing himself that Palace of Death rode behind him."
images that disgraced the temples of he is God." 2 Thessalonians 2: 4. Twentieth Century New Testament.
the East; the throne of the Almighty From his decisions even kings had no This is a terrible but true picture of the
was darkened by a cloud of martyrs, appeal. fallen, backslidden, persecuting church
and saints, and angels, the objects of THE "WHEAT" AND THE "BARLEY" of the Middle Ages, when she domi-
popular veneration."—Id. The voice that John heard came, not nated the civil power and used it to ad-
At this early date the Virgin Mary from the rider, but from the midst of vance her interests.
was invested with "the name and the four living creatures, or from the From Barnes' "General History,"
honors of a goddess." "The worship throne. The price of two different page '321, we learn that for centuries
of images had stolen into the church grains was given, one being three the papacy kept gaining strength until,
by insensible degrees, and each petty times as valuable as the other. The finally, "a new Rome rose from the
step was pleasing to the superstitious note on the price of the wheat in the ashes of the old, far mightier than the
for APRIL 5, 1927 Page Eleven
vanished empire, for it claimed domin- victims were all slain in the court at charge." It is also out of harmony
ion over the spirits of men." the foot of the altar of burnt offerings. with the attitude of the prophets and
In "The Outline of History" by "At the foot of the altar" is where John saints of all ages toward their enemies.
H. G. Wells, we are told that the pa- saw the martyred saints, according to This figurative language is plain in
pacy was an attempt at world dominion Weymouth's Translation. There their the light of the Lord's statement to
through religion, to do what Alex- blood had been spilled for the cause Cain after he had 'killed Abel : "What
ander, Cxsar, Napoleon, Charles V, of Christ. hast , thou done ? the voice .13f thy
and others attempted by civil and mili- The Mosaic sanctuary and its serv- brother's blood crieth unto Me from
tary power, but failed. With this policy ices were typical of the heavenly. (He- the ground." Genesis 4: 1o. In like
in view, it would logically follow that brews 8: 1-5). In the holy place of the manner the blood of a hundred million
dissenters would be suppressed. This heavenly temple is the altar of incense martyrs cries for justice to the One
world power, controlling every state (Revelation 8: 3, 4), but the altar who says, "Vengeance is Mine; I will
and nation in the "fourth .part of the where Christ, the antitypical Lamb, repay, saith the Lord." Rom. I2 : 19.
earth"—Europe, North Africa, and was slain and His blood shed as an The white robes were doubtless
Western Asia, besides influences far atonement for sin, was on this earth, given them in the same sense that
beyond that—killed, by the various which, according to Revelation II : I, Paul's crown of righteousness was his
means named in the text, dissenters 2, is the court of the heavenly sanc- on the day of his martyrdom, but was
approximating three fourths of the tuary. Dr. Adam Clarke, commenting "laid up" in reserve until the appearing
present population of the United on our text, said : "The altar is upon of Jesus and the redemption of his
States. The papacy called them "here- earth, not in heaven." True to the type, body. (See 2 Timothy 4 : 6-8.). The
tics," but God designated them "the Jesus, the Lamb of God, was slain white robes might also represent the
saints of the Most High." Daniel 7: "without the gate" in the court, and for change of sentiment toward those who
25. This period of bloody persecution three days remained in the tomb under thus gave their lives for their faith.
is given prominent mention in Bible the altar of sacrifice, His blood cry- Many who died heretics were later
prophecy. (See Revelation 12 : 6, 13, ing for vengeance. venerated as saints.
14 ; 13 : 7 ; Daniel 7 : 21, 25 ; 11: 33.) This earth is the altar on which the The fifth seal symbolizes the period
This is indeed a dark picture, but no martyrs gave their lives in sacrifice; of the Reformation, when the people
darker than the reality. It is the tes- and under the altar, in their graves, and nations of Europe began to awake
timony of the "True Witness," cor- they were bidden to wait patiently till to the real nature of the papal power.
roborated by the response of history. others were slain in future persecutions The cry to God for vengeance would be
Christ, speaking of this period to His and the great judgment should take the logical result of the dawning of
disciples, said : "For then shall be great vengeance on the inhabitants of the knowledge that the waning influence of
tribulation, such as was not since the earth for their blood. the papacy would release.
beginning of the world to this time, no, A CRY FOR VENGEANCE The blind poet, Milton, while prime
nor ever shall be. And except those Many find it difficult to harmonize minister to Cromwell, expressed in,
days should be shortened, there should this cry for vengeance from the mar- verse not only the cry for vengeance
no flesh be saved : but for the elect's tyred saints with the spirit of Christ from the martyred dead, but from the
sake those days shall be shortened." when He prayed, "Father, forgive awakening living who were being set
Matthew 24: 21, 22. them ; for they know not what they free from the spiritual bondage which
We may be thankful that these ter- do," and of Stephen, the first Christian had enslaved the world during the
rible persecutions of the church are in martyr, who with his dying breath Middle Ages :
the past ; but her trials are not over. prayed, "Lord, lay not this sin to their "Avenge, 0 Lord, Thy slaughtered saints,
The fifth scroll foretells the death of whose bones
other victims whose blood would join Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains
in the protest of all martyred saints cold;
against the use of the sword of Cxsar Even them who kept Thy truth so pure
of old,
to enforce the dogmas of an ecclesiasti- When all our fathers worshiped stocks
cal tyranny, and to punish dissenters. and stones,
THE FIFTH SEAL IS OPENED
Forget not: in Thy book record their
groans
"And when He had opened the fifth Who were Thy sheep, and in their an-
seal, I saw under the altar the souls of cient fold
them that were slain for the word of Slain by the bloody Piemontese that
rolled
God, and for the testimony which they Mother with infant down the rocks.
held : and they cried with a loud voice, Their moans
saying, How long, 0 Lord, holy and The vales redoubled to the hills, and they
true, dost Thou not judge and avenge To heaven. Their martyred blood and
ashes sow
our blood on them that dwell on the O'er all the Italian fields, where still doth
earth ? And white robes were given sway,
unto every one of them; and it was The triple tyrant; that from these may
said unto them, that they should rest grow
yet for a little season, until their fellow A hundredfold, who, having learned Thy
way,
servants also and their brethren, that Following Early may fly the Babylonian woe."
should be killed as they were, should be ROBERT HARE
fulfilled." Revelation 6 : 9-ii.
We must not lose sight of the fact I want to follow where my Saviour leads the way, THE Saviour identifies Himself with
And, following, share His peace from day to day; every child of humanity. That we
that the seven seals present a history of Catching the vision of that life divine,
the church, that the prophet is witness- His will will glorify this life of mine. might become members of the heavenly
ing the unscrolling of future events I want to follow where His footsteps mark the steep; family, He became a member of the
on earth, and that the language used However thorny, He has pledged to keep earthly family. He is the Son of man,
The trusting spirit till all tempests cease, and thus a brother to every son and
is highly figurative. That the altar is And heaven, at last, is reached in perfect peace.
also symbolic is evident, for it would daughter of Adam. His followers are
I want to follow though my fellow man should fling
be impogsible for millions of martyrs His bitterest curse across the way; my King not to feel themselves detached from
to be shut up under a literal altar. In Points to the blood-marked prints, and in their view, the perishing world around them.
Pledges a confidence divinely true. They are a part of the great web of
the Mosaic tabernacle service there
were two altars,—the altar of incense I want to follow, knowing well the way at last humanity, and heaven looks upon them
Must lead, when every troubled dream is past, as brothers to sinners as well as saints.
in the holy place, and the altar of burnt To perfect rest beside the Victor's throne,
offerings in the court. The sacrificial Where love will know as it is known! —Mrs. E. G. White.
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 The Breaking of the
SIXTH and SEVENTH SEALS
HE sixth and seventh seals of the Followed by confusion on peared in the Pacific Ocean, and a new one

T Apocalypse are inseparable, therefore

they should be considered together.
(See Revelation 6: 12-17; 8: i.) It
is evident from the language employed that
earth and silence in heaven
arose thirty miles. in length and fifteen in
width. The third of the big three was in
November, 1926, in Armenia. A report
declared : "The Armenian earthquake is
no symbols are used in picturing the events STUDIES IN THE unique in seismic history, because it con-
of the last two seals. Their literal language BOOK OF REVELATION tinued for fifteen days, averaging five
describes and definitely locates events that shocks daily, with five major shocks of the
can not be symbolized•and that reach to the NUMBER NINETEEN intensity of nine on the seismic scale of ten.
second advent of Christ. The sixth scroll The development of fissures of unknown
contains a prophecy of great physical dis- depth and sulphur springs and a fifteen-foot
turbances and astronomical wonders that TAYLOR G. BUNC.H recession of the foothills, Russian scientists
would harbinger the approaching day of say, indicate a disturbance of the greatest
God's wrath, for which the blood of a hun- importance in the earth's crust."
dred million martyrs has been calling. were recorded, or an average of 2,60o each These earth disturbances will increase
year. During the year 1907 there were 5',00o until the climax is reached in the mighty
THE LISBON EARTHQUAKE ,
earthquakes. A few years ago a geologist apocalyptic quake at the second coming of
"And I beheld when He had opened the announced that since the San Francisco Christ, when "the cities.of the nations" fall,
sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earth- earthquake the seismograph has shown that islands sink, mountains tremble and disap-
quake; and the sun became black as sack- not an hour has passed when the earth was pear, and "the whole land shall be desolate."
cloth of hair, and the moon became as not in a quiver. The present estimate, how- (See Revelation 16: 17-2o; Jeremiah 4:
blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto ever, is an earth shock on an average of 23-28.) In that day when everything will
the earth, even as a fig tree casteth' her un- every half hour; and a geologist said re- be shaken that can be shaken, evety earthly
timely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty cently, "Our globe is trembling somewhere structure will go down in the crash except
wind." Revelation 6: 12, 13. nearly all the time." the storm-, fire-, and earthquake-proof
In answer to the question of the disciples, The last six years has brought us the character buildings erected on the solid
"What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and three greatest earthquakes known in history. rock of God's eternal word.
of the end of the world?" Jesus replied: In December, 1920, one occurred in Central
"Nation shall rise against nation, and DARKENING OF THE SUN AND MOON
China that literally shook the globe. The
kingdom against kingdom: and great earth- quake caused great landslides that wiped Soon after the Lisbon earthquake another
quakes shall be in divers places, and fam- out whole villages and towns, engulfing event of world importance was to herald the
ines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and under the falling hills numbers that will advent of Christ. "The sun became black
great signs shall there be from heaven." never be known. The Chinek official report as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in announced a million deaths, and the most as blood." This remarkable astronomical
the moon, and in the stars; and upon the conservative foreign computation put it at phenomenon occurred May 19, 1780, and is
earth distress of nations, with perplexity; 200,000, ranking it as "the most destructive known in history as "The Dark Day." Of
the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts in the history of the world." In September, that event, Herschel, the great astronomer
failing them for fear, and for looking after 1923, the Japanese earthquake laid low the of that time, said: "The dark day in North
those things which are coming on the earth : proud cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, and America was one of those wonderful phe-
for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. snuffed out more than 200,000 lives. An nomena of nature which will always be read
And then shall they see the Son of man island with an 8,000-foot volcano disap- with interest, but which philosophy is at a
coming in• a cloud with power and great loss to explain."
glory. And when these things begin to come Noah Webster's dictionary, edition 1869,
to pass, then look up, and lift up your says : "The Dark Day, May 19, 178o—so
heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." called on account of a remarkable darkness
Luke 21 : ID, II, 25-28. . on that day extending over all New Eng-
The great earthquake that definitely land. . . . Birds sang their evening songs,
marked the opening of the sixth seal oc- disappeared, and became silent; fowls went
curred November I, 1755, and is known as to roost, cattle sought the barnyard; and
the Lisbon earthquake. This was the first candles were lighted in the houses. . . .
of the great modern earthquake disasters, The true cause of this remarkable phe-
and until then the greatest recorded by nomenon is not known."
man. It shook all of Europe and Africa, Dr. Adams, a witness, said : "Almost
and was felt even in America. It doubtless every one who happened to be out in the
shook the whole globe. Lisbon, with a evening got lost in going home. The dark-
population of 150,000, was almost completely ness was, as uncommon in the night as it
destroyed. There were go,000 deaths as a was in ,the day, as the moon had fulled the
result of the quake and the tidal wave. day before." In the light of the above state-
ment notice the rendering of the text in
ALMOST ALWAYS TREMBLING
other translations : "The moon, which was
The Lisbon earthquake was the begin-, at its full, [became] like blood." Twentieth
ning of a series of. earth disturbances that Century New Testament. "And the whole
would harbinger the approaching day of disk of the moon became like blood." Wey-
God. According to the prophecy, they mouth's translation. There were no forest
would occur "in divers places." A recent fires or clouds, and it could not have been
dispatch from Washington says : "Fre- an eclipse. Those who saw it declared that
quent earthquakes in North and South the moon had the appearance of a great
America and Europe during the last few ball of blood. It has never been satisfac-
months have puzzled government scientists. torily explained on a scientific basis.
Geologists recognize that the earth's sur- The next event in the forecast was the
face is in a state of continual unrest." falling of the stars, which took place No-
Earthquake statistics reveal an alarming vember 13, 1833. It was the greatest shower
increase during recent years. During the of shooting meteors known in history, and
first half of the nineteenth century there em emanating as they seemed to from one
were 3,240 recorded earthquakes, or an av- "Islands sink, mountains tremble and place in the heavens, they gave the appear-
disappear, and 'the whole land shall be
erage of 64 a year. The next 18 years desolate.' " ance of a great umbrella or "as a fig tree
brought a record of 5,000, or 277 a year. casteth her untimely figs, when she is
From 1858 to 1908, 130,000 earthquakes shaken of a mighty wind."
for APRIL 12, 1927 Page Thirteen
 Note the following: "The scene was truly events as signs of His soon return and
awful; for never did rain fall much thicker would begin to herald a warning message
than the meteors fell towards the earth ; to the world.
east, west, north, and south, it was the EVENTS YET TO BE FULFILLED '
THE WORLD S PROPHETIC WEEKLY
same. In a word, the whole heavens seemed "And the heaven departed as a scroll
in motion." "Arago computes that not less Advocating a return to the simple
when it is rolled together; and every moun- gospel of Christ, and a preparation
than 240,000 meteors were at the same time for His imminent second appearing
tain and island were moved out of their
visible above the horizon of Boston." And places. And the kings of the earth, and the
of the display at Niagara it is said that "no great men, and the rich men, and the chief EDITORS
spectacle so terribly grand and sublime was A. 0. TAIT A. L. BAKER F. D. NICHOL
captains, and the mighty men, and every
ever before beheld by nian as that of the bondman, and every free man, hid them-
CIRCULATION MANAGER
J. R. FERREN
firmament descending in fiery torrents over selves in the' dens and in the rocks of the
the dark and roaring cataract."—"Our First mountains ; and said to the mountains and Vol. 54, No. 15 April 12, 1927
Century," page 33o. rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face Mountain View, California
"The extent of the shower of 1833 was of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from
such as to cover no inconsiderable part of the wrath of the Lamb : for the great day SUBSCRIPTION RATES
the earth's surface; from the middle of the of His wrath is come; and who shall be
In United States:
Atlantic on the east to the Pacific on the Single copy, one year $1.50
able to stand?" Revelation 6: 14-17. Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.25
west, and from the northern coast of South Following the signs in the heavens, the To Canada and other countries taking extra postage:
America to undefined regions among the revelator pictures the great day of God's Single copy, one year $2.00
British possessions on the north, the exhi- wrath and a scene of the utmost confusion
Clubs of five or more to one address, each 1.50
bition was visible, and everywhere presented Please make all checks and money orders payable
among the inhabitants of the earth. The to "Signs of the Times," Mountain View, California.
nearly the same appearance."—Professor atmospheric heavens roll back as a scroll,
Olmstead of Yale College. • NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS
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the sun, the moon, and the stars—all that refused to heed. Their very cry of distress
is known or visible to man—were used as condemns them, for it indicates that they
signs to herald the greatest event of all the have heard the warning and recognize the execute judgment and to deliver His people.
ages. So important are these events that event. The twenty-four elders, who were redeemed
they were forecast by several prophets in THE OPENING OF THE SEVENTH SEAL from the earth and have been assisting
different generations. The prophet Joel "And when he had opened the seventh Christ in the work of judgment, doubtless
more than two and a half millenniums ago seal, there was silence in heaven about the come also to greet and welcome their fellow
wrote: "And I will show wonders in the space of half an hour." Revelation 8: 1. saints as they are resurrected or translated.
heavens and in the- earth, blood, and fire, What a contrast to the noise and confusion The silence continues one half hour of
and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be revealed in the sixth scroll ! It is like the prophetic time, or seven and one half days,
turned into darkness, and the moon into calm that follows a terrific storm. Why the time required to descend to earth and
blood, before the great and terrible day of the silence? At the time of the vision of execute the sentence against the wicked.
the Lord come." Joel 2: 30, 31. the seven seals, John declared that the four Then the silence will be forever broken by
Jesus in His sermon on the Mount of living creatures "rest not day and night, the shouts of victory and the grand halle-
Olives definitely located the time for these .saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord .God Al- lujah chorus of salvation that will reecho
signs in the heavens: "Immediately after mighty." He also heard the songs of praise through all creation and never die. Even
the tribulation of those days shall the sun of the twenty-four elders and the innumer- nature can no longer hold its peace. "The
be darkened, and the moon shall not give able angelic host around the throne, accom- mountains and the hills shall break forth
her light, and the stars shall fall from panied by the golden harps. The courts of before you into singing, and all the trees
heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall glory now ring with music and songs of of the field shall clap theil. hands."
be shaken." "But in those days, after that praise. Why does it suddenly cease? For Isaiah 55: 12.
tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and two reasons. First, because there can be no
the moon shall not give her light, and the joy even in heaven during the awful day of
stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers God's vengeance, the execution of His right-
that are in heaven shall be shaken. And eous judgment. "As I live, saith the Lord AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY
then shall they see the Son of man coming God, I have no pleasure in the death of the EASTER GIFTS
in the clouds with great power and glory." wicked." Ezekiel 33: H. The day of rec-
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Page Fourteen SIGNS of the TIMES
 The Angels Holding the

Demons of War
The Mighty Angel with a Sealing Message
rI
iHE
--- chronology of the events of Studies in the Book Through the influence of these demons,
the seventh chapter of Revelation of Revelation of war, twenty peace conferences have'
••
is established beyond question. been broken up since the signing of the
The previous chapter closes with the NUMBER TWENTY Armistice, and the world is seething
events of the sixth seal, and the sev- with hate, suspicion, and jealousy. The
enth seal is brought to view in the first great Italian historian, Ferrero, said
verse of the eighth chapter. Chapter T A YTThR G. BUNCH recently : "Europe is to-day filled with
seven, therefore, is thrown in paren- hatreds and fears. Every people fears
thetically between the sixth and sev- and hates its neighbor, but na, people
enth seals, picturing as it does a work seems aware that a universal
that must be done in the earth in con- apocalyptic peril is suspended
nection with the sixth, and before the over the world."
seventh seal is broken. Between the Sir Edward Grey of England recog-
fulfillment' of the signs in the sun, nized•the real cause of war when he
moon, stars, and earth and the said : "It is really as if, in the atmos-
coming of Christ, a final mes- phere of the world, there were some
sage is to go to all the world, mischievous influence at work which
finishinc, the gospel commis- troubles and excites every part of it."
sion and 6 sealing a- people for The Washington Post, in an edi-
God's future kingdom of glory. torial during the mobilization of the
"And after these things I saw four armies for the Great War, said : "The
angels standing on the four corners of nations hurry on toward an unknown
the earth, holding the four winds of goal, as if moved by a mighty unseen
the earth, that the wind should not hand. Kaisers, czars, kings, and presi-
blow ,on the earth, nor on the sea, nor dents are powerless to stop the march
on any tree. And I saw another angel of destiny, and the efforts of legis-
ascending from the east, having the istice was only "a lull in the storm." lators to cheCk or divert the moving
seal of the living ,God : and he cried "The four winds" would indicate mass are pitifully impotent."
with a loud voice to the four angels, to world war; that if it were not for the
THE WINDS ARE HELD
whom it was given to hurt the earth restraining influence of the, heaven-
sent messengers, war would break out But how often the nations have been
and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, on the very verge of war, with seem-
neither the sea, nor the trees, till we in all quarters of the earth. When the
four angels let go their hold and with- ingly nothing to prevent it, when sud-
have sealed the servants of our GOd denly and unexpectedly the storm
in their foreheads." Revelation 7: 1-3. draw their restraining influence, there
will be a world-war conflagration. The clouds passed away, and peace was
THE FOUR ANGELS restored. The sudden ending of the
pent-up fury of demons and nations
That symbolic language is here em- will break forth in the dreadful Arma- World War was because the angels of
ployed is evident, even to the casual geddon conflict. peace' were fulfilling their commission
reader. The four angels standing on and had again taken control of the
the four corners of the earth, repre- THE TWO UNSEEN INFLUENCES
winds of strife which, for a time, had
senting the four points of the compass, Two mighty but unseen influences broken loose. Woe to the world when
indicates that their work is world-wide are at work in the world. Speaking of these heavenly ambassadors of peace
in its influence. "Wind," in symbolic the demons of war, John wrote: "And withdraw their , constraining power
prophecy, signifies war, political strife, I saw three unclean spirits like frogs and the demons of war are given full
and turmoil ; and "sea" fitly represents come out of the mouth of the dragon, control ! Then there will be such scenes
the sea of humanity, or "peoples, and and out of the mouth of the beast, and of strife and confusion as no pen can
multitudes, and nations, and tongues." out of the mouth of the false prophet. picture; then will take place the gath-
(See Revelation 17 : 1, 15.) For they are the spirits of devils, ering of the legions for the final fiery
Daniel in vision saw the four great working miracles, which go forth unto trial of 'the nations in the cyclonic war•
universal empires of Babylon, Medo- the kings of the earth and of the whole storm of Armageddon, from which
Persia, Grecia, and Rome arise into world, to gather them to the battle of human civilization shall not survive.
power symbolized by four great beasts that great day of God Almighty." The prophet Jeremiah, when given
coming up out of the sea, as the result "Arid he gathered them together into a vision of this dreadful scene, cried
of great storms on the waters. (See a place called in the Hebrew tongue out, "My anguish, my anguish ! I am
Daniel 7 ; also Jeremiah 51 : I, 2, II ; Armageddon." Revelation 16 : 13, pained at my very heart ; my heart is
25 : 31-33.) It is not at all strange that 14, 16. , disquieted in me ; I can not hold my
the Lord should employ these symbols, Demons, or evil angels, are the war peace ; because thou hasf heard, 0 my
for they are common also to man. We lords of Armageddon. They are re- soul, the sound of the trumpet, the
often speak of "the sea of humanity" sponsible for the winds of war and alarm of war. Destruction upon de-
and represent war as a storm. Lloyd strife. They-are busy preaching their struction is cried; for the whole land
George spoke of the World War as a messages of hate, envy, and jealousy, is laid waste : suddenly are my tents
"hurricane ;" and another writer, in in all the councils of men. Satan, the destroyed, and my curtains in a mo-
speaking of thesigns of approaching prince of this world, is the great war ment. How long shall I see the stand-
war, said, "It is a dull ear indeed that lord, and since his rebellion in heaven ard, "and hear the sound of the
can not hear the mutterings of the his chief occupation has been to pro= , trumpet ?" Jeremiah 4: 19-21, A. R. V.
coming storm." Clemenceau declared mote war, strife, and contention. In Then follows a picture of the great
that the peace that followed the Arm- this he has been very successful. day of, the Lord.
Page Eight SIGNS of the TIMES
 Other prophets have attempted to mary of all truth, the standard of His the seventh day He rested, and was
describe conditions on earth during righteousness, the rule of His judg- refreshed." Exodus 31 : 15-17. The
the fearful Armageddon war when the ment. God's law is the expession of Sabbath is here declared to be a part
angels of mercy have departed, and all His character, and those who reflect of the perpetual, or everlasting,
the imps of earth and hell are turned His image will have the law written in covenant.
loose for a rampage through the the heart and will obey it in the .life. "Moreover also I gave' them My
world; but human language is impo- They will be victors over sin. Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and
tent to picture scenes that beggar all SEAL OF THE LAW them, that they might know that I am
description. But every law, to be authentic, must the Lord that sanctify them." "And
But why are the angels commis- have a seal, and that seal must contain hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be
sioned to hold in check the winds of the name of the lawgiver, the author- a sign between Me and you, that ye
war? In the vision of the revelator, it ity for enacting the law, and its juris- may know that I am the Lord your
seems that the four angels are about diction. A study of the Decalogue will God." Ezekiel 20: 12, 20. The SabT,
to loose their hold on the winds of reveal the fact that the fourth com- bath is a sign of the true God, the
strife when another angel descends mandment alone contains the essentials Creator. Had it. always been faithfully
from heaven "having the-seal of the of a seal. - Tear that commandment observed, idolatry never would have
living God" and with a voice of author- from the law, and you remove-its seal, entered the world, and the false evolu-
ity commands the four angels to con- or mark of authority. It is the only tionary philosophy would have been
tinue their restraining work a little one of the ten that identifies the law- unknown. But the Sabbath is not only
longer, "till we have sealed the serv- giver as Jehovah, the Creator of f he a memorial of the original creation but
ants of our God in their foreheads." heavens and the earth. As Creator, He of the re-creation, or redemption.
A HEAVEN-SENT MESSAGE has the right to enact laws binding- on Sanctification, holiness, conversion,
all .His .creatures in His dominion,— and redemption are inseparable.
That the angel with the seal of God
is symbolic of a heaven-sent message the heavens and the earth. Without A MESSAGE OF SABBATH REFORM
just before the final Armageddon war this seal, the whole law loses its au- Because, the-Jew's lost sight of the
scourge, there, can be no question. In thority, and may be claimed as the law real meaning of the Sabbath and he-
the book of. Revelation' an angel"her- of any false deity or human power. cause many to-day do not understand
aiding a message to the world is al- Those who observe the Sabbath of the significance of Sabbath keeping,
ways symbolic of a heaven-sent gospel the Decalogue as the memorial of and hang out a false sign to the world,
message preached by the church of finished creation, indiCate by so doing are not arguments 'against the Sab-
Christ. (See Revelation to : 1-7 ; 14 : that they worship the Creator of the bath's being God's sign Of sanctifica-
6-14; 18:1-5.) All these scriptures universe,. and are obedient to all His tion, or a holy life. Only the person -
picture different phases of the same commands. In unmistakable language who "keepeth the Sabbath from pol- -
final warning message to the world the Lord declares that the Sabbath is luting it, and keepeth his hand from
just before the dogs of war are turned His' sign and seal. "Six days -may doing any' evil" (Isaiah 56 : 2) is ‘a
loose to accomplish their terrible work work be done ; but in the seventh is the true Sabbath observer, and has the
of destruction. Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord:. seal,• or character, of God. All Sab-
Before. the seal of the seventh scroll whosoever•doeth any work in the Sab- bath-keeping sinners 'are deceiving
is broken, the servants of God must be bath day, he shall surely be put to themselves, and are displaying a false
sealed for the kingdom. In'the Douay death.' Wherefore the children of Is- sign to the world. -
Version the word "sign" is used in- rael shall keep the Sabbath, to observe The sealing message of Revelation
stead of "seal ;" and the Swedish Bible the Sabbath throughout their genera- seven, therefore, is a message of Sab-
declares tions, for a perpetual covenant. It 'is a bath reform, and thus of life reform,
. that they are "marked with a sign between Me and the children of
seal." In chapter fourteen and the first bringing a people into complete har-
'verse, the same company is pictured Israel forever.: for in six days the mony with God's law and character so
on Mount Zion with the Lamb, "hav- Loid made heaven and earth, and on that they can stand on Mount Zion be-
ing His Father's name written in their fore the throne of God "without fault."
foreheads." Their victory over sin- is complete, and
A glance at the definitions of these the sign of their holiness is their ob-
terms will show that the words "seal." servance of the Sabbath, the sign, or
"sign," "mark," and "name" are syn- seal, of the living God and. His eternal,
onymous. , God signs, marks, or seals, unchangeable rule of conduct.
with His name. Name signifies char- •The correctness of this interpreta-
acter, therefore those who receive the tion is corroborated by a present world-
seal of God have gotten the victory message calling God's people back to
over every sin, and the image, or char- "the faith •which was once delivered
acter, of God is written in their fore- unto the saints," which embraces obe-
heads, or minds. They have the mind dience to all the commandments of the
of Christ, "and in their mouth was laW, including the Sabbath of creation.
found no guile: for they are without What will be your attitude toward
fault before the throne of God." Rev- this heaven-sent sealing message that
elation 14: 5. closes the gospel harvest? Consider
What is the sign, or seal, off the liv- well before rejecting it.
ing God that is placed only in the
minds, or hearts, of those who have
the name, or character, of God? "And CHRISTIANITY WITNESSES
grieve 'not the Holy Spirit of God, TO CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of (Continued from page 3)
redemption." Ephesians 4: 3o. The boldly charge the Jewish leaders with
work of the Holy Spirit is•to convince the murder of the innocent Christ.
of sin, of righteousness, and of judg- Had there been any deception, had
ment, and to guide into all truth. there been any question, some one of
.( John 16 : 7-13.) Since sin is the the soldiers, of their enemies, or of the
transgression of divine law (1 John five hundred witnesses would have
3 : 4), the work of the Holy Spirit is arisen to refute and expose the fraud.
to bring 'transgressors into, complete "Thou hast heard, 0 my soul, the sound of But no voice is heard in opposition ;
harmony with God's law,-4he sum- the trumpet, the alarm of war." even the rulers are stunned and speech-
for APRIL 19, 1927 Page Nine
 The 144,000

Their Triumphs and Reward

N THE vision of the four angels and not for the Jews is evident even to
Studies in the Book the casual reader. The fifth chapter is
holding in check the symbolic
-11-• winds of the earth till the sealing of Revelation essentially a last-day prophecy, and
ssage
'me s has done its work, the prophet
NUMBER TWENTY-01\T
shows that the epistle was written for
, hears a voice givinc, the number sealed. the special benefit of the church of the
"And I heard the number of them last generation, which would witness
which were sealed : and there were the return of Christ to establish His
sealed an hundred and forty and four kingdom of glory.
TAYLOR G. BUNCH The evidence is also conclusive that
thousand of all the tribes of the children
of Israel." Revelation 7 :4. The follow- the church triumphant will retain this
ing verses describe the sealing of twelve-tribe division. In answer to
twelve thousand out of each of the scendants of Abraham, were broken Peter's question, "Behold, we have
twelve tribes. off because of unbelief, and branches forsaken all, and followed Thee; what
We must not forget that the sealing from the wild olive tree were grafted shall .we have therefore ?" Jesus an-
message is located between the breaking into their place ; these, partaking "of swered : "Verily I say unto you, That
of the sixth and seventh seals, or just the root and fatness" of the Israel ye which have followed Me, in the re-
before the second advent of Christ. stock, yield the fruit of the tame olive, generation when the Son of man shall
The prOphecy under consideration, "contrary to nature." The conclusion sit in the throne of His glory, ye also
therefore, meets its fulfillment many of Paul's argument is, "and so all Is- shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging
generations . after the dispersion of rael shall be saved." the twelve tribes of Israel." Matthew
Israel,, when the identity of the twelve THE TWELVE TRIBES
19: 27, 28.
tribes has long since become impossible. The celestial .city, the New Jerusa-
In his letter to the Galatian church, lem, through whose pearly gates will
Even at the beginning of the Christian Paul declared: "If ye be Christ's, then
era, the tribes had so completely lost pass the redeemed of all ages (Revela-
are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs ac- tion 22 : 14) regardless of their earthly
their identity that they were indistin- cording to the promise." Galatians
guishable because of generations of nationality, rests upon twelve founda-
3: 29. He also stated that all who are tions on which are emblazoned the
intermarriage, captivity, and persecu- new creatures in Christ Jesus are of names of the twelve apostles who will
tion. "the Israel of God." Chapter 6 : 15, 16.
SPIRITUAL ISRAEL reign as judges, or kings, over the
That the church of Christ, even in twelve nations of overcomers in earth's
•The only conclusion possible is that
its militant state, is divided into twelve warfare. (See Revelation 21, 22.)
,our text applies to spiritual and not
tribes, or nations, is evident from the The saved of all ages are declared
to literal Israel. While it is impossible
opening statement of the epistle of to be "so many as the stars of the sky
for human beings to divide Christians
James. "James, a servant of God and in multitude, and as the sand which is
into twelve divisions, according to their
of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve by the seashore innumerable." He-
characteristics, Christ, the supreme
tribes which are scattered abroad, brews II : 12. On the other hand, the
Head of the church, knows where every
greeting." That the contents of this final sealing message gathers and seals
member of His body belongs; and, in letter were intended for spiritual Israel
the book of life,'or the family rec- 144,000, divided into twelve companies
ord, they are .doubtless enrolled un- of 12,000 each. Who are they? and
der the tribe or nation to which they what is their relation to the twelve
apostles and the twelve tribes?
belong.
The term "Israel" had its origin OCCUPY HIGH POSITIONS
the night Jacob wrestled with the This special company became
angel, when, because his character qualified to stand next to Christ
was changed, God changed his because of the trying experiences
name from Jacob, the deceiver and through which they have passed
supplanter, to Israel, a prince of in their warfare with the hosts of
God and overcomer—one who pre- evil in the final desperate charge
vails with God and man. (See against the remnant of the church
Genesis 32 : 24-28.) militant. ( See . Revelation 12 : 17.)
The terms "Israel" and "Chris- In ruling themselves and in con-
tian." are therefore synonymous, for quering sin, they have demon-
all true Israelites are Christians and strated their ability to rule. They
all true Christians are Israelites, or have gotten the victory over every
sons of God. Of course, all who known sin, and are "without fault
claim to be Christians are not Chris- before the throne of God." But few
tians ; likewise, all who claim to be saints in the world's history have
Israelites are not princes of God, as ever reached such a high standard
Paul declared': "They are not all of perfection of character and
Israel, which are of Israel," and knowledge of His truth. Their loy-
"he is not a Jew, which is one out- alty to the principles of God's gov-
wardly : . ... but he is a Jew, which ernment has been tested to the
is one inwardly.". Romans 9 : 6 ; utmost, and is above question. They
2 : 28, 29. can now be intrusted with responsi-
In Romans I I : 17-26, the true Is- bilities in the kingdom of Christ and
rael of all ages is represented as a In ancient times the farmer was required to
of the twelve nations of Israel.
tame and fruitful olive tree, and the bring the first sheaf of his crop to the sanctu- The Christian church began its
Gentiles as a wild olive tree. Some ary. This was called "the first fruits." The
144,000 are also called "the first fruits unto history under the leadership of
of the natural branches, or the de- God, and to the Lamb.", ' twelve men, who, during the ten
for MAY 3, 1927 Page Eleven
clays of prayer, study, and confession choice fruits." Thus the 144,000 are Laodicean message, and are purified
of sin in the upper room, reached a not only the first of the final harvest, by it. "To him that overcometh will I
standard of perfection in harmony but its choice fruits ; for "they are grant to sit with Me in My throne,
with their perfection of faith. They without fault before the throne of God." even as I also overcame, and am set
had "the faith of Jesus." They were THE INNUMERABLE HOSTS down with My Father in His throne."
"of one accord" for the first time in Surely the Lord holds out a glorious
After describing the 144,000, the reward to those who accept the sealing
their lives, and had gotten the victory
revelator continued : "After this I be- message and reach the high standards
over every known sin, so that they no
held, and, lo, a great multitude, which required for enumeration in the special
longer' grieved the Holy Spirit, who
sealed them "unto the day of redemp- no man could number, of all nations company who stand with the Lamb on
and kindreds, and people, and tongues, Mount Zion, go with Him "whitherso-4
tion." (See Ephesians 4 : 3o.) Since
stood before the throne, and before the ever He goeth," and assist Him in thel
they were sealed for the kingdom, the
Lamb,. clothed with white robes, and administration of the kingdom of
Holy Spirit was given to them with-
palms in their hands ; and cried with a glory. Is any sacrifice too great for
out measure, and Pentecost was the
loud voice, saying, Salvation to our such a priceless privilege ?
result. The early rain followed the
upper-room experience that brought God which sitteth upon the throne, and
unto the Lamb." Revelation 7 : 9, 10.
to them the seal of God's approval.
Here is described the remainder of THE sense of sin has poisoned the
THE GREAT OUTPOURING the final harvest. Their knowledge, springs of life. But Christ says, "I
The early rain was but a local experience, and tests of loyalty are far will take your sins ; I will give you
shower compared with the latter rain less than the standard reached by the peace. I have bought you with My
which is poured out on all flesh to ripen 144,000, who are qualified for a special . blood. You are Mine. My grace shall
the gospel grain for the final harvest. work as "kings and priests" unto God strengthen your weakened will; your
The reaping message is to go to "every and the Lamb. remorse for sin I will remove." When
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and Just before the reaping of the vast temptations assail you, when care and
people." (See Revelation 14 : 6-14.) harvest of the earth, the 144,000, or perplexity surround you, when, de-
As twelve men were sealed for leader, the "first fruits," are presented to pressed and discouraged, you are ready
ship by the Spirit in the beginning of Christ, the great High Priest of the to yield to despair, look to Jesus, and
the gospel proclamation under the heavenly sanctuary, and dedicated to a the darkness that encompasses you will
early rain, twelve groups of men, of special service before the throne of be dispelled by the bright shining of
12,000 each, will be sealed by the God. "Therefore are they before the His presence.
Spirit for leadership in giving the loud throne of God, and serve Him day and When sin struggles for the mastery
cry during the latter rain. As the night in His temple : and He that sit- in your soul, and burdens -the con-
144,000 reach the standard of perfec- teth on the throne shall dwell among science, look to the Saviour. His grace
tion of character corresponding to them." Revelation 7 : 15. is sufficient to subdue sin. Let your
their perfection of faith, "the faith This is in accord with the promise grateful heart, trembling with uncer-
which was once delivered unto the Christ makes to those who accept the tainty, turn to Him.—E. G. White.
saints," they are sealed for the king-
dom, and go forth to give the loud cry
that calls God's people out of spiritual
Babylon and 'completes the gospel har-
vest. (See Revelation 18 : 1-5.)
The 144,000 are declared to be "the
first fruits unto God and to the Lamb."
Revelation 14 : 4. In ancient Israel
each farmer was required to bring the
first sheaf of his crop to the sanctuary,
and present it to the priest. This was
called the "first fruits" of the harvest,
and was dedicated to the sanctuary.
and the service of the priests, and was
depothed "before the altar of the
Lord." He was then privileged to put
"Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall
in the sickle for the final harvest. The the sanctuary be cleansed." Daniel 8: 14.
"first fruits" was only a small part of
the entire crop. (See Exodus 23 : 19 ; FREDERICK W. STRAY
Leviticus 23: to.; Deuteronomy 26: Moncton, New Brunswick

Ills has been my favorite text for the above text, which, of course, included
All the services of the Mosaic sanc- j following reasons : A Christian ex- an explanation of the eighth and ninth
tuary were typical of the plan of sal- perience in my youth as a church mem- chapters of Daniel, proving conclusively
vation and the priestly service of ber was followed by a falling away, re- the foretelling of the very year of the
Christ. The offering of the first fruits sulting in deism between my twenty-first baptism and the crucifixion of Christ.
must have an antitype in the reaping and twenty-ninth years, with no faith in
As I studied this subject, a tremendous
of the final gospel harvest. "The har- the Bible, Christ, ,or the church. Then
came a Seventh-day Adventist colporteur conviction came upon me that the Bible
vest is the end of the world," declared Was the inspired word of God, and Jesus
Jesus. Just before the world-harvest who visited my home every Saturday
evening during the fall, winter, and of Nazareth the Saviour of the world.
is gathered and when it is "white al- spring of 1902 and 1903, giving to us a This conviction deepened with me for
ready to harvest," a "first-fruits" sheaf Bible study. months, and some way always centered
will he gathered and presented to the I was a bit interested in the reasons in the text quoted. The call to personal
Priest of the heavenly sanctuary to be given for seventh-day observance, and consecration, holiness, and preparation
dedicated to His service. The "first considerably interested in the prophecies for our Lord's return is in the related
fruits" of the antitypical harvest are concerning the papacy, of which I had text of ringing invitation, "Fear 'God,
plainly declared to be the 144,000 ; this always been entirely ignorant, though I and give glory to Him; for the hour of
will be the first sheaf only of the en- had been a diligent student of church His judgment is come: and worship Him
tire gospel crop. In the type, the "first history in my youth. that made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
fruits" was not only the first in point However, none of these things moved and the fountains of waters." Revela-
me until we cane to the study of the tion 14: 7.
of time but also in quality. The best
of the harvest must be selected, or "the 0

Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES

 The capture of Rome by the Goths

The Sounding of the Seven Trumpets

D I saw the seven angels which Studies in the Book of God as sweet incense. The blasts of
stood before God; and to them
AN were given seven trumpets."
"And the seven angels which had the
of Revelation war trumpets and the din of battle will
not prevent the heavenly Father from
NUMBER TWENTY-TWO hearing their supplications.
seven trumpets prepared themselves to "The angel took the censer, and filled
sound." Revelation 8: 2, 6. it with fire of the altar, and cast it into
The vision of the seven trumpets is the earth : and there were voices, and
TAYLOR G. BUNCH
a part of the same scene in the great thunderings, and lightnings, and an
prophetic drama that began with the earthquake." Verse • 5. It is evident
fourth chapter, and includes the vision Empire of the west; second, the Roman that the close of human probation is
of the throne of God, the breaking of or Greek Empire of the east; and, here pictured. When the golden
the seven seals, and the sealing mes- third, the modern nations of earth, in a censer is cast down, the ministrations
sage. The purpose of the entire vision final world war which will terminate in of the heavenly sanctuary are over,
is to reveal future events, or to "show Armageddon. and prayer will no longer prevail with
thee things which must be hereafter." Before the prophet is given a revela- God. When fire takes the place of in-
In the seven trumpets is presented tion of the terrible political revolutions cense in the golden censer, wrath will
the third view of world history as it that were to visit the earth 'and sweep take the place of mercy in God's deal-
affected the Christian era. The seven the nations with the besom of destruc- ings with man. Then will His wrath be
churches show the trials and victories tion, a scene before the throne of Je- "poured out without mixture into the
of God's loyal' people in seven periods hovah is presented for the encourage- cup of His indignation." (See Revela-
of time, from the first century to the ment of God's people, to cheer them tion 14: To ; 16,: 17, 18.)
return of Christ to bring about their during the dark and dreary days to
final deliverance. The seven seals give come. ."And the seven angels which had the
an, entrancing view of so-called Chris- "And another angel came and stood seven trumpets prepared themselves to
tianity, organized at first to carry out at the altar, having a golden censer ; sound. The first angel soundeld, and
"the great commission,"' then, slowly, and there was given unto him much there followed hail and fire mingled
imperceptibly, yielding to the seduc- incense, that he should offer it with the with blood, and they were cast upon
tive influence of pagan philosophy ; prayers of all saints upon the golden the earth: and the third part of trees
until by the seventh century it had altar which was before the throne. was burnt up, and all green grass was
taken over and was observing all the And the smoke of the incense, which burnt up." Verses 6, 7.
forms of the pagan religion it had sup- came with the prayers of the saints, as- ROME WAS PROSTRATED
planted. The great Reformation then cended up before God out of the an- It is evident that symbolic language
brings the church back to "the faith gel's hand." Verses 3, 4. is here employed. However, there is no
which was once, delivered unto the In the Mosaic tabernacle service the part of the Revelation upon which
saints," and prepares it for the coming offering of the incense was a call to Bible students so unanimously agree as
of Christ. prayer. The prayers of Israel ascended in _their interpretation of the seven
The seven trumpets, symbolic of heavenward mingled with the fragrant trumpets. A series of desolating war
war ( Jeremiah 4:19), are prophetic incense from off the altar. Thus, be- scourges left the Western Empire of
pictures of great war scourges or mili- fore the seven angels blow their trump- Rome prostrate in the dust, and visited
tary revolutions that were to visit the ets, the saints of earth are assured that Eastern Rome with the seeming ven-
earth, and overturn, first, the Rorhan their prayers will ascend to the throne geance of an offended God. The first
Page Ten SIGNS of the TIMES
trumpet is a prophetic forecast of the original boundaries of the empire were whom were armed warriors, moved
first successful invasion of Rome by the restored. . into Roman territory.
Gothic barbarians from the north, un- The next invasion by the Gothic na- Tactfulness a n d prudence were
der the leadership of Alaric. The tions was of a different character, In- wholly lacking in handling the situa-
"hail" is symbolic of the northern stead of a military campaign by armed tion that now confronted the Imperial
origin of the invaders, having come men, it was the peaceful migration of councils. The Goths asked to be
from the frozen region of the shores of whole nations into the heart of the settled on the extensive vacant land in
the Baltic ; and the "fire mingled with Roman. Empire. The Visigoths and Thrace. The emperor gathered all his
blood" depicts the awful slaughter and Ostrogoths appeared in turn on the .available troops. The Goths assembled
destruction inflicted by their invasion. north bank of the Danube, and by in a fortified camp near the mouth of
At the time this prophecy was given, every demonstration of fear implored the Danube. The legions of Rome
the Roman Empire included all the the Romans to permit them to cross marched against them. The two armies
civilized world. It extended from the and take refuge in the empire, to escape met in the open plain, and a sanguinary
Atlantic Ocean eastward to the Eu- the fury of the pursuing Huns. Per- battle raged from daylight till dark
phrates River, bounded on the south mission was finally granted, and more without a decision. The field was liter-
by the Sahara Desert in Africa, and on than 4,000,000 barbarians, 600,000 of ally piled with the results of the con-
the north by the Rhine and Danube
Rivers. This approximates an area of -c— (
one thousand miles of latitude and two
thousand miles of longitude. The for-
tifications along these northern and
eastern boundaries were the limit of the
The FIRST. LIE
experience of the military engineers of
many centuries. One quotation from MARSHALL B. VAN KIRK
Gibbon's "History of the Decline and
Fall of the Roman Empire," Vol. III,
waxed greater. Why should anyone be in
page 55, will indicate their strength and darkness when the Bible is so plain on this
magnitude. "The banks of the Rhine, point?
from its source to the straits of the Going into detail, one Bible writer in-
ocean, were closely planted with strong forms us that when a man dies he knows
castles and convenient towers." This not anything; that he remembers no more,

W
HEN two mighty forces are pitted
statement will also apply to the de- against each other, which shall loves no more, hates no more, enjoys no
fenses of the Danube. It is said that be recognized as the depository more; in fact, no more a part in any-
between these rivers a stone wall of of truth? The scripture says, thing that shall be done under the sun.
considerable height, and strengthened "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know (Ecclesiastes 9 : 5, 6, so.) If a dead person
them." Matthew 7 : 20. Then to judge be- has no more a part in anything done under
by towers at convenient distances ex- the sun, lie certainly is entirely cut off from
tween God and Satan, we must take into
tended, covering a distance of nearly account the fruit that is harvested from the visiting his friends who are, still.living. The
two hundred miles. work of each. Satan said, "God doth know psalmist says of a dead man that his
These defenses gave the inhabitants that in the day ye eat thereof [the tree of thoughts perish. (Psalm 146: 2-4.)
of the empire a feeling of security, knowledge of good and evil], then your eyes BY THEIR FRUITS
which was strengthened by the fact shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,
"By their fruits ye shall k ow them."
that for 25o years they had successfully knowing good and evil." Genesis 3 : 5.
Read the catalogue of sins that . o unchal-
withstood every attack. The universal A great many persons have this same
lenged to-day. Satan is their )riginator.
sentiment seemed to be that "the vision, and many teach that each human
Galatians 5: 17-21 catalogues a li of com-
period of their empire would be that of being has in him a little god or a spark of
mon sins, the personnel of which should lead
god which will develop under proper con-
the world itself." ditions into a redeemer within.
every one who reads to despise all sin. Yet
IN DEAD OF WINTER Satan is the author of all these and many
God says, "The wages of sin is death"
variations of the same.
The northern barbarians usually (Romans 6:23), and, "Whosoever corn-
On the other hand, there is the fruit of
made their invasions in the dead of mitteth sin transgresseth also the law : for
the Spirit, which comes out in full bloom in
winter, when the fur-clad warriors sin is the transgression of the law" (r John
the characters of those who allow Jesus to
crossed the boundary rivers, with im- 3: 4)• The devil says there is no death. He
is the author of the all-too-common belief rule in their lives.
punity, on the ice. Scarcely had Decius that there is no death and that what we call
Since Satan is a liar, because he abode not
been saluted as emperor, "when he was death is simply a release of an immortal in the truth, is it not far better to hold to
summoned to the banks of the Danube the teachings of the Saviour of mankind?
soul to enjoy a higher plane of existence.
by the invasion of the Goths. This is Were that true, then why mourn at death? He is the truth and the life that abides in •
God, and He came to bring to us afar more
the first considerable occasion in which let it come, and come soon; for it would be
abundant life than we now have or could
history mentions that great people, who the greatest. possible blessing.
have outside of Him.
afterwards broke the Roman power, GOD ONLY IMMORTAL When one gives himself to the service of
sacked the .capital, and reigned in Speaking of immortality, the Bible says Satan, God allows him to have his own way
Gaul, Spain, and Italy."—Id., Vol. that God "only hath immortality" (1 Tim- and even to believe a lie. He may be ever
page 518. othy 6: 16), and that no man, in his pres- so sincere in his belief, but he will be lost;
In a great battle south of the Dan- ent state, can approach unto His condition. for we read in Revelation 25: 27 that no
ube, the emperor lost both his life and We are told to seek for immortality; and one who makes or loves a lie can enter into
his army. This formidable invasion if we now have it, why seek for it? This, the kingdom of God.
too, has been and still is a point in this con- Accepting God's statement as truth, any-
was not repulsed until the Goths had , one who believes in natural immortality is
troversy. God is trying to save individuals, ,
devastated the provinces on both sides and fit them for immortality, which He will accepting and believing a lie, and is, just so
of the Bosporus,—on the west side to render to those who seek for it (Romans far, giving place to the influence of the great
within sight of Italy. Athens and other 2: 7) ; and to them who patiently continue deceiver of his life.
cities of Greece were reduced to ashes. this seeking, He will grant eternal life. There will come a time when all who have
On the east, Ephesus, with its wonder- Would God be so utterly inconsistent as to accepted this lie will be undeceived ; but that
ful temple of Diana, and the populous tell us to seek diligently for something we time will be after there is no further op-
cities of the surrounding plains suf- now possess? God certainly is too wise to portunity to change faith and practice.
fered the fate of Greece. The give that sort of instruction. Let us take God's word as the true coun-
Because of the wide acceptance of that sel, and accept what He has made known
slaughter of the unfortunate inhabit- statement made by Satan in the Garden of •to us as truth. Then, and only then, are we
ants was indiscriminate and appalling. Eden, many truly serious errors, have come; on safe ground. Satan can never destroy
The Goths, however, were driven back and the controversy between "the mystery of or lead to destruction one who abides in
to their own territory again, and the iniquity" and "the mystery of godliness" has God. Let us so abide.
for MAY 17, 1927 Page Eleven
fiict. Another battle soon followed, in strong Visigothic kingdom in northern grass ;" and then, when they finally
which the empefor and two thirds of Spain and southern France. "They permanently settled, they took "one
his army were slain,—one of the great- took for their own one third of the third" of the land, whjch_necessarily
est defeats in Roman history. Then land."—Sheldon's "General History," included a corresponding amount of
followed one of the worst tragedies in page 233. When the Ostrogoths finally the timber, or "trees.". The hail, fire,
history. The thousands of Gothic chil- settled in Italy, they also "took one and blood are represented as being
dren received as hostages by the Ro- third of the land, and apportioned it . "cast upon the earth." •The Goths, in
mans when the Goths were permitted among themselves."—Ridpath's "His- their final invasion of the empire, were*
to cross the Danube and who had been tory of the World:: V'ol. 4, page 408. literally cast, or forced, on Roman ter-
distributed among the eastern prov- Thus the first war trumpet was H ritory
uns. by the resistless impact of the
inces far removed from their parents, sounded, and "the union of the Roman
were gathered into the various capitals Empire was dissolved ; its genius was Thus was fulfilled with prophetic ex-
of the provinces, and deliberately humbled in the dust: and armies of un- actitude and certainty the sounding of
slaughtered. When the news of this known , barbarians, issuing from the the first of the seven war trumpets that
base perfidy reached the Gothic camp, frozen regions of the North, had es- punished Rome and scourged the na-
words fail to describe the effect on tablished their notorious reign over the tions.
those victorious barbarians. With no fairest provinces of 'Europe and
enemy to fear, they spread over the Africa."—Gibbon's "History of the ALL need to become acquainted with
provinces of eastern Europe from the Decline and Fall of the Roman Em- that most wonderful of all organisms,
walls of Constantinople to the Julian pire," Vol. 3, page 517. the human body. They should under-
Alps, and, in' the language of St.
In view of the foregoing brief his- stand the functions of the various or-
Jerome, "nothing was left except the
torical outline, let us again notice the gans and the dependence of one upon .
sky and the earth."—Id., Vol. 3, page
briefer symbolic prophecy. "And the another for the healthy action of all.
156.
first [angel] sounded, and there fol- They should study the influence of the
During the reign of Theodosius the
lowed hail and fire, mingled with mind upon the body, and of the body
Great, wiser counsel prevailed, and a
blood, and they were cast upon the Upon the mind, and the laws by which
sort of armed truce was the result.
earth : and the third part of the earth they are governed.—E. G. White.
This ended, however, with his reign.
was burnt up, and the third part of
In the month of January, A: D. 395, "THE souls that turn to Him for
the trees was burnt up, and all green
Theodosius died, "and before the end
grass was burnt' up." Revelation 8: refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing
of the winter of the same year the 7, A. R. V. and the strife of tongues. • No man or
Gothic nation was in arms."—Id., Vol.
3, page 304. This time they were di- This deluge of humanity, dressed in evil angel can impeach these souls.
furs, descended from the frozen north Christ unites them to His own divine-
rected by the bold and artful Alaric.
"Alaric disdained to trample any into those milder climates of the south human nature. They stand beside the
longer on the prostrate and ruined of Europe. Wherever they marched, great Sin Bearer, in the light proceed-
countries of Thrace and Dacia, and he `their presence was associated 'with fire ing from the throne of God. The
resolved to seek a plentiful harvest of and blood. Their enormous herds of blood of Jesus Christ cleanses 'from
fame and riches in a province which cattle and horses ate up "all green all sin. I John I : 7."
had hitherto escaped the ravage of
war."—Id., Vol. 3, page 306.
HIS EYES ON ITALY
Italy was his objective. Twice the
genius of Stilicho, the uncle and
guardian • of the youthful Honorious,
emperor of the Western Empire, drove
back the Gothic hosts. The victory of
the Romans, however, was very brief.
Their inhuman slaughter of the Gothic
wives and children held as hostages,
angered the barbarians. Their troops
"unanimously swore to pursue with
just and implacable, war the perfidious
nation that had so basely violated the HAVANA, CUBA
laws of hospitality." Alaric again
moved to the attack with but little op- Missionary Blue, after telling us how
position. Northern Italy was desolated. •much the club of 25 SIGNS he is'receiving
Out of respect for the Eternal City, is appreciated, adds as a final word, "We
Alaric gave two opportunities to save will be glad to have more SIGNS sent to
AyANA, which has nearly one mil-
it by ransom but without success. "The
hour Of doom had struck. It was
H lion population, is calling for SIGNS.
"Is there any way possible of getting a
us." There is an almost unlimited field
in their use in such cities as Bombay,
Lucknow, and Cawnpore.
August of A. D. 410, just eight hundred' number for our missionary work here in Wherever the darkness is densest and
years from the date of the capture of Havana?" pleads our worker there. One the needs rise like a mountain before our
Rome by the Gauls. An attempted de- hundred or more could be used to splen- workers, there the SIGNS can go as'an
fense by the people proved to be worse did advantage. aid and ally in the efforts of our self-
than futile. The city was taken. After "I can not tell you how pleased I was sacrificing missionaries. Here is an op-
twelve days of pillage, Alaric and his to get your second letter, telling me of portunity for you to choose your field
the additional club of twenty-five SIGNS," for missionary endeavor. There are
army left Rome and continued their writes Missionary Campbell of Calcutta. dozens of. other equally pressing calls,—
course into southern Italy. Town after "I had begun to get letters from those I hands outstretched from every continent
town was sacked until little remained used to send to, telling me how much of the world. Fifty SIGNS a year to any
to appease the vengeance or satisfy the they had missed their. papers," is his foreign land you may choose, only $75;
greed of the invaders. The social sys- terse way of stating their need. twenty-five copies, $37.50 ; ten copies,
tem of Italy was completely broken "I would like a club of seven SIGNS, $15; five copies, $7.50. Which field do
up." —Rid path's "History of the, to assist in the work here," writes one you choose?
World," Vol. 3, page 340. of our workers from a small island in Address, Cooperation Corner, SIGNS OF
•the West Indies. THE TIMES, Mountain View, California.
On the death of Alaric,, Ataulph, his
successor, left Italy and established a
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 The SECOND TRUMPET and the

Burning Mountain
D the second angel ,sounded, and Studies in the Book cumstances thwarted their evident
as it were a great mountain
AN burning with fire was cast into
the sea: and the third part of the sea
of Revelation plans. Oppressed on the west by the
Suevi, and on the north by the Visi-
NUMBER TWENTY-THREE goths, who followed them into Spain
became blood ; and the third part of the they crossed the Strait of Gibraltai
creatures which were in the sea, and in vessels furnished by the Spaniards,
TAYLOR G. BUNCH
had life, died; and the third part of the who gladly saw them depart, and con-
ships were destroyed." Revelation quered the whole province of Africa.
8 : 8, 9. would finally be cast into the sea, still This Roman province consisted of a
The scene in the second trumpet burning or destroying. It is a very in- narrow strip of fertile land along the-
changes from the shores of the Baltic teresting fact to the student of history coast of the Mediterranean, extending
to the coasts of the Mediterranean. In- and prophecy that the nation of the from the Atlantic Ocean approximately
stead of hail, fire, and blood being cast Vandals had just that experience, and two thirds of the distance across North
upon the earth out of the frozen re- that finally, under their great leader Africa. .
gions of the north, a great burning Genseric, they became a great naval HIS EYES TOWARD THE SEA
mountain, or volcano, is cast into the power. "Their narrow limits were pressed
sea. Thus is symbolized the second The Vandals were literally cast out and confined on either side, by the
barbarian invasion that scourged the of their original home in northeastern sandy desert and the Mediterranean.
decaying civilization of Rome and Germany. When the Huns burst into The discovery and conquest of the
humbled the pride and broke the power Europe from the East, the Vandals Black nations that might dwell be-
of the "iron monarchy" that for cen- fled in a southwesterly direction, tra- neath the torrid zone could not tempt
turies had been "a safe and dreary versing almost the entire length of Ger- the rational ambition of Genseric ; but
prison for its enemies." many. When the Goths invaded Italy, he cast his eyes toward the sea : he re-
The symbolic language of the second the legions guarding the Rhine were solved to create a naval power, and his •
trumpet is very significant iyhen com- hastily recalled to the defense of Rome. bold resolution was executed with
pared with the history of the invasion The Vandals accordingly crossed into steady and active perseverance. The
of Western Rome by the Vandals un- France, or Gaul, then a province of the woods of Mount Atlas afforded an in-
der the leadership of "the terrible Gen- empire; unopposed. They then marched exhaustible nursery of timber. His
seric." The Vandals were one of the south through France and into Spain, new subjects were skilled in the arts of
fiercest and most warlike of the Ger- also a Roman province. Their march navigation and shipbuilding; he .ani-
man, tribes that deluged the Roman through these two enemy provinces mated his daring Vandals to embrace
Empire during the fourth and fifth was 'attended by frightful devastation a mode of warfare which would ren-
centuries. A brief historical sketch of and ruin. It seemed to have been their der every maritime country accessible
the exploits of these Vandals as the intention to settle permanently in to their arms; the Moors and Afri-
"pirates of the sea" will strengthen southern Spain, since they gave that cans were allured by the hopes of
our - confidence in Bible prophecy section the name of Vandalucia, and it plunder ; and, after an interval of six
as "the rolled scroll of history." is still known as Andalusia. But cir- centuries, the fleets that issued from
"The fifth century is known as the port of Carthage Again claimed
`the Era of Great Migration.' Dur- the empire of the Mediterranean."—
ing this period, Europe was turbu- Gibbon, Vol. 3, pages 598, 599.
lent with the movements of the rest-
A few statements relative to the
less Germans. Pressed by the Huns,
assumed rights of the Teutonic, or
the-different tribes poured south and German, nations, in their invasion
west with irresistible fury, arms in
of Western Rome, and their charac-
hand, seeking new honors in the
crumbling Roman Empire. It was teristic traits that apply to the ful-
' fillment of the propheCY under con-
nearly two centuries before the tur- •I
moil subsided enough to note the sideration, follow : They claimed as
changes which had taken place. a right of conquest one third of the
land wherever they decided to settle.
Alaric, the Goth, Attila, the Hun,
and Genseric, the Vandal, were con- The only exception to this seemingly
spicuous in the grand catastrophe." universal rule was in Gaul, where
—Barnes' General History, pages two successive migrations of t
266, 267. same people seized a third of t
ACCURATELY FULFILLED land for each migration, or two
Since the first of the great bar- thirds of the territory occupied.
barians mentioned by Barnes accu- . The original diet of these rough
rately fulfilled the predictions of the barbarians consisted largely of milk
first trumpet, we may logically and and the flesh of animals. When the
reasonably expect the others of the warriors raided a country, they re-
great trio to have likewise come in turned with a "long train of sheep,
review before the inspired vision of and of oxen, and of human cap-
the prophet. To fulfill the second tives." When they conquered and
trumpet, the following specifications settled a country, "the patient herds
must be met: First,• like the Goths, became the property of their new
the Vandals must be "cast" out of masters ; and the salutary comfort
their original home and into Roman of food and labor was silently satis-
territory. Second, after passing Genseric, in one of his surprise attacks on fied by their mutual necessities."
through a period of devastation they the Romans (Continued on page 14)
Page Four SIGNS of the TIMES
 Christ recognized the day of which tured and for fourteen days and nights ships from Constantinople, with an
He was Lord by virtue of His associa- was given up to indiscriminate pillage. army of '00,000 men. The army was
tion with it in creation as a constant The treasures of the Eternal City were landed on the coast of Africa forty
sign of His authority and Sonship. carried on board the Vandal ships ; and miles from Carthage. The fleet sailed
There could be no other memorial of wanton destruction, fire, and murder into the harbor of Carthage (the Van-
His creative authority, no day that He added to the horrors of the sack. She dal capital) to await the favorable mo-
could set apart, which would com- that had despoiled the nations was in ment to attack in conjunction with the
memorate Him as Creator. Recogniz- her turn outraged and left lying in her troops. In the obscurity of the night,
ing this, the Antichrist, the Lucifer of own blood by the banks of the Tiber. aided by a fayorable wind, Genseric
the heavenly choir, has set up a coun- From this time for a period of eight manned his largest warships with his
terfeit Sabbath, and is now endeavor- years, the Vandals became the terror bravest men, and towed large barks
ing to force men, through human au- of the Mediterranean. The coasts of filled with inflammable material against
thority, to observe it. What will you do all the, countries from Gibraltar to the unguarded vessels of the Romans,
abo,ut this ? Egypt were assailed by the piratical and destroyed the entire fleet.
• craft of Genseric."—Ridpath's "His- Besides the striking fulfillment of
THE SECOND TRUMPET AND tory of the World," pages 429, 430. the prophecy of the second trumpet
Genseric always carried in his ships already referred to, the foregoing his-
THE BURNING MOUNTAIN a sufficient number of horses so that torical facts regarding the naval tri-
(Continued from page 4.) at every place he touched the' shore the umphs of Genseric are very significant
The following from a Spanish his- adjacent country was overrun by his in the light of the prophetic symbol of
torian describes the fate of the unfor- light cavalry. Two major efforts were a volcano, or burning mountain, being
tunate peoples who inhabited the is- made by Rome to crush the power of cast into the sea so that "the third part
lands and coasts of the Mediterranean "the pirates of the sea." of the ships were destroyed." Surely
during the attacks of the Vandals, the The Western emperor, Marjorian, such startling fulfillment of Biblical
Suevi, and their allied nations : "The assembled a fleet of three hundred war forecasts, made more than 350 years
irruption of these nations was followed vessels, besides transports and smaller before, should add to our confidence in
by the most dreadful calamities, as the ships, and gathered an army of 75,000 the "sure word of prophecy." With
barbarians exercised their indiscrimi- soldiers. But Genseric surprised this what mathematical exactitude the
nate cruelty on the fortunes of the Ro- fleet in the harbor of Carthagena, events of history fit the prophetic mold
mans and the Spaniards, and ravaged Spain, and, aided by a favorable wind, and declare to all mankind the certainty
with equal fury the cities and the open burned it. This happened in the year of divine revelation, whose Author
country. The progress of famine re- 457 A. D. In the year 468, Leo, the alone can read the future and write
duced the miserable inhabitants to feed Eastern emperor, sent a fleet of 1,113 history in advance !
on—the flesh of their fellow creatures;
and even the wild beasts, who multi-
plied without control in the desert, were
exasperated by the taste of blood and
the impatience of hunger, boldly to at-
tack and devour their human prey.
Pestilence soon appeared, the insepar-
able companion of famine; a large pro-
portion of the people was swept away ;
and the groans of the dying excited
only the envy of their surviving friends.
At length the barbarians, satiated with
carnage and rapine, and afflicted by the
contagious evils which they themselves
had introduced, fixed their permanent
seats in the depopulated country."— "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who deft his house,
Id., pages 433, 434. and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work."
Mark r3: 34.
FLED TO THE ISLANDS
ETHEN A. MANRY
The people who could flee from this
dreadful scourge took refuge in the r-r HE ambition of the Master while surely die ; and thou givest him not warn-
large islands in the Mediterranean. here upon this earth was to finish the ing, nor speakest to warn the wicked
One third of the area of the Mediter- work that God had given Him. In the from his wicked way, to save his life; the
ranean lies between the southern point prayer recorded in John 17, we read in same wicked man shall die in his in-
of Italy and the Straits of Gibraltar. the fourth verse, "I have finished the iquity: but his blood will I require at
work which Thou gayest Me to do." All thine hand." Veises 17, i8.
In this one third are situated practically the power of evil men and satanic hosts
all the large islands of that sea. Refu- No matter what our vocation, the 1
could not change the purpose of the One principal thought of our lives is to be
gees from Spain and other oppressed who came from heaven to make it pos-
countries fled to these islands to escape not only how to live the righteous life
sible for man to be saved. but to be constantly reaching out after
the rapacity of the barbarians. These He exemplified in His life the value of
souls. This is the special work that the
hosts of refugees, added to the num- a soul, and the work given to each in-
Son of man gave to every one of His I
erous native population, aggregated dividual will result in furthering the
followers.
several millions. The raising of live triumphs of the cross. First of all,
"Speak ye every man the truth to his Soon He will come again, and we are
stock, especially cattle, was a leading living in the generation that is witness-
neighbor; execute the judgment of
industry of the islanders. These islands truth and peace in your gates." Zechariah ing the signs showing that this coming is
were promptly overrun by the Vandal 8: 16. Secondly, we are counseled in the "even at the doors." "Therefore be ye
pirates. The mind can not grasp the third chapter of Ezekiel to warn the also ready: for in such an hour as ye
terrible destruction attending these wicked of the solemn judgment hour think not the Son of man cometh. Who
conquests. The prophet saw this one- when all flesh must stand at the judg- then is a faithful and wise servant,
third part of the sea turned to blood, ment bar of God. "Son of man, I have whom his Lord hath made ruler over
and he also saw a third of their live made thee a watchman unto the house of His household, to give them meat in due i
stock sweet away ("third part of the Israel: therefore hear the word at My season? Blessed is that servant, whom I
mouth, and give them warning from Me. his Lord when He cometh shall find so
creatures"). When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt doing." Matthew a4: 33, 44-46.
"A Vandal fleet anchored at the
mouth of the Tiber. Rome was cap-
Page Fourteen SIGNS - of the TIMES
The
BLAZING
METEOR
And the Dark Ages
As revealed in the third
and fourth apocalyptic
trumpets
Studies in the Book
of Revelation
NUMBER TWENTY-FOUR

TAYLOR G. BUNCH

AND fell
the third angel sounded, and there
a great star from heaven, burn-
ing as it were a lamp, and it fell
upon the third part of the rivers, The invasion of the
and 'upon the fountains of waters; and the Huns
name of the star is called Wormwood: and
the third part of the waters became worm-
wood; and many men died of the waters,
because they were made bitter." Revelation
8: 10, II.
Dr. Albert Barnes, in speaking of the plexion. Their faces were hideously scarred Romans, and takes over one of the three
third trumpet in his notes on Revelation with slashes to prevent the growth of the great rivers so important to the empire.
eight, said that to fulfill this prophecy, it is beard. A historian of the time compared Not only did they hold the Danube, but they
necessary that there should "be some chief- them in their ugliness to the grinning heads' controlled all its tributaries, the "fountains
tain or warrior who might be compared with clumsily carved on the posts of bridges. of waters."
a blazing meteor ; whose course would be They built no cities or houses, and never Attila's first raid, ,from his new home,
singularly brilliant; who would appear sud- came under a roof except in superstitious seems to have been for the purpose of re-
denly like a blazing star, and then disappear dread. They were clad in skins, which were lieving the pressure of the Roman arms
like a star whose light was quenched in the never changed until they rotted off. They against Genseric. "He raided southward to
waters. That the desolating course of that lived on horseback, carrying their families the very walls of Constantinople, completely
meteor would be mainly on those portions of and all their possessions in large wagons."— destroying, says Gibbon, seventy cities in his
the world that abounded with springs of Barnes' "General History," page 265—foot- progress, and forcing upon the emperor
water and running streams ; that an effect note. Gibbon says that their "figures were an onerous peace."—Wells. In 451 Attila
would be produced as if those streams and scarcely human." declared war against the Western Empire.
fountains were made bitter; that is, that Their food consisted wholly of milk and With an army of 500,000 men, he swept
many persons would perish, and that wide raw meat. In their tents and surroundings through Germany, pillaging and burning
desolations would be caused in the vicinity cleanliness and elementary decency closely as he went. He invaded Gaul. He sacked
of those rivers and streams, as if a bitter paralleled that of their herds. In the latter most of the towns of France as far south as
arid baleful star should fall into the waters, part of the fourth century this savage host Orleans. Then the Romans under ilEt tins
and death should spread over the lands of Huns marched west, driving the Teutons and the Visigoths led by their king, Theod-
adjacent to them, and watered by them." in terror before them. Let us observe that oric, son of Alaric the Great, united their
no enemy was driving them. They were the forces to oppose him. On the vast plains
ATTILA, THE HUN of Chalons the opposing hosts, aggregating
aggressors. Early in the fifth century
In the symbolic star and its -desolating Attila established his seat of government in more than a million men, fought one of the
career, the third of the great barbaric lead- the plains east of the Danube. great and decisive battles of history. At
ers, instrumental in the subversion of the the close of the day, i8o,000 (one historian ,
Roman Empire, passes in review before the AN INVADING SCOURGE says 300,000) men lay dead on the field. The
seer on the Isle of Patmos. Attila, the Hun, "The Huns were masters of the great next year Attila invaded Italy. The cities of
who desigtrated himself, "The Scourge of river."—Gibbon. This statement, by Gibbon, northern Italy were destroyed, and the
God," unlike the two preceding leaders of can not be taken too literally, for that entire country reduced to the condition of a des-
savage inundations,. "fell," and was not river system was overrun and held by the ert. In 453 he returned to his seat of gov-
"cast," upon 'the empire. The Huns were of Huns. Notice how accurately this fulfills ernment 'on the Danube, and "came to a
Mongolian stock who moved west from the prophecy. The Romans called the Medi- mysterious end." "Hereafter the Huns, so
North China in the first century. Being terranean "Our own sea." This was literally far as that name goes in Europe, the Huns
shepherds, their movements were largely true, for the vast commerce of the empire of Attila, disappeared out of history."-
controlled by the abundance or the scarcity centered in that sea. Of still more vital im- -Wells. "The Huns rapidly dispersed. The
of pasture. At the beginning of the fourth portance to the existence of the empire were main body seems to have returned to the
century, history finds them established in the great boundary rivers, the Rhine, the region about the river Ural."—Standard
the extensive plains north of the Caspian Sea Danube, and the Euphrates. These were Encyclopedia. Like a meteor, they vanished
and in contact with the outposts of the fortified and defended by the best engineers as suddenly and as mysteriously as they
Ostrogoths. Let us get clearly fixed in our and best legions of Rome. So long as these came.
minds the historian's description of this re- rivers remained under Roman control, the "And the name of the star is called Worm-
markable people • empire was secure from foreign invasion. wood," or "'a, curse' ( ?)." (See New
"They were short, thickset, with flat But in the fifth century comes a power Standard Bible Dictionary.) They were in-
noses, deep-sunk eyes, and, a yellow corn- "falling" from a country unknown to the deed a bitter curse. All the Teutonic bar-
Page Four SIGNS of the TIMES
 barians who overwhelmed the empire be- sixth and seventh centuries, relapsed into ceased to shine. God's witnesses could tes-
came settled, and, by mutual interests and barbarism; but that does not explain the tify only "clothed in sackcloth." The visible
intermarriage with the Romans and other reality of the case. It is far more correct to church lapsed into idolatry more intolerant
residents, blended into a distinct people. Not say that the civilization of the Roman Em- than any of its pagan predecessors. Civil
so withi the Huns. Although they appeared pire had passed into a phase of extreme de- government practically ceased to exist.
willing to such a fusion, this intimacy was moralization. Barbarism is a social order Feudalism, a synonym of anarchy, robbed
unthinkable to the independent and 'more of an elementary type, orderly within its the defenseless, and waged private war
attractive Germans. The feeling against limits ; but the state of Europe beneath its throughout Europe. The nobility defended
them was so bitter that the discordant na- political fragmentation was a social disorder. themselves within strong castles, of which
tions united their forces, and expelled the Its morale was not that of a kraal, but that there were io,000 in Germany alone, and the
Huns from Europe. of a sluni. In a savage kraal a savage knows common people grouped themselves about
"Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet; that he belongs to the community, and lives these strongholds as clients or retainers of
and a curse fell upon a third part of the and acts accordingly; in a slum, the individ- these overlords. Perhaps a quotation from
sun, a third part of the moon, and a third ual neither knows of nor acts in. relation to the history of the ninth century will best
part of the stars, so that a third part of any greater being." illustrate the status, intellectually, of that
them were darkened, and for a third of the Europe, Asia, and Africa were the three age. After speaking of the efforts of Char-
clay, and also of the night, there was no divisions of land that constituted the geo• - lemagne to reestablish an empire on a solid
light." Revelation 8: 12, Weymouth's Trans- , graphical knowledge of that time. One of basis and to revive learning by founding
lation. these, Europe, passed through that long colleges and surrounding himself with
In introducing the fulfillment of this dark period of more than six centuries, and scholars, the historian continues :
prophecy, we will quote from Ridpath's fully meets the symbolic specifications of A PROFOUND NIGHT
-"History of the World," Vol. 3, pages the fourth trumpet. The historian last
349, 350 quoted says that physically, intellectually, and "But no man can make a civilization. In
morally the morale of Europe was that of a -vain did Charlemagne kindle the flame; it
ODOACER
slum. "The true Light, which lighteth every was only a passing torch in the midst of a
"Now out of the north came Odoacer, man that cometh into the world," the "Sun profound night. In vain did he strive to
king of the Heruli, a nation of Germans— of Righteousness,': "the everlasting gospel" create commerce and trace with his own
joined as he was by many other tribes—and was eclipsed and driven into obscurity. The hand the plan of a canal to connect the
demanded that his soldiers (for he had ."day star" or "bright and- morning star" (Continued on page 15)
recently been in the service of the empire)
should receive as their reward one third of
the lands of Italy. Orestes refused com-
pliance with this demand, and appealed to
the emperor of the East. The latter could
give no aid. The crisis was at hand. The
RUNNING TO AND FRO.
great clock in the tower of fate sounded
solemnly from the direction of the Alps, and CARLYLE B. HAYNES
was heard to the coast lines of Bruttium.
The ghosts of Cusar's victims rose from HE ainount of travel which human Of no other age or time is this running to
the earth, and hovered in dense clouds along
the north. Then the apparition became real.
Orestes fled behind the walls of Pavia. The
T beings engage in to-day is altogether and fro so characteristic as the present.
unparalleled in history. Going back The generations that have gone did
and forth over all the earth, from city not travel as we do. Our grand-
barbarians were already at the gates. In, to city, from country to country, from conti- parents stayed at home. They did
August, of A. D. 476, the place was taken by nent to continent, and back again, are count- not run about. They spent the
storm. Orestes was seized and put to death. less multitudes of people. Transportation whole period of their lives in a
Paulus, his brother, was also executed. The facilities have been developed rapidly, but •narrow area. Even if they had
boy, Augustulus, too feeble a thing to ex- not rapidly enough to supply the demand of wanted to go, they had no means
cite even the anger of contempt, was spared; those who travel. More and more railways of transportation such as we have.
and he was led away to find a quiet retreat are being surveyed and put into operation, All this equipment for rapid
in the Villa of Lucullus, on the shore of but they can not catch up with the demand. transportation is of recent de-
Surrentum. He was followed by a gigantic Automobiles are increasing in number velopment. It has some• al-
specter, the skeleton of a shadow tall and minute by minute, but not fast enough to most within the limits of the
gaunt, whose low-fallen jaw had once given supply the orders already placed. The streets generation that is now living.
,out the word of command to the nations and highWays of the cities are crowded to, A hundred years ago such
from the banks of the Tigris to the chalky the point of grave danger to life and limb. a thing as a railroad
cliffs of Britain, whose eye sockets had once On the earth, under the earth, and over the I train was unheard of
shot lightning into the fierce visage of bar- earth the stream of traffic plies unceasingly and unbelievable.
barism, and whose hanging right hand had day and night. The streets have become too The first practicable
.once been laid for centuries with imperious narrow to accommodate the never-ending, steam locomotive to
pride upon the wealth and culture of the and always-increasing traffic. Airplanes leap run in America was
world. It was the ghost of the Western into the air with their passengers and operated on a six-
Empire of the Romans ! The colossal fabric, freight; subways rumble beneath the streets, teen-mile line from
-planted of old time by the patrician fathers, carrying their millions ; great steamships Carbondale to Hones-
strengthened and made great amid the plow the waters of the oceans, carrying mul- dale Pennsyl-
bloody struggles of the republic, transformed titudes. All of which points with divine ac- vania, in 1829.
by the genius of Julius Caesar, and dis- curacy and infallible precision to this day of To-day rail -77, _
graced, and degraded by the licentiousness ours as the long-foretold "time of the end," roads penetrate -s -
-of the later emperors, fell prostrate in the "the last time." everywhere. ' r

dust and expired. On the broken statue of God said : 'Tut thou, 0 Daniel, shut up The first steam-
Victory in the Forum, a Gothic soldier sat the words, and• seal the book, even to the boat was oper-
whetting his sword, and a Gaulish mercen- time of the end: many shall run to and fro, ated on the Hudson River in 1807. To-day
ary for the sport of his companions thrust and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel they traverse all the seven seas. It was not
a barbarous spearhead into the nostril of 12: 4. until the twentieth century had opened
the statue of Jupiter Capitolinus. The god This is that "time of the end." To-day that men were able to fly. To-day regular
did not resent it." men are running "to and fro" as they have mail, passenger, and freight routes link
never done before. Take your stand in any great cities by air travel. Three decades
THE DARK AGES
great railway station or any great steam- cover the history of the automobile. To-
The date A. D. 476 not only marks the end ship terminus, and watch the-thousands, the day their number and speed is so great as to
,of the Roman Empire of the West, but it tens of thousands,—yes, the hundreds of constitute their regulatthn and control one
also introduces that long period of demor- thousands,—coming in, going out, moving of the greatest of civic problems.
alization in Europe, known as the "Dark here and there, endlessly and restlessly, And all this has come practically in our
Ages." Speaking of conditions during these night and day, hour after hour, through the day. Never before in human history has '
centuries, Wells, in his "Outline of History" weeks, and months, and years. The entire there been anything like it. It is the special
(pages 527, 528), says : "The daily life of population of the globe seems to be in cease- feature of this time; it marks this time as
that time was going on at a very low level less motion, going from one place to an- unique. And it has a tremendous meaning.
indeed, physically, intellectually, and morally. other, crowding every conveyance, and al- It identifies our day with unfailing cer-
•It is frequently said that Europe, in the ways calling for greater speed and hurry. tainty as "the time of the end."
f or JUNE 7, 1927 Page Five
held the kingship, nor did the tribe of Judah Nothing could be plainer than this. We the world. There were colleges in Mongolia,
become a kingdom for centuries after the have previously pointed out that just as soon Tartary, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Mo-
giving of the prophecy. The 'scepter' was a as the church received aid from the state rocco, Fez, and, Spain. The vixies of a
rod of authority, of command, carried by she became the persecutor against pagans sultan consecrated 2oo,000 pieces of gold to
the leaders of each tribe as badge of their and heretics. In the same manner she began found a college at Bagdad. A physician re-
authority. For this reason, the word to use civil force in the enforcement of re- fused to go to Bokhara, at the invitation of
`scepter'—the Hebrew word Shebet,—was ligious laws, especially concerning Sunday the Sultan, on the plea that his private
often used to represent the tribe. For in- keeping. It will be noticed that these im- library would make four hundred camel
stance, in I Samuel 10 : 20 are the words, perial laws call Sunday, dies soils, pre- loads. Great public libraries were collected,
`When Samuel had caused all the tribes of cisely as Constantine did when he issued one at Cairo, being said to number Ioo,000
Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin his famous Sunday law in the year 321 A. D. volumes, and the one of the Spanish caliphs,
was taken.' The tribal entity, the tribal au- in which he calls it venerabili dies solis 600,0oo."—Barnes, page 331, note.
thority, of Judah would not depart until the (venerable day of the sun). The church The final destruction of. Western Rome
coming of Shiloh, was the prediction. legislated, the state executed, as we will and the subsequent Dark Ages constitute a
"A pseudo-Messiah could not establish his show in our next article, which will deal striking fulfillment of the symbolisms of the
claims to divinity, for the identity of every with Western Rome, where the councils fourth trumpet.
tribe has been lost ; the ancestry of every were held which gave further legislation "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying
son of Israel is shrouded in obscurity. Who to the keeping of the first day of the week through the midst of heaven, saying with a
could proclaim himself the Lion of the tribe as the Sabbath, for it must forever be re- loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters •
of Judah? Such a claim would be 'sheer membered that the changing of the Sabbath of the earth by reason of the other voices of
mockery of common sense. But in the days from the seventh to the first day of the the trumpet of the three angels, which are
of Jesus, the twelve tribes had maintained week required centuries before it was ac- yet to sound !" Revelation 8: 13.
their identity. James addressed his epistle complished by the majority of Christendom. The fearful events of the first four
to the 'twelve tribes.' Anna the prophetess (Continued next week) trumpets are small compared with the deso-
was 'of the tribe of Aser.' Luke 2: 36. lating scourges of the three woe trumpets
The mother of John the Baptist was a de- THE BLAZING METEOR AND yet to come, that would lay Eastern Rome
scendant of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. THE DARK AGES in the dust, and wreck the modern nations
(Luke 1:5.) Paul of Tarsus showed no (Continued from page 5) in the final Armageddon cataclysm.
hesitancy in declaring himself `of the tribe
of Benjamin.' Romans II: I. Judah main- Danube ,and the Rhine. The ages of com-
merce and industry were yet far distant. WAS CHRIST AGAINST
tained its tribal entity until the coming of THE LAW?
Jesus—the Shiloh of the prophecy. In vain did he unite Germany into one vast
empire; even while he lived he felt it break- (Continued from page 3)
"Like a thread of gold, the story of the
Christ is woven into the fabric of every ing in his hands. And this vast and wise Christ, it is plainly seen that not only does
book of the Bible. Into one golden revela- organism, this revived civilization, all dis- Christ teach the keeping of the letter of the
tion of truth, sixty-six books are bound to- appeared with him who called it forth."— law but also that He would have it under-
gether in Him. A golden treasure house of Barnes' "General History," page 337, note. stood that He, as judge, will not vindicate
wisdom they are, because the riches of Perhaps Europe's "intellectual darkness" the professedly righteous man' unless 'his
heaven were given to the children of men can best be illustrated by the fact that "very law keeping goes down into the very
in the person of the Son of God. few priests in Britain or Gaul could read thoughts and intents of the heart.
"Christ is the central theme of the Old the gospel or their service books."—Wells, Christ came, therefore, not only to bring
Testament. The seers of Israel prophesied page 534. For evidence that this darkness power for righteousness to poor fallen hu-
of Him. The priests of Israel symbolized was confined to Europe, one of the three man beings, but also to tear off the mask
Him in the daily ministrations in the continents, the following is to the point: that sin had drawn over their understand-
temple. The people of Israel looked for "Amid the ignorance which enveloped ing, so that they might see clearly what is
Him and longed for Him as the fruition of Europe during the Dark Ages, the Saracen sin and what it means 'to be like Christ,
their hopes. Intricate details were multi- Empire was dotted over with schools, to whose life was in harmony with God's great
plied by successive Bible writers, foretelling which students resorted from all parts of standard of the judgment.
the events connected with His life and His
death. Thus a mighty chain of evidence
was established by the Spirit of God to
identify the coming Redeemer. From the
days of Moses to the days of Malachi, a
chain of several hundred links was in the
making. Then came the long-looked-for
Redeemer.
"To-night we are examining some of the
links in that chain of evidence. The proph-
ets foretold, and Jesus fulfilled. We merely
examine the evidence. At the appointed
time, five centuries after the vision was
given to Daniel, Jesus came. One link in the
chain is established, 'of the tribe of Judah ;'
James Lamar
McElhany
BIBLE
And while Judah could still be identified_as
a tribe, Jesus came. A second link in the The SECOND COMING of CHRIST
chain is established. A third link is found
in Isaiah II : 1-5." Question. Is the second coming of Christ Ans. "While they looked steadfastly
There was a moment of silence while a New Testament doctrine? toward heaven as He went up, behold, two
the evangelist sought the word picture in Answer. There are fifty references in the men stood by them in white apparel ; which
the book of the prophet of hope. In that New Testament to the coming of Christ. also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye
moment Naomi visualized the golden chain. gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus,
Ques. Did Christ Himself definitely prom- which is taken up from you into heaven,
Upward it seemed to reach—upward to
ise to come again? shall so come in like manner as ye, have seen
the throne of God. It linked heaven to
earth. It linked her heart to the One who Ans. "If I go and prepare a place for Him go into 'heaven." Acts I : 10,
sat upon the throne. A glimpse of heavenly you, I will come again, and receive you unto
Myself ; that where I am, there ye may be Ques. Did the early church look for the
glory—then she heard the evangelist read-
ing the words of the prophet. also." John 14: 3. second coming of Christ?
(Continued next week) Ans. "Our conversation is in heaven ;
Ques. Do the Scriptures refer to this
• from whence also we look for the Saviour,
event as the second coming of .Christ?
WHO CHANGED THE the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20.
Ans. "Unto 'them that look for Him shall
SABBATH? He appear the second time without sin unto • Ques. In writing of the coming of Christ,
(Continued from page 10) salvation." Hebrews 9 : 28. how did the apostle Paul refer to it?
accepts Christianity as the religion of the
empire, and enforces on all by law the Ques. At the time of His ascension, what Ans. "Looking for that blessed hope, and
sacredness of its chief festival."—Smith and encouraging assurance was given to the the glorious appearing of the great God and
Cheetham, Vol. 2, page 1047. disciples of Jesus regarding His return? our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus 2: 13.
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES
 COURTESY NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Turks brought death and destruction everywhere as they

swept across nation after nation.
The Blast of the

First Woe Trumpet

Studies in the Book and the Saracenic Invasion
of Revelation
NUMBER TWENTY-FIVE
TAYLOR G BUNCH

ND the fifth angel sounded, and I saw the tottering civilization' of Eastern Rome. fuse a noxious and even deadly vapor; the
a star fall from heaven unto the "The Arabians up to the time of Moham- hillocks of sand which they alternately raise
earth : and to him was given the med, . . . were divided into small tribes, and scatter are compared .to the billows of
key of the bottomless pit. And he each having its leader, called sheik, or emir. the ocean, and whole caravans, whole armies,
opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a In religion they were worshipers of fire or have been lost and buried in the whirlwind."
smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a the stars."—Anderson's General History, —Gibbon's "History of the Decline and Fall'
great furnace; and the sun and the air were page 224, Note. of the Roman Empire," Vol. 3, pages 492,
darkened by. reason of the smoke of the pit. Inspiration symbolizes the brilliant career 493.
And there came out of the smoke locusts of the Saracens under Mohammed and his To the symbolic star was given the key
upon the earth : and unto them was given successors, like that of Attila and the Huns, by which he opened the bottomless pit and
power, as the scorpions of the earth have by a blazing star or meteor falling to the released the swarms of Saracen warriors.
power." Revelation 9: 1-3. earth. The baneful influence of the great The result shows clearly that the key was
The first four trumpets had sounded, and religious revolution of Mohammedanism, the religion of Mohammed, by which he
the Western Empire of the Caesars was no with the sensual moral standards on which united the Saracen tribes and inspired them
more. The barbarians from the north had it was based, and the fanatical enthusiasm to undertake the conquest of the world.
broken the power of the "iron monarchy of and zeal with which it was propagated, calls "We shall not be wrong in making religious
Rome" and were in possession of her cities, for more than human power and direction. feeling its chief moving principle."—Myers
palaces, and territory. Lucifer, the "day star," who had long be- Medieval and Modern History, page 51,
Western Asia was controlled by two im- fore fallen from heaven, was the master Note.
placable rivals, Persia and the Eastern Em- mind in the invention and propagation of the This key, or religion, was "given him,"
pire. About the time the fifth angel was false religion that so long cursed humanity indicating that Mohammed was not its real
preparing to sound his woe trumpet, and still numbers as its adherents 220,000,- author. Indeed, Mohammed never claimed
Chosroes, the king of Persia, attacked the 000 souls. to be the author of Mohammedanism. He
Eastern Empire. During the death grapple declared that it was "given him" by revela-
between these two rivals for the supremacy THE BOTTOMLESS PIT tion. He was a prophet. Since the smoke
of the East, which resulted in the death of "The bottomless pit" appropriately repre- that arose from the unlocked and opened
Chosroes and the dissolution of his empire. sents the desert wastes out of which came pit obscured the light of the sun, which is
another power was arising out of obscurity the Saracen hordes, like swarms of locusts, symbolic of the gospel light, we must con-
that was destined to fulfill the specifications to spread ruin and desolation to the fairest clude that Satan was the instigator of the
of the first woe trumpet. portions of Asia and Europe. Speaking of new religion, appropriately represented as
The Arabian desert became the center, this desolate territory, Gibbon says : "But black smoke from a furnace. For centuries
during the seventh century, of a mighty in the dreary waste of Arabia, a boundless the Sun of Righteousness was eclipsed
movement under the leadership of Moham- level of sand is intersected by sharp and wherever the dark Moslem cloud drifted.
med. This religio-political leader united the naked mountains; and the face of the Speaking of the first conquests of the Sara-
roving Saracen tribes with the bonds of re- desert, without shade or shelter, is scorched cens of Persia (A. D. 632-637), Ridpath,
ligious fanaticism, and with the cry, "The by the direct and intense rays of a tropical Vol. 4, page 476, says : "The cloud, appar-
sword is the key to heaven and to hell," sun. Instead of refreshing breezes, the ently no larger than the hand of a man,
poured them in an irresistible torrent upon winds, particularly from the southwest, dif- rising from the shores of the Red Sea, had
for AUGUST 9, 1927 Page Eleven
 spread out to the east until its shadow fell to torment was in the tails of the locusts or Gibraltar into Europe. They planned to en-
beyond the valley of the Euphrates and the horses. circle the Mediterranean, but their progress
lofty range of Zagros." They were to "hurt men five months." was arrested by Charles Martel at the
• "And to them it was given that they should Battle of Tours. Thus they were permitted
LIKE LOCUSTS
not kill them, but that they shoulebe tor- to hurt only and not destroy the empire.
"And there came out of the smoke locusts mented five months : and their torment was The torment of this period is described as
upon the earth." Note the following : "Now as the torment of a scorpion, when he the torment of a scorpion when he stings a
[672] it was that the Saracens, frenzied striketh a man." A day in prophecy repre- man. Scorpions are numerous in Arabia,
with religious zeal, blown up like a cloud sents a year of • literal time. (See Ezekiel and some of them are twelve inches in
of locusts from the south, settled before 4:.6.) "Of one day being given for a year, length. They are not slow and sluggish like
Constantinople."—Id., Vol. 3, Page 361. The there is no controversy between Catholics those of many countries, but are speedy
historian unconsciously uses the very sym- or Protestants." — Alexander Campbell. and vigorous and strike unexpectedly. The
bol of the prophecy. Five Jewish months of thirty days each sting is not always deadly, but is very pain-
Let us next notice the revelator's descrip- would be one hundred fifty prophetic days ful, usually causing death after a lingering
tion of the Saracen invaders under the sym- or literal years. For one hundred fifty years torment.
bol of a swarm of destrOying locusts. the Saracens were to continue a menace to The torment of the Moslem invasions
"And the shapes of the locusts were like the power and authority of Eastern Rome. was so terrible that the divine forecast de-
unto horses prepared unto battle; and on They were given 'power to "hurt" or "tor- clares: "And in those days shall men seek
their heads were as it were crowns like ment" the empire, but not totally to destroy death, and shall not find it; and shall desire
gold, and their faces were as the faces of it. The killing was reserved for the Turks to die, and death shall flee from them." The
men." under the second woe trumpet. During all Saracens offered their enemies a .choice be-
The armies of the Arabs ,were made up , the Saracenic invasions and conquests the tween the sword, the Koran, or tribute.
almost solely of cavalry. With the swiftness empire was maintained, and Constantinople, There were millions of the poor whose real
'of flying locusts, the world's most skillful its capital, successfully resisted every at- choice was death, but such a wholesale
horsemen rode their famous Arabian horses tack of the besiegers. To crush all religions slaughter was unthinkable even to the
into battle. The crowns "like gold" doubt- and make Mohammedanism the one reli- fanatical Arabs, go these unfortunates were
less refer to the turbans worn by the Sara- gion of the world was the ambition of Mo- condemned to perpetual slavery. History
cens. These turbans were green in color. hammed, and his successors fully imbibed tells us that they took from North Africa
(See Barnes General History, page 327; the. same spirit. Christianity was their first alone 18o,000 prisoners and sold them into
Gibbon's Rome, Vol. 5, page 286.) Two objective. After the conquest of Western a slavery from which the victims would have
factions of Moslems later wore white and Asia and Northern Africa, the plan was to gladly escaped even by death if it were
black turbans, but the green turban is still overrun Europe; but Constantinople stood possible.
the emblem of the original Islam. The in the way. The Moslems attacked that city
shade of green is given by inspiration ; it no less than ten times, but without avail.
"looked like gold." (Weymouth.) The The Standard Encyclopedia, article, "Caliph," ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING
Saracen warriors wore beards of which they says: "To Constantinople belongs the honor To be anxious for nothing (Philippians
were very sensitive. Thus "their faces were of having been the first and strongest 4: 6, A. R. V.) is not to say, "I don't care."
as the faces of men." bridle of the Saracens." The one who says, "I don't care," is sowing
"And they had hair as the hair of women, COULD NOT DESTROY tares that will bring a terrible harvest.
and their teeth were as the teeth of lions." Anxious for nothing means that the peace
The failure to take this stronghold and
While historians record the fact that the of God has crowded out earthly care. What
the fact that the Greeks and Genoese con-
early Arabian men wore long hair, they also is the' secret ?—It is not found in the phi-
trolled the sea compelled the Saracens to
declare that the women constituted an im- losophy of the stoic who sets His teeth and
take the long and circuitous route through
portant part of the fighting force. In battle, determines to master the ills of life, but
North Africa and across the Strait of
"after the ancient Arab fashion, the shrill rather in letting "your requests be made
voices of women in the rear encouraged 0 known Unto God."
their men."—"Outline of 'History," by Wells, Paul, a prisoner in Rome; awaiting his
Vol. 2, page 19. trial, looked steadfastly into the face of
In describing the Battle of Tiberias, Gib- death. Everything in the future was abso-
bon declares that the last line of the Saracen lutely dark and uncertain. Then it was he
army was made up of women, accustomed wrote to his brethren in Philippi and cheer-
to wield the bow and the lance, and when fully bade them, "In nothing be anxious;
the right wing of the Arabs was broken by but in everything by prayer and supplication
the weight of the Roman cavalry and thrice with thanksgiving let your requests be made
compelled to retreat in disorder, they were known unto God."
each time "driven back to the charge by We are too often guilty' of that evil
;the reproaches and blows of the women." habit, —worry. That pernicious habit should
"THE TEETH OF LIONS" play no part in a believer's life. Worry
But there was nothing effeminate about
the warriors as far as courage and savagery
Waiting mars and spoils. Worry is to be banished.
Worry accomplishes nothing. Worry weak-
were concerned, for "their teeth were as the ROBERT HARE ens and wears. Worry narrows the spiritual
teeth of lions." Before entering the Battle I am waiting for the welcome horizon, turns out the bright lights of God,
of Tiberias, the entire exhortation of the On that glad and happy day, and lets the horrible darkness in.
general to his troops was : "Victory or When the Lord shall come in splendor, God has by np means or in any event
And the dark tomb shall surrender promised to do everything for us. There
Paradise is before you! the devil and hell All the treasures buried in its clay.
fire are behind you! Charge." The patriarch are some things we must do for ourselves.
of Alexander observes that the Saracens Only waiting for the vision He has promised never to leave nor forsake
Of that long-expected Face, His own. He has promised that all things
"fought with the courage of lions." Once its lonely vigil keeping,
"And they had breastplates, as it were With earth's weary children weeping, shall work.together for good to them that
breastplates of iron; and the sound of their Now adorned in all heaven's perfect grace. love Him. The crosses we construct by
wings was as the sound of chariots of many worry are not heaven-sent crosses. We
I am waiting for the echoes
horses running to battle." Nearly all the Of that sweet angelic song, nowhere are asked to carry crosses, but to
cavalry of that period wore the cuirass made Ringing from the heights of glory, take up the cross and follow Jesus. On that
of iron or steel. This crossed•the breast and _ Telling once again the story, cross worry was crucified.
"Lo, He comes, the Saviour promised Paul gives us his recipe for the cure of
sometimes the back also. long!"
"They had tails like those of scorpions, care,—prayer. Worries can not resist
and also stings; and in their tails day their I am waiting for the sounding thanksgiving. Let us raise our spiritual
power of injuring mankind for five months." Of that great and mighty voice, temperature by prayer, and thus dispel life's
That shall reach to every station,
Verse io, Weymouth. The SaraCen weapons Calling men from every nation, care "in everything." Oh, beloved in Christ,
consisted of the lance and the bow. The In His glory ever to rejoice. take the antidote for anxiety,—pray !—
Arabs fought as skillfully while retreating J. B. Smith.
Wait, my heart, He cometh surely,
as while charging. With unerring aim and Never promise more complete. •
deadly results the Saracen archers dis- 'Round it flows the love of Heiven, EMPLOY thy time well if 'thou meanest to
charged their arrows backwards directly From a heart with sorrow riven, gain leisure; and since thou art not sure of
over the tails of their horses. To the And that promise lingers full and sweet.
a moment, throw not away an hour.—
prophet in vision it seemed that the power • Franklin.
Page Twelve SIGNS of the TIMES