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A~rrERrrIDE, 1908. The Christian festi. val which commemorates the death and resurrection of the Man of Nazareth has once again been registered on the book of Time. It has brought with it its ever-recurring inspiration of hope for all men foreshadowed in His open tomb, and faithful hearts the world oyer have :felt again the spur of enthusiasm as the association of. times and seasons has brought them into closer touch with the promises of Him who conquered Death. As one looks out to review the month, one is inclined to wonder whither the world would drift if Ube lRatlwa)] the comforting influence of the lDtanater. promises made by the Master were known to us as a historical quantity only, for truly their undying vigour is a perpetual stand by amid the rude shocks of Time. Here, 'neath the Southern Cross, the outstanding event of the month has been a railway catastrophc unparal lclcd in the history of Australasia's iron road. Our dail v papers have made us familiar with the details of disaster and death that attended the eol1 ision of the Ballarat and Bendigo holiday trains, and a thrill of sympathy ran through all the colonies at the su fT'ering and sorrow so near home. When the record of the vcar is written it will stand as a grisly countercheck to the march of modern progress, and as another illustration of the blind power of those giant forces which man creates to (10 his will, when tired hands and wearied nerves lose momentary control. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to those immediately affected. The news of the month has been prolific with wrecks and little wars, and matters political have loomed large on its horizon. Chief in this connection have been the resignation and death of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, late Prime Minister of England, at the age of '13.

His distinguishing characteristic was an unflagging attention and zeal for the duty of the moment, and although not the possessor of brilliant parts, his plod(ling determination spelt success where men of superior talents might have failed. The month has not been devoid of more cheering things, but the brightest spot to he found in its throng of days is Easter Sunday and the associations that thereto cling. May it always be our pri vilege to find meditative shelter "'mid the wrack of trouble" beneath the over-arching word. "I am He that Iiveth and was dead, and behold, I am ali ve .for evermore. and behold I come quickly." Many professing Christians who know of this magazine and its teachings imagine that we are advocating doctrines which, even if true, need not be so prominently asserted. We, who are responsible for the advocacy, arc named "cranks" or "faddists," and so the theme we press is dismissed Ere 'Wle with an easy self-complacent shrug jfn()Nata? ancl any further reference to the doctrines or their exponents is accompanied with the remark that "it is a pity there is not more moderation exercised." Now, there is not the slightest desire on our part to be offensive, nor are we of those who are inclined to Le extravagant in the enunciation of a doctrine because we believe it~s true. But we are quite convinced that we are engaged in the most significant struggle that this dispensation has witnessed. \Ve believe that this popular doctrine of soul-i mmortality is the most potent weapon wielded by Satan against Bible truth, against the Church of God, and against the best interests of man; and because we believe that we must fight. Is that extravagance? Our friends will say, Yes! But they will not face the testi monv that amply proves our contention, and that testimony is abundant. In the following paragraphs we give some of this. Our own friends will see the bearing upon this great controversy, and we are hopeful that some of those who hold aloof from us because, in their judgment, we are fanatical, will ponder the evidence and be roused out of their apathy. Note the following item:An American Congregational minister, when recently gi ving his charge, said: "My heart is broken by this

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MAY, 1908.

situation. I have since I entered the ministry insisted on the supreme authority of the Scriptures in all religious matters. I insisted that to depart from the truth of the in\Dreacbers' spiration of Scriptures would be "trestimOIt}? fatal to Ohristianity. I insisted upon the divinity and the deity of Ohrist, and I insisted upon the vicarious atonement. But many of my members, apparently desirous of compromising with the numerous cults, creeds, and 'isms that are cursing the country and the Ohurch, disagreed with me, and I felt that it was absolutely necessary to get out." Another minister in the same city declares that Ohristianity is battling for its life. Observe that both are troubled, not because of the existence of these outside "creeds" and "'isms," but because such things are accepted in the Ohurch. "But," we ask, "what is it in the Ohurch to which these things can fasten and work so disastrously against it?" It is found clearly enough voiced by that prominent exponent of the New Theology, Rev. R. J. Campbell, who says: "Let me hasten to assure you, not only that I believe in personal immortality, but that it forms a basis of one's earnest desire to see the Kingdom of God realised on earth. The belief in the eternal dignity of mankind was to him the driving force in all the endeavour to realise the Kingdom of God. You are not going to die, you cannot die, for that which is you is eternal. The death of the body is not the death of the man. The body is the medium through which the soul can enter into relation with souls, and nothing else." This is the foundation of the New Theology, and until the Ohurch is awakened to see that soul immortality is a lie, it is delivering itself, bound and helpless, into the hands of the enemy. It is this doctrine held in the Ohurch upon which these outside harpies fasten, and upon which they batten. Why should we not in defence fight against it? Yet again, owing to the prominence recently gi.ven to our faith, a friend was requested to forward a copy of a spiritist paper published in this Dominion. It was sent presumably to show us the error of our ways, and to give us light. The leading article in this paper is devoted to B Mission to setting forth the gruesome idea tbe oraee. that in the cemeteries "multitudes of spirits wander about aimlessly, tied, as it were, to the bodies which they can no longer inhabit. Olairvoyants have seen them and talked to them, and the confession has been in some cases that they had to wait for the resurrection; but as a rule the spirit cannot get far from the grave, because it had no desire for anything beyond the earth when in the body." And then the writer proceeds to tell a strange story, two in fact, of visits paid to two Wellington cemeteries, in company with a medium, and when the medium made known the presence of the spirits, "a great company," "a concourse of spirits," the writer of the article delivered an exhor-

tation which had a wonderful effect. In the first instance in the countenances of the great company of spirits there was "a marked change," a "cheerful expression," and many said, "Thank you! God bless you!" In the second case, such a wonderful change was produced that apparently the cemetery was cleared, for the spirits, rescued from gloom and made happy, visit the residence of the exhorter, and say: "We determined to follow you, and here we are." Since the Holy Father cleared Purgatory, there has surely been no similar experience! But, see, the possibility of such teaching is grounded upon the orthodox belief, and it is because professing Christians cling to the notion of the "immortal soul," or "never-dying spirit," that they are captured in the toils of spiritism. Is it any wonder that we, seeing the many and varied onslaughts made upon the truth of God, and finding that they win their way because Ohristians believe a lying doctrine, should war against it and. thus war against all errors? This item will give us further testimony. The Union of the United Methodist Free Ohurches, the Methodist New Oonnexion and the Bible Ohristians, held its first Oonference in "Wesley's Ohapel," City Road, London, in September last. At one of thc sessions the Rev. W. B. Lark asked B Sign of tbe to be allowed to read one of a Bpostac}? number of extraordinary communications which he had received. The letter was as follows:"Mansion No. 4, New Jerusalem, 1709 to 1907. "Oongratulations on the union of free and progressive Methodism. We are in hearty sympathy with your best aspirations. Be sure to be true to the inner light, the larger hope, the higher criticism, and universal redemption, and victory is assured. . "JOHN AND OHARLES WESLEY. "P.S."Oh, that the world might taste and see The riches of His grace. The arms of love that bind them Would all mankind embrace. "Further, thc Oonference may bc glad to know we have learned a great deal since our translation to the higher life." So far as it appears from the Press notice, this was received without a public protest. A reader of Things to Come wrote to Mr. Lark for further details, to which he received the reply that Mr. Lark was "unable to enter into any communication on thc subject." A grosser example of imposture can scarcely be imagined than that an evil spirit should succeed in getting a Methodist Oonference to listen to its deceitful and lying message.-Things to Come. A recent cable message mentions that there is a falling off in numbers in the Methodist ranks. In the absence of any official explanation of this? it is quite allowable

MAY, 1908.

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there is any antagonism between Christ and Paul. Nor do they think that Jesus taught in reference to modern Christian doctrine and practice, and that Paul enlarged upon it. They believe that the Bible is to be read and studied with a due recognition of its dispensational times and seasons and teachings. Believing this, they find no reason whatever to raise this offensive question. The teaching of Jesus had its bearing upon the Jew in reference to the Kingdom of God as covenanted to the fathers; and the teaching through Paul is given by the ascended Lord in relation to His Church, a body in which national distinctions and national hopes have no place. This clearly-marked difference, not seen by theologians, causes a controversy which is not likely to lead to much satisfaction. The use now being made of the Gospels by Socialists could not be, if current theological exposition had not wrested the teachings of Jesus from their own times and setting and true interpretation, in order to force them into the position of being a perfect guide to the Church-a place for tmtstalten which they were not intended. Why mse. do not our Christian teachers observe that when our Lord came it was first to His own people, that His message held out to them the near approach of the Kingdom which they were urged to accept? This message is not, and could not be, from its very nature, applicable to any people other than Israel. The Lord said that He was' "not sent save to the lost sheep of the House of Israel," and commanded His disciples not to "enter into the way of the Gentiles." All His teaching is delivered to His own people in reference to this Kingdom, to be restored to them. They rejected Him, and this rejection has put the offer in abeyance for them; and meanwhile the offer of salvation is made to all, irrespective of race or clime, upon conditions which are made known in the epistle to the Romans. This does not mean that the Gospels are to be ignored. They record the historical preparation which has introduced this dispensation, and contain teachings of present application; but what we urge is that it is a mistake to say that the laws of the Kingdom given by Jesus are necessarily the laws for the Church. The reader must first get the interpretation of the teaching, noting to whom and for what purpose it was given, and then he may find such application as will fit his own case, and do'es not conflict with the teaching which was specially given for this c1ispensation, and for the Church. The recognition of this-rightly dividing the Word of Truth-will prevent Christians being easily led astray by the Socialistic application of the Sermons on the Mount, and by the sceptical announcement that Jesus and Paul are at variance.

to say that such falling away is to be expected if in an important Conference such as that cited in the preceding paragraph Wlb}2 tbe there is so marked a falling away IDecrease? from the faith. That a communication professing to be from a spirit world, and boldly setting forth the m ain tenets of the New Theology should be received without protest is surely a significant sign of the times. Spiri tism and the New Theology are both making serious inroads upon the Church, and find an easy prey in a people fed upon Soul Immortality and a spiritualised (?) Bible. This communication combines both phases, and is a testimony to the credulity which the commonly-received doctrines on the spirit state produces. If men do live in the spirit state, it is easy to believe they retain interest in the things of earth to which they gave themselves. The Wesley brothers, if conscious now, must surely desire to be in touch with the movement they were instrumental in starting. 1f so, is it not possible they may have the means of communication? It is not difficult to persuade the ordinarv believer that such means exist. That is spi ri tisni. The interests of spiritism arc well supported by tile New Theology which puts forward the four items mentioned in the letter; and these are in open warfare with the truth of the Word of God, whilst professing to hold it in reverence. Surely the true Bible lovers within the Methodist body will not consent to hand themselves over to the devil and his doctrines. Let us hope that the decrease in numbers is caused by the withdrawal of such as hal-e turned in horror from the way now being trodden by some of the Methodist leaders. ] n tile b'.r/JOsitory Times for February Prof. I verach "\\' care Oll the eve of a great controversy, thc issues of wh ich arc more momentous than any we have ever had." 'I'hat controversy turns upon the question, "Whether Jesus or Paul is \tbe conuna to be considered the Founder of ccntroeecsn. Christi ani ty." By Christianity in this sentence is intended, we presumc, the present call to tile acceptance of Christ as Lord, and the J i fc of obedience which follows the re cogni tion that the believer is "in Him." No doubt the Professor means a reference to the controversy as it has been originated by certain writers, who are careful to point out certain differences between the teaching of ,)csus and Paul, and who consequently argue that Paul "ill1prored" upon the Master's teaching; and that Christianity as we now have it is the product wholly of the argumentati re Paul. Put in this way, the Bible student must repudiate the statement or his standing as a believer is affected. Not a few Bible students have noted the differences upon which these objectors build their case, and have found that they yield a testimony which gives strength to faith, and clearness of teaching upon the present standing of the believer. These students do not put the question in the same fashion as do the objectors. They do not for a moment imagine that
:;;:1 YS:

"Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us to end dare to do our duty as we understand it."-Abmham Lincoln.

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MAY, 1908.

R :f13reacb in tbe lRanfu3.

'I'rrs Church at West Street has been plunged into grief by reason of the unexpected death of Bro. W. J. Wild. It is twenty-five years since he united with the Church, then meeting in the Temperance Hall, and seventeen years since he was chosen to fill the office of Elder. His residence at the North Shore prevented his frequent meeting with us, but he was not therefore slack in his service to the Lord. He became interested in a mission near to his home, and gave himself to the work of instructing the young and to the work of preaching the Gospel. As a preacher he was in constant request, hardly a Sunday passing but he was preaching somewhere, taking journeys that involved long walks, or a pull across the water. He believed that it was a wrong thing to compel men to work on the Sunday, and in consistency with his principles refused to use the ferry boats on that day. Often when it has been his turn to preside at the West Street morning- service, he has crossed over and back in his boat, and hardly had time for a meal before he has taken his Sunday School class, and then, perhaps, in the evening taken a long walk to fill another appointment. It is this sustained labour, following upon his daily labours, which has doubtless aided to bring him so early to the grave. But he was one who, even if he had known of this, was not careful to spare himself in what he thought to be the Master's service. For some months past his brethren and friends had noticed that he was apparently failing, and urged upon him to take some rest, and he would lightly say that some time he would. But that time did not come, as we hoped it would; his is now the deep and quiet rest, from which the awakening cannot be till the Lord come, and he whom we have loved, and now mourn, shall arise to the freshness and vigour of immortality. From the first, when stricken clown, there was but small hope of recovery; the disease was too deep-seated, and had gripped him too long for human skill to avail much. In five days he gradually sank into unconsciousness and into death. He has left behind him the savour of a godly life. The spontaneous testimony borne by Christian and nonChristian alike is that he sought to fill the pattern of Christ. The Master's words to His disciples attracted and held our brother, and he sought to live the life therein set forth. Sometimes his brethren could not sec eye to eye with his teaching, but they could see and appreciate his living exemplification of the things he set forth. His was a faith that gripped the divine promises, and did not waver, though often sorely tried. When he was smitten down with the fell disease, and was racked with pain, he could say with a smile, "It's all right." Ay, his was a faith in life, and when he faced the grim enemy, grace divine enabled him with his accustomed heartiness to say of His God, "Bless His Name." There are few men so highly esteemed as was he. He

has left no wealth to his family, but on the day we sorrowfully laid him to rest, it was a large concourse of people who assembled at the house, and many of them walked the long distance to the cemetery that they might stand by his grave. "He was only fifty years of age," said one. Ah, ves, but into that space of time he had put a service to his Lord that few of more advanced vears have rendered-a service fruitful of good deeds, which glorify our Father which is in heaven. We are sorrowing, but we remember that there are those of his own who also sorrow-his dear wife and family, to whom our sympathies extend, and for whom we pray. Just now it may be difficult, but presently, maybe, under the influence of Divine help and consolation, they may be able to say as did he, "Tt's all right!" Tn the latest number received of Words of Life, it is a coincidence that we find a poem headed with these words, which were a11';0 l1tterecl hv an aged brother when dvinz : .
Yes, "It's all right." my brother. God gives thee rest; lay thee down;

The pillow He has laid thy head upon Ts Jesus' breast~ He in His blameless life was ever "right," And on His holy cross He gained a 11 might To make thee His, and bring thee into Light. Rest in Him! Rest. giveth His beloved sleep Till morning break; We'll learn that every promise He can keep, When we awake; More than a mother's love He'll show to thee And to His Father thou shalt ever be ' A son beloved, and welcomed joyfully For His Name's sake. There I shall meet thee soon, and we shall know As we are known; In endless life, in beauty, we shall bow Before His throne; Sha ll wait His pleasure who ha.th brought us there, To serve in utmost heaven, earth, sea, or air, Our perpetual service a perpetual prayer"Thy will be done." And done it shall be, glory unto God For evermore! Sin, death, and hell shall find their lake of fire, And be no more; God's deathless nation, Israel, then shall see With floods of tears their Christ of Calvary, And to all lands shall ever cry: GOD LOVED! GOD LOVES! and GOD SHALL LOVE FOR EVERMORE! Our Jesus

-, i

G.G. EDITOR.

"Affliction and adversity are not, as we arc sometimes apt to suppose, the mere random strokes of a blind fate. They are rather the wisely chosen means whereby the Father seeks to find His war into our hearts, and to bless us with His love.'"

MAY, 1908.

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"EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT."
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."-Matt. xxv. 46.

W HAT is "everlasting punishment?" We shall try to find an answer to this important question, and in so doing shall briefly touch upon the question of the destiny of the race, and then narrow our finding down to a consideration of the above passage, around which much of the present controversy ranges, and examine its bearing on this all-important theme. It is a wide subject that opens out before our investigation when we start an inquiry into the "destiny of Man," but the earnest searcher is well repaid for his labour. As he pores over the pages of the Word, the eye of faith is charmed by scenes of exquisite beauty, the ear is ravished by strains of sweetest melody, and imagination bows in wonder before the future of surpassing grandeur which is "prepared for those" "who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for honour, glory, and incorruptibility." While thus engaged, the question must present itself: But what of those who fail to utilise present opportunity for future good, who wilfully neglect the offer of God's grace, and deliberately choose to travel the broad road that leadeth to destruction? 'I'o this question, some can give no clear answer, for, say they: "The Scriptures do not lift the veil of the future to show us what the penalty shall be, and the utmost that we can do is to hold before the wicked as a danger to which they are liable 'an indefinable something.' Some penalty is certainly threatened for disobedience, but it is so enshrouded in a hazy, nebulous cloud of uncertainty, that we can only speak of it as indefinitely as the Scriptures do, and leave the full revelation thereof until the period of its infliction." What ! . Has God left us an incomplete revelation on such an important subject as this, promising clearly what shall be the portion of those who believe, but leaving us in ignorance of the consequences of unbelief? The very suspicion of such a thing is an insult to Him who asks-"Are not my ways equal?" On the other hand, there are many who declare that for the sins of this life God's threatened punishment is: preservation for ever in hopeless misery, in companionship with evil men and demons to all eternity. This has been, and is, to a very large extent, the popular belief. Belief! Forgive such a usage of the word; that it should ever have been attached to such a doctrine is a degradation to it. No! no ! Belief is no word to use here. For who believes any such thing? What! your father, mother, child, husband, wife, to suffer untold miseryphysical or mental, or both-without any relief, and yet

your hands are not stretched out to save your darling ones from the hideous doom! You believe it, and yet day after day you eat, work, talk, and sleep with them and never a word passes your lips about the fearful suffering to which they are nearing. N ay, you are even jesting with them on "trifles light as air," and spend precious moments in discussing things which "do not profit" when you should be praying, beseeching, and weeping. Ah! you do not believe it. 'Tis held as part of a theological creed but not as a living faith. Your inaction and unconcern when the interests of your dearest ones are at stake prove this to a demonstration. There is a third and an increasing class of Biblical students who, discarding the burdensome theory of natural immortality, and reading in the only authoritative guide on such matters that "The soul that sinneth it shall die," that "The wages of sin is death," accept these statements (and scores more of the same character) as final, and thereby chase from their faith the hideous nightmare of eternal misery. But to such it is objected: But Jesus spoke of "Everlasting punishment?" We are willing, nay anxious, that the Scriptures should be the final standard of appeal, and we will further admit that on this subject no words are of greater weight than those spoken by our Lord. He well knew the consequences of sin, and if any of the human race were suffering anguish in hell at that time, or whether in the history of the universe any would be consigned to such a doom. Seeing then that He knew. this, any utterances of His become of the last importance in the settlement of this absorbing question. Whilst, however, we willingly accord the position desired to the utterance of the Saviour, we must not forget that there is, besides all that He has said, a whole range of Scripture evidence producible on this question from historian, prophet, and apostle, which must be considered; and when the words "everlasting punishment" are quoted, with an air of dread solemnity or gleeful triumph as establishing the popular belief and as overruling other texts, we look at them with undisguised wonder to see how they will bear the awful strain. What did the expression mean when it fell from the lips of the Master? Whatever the signification conveyed by it then, the same must be attached to it now. Centuries have rolled away since the Great Teacher uttered them; generations have successively sprung into being, and in turn have died away, but these words abide in their original power as they were spoken by Ohrist, bearing to us the identical truth He intended His then living auditory to grasp. We have often asserted that the current mystic spiritualisation of language has perverted the plain explicit statements of Holy Writ, and we affirm that no language has been more distorted to serve a theory than this phrase "everlasting punishment." Be it observed we are narrowing down our inquiry, and are leaving out of court the whole mass of evidence obtainable on this question from Old and New Testa-

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MAY, 1908.

ment authors, and we are even excluding the many other utterances of Christ, in order to meet our opponents on their own battle ground. They choose to concentrate their defences here, and at this point we meet them. Reserving to ourselves this privilege-a privilege which we are inclined to think the most discourteous would not try to wrest from us-that the expression be examined by the light afforded by its context, that by means of the help thus given we may trace, first the period at which the penalty is inflicted, second, the parties on whom it is inflicted, and, third, the nature of the punishment. This is a very simple course to follow ; we have for the nonce divested this inquiry of everything save this one expression, to be studied in the context in which it is found. On referring to Matt. xxv., we find that we cannot make a break anywhere between the 31st and 46th verses, for it is one continuous scene which is there recorded. Our context then is defined, now for our questions. First, the period. There is a prevalent belief that at death the souls of the impenitent are consigned to the place of torment. The passage does not favour that conclusion, for we have a specified time given when the sentence here recorded is declared, a time confessedly future. "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory; then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory and before Him shall be gathered all nations." As He has not yet "come in His glory" and seated Himself upon His throne, surrounded by angelic hosts, and summoned the nations to His bar, the assumption of any present inflictions of the doom on any naked soul is purely gratuitous. The ordinary representations of the teaching of this parable are that the scenery is connected with the final judgment; that the sitting "on the throne of His glory" is the occupation of the Great White 'I'hrone ; that then all the dead shall be raised, that the righteous, or those who have believed in Christ, are placed on one side of the throne, and they hear the welcome reception, "Come ye blessed," and are immediately admitted to happiness eternal. On the other side are arranged the wicked; to them are thundered the words, "Depart ye cursed," followed by their consignment body and soul to the abiding sufferings of Hell. These, we say, are the ordinary representations of the parable, but they lack the important element of truth, and are pure assumptions reached by a confused jumble of different passages of Scripture. For be it noticed there is here no allusion to resurrection at all. That must be brought to the passage, it does not teach it. So far as we are aware, there is not the slightest warrant for asserting that "the dead" of Rev. xx. 12, and "the nations" of this parable are the same persons. But there is Scripture testimony to prove that at the advent of Christ judgment shall commence upon the living nations. The period here spoken of is not that of the session described in the Revelation, but it occurred at that advent of Christ at the introduction of the Millennium, and therefore precedes the session of the Great White throne by a thousand years.

This brings us to our second query. Who are the parties or nations? The usual exposition, as already pointed out, teaches that the believers are the "sheep" and the unbelievers the "goats." But the parable brings before our notice three separate parties-sheep, goats, and brethren. If the assembly of the "sheep" comprises all that have ever exercised faith in Christ, and the gathering of "goats" includes all the wicked, who are the brethren? When the question is put by the righteous, "Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered," etc., and the Saviour replies, '7 e have done it to my brethren." Does He point out the sheep to themselves, as benefiting themselves? and obtaining eternal Life for so doing! !? What is this but to introduce a new principle into the Gospel which elsewhere affirms that "Whosoever believeth hath everlasting life." But here it is: Whosoever hath done good to one of the brethren of Christ, and he who has failed to do this must go away into "everlasting punishment." The grounds of classification, or of acquittal or condemnation alike preclude the idea that either Christian or unbeliever, as we understand those terms, have any share in the parable of the "sheep and the goats." The whole subject is one of great interest, but the elucidation of the parable lies outside the scope of this paper. Our object has been simply to point out that the parties spoken of are not, as usually supposed, Christians and unbelievers; bu t there is every reason to think, on the other hand, that they are indeed the living nations who shall be judged upon a principle introduced before Christ's advent, and at His coming in power and glory, that principle being the basis of condemnation or acquittal, according as it has been acted upon or neglected. We simply ask for a thoughtful perusal of the whole parable, and we believe that it will at once be seen that its details, however they may be explained, are altogether inapplicable to any judgment based upon existing conditions of the Gospel. Third, their destiny. We can argue from the destiny of these two classes, to the destiny of all parties contemplated in the Scripture, who are to be judged according to revealed law, because similar terms are used elsewhere of other parties. We shall not bring into question the verity of eternal life, for the class here invited to enter the kingdom; nor shall we question the absolute eternity of the doom of those who receive condemnation. We agree with those who from the contrast drawn betwixt the two members of the verse say: If the life of the one class is absolutely eternal, then the punishment of the other is as eternal; the duration of the one determines the duration of the other. The whole controversy then turns, not upon the duration, but upon the nature of the punishment. Let it still be borne in mind that we have shut ourselves off from every other passage of Scripture, and we are trying to get the true teaching of this text from its context. We have little to guide us, but that, small though it be, is sufficient, in view of the entire absence of proof to the contrary, to establish a clear answer.

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71

First, these men are mortal; all men are; and as we have no evidence here of any alteration in the nature of these men when called before the bar, we are justified in assuming that at that particular time their mortality was unchanged, and remained so up to the moment of their condemnation. This is strengthened by the statement that the saved go into life eternal. Then these so blest had not, prior to that event, possessed actual life eternal; therefore, as they were not immortal, and as immortality became their peculiar possession, the "goats," or "un saved," were not possessed of that attribute when on trial; they had no immortal soul. Second, the word "punishment" is ambiguous, and unless we gain from other sources the meaning of the term in any given instance we shall be entirely in the dark as to its import. We have in this parable two items which fix the meaning of the word. Ist, There are two members in this last verse of the chapter which stand thus: These

will operate upon him. These things being borne in mind, we believe that a candid unbiassed balancing cf the evidence will lead to the conclusion that the apparently formidable text dovetails beautifully with the whole obtainable evidence from the Scriptures on the entire question of future punishment, and adds its quota of irresistible proofs that "the wages of sin is death."Paper re-printed from STANDARD, July, 1883.

Scienttfic 'Wlortllness
A SCIENTIFICwriter is one who never uses an English word where he can make a Greek one do, and never employs one word if he can put in three. This description will fit nine-tenths of all the alleged writers on science at the present day. It is a time when the general public is keenly alive to new discoveries and inventions. Never before was mankind so alert to seize on facts which it can turn to its own advantage. Men want to alleviate the awful sum of human suffering; they snatch at any hope of making life easier, labour lighter, the race healthier and handsomer. All the world wrestles with material resources, to turn them to account. N ever before did common people follow with bright, eager minds the path of discovery in astronomy, in chemistry, electricity, biology and all .kinds of invention. They ask scientific professors for bread, and the scientific professors give them a stone-a whole pile of stones. Let them stop the Greek and Latin writing and give LlS English. 'I'here never was a thing so large or so small that a name could not be found for it in English. The English language is rich and growing. In excuse for the serpentine names which are the despair of intelligent nonprofessional readers, the scientific writers say that if they used English names and terms scientific men of other nations would not understand them. Well, it is a question whether the professors are writing for learned foreigners or for the people of their own nation, who buy their literature and give them their living. If for the foreign professor, then let them go to the foreign countries. One can count upon the fingers of one hand, and then have a finger or two left, the names of the scientific men whose writings are intelligible, pleasant reading to the ordinary person. We cannot carry a big dictionary around with us. Another fault no less grievous in the scientific writer is that his style is inexpressibly dull, dreary and wordy. His meaning is obscure; his sentences are four times as long as they ought to be. He occupies a page in saying what a clear concise writer would often put into six lines and make the meaning plainer. vVe call on the men of science to give us relief from this swash of wordiness and reform their style.Chelsea Record.

shall go away into I everlasting punishment. The righteous I into I life eternal.

'I'he two members thus present themselves in antithesis. "If you perceive the force of one side of the antithesis you do, of course, come to a knowledge of the force of the other side." (Professor Stuart.) What is the force of the term "Eternal Life?" Whatever happiness and glory it may embody, its main idea is-Living for ever-Immortality. What is its opposite? The absence of life for ever - and, therefore, eternal death. 2nd. Again, note how this finding is established by the agent which effects the designed end, "Fire," "depart into everlasting fire." We must argue from the known to the unknown, and we know the effect of fire is to consume the object cast into it; and here, in order to effect the "punishment," which is the opposite of life, the beings to be punished are put into the devouring flame. The term "everlasting" does not remove any conception of its consuming, devouring power; it rather intensifies that idea. There is not one word in the whole narrative, rightly read, which favours the hideous dogma of eternal misery. Its language closely examined reveals the fiery indignation of the King, but it is a language which expreses fully the utter extermination of those who "go away into everlasting punishment." Our argument is untouched by the further statement that the fire "is prepared for the devil and his angels." It does not fall within our present purpose to enter UV):l any inquiry into the nature of these beings, nor have w-: to do with the effect the fire may have upon them; we believe the issue will be identical in both cases; but we have no need to encumber our investigation with another and a different question. This scene of judgment relates to man alone, and the added statement that the agent of punishment was actually prepared for another race of beings, does' not in any way alter the nature of the man nor the destructive powers of the agent whi-h

Anciently the important question was: "If a man die, shall he live again ?" Now the paramount inquiry is: "If a man die, is he dead?"- Word and Work.

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ECHOES FROM WEST N O~'ES '''fHE DAWNIBM .. TRUTHS THE MONTH .. .. .. A BREACH IN THE RANKS STREET .. . BIBLE!" ..

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HOME CIRCLE-ALPHABETIC NATURE ~'O A YOUNG FRIF.ND AND MISSION BAND CORNER .. ARTICLES Nrews ..

OF

MAN'S ..

LETTERS CHURCH SUNSHINE CHRISTIAN

ON 'J'HE STUDY OF PROPHECY

MISCELLANEOUS TREASURER'S

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Cb~ Dibl~Stanaara. ~
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MONTHTLY
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ORGAN

ntw Ztaland EOllJlltllstlc and Publlcatloll Jlssoclatloll.

EDITED ASSISTED BY GEORGE BY SPECIAL ALDRIDGE. CONTRIBUTIONS.

The Editor wtahee it to be understood that, while he exercisers II ~~ueral supereteion over the articles and Correspondence appearing in the ST.A.NDUD, responalbility for aentimenta expressed rests upon the individual writer.

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lRotes.

Lazarus. This New Testament story is usually viewed by our orthodox friends as affording indubitable proof of the soundness of their view. When one questioner could not feel satisfied with the replies to his queries, the lecturer promised to give a special address upon the whole story. It is worth noting that when the exposition was given only one question followed. This is in agreement with our experience on other occasions. Until the full exposition is given it is considered to be fatal to our view, but when expounded there is no further room for question. From the publisher (Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, London) we have received a remarkable book. It is entitled "The Nature of Christ, or the Christology of Scripture of the Scriptures and of Christ." The author believes that in the beginning God the Son became the God-man, "the first-born of all creation." As such He was the active worker in creating all things; that all the appearances in the Old Testament which are said to be appearances of the Lord were really manifestations of Christ; that when He came to put away sin He received a flesh and blood humanity. This He gave for the life of the world when He died upon the Cross. In the chapter upon the Nature of Man we think the author fails to get the exact truth, and the true bearing of the sacrificial death of Christ is not apparent. But the book is worthy of study for its vigorous onslaught on certain ideas which are found in all theologies, and for which there is little or no foundation. Its price is 3s. 6d.

Subscribers will please note that Mr. A. M. Skeates, Queen Street, Auckland, has been appointed Treasurer. and all subscriptions should be forwarded to him. vVe take the following paragraph from OU?' Hope, published at Mendota, Ill., U.S.A., as a testimony that the STANDARDit; appreciated in the "regions beyond" :"Bro. George Aldridge, of distant Auckland, New Zealand, where he is an evangelist and efficient editor, writes, sending some neat-looking pamphlets, which we shall be glad to examine and mention as soon as possible. 'The Bible Standard,' edited by Bro. Aldridge, is a very creditable Monthly, of sixteen pages besides cover, which we count among our useful and always fresh exchanges. I ts cost is two shillings and sixpence, English currency, per year, post free. We think some of our readers would like to read a good publication of this kind, coming from the other side of our globe. Order of Mr. Alex. Page, Murdock Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, N.Z." The March issue of W ords of Life contains lengthy extracts from our article in December STANDARD the on "Death of a Pioneer." We note that we were able to supply some items of interest relating to the life and work of G. A. Brown which have not been given elsewhere. On several occasions during the course of lectures. on "Man's Nature and Destiny" delivered in West Street Church on Wednesday evenings questions have been put which are based upon the parable of the Rich Man and

\tbe)1 :all JE;!;clatme~: Ube :f8tble1"
H. L. HASTINGShas quaintly said: "The Bible is a book which has been refuted, demolished, overthrown and exploded more times than any other book you ever heard of. Every little while somebody starts up and upsets this book; and it is like upsetting a solid cube of granite. It is just as big one way as another; and when you have upset it, it is right side up, and when you overturn it again it is right side up still." Reville, the advocate of French Rationalism, says: "One day a question was raised in an assembly what book a man condemned to life imprisonment would best take with him, and from Roman Catholic, Protestant philosophers and materialists, came alike the one reply, to which all agreed-the Bible." Of all the books we love to read, can we say the Bible stands first? If pressure of business gives us little time for reading, is the Bible the book we take before any other? Its truths are imperishable; its light is a celestial light; its consolations are beyond all price; it is sweet to the taste; gold cannot compare with it; it is medicine and food and inspiration. Shall we not say, "Oh, how I love thy law!"-J. Gamely Page. "Four words that have the power to make sunshine anywhere: 'Believe also in Me.' "

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I HAVE just returned from attending a funeral. It necessitated a drive of 18 miles along un frequented country roads, affording opportunity for undisturbed meditation. Naturally, one's thoughts dwelt chiefly on matters connected with death and resurrection. And, associated with these, came certain suggestions resulting from the perusal of the "Millennial Dawn" books issued by Oharles '1'. Russell, of America. Again and again I asked myself, "Can it be possible that the views advocated by that gentleman are right, and a state of probation for all the unsaved of the human race be their glorious heritage during the millennia 1 age?" I called to mind the numerous deceased persons at whose burial 1 have officiated, some beyond doubt saints of God, some of estimable character, but indifferent to Ohrist and His words, and some whose lives were such that no stretch of charity could regard them as within the Christian fold. And of the latter two classes I found myself wondering whether, after all, it is not a wrong conception and a limiting of the work of the world's Saviour to regard them as buried "without hope." How gladly would one welcome the cheery news that the Bible says that in the niillennial age there is hope. What words could adequately convey to Mr. Russell the heartfelt gratitude of hosts of Ohristians for having rescued from oblivion this long lost and hidden evangel of the happy resurrection of the unsa ved, and for bringing it once again to the knowledge of a too long blinded and erring Church, And with what eagerness would we follow his argument, proving that the Bible contains no word of this life as being absolutely and finally decisive of all human destiny. I pause here, and, reaching down V 01. 11. of the "Millennial Dawn," refresh my memory by turning over its passages. But the comforting relief doesn't come, and the old belief-stern and severe, though it bewhich has stood the stress and strain of nearly half a century, remains unshaken, There's an artificiality and a note of special pleading that runs through Mr. Russell's writings which are somewhat repellant. The books are the work of a clever artificer. Instead of calling forth the devotional mood, antagonism is aroused. These volumes have one aim and one purpose, and other matters set forth are but subsidiary, and take second place. The red line of "resurreciion [or every member of the Adam race ,in order to aff01'd opportunity for salvation" runs through the whole. This is never lost sight of. Whatever he may be discussing, "the man of sin," "Bible chronology," "the times of the Gentiles," etc., it is all helping to drive home to the reader's mind the one point which is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of his writings.

Mr. Russell and his books stand conspicuously alone. No previous theological writer with whom we are acquainted adopts such a style. If words mean anything, he claims an inspiration above and beyond that possessed by any of his contemporaries. Here are his words: "Be it known that no other system of theology even claims, or has ever attempted, to harmonise in itself every statement of the Bible; yet nothing short of this can we claim for these views. How striking, then, the providence of God, which at this time opens before his children this truly glorious plan" (Vol. 1., pages 348349). "God has recently made the grand outlines of His plan so clear" (Vol. n., 25). "We have no hesitation in announcing the heart-cheering intelligence, that the harvest of the Gospel age is upon us, and that the Master (our Lord) is now present." "The significance of transpiring events can in no other way (except through Mr. Russell!) be discernible with certainty" (166). "The Lord since his return has opened unto us the Scriptures, showing us the truth. He has drawn our attention to the prophecies. He has shown us, first of all and will be completed in the year A.D. 1914. All these things have been hidden by the Lord -in such a way that they could not be understood" (171). "Following this divinely indicated method of reckoning, wonderful results open before us, which assure us that we have the correct key" (180). "October, 1874, began the Restitution times" (181). "Our dear Redeemer and Lord hands us this cord, whose presence this testimony points out to us, as He comes to LlS in the early dawn of the Millennial Day" (191). . Let us at once say that we cannot accept offhand these pretentious claims. 'I'hey are absolutelyunsupported by any collateral testimony. Prophets of old gave undoubted proof as to their commission and the integrity of their message, but here we have nothing but the ipse dixit of the minister of the Church at Alleghany. He may be-doubtless is-a man of great spiritual worth, but so was Irving, who, nevertheless, went astray on the question of "tongues" (1 001'. xiii., xiv.); so was N ewman, but he abandoned Protestantism and joined the Romish Church ; so was Fox, the founder of Quakerism, which he declared to be "the alone good way of life and salvation," and denied the necessity of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and to whom it was revealed in the year 16J8 that he was not to take off his hat to any person, high or low; so was Hine, who identified the British nation as being the lost ten tribes of the house of Israel. Private worth does not condone public errors. Mr. Russell forecasts the future. Let us put his predictions to the test. We select two referring to his own country, America. He says (page 263), "It would not be surprising if a monarchy would some day replace this present Great Republic." And on page 361 we read, "It will finally be necessary to formulate some simple law of religion, and thus Ohurch and. State may be in a measure united in governing the United States of America." This was written in 1889. This is the year of grace 1908,

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and we make bold to say that at the present moment there are no movements afloat tending in such directions. And it is hardly likely that during the next six years (for 1914 is the year Mr. Russell fixes as the termination of this age) such developments will take place. And if his predictions fail in fulfilment as concerns America, are they any more dependable as regards the fillennium? According to our reading of the sacred text, his teaching breaks down at every point. In order to bolster it up he interpolates here and takes away there, and so shipshapes the words of the Bible to suit the exigences of his theory that at times we can hardly recognise the quotations. The one passage that constantly rings in our ears, notwithstanding Mr. Russell's desperate efforts to get rid of it as spurious, is: "THE HEST OF THE DEAD I,IVED NOT rrILL THE THOUSAND YEARS SHOULD BE :FINISHED." With both hands he casts it out of the Bible and denounces it as a fraud. It's a matter of life and death to him to do so, for if that verse is genuine the whole of his six volumes go for nothing-they arc wrecked upon the solid rock of the celebrated text of Rev. xx. 5. Dean Alford says, "Those who lived next to the Apostles, and the whole Church for 300 years, understood these words in the plain literal sense, and it is a strange sight in these days to see expositors complacently casting aside the most cogent instance of unanimity which primitive antiquity presents." We have then to make choice between the revelation of John of Patmos and the revelation of Russell of Alleghany. John says, "the rest of the dead lived not." Russell says, "The rest of the dead lived." We have no hesitation as to which statement we shall believe. This remarkable and unmistakable passage which has hitherto been accepted by friend and foe as genuine is the deep gulf fixed between." now is the acceptable time " behold now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. vi. 2) ; and "the day of unuih and revelation of the righteous judgment of Goel ; who will render to every man according to his works" (Rom. ii. 5, 6). To return to the question with which we started this paper, there can be but one answer. There is no Scripture warrant for believing that during the millennial age the unsaved of all past generations shall be raised from their graves, be preached to, and converted from sin to holiness. Sentiment, goodwill, humane desires, kindlings of loving kindness, merciful aspirations have no place here. "What, saith the Lord ?" is theonly thing that concerns us. And we arc assured that the Judge of all the earth will do right. Indeed, our Lord at times was very stern and solemnly severe. Hear His sorrowful complaint followed by His righteous sentence: "Ye will not come unto Me that ye may have life-ye shall die in your sins" (John v. 41; viii. 24) . Not the faintest spark of a hope in those words, no glimmer of a bright light to illumine their pathway in a new age. "Ye shall die in uour sins /" Meaningless and farcical were the words if Christ knew that a blessed resurrection awaited

them. And to the same effect Paul when he wrote to the Romans, saying: "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law, and as many as have sinned under law shall be judged by law in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ" (ii. 5-16). And to the Ephesian Church he gave this warning - as also to you and to me - "Let no man deceive you with empty words; for because of these things (see verse 5) cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience" (v. 6). Our firm conviction, based upon innumerable passages of Scripture, is that the eternal destiny-life or death --of every human being is determined by his own course of conduct between the day of his birth and the hour of his death. At death the book of his life's actions is closed, to be opened no more till after resurrection, when the solemn account has to be given-after the first resurrection in the case of God's saints, after the second resurrection as regards the ungodly. Mr. Russell's teaching virtually amounts to this: A man may serve the world, the flesh, and the devil to his heart's content, and be perfectly safe in so doing, for in the next age will be abundant opportunities for salvation. God's threatenings, so far as the present is concerned, are only so much sheet lightning, which dazzles but does not harm. The forked lightning, which kills, may, perchance, come a thousand years hence, but there is plenty of time to use the means by which to escape its stroke. And he claims to be specially inspired to deliver this message concerning an ungodly world. With a full sense of responsibility, we again utter a word of protest. Alas, if any poor soul hearing of this teaching shall, in consequence, neglect a present salvation, and risk eternal happiness because of this assurance that there shall be opportunity for salvation aiter 1'eSU1"rection. in the millennial age. What an awful surprise to wake up and find "the thousand years are finished" (Rev. xx. 7-15), that there was no millennial day of grace provided for the dead, and that only the terrors of the second death await. If Mr. Russell's teaching be right, God forgive us for our stupor of heart and blindness of eyes in not recognising this heaven-sent revelation. But, if it be wrong, and the result of the wrong be the involving in "the second death" of men and women who otherwise might have been persuaded to "flee from the wrath to come," then, indeed, will the author of this teaching need God's merciful forgiveness for having so greatly erred from the truth and for having caused such eternal disaster to many of the sons of men. Thus is the Church rent with conflicting opinions, and a puzzled world, like Pilate, asks: "What is truth ?" May the day be hastened when, the Master being personally present, God's revelation shall no longer be subject to man's misunderstandings, but His authoritative word end all our perplexities. Rotorua. C. CRISP BROWN.

MAY, 1908.

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employment, and so very seldom see a fellow-believer. I miss the church services very much, also the Wednesday Bible Class.-I am, etc., T.H. Dargaville, March 31st. (To the EdiCor.) Dear Bro.,-Your words in the leading remarks of J anuary No. of the BIBLE S'l'ANDARD,"But the general attitude towards the work is- one of passive reception and no word of appreciation," are quite true. No word that you may hear; but the sun does not make much noise in shining, and it would be mighty cold without him. A wail from you, yet why not? You can only renew from day to day, like the rest of us, though many look to your words as if you could not get tired. Though writing is a great effort to me, I record my personal knowledge that the writings in the BIBLE STANDARDare a help and comfort to some few on the other side of the world. I enclose newspaper clippings that you may see YOll are not alone in this, perhaps the last, fight of this age, against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. I possess the whole of the volumes of BIBlm STANDARDS, and I do not think there is a question that comes to the front that has not been considered in them; every year brings a fresh phase, but the Book is the sword. Personal kind remembrance to the brethren to whom I am known. You seem like a green spot in the waste of the world near to myoId Thames.-Yours in the blessed hope, W. CROPP. Seattle, Wash., Feb. 20th, 1908. [This letter was sent to us privately, but its theme, and the close fellowship enjoyed with the writer by the Thames and Auckland churches give us sufficient warrant to pass on these extracts to our readers.]

(To the Editor.) Sir,-T am one of your readers who, though much indebted to the BIBLI!: STANDARD,have never, perhaps, so much as told you so-never spoken a word, nor penned a line, in all these years, to acknowledge how great a help, how important a blessing, has been your monthly messenger. But I do it now. Your lament (shall 1 call it?) in January issue, and further remarks in tlat of March, constrain me to do my duty. If ow careless, I fear, we become; and in how thankless a mood do we recei ve and absorb the good food presented. For the present help, and for the past, I here and now record my fullest thanks, and can, perhaps, best epitomise bv uttering one word of prayer- -Mav God establish this messenger in Truth, and make its light to shine more and more unto the Perfect Day. The STANDARD was, which, placed in my hand, first it revealed the Bible teaching on the nature of man, and God's way of elevating him, though earthy, sinful, and perishing, to be an heir of God, and joint-heir with J esus Christ. The same it is, which, many and many a time, has proven to me a comfort, a strength, an instructor, all exponent of divers hard sayings, an interpreter of Goel. -I am, etc., LONG READER. April 15, 1908. (To the Edit01.) Dear Bro., - I am always pleased with the BIBLE STANDARD,and the fearless ,vay in which it denounces the errors of the 1: ell' Theology, Millennial Dawn, and other teachings, but I am more than pleased at the way in which you throw down the gauntlet to all who oppose the blessed teachings of "Life in Christ," or Conditional Immortality. A great many who oppose it do so in, or through, ignorance. For instance, a woman of my acquaintance asked me, "The Conditional Immortalists do not believe in the resurrection from the dead, do they?" I replied that if they did not believe in the Resurrection they did not believe in anything. One of your sentences in "The Month" says: "But when he goes to study it (Conditional Immortality) he finds that the arguments on which he has relied vanish into thin air, and the texts he fondly thought gave him Bible support have yielded testimony against him." Such was my own experience, so I can vouch for the truth of it. The experience of the isolated Bro. has been, and still is, mine. "If it were not for the BIBLE STANDARD,the Faith Library, and the dear old Bible, I should be utterly downhearted," he says; and I say I should feel out of the world, especially since I was obliged to leave Auckland through want of

Utue ccuraue.
Colonel Higginson, when asked to name the incident of the American Civil INar that he considered the most remarkable for bravery, said that there was in his regiment a man whom everyone liked-a man who was brave and noble, who was pure in his daily life, and absolutely free from the dissipations in which most of the other men indulged. One night at a champagne supper, when many were becoming intoxicated, someone in jest called for a toast from this young man. Colonel Higginson said that the young man arose, pale, but with perfect self-possession, and said: "Gentlemen, I will give you a toast which you may drink as you will, but which I will drink, if you please, in water. The toast that I have to give is, 'Our Mothers.'" Instantly a strange spell seemed to come over all those tipsy men. They drank the toast in silence; there was no more laughter, no more song, and one by one they slunk out of the room. The lamp of memory had begun to burn, and the name "mother" touched every man's heart.-Independent.

THE
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MAy, 1908. this possession, and as long as he possesses it, he has become a living soul." We conclude: THE ANALYSIS OF THE CHIEF TERMS EMPLOYEDIN THE CREATION ACCOUNTAFFORDSNO EVIDENCETHAT MAN IS, OR POSSESSES, AN Iut:MORTALSOUL. EDITOR.

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TRUTHS NATURE. No. 3. THE LIVING

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ON MAN'S

ALPHABETTC

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Our examination of the fundamental texts which deal with man's nature has shown that Man is mortal, and that he is tD be considered as an organism vitalised by the God-given Breath of Life. 'Ye now proceed to investigate the Scripture teaching upon the other term found in the description of man's origin, viz., "livinz soul." The"'Westminste1' Lar qer Oatechism, in answer to Question 17, "How did God create man?" answers: "After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female; formed the body of the man of thc dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man; endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after His own image," etc. Is this answer warranted by the Scripture? Let us inquire. What effect did the introduction of the "breath of life" to the dust-made man produce? "And man became a living soul" (Gen. ii. 7).
(1.) (2.)

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature (Heb. living . soul) after his kind" (Gen. i. 24). "To everything that creepeth upon the earth wherein there is life" (Heb., living soul) (Gen. i. 30). "And whatsoever the man called every living creature (Heb. living soul) that was the name thereof" (Gen. ii. 19). "And with every living creature (Heb. living 8011,1) that is with you, the fowl, the cattle, and every beast with you" (Gen. ix. 10). "Between me and you and every living _ creature" (Heb. living soul) (Gen. ix. 12) . "Every living creature (Heb. living soul ) of all flesh" (Gen. ix. 15, 16). Also, in verse 16 the same set of words. "All that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of all the living creatures (Heb. living souls) that are in the waters" (Lcv, xi. 10). "This is the law of the beast, and of the fowl, and of every living creature (Heb. living soul} that moveth in the waters" (Lev. xi. 46). "And it shall come to pass that every living creature (Heb. living soul) which swarrnet.h, in every place where the rivers come shall live" (Ezek. xlvii. 9). (5). What important findings have we from these textsr (a.) That equally with man, the creahues of earth, air, and water are living

Letters to a Young Friend on the Study. of Prophecy.

LE'l"l'ER XIV. THE PROPHECY OF OBADIAH.

i\ly DEAR FRIENn, We now come to the consideration of the shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah's written prophecy consists of only 21 verses. But though few in words, it is abundant in thoughts, if simple in language yet is manifold in meaning. Ob:diah's prophecy was occasioned by the relentless hatred of the descendants of Jacob by the descendants of Esau. At every opportunity Edom (the other name of .h:sau-Gen. xxv. 30) displayed their deadly jealousy of Israel, which at last brought down upon them the wrath of the God of Israel. Of the writer we know nothing. And as Scripture is silent we will not indulge ill fruitless guesses concerning him. Sufrice it to say that he is not the Obadiah the faithful protector of the prophets in Ahab's time (1 Kings xviii. 2), nor the Obadiah whom Jehoshaphat sent to teach in the cities of Judah (1 Chron. xvii. 7), nor the Levite who was selected to be the overseer in the repairs of the Temple in the reigu of Josiah (2 Chron. xxxiv, 12). God has willed that his name alone should be known. As to the date of his prophecy: The great event spoken of in the prophecy is the capture of Jerusalem by its enemies. There were three captures of Jerusalem prior to its being taken by the Babylonians :-1. By Shishak, King of Egypt, in tile reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings xiv. 25). 2. By the Philistines and Arabians in the reign of Jehoram (2 Chron. xxi. 16) . 3. By J oash, the King of Israel, in the reign of Amaziah (2 Kings xiv. 13). But we follow Pusey and Hengstenburg ill assuming that the capture. of Jerusalem to which the prophet refers is the capture by the Babylonians, and to this agrees the revised version of the Bible, which reads-as referring to an event future to the prophet's day-"Look not thou: Enter not into the gate: Stand thou not in the crossway." In vision (vel'. 1) the prophet is transported forward (as was John in what is revealed in the book of Revelation), and as the scenes of the capture arise before the prophet he exclaims against the various acts of cruelty which he witnessed, "Do not look: Do not enter. Do not stand." Probably he was a contemporary of the prophet .Ieremiah, and prophesied a few years before the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, B.C. 588, when the Edomites took part with the Chaldeans

souls,
(b.) That these creatures are expressly called "living souls" four times before the creation of man is recorded. (c.) That the term "living soul" occurs ten times in the first nine chapters of Genesis, and that only once does it refer to man alone. (d.) That it is God who in seven of the nine instances where it is applied to other than man uses the "unorthodox" language. (e.) That in the two occurrences in Leviticus also it is Jehovah who uses the berm. (f.) That the instances in Ezekiel and Revelation occur in predictions of the future, and therefore the term is fixed by prophetic Scripture-in agreement with the histortca I portions-to other than man. (g.) That these findings effectually dispose of any argument for soul-immortality, which may be grounded upon the words "living soul." Dr. A. Clarke thus comments on the term as it occurs in Gen. i. 21:"N ephesh OhaiyCth: A general term to express all creatures endued with animal life, in any of its infinitely varied gradations, from the half-reasoning elephant down to the stupid potto, or, lower still, to the polyp, which seems equally to share the vegetable and animal life." We add the words of Canon Constable, who concludes his reasonings on this subject thus: "Hence we have man in the condition to which the last act of God brought him, no longer the simple creature that he was. He is still as much as ever earth, and earth is still his only essential property; but he possesses also, as long as God pleases, the breath of life from his Maker, and as a consequence of

Does this statement warrant the conclusion that thus man became "endued" with an "immortal soul?"

Sea rcely; for, observe, man becosne- that is. the dust-formed organism became, was changed into ,t living soul, and in that state wus afterwards threatened with death. "In the day thou eatest thereof tluni shalt surely die" (Gen. ii. 17). "Dust thou a re, and unto dtist hul! thou ?'elw'n" (Gen. iii. 19). Does man a lone bear the name ing soul?" No. Our English Bible employs term in one other instance, and man is excluded. "And the second poured out his into the sea; and it became blood a dead man' and every living soul even the things that were in the (Rev. xvi. 3). (4.) (3.) "livthe there bowl as of died, sea" .

Do the Revisers render the Hebrew terms (nephesh chaiyah) here employed by the same English words in other instances where they occur? No : the same Hebrew words are found in th~ following passages, and had they been translated, as in Gen. ii. 7, no one could believe that an immortal soul is intended by them: "And God said, "Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that hath life" (Heb. swarm wi Ld swarms of living souls) (Gen. i. 20). "And God created great sea monsters, and every living creature (Heb. living soul; that moveth" (Gen. L 21).

MAY, 1908. against the Jews and overran the country after the conquest. The history of Edom throughout Scripture is one of much interest. Jacob and Esau were the twin sons of Isaac, WIlD afterwards bore the names of Israel and Edom. God, in the exercise of His sovereignty, even before' the children were born, pronounced the ultimate and distinct destiny of the two sons. Esau was the first-born. but God chose Jacob tbe vounger, savinrr. "The elder sha ll serve the younger" (Gpn. xxv, 23). Esau was the progenitor of the fierce Edomites, ",ho~e history is outlined in the Old Testament Scr-iptures. Thev ear lv emerzed into considerable strength and imp;;'rt.once. Tn Genesis xxxvi. is ~et forth thf' rise and nrozress of tl'ei,' nn tural greatness. A long line of "rlnkes" (what. in monfl1'n lnngnn,,,p we shonl d ~nll "sheiks" or "chipfs") is r<,ronnt!'n. Iollowerl bv n <llr~pssion of kin!!. who rpignpd in tllP lond of F,nom hpfor~ tlwrr rei'men anv kin!! OVP1' the ROns of Tsrapl innppn whpn thp ~hilnrpn of TRropl WPrP .till llnspt.tl0Cl nnn obscure (~pp Ex. xv, lfi: Numb. xx.
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the future, for connected with these stirring events is the all-crowning consummation, "and tbe kingdom shall be Jehovah's." This is the beginning of the millennial age, therefore the fulfilment 111UStbe in the days to come. Obadiah clearly distinguishes between two conquests over the Edomites, the firstwhich is past-was to be effected by the heathen nations (ver. 1-9); the second -which is future-by the restored nation of Israel. after which "there shall not be any remaining to the house of Esau." Not Obadiah alone, but other prophets (see, for instance, Is. xi. 14) assert that when the final scene comes at the end of the age, Edom is one of the objects of divine judgment on earth. Consequently there must be a reappearing of that race in their land in the latter day. Thus, while restored Israel shall re joice, the desolnt.ion of Edorn shn.ll be complete. Edom's perpetual hatred of his brother Israel brings upon that na.. tion the abiding wrath of Israel's God. "It is a fearful thing to fall (for purposes of punishmen t) into the hands of the living God" (Heb. x. 31). Your friend, CARPUS. METHODS WRONG AND RIGHT,

Esan'~ hn tred of his hrother .Ineob (Gpn. xxvii. 41). notwithstnndin<; the nn tched 1111 nflnre (Gfln. xxxiii.). was hn nded on to the following I'!"pnprations. TI,e annroo eh of fhe sons of .Taeob n s Ihpv nflnrpn the In nil of nromise fanned thp slnmherinohatrpo into an active Romp. ann with maliQ'Mnt nride the F,nomites refused to s Ilow tbe Israelites to nags fhrouzh their In nd. Most resnectful was the rermest of Moses (Nnmhers xx. 14-21). but the only answer was nn armed force to bar the wav and so tl,P twplvp tr-ibes hnn to mnlep a long detrm r round the borders of Edom. And t.his hatred never ceased. There was ever .hif" between the two nations. Saul fOlw:ht ngninst thpnl. Dnvid nearlv flxterrnina ted them (1 KinQ's xi .. Hi-Ill), Solomon ha.d his "naval station" in the ln nd of Edom (1 Kinrrs ix. 211). For o honf n (,pnb,rv Erlom was subiect to Israel. hut in the reign of the weak King .Tornm thev revolted (2 Kings viii. 22). c\",aviah. King of .Tudah slew 10.000 F,domit!'s in battle. and nut to a cruel d('oth onothe r 10000 (2 Chron. xxv, ]1111\. and t.hen foolishly "songht after the 'Torls of F,rlom" (ver. 20). Tn the days of Ahaz "tIll' Edomitcs had come n~d smittr-n .Iudnh. and carr-ied a wav capt.i"f!~" (2 Chron. xxvi ii. 17). Tlli8' is the I~Rt h istot-ir-al notice of Edom in the R~rintnrf's. but secula r h istorv records that four ccntur ies Inter thn~ the dest ruction of .Terusa lem bv Nebuchadnez"Hr thev were defeated bv .Iudas Maecahens (B.C. 166). and we~e compelled W inr-ornorn te themselves in the ,Jewish ns tion bv John Hyrcanus (RC. 13ii). Yl'e know nothing of them as a nation from that time. Isaiah. and .Ieremiah. and Ezekiel. and Daniel. and Joel, and Amos, and Malaehi. as well as Obadiah. prophesied against Edorn. There are also six denunciatory passages in the book of Psalms, Oba diah's prophecy divides into two na rts. He predicts, firstly, the conquest find utter destruction of the Edomites on account of their cruelty to the Jews at the time of the capture of Jerusalem

(1-16); and. secondly, the subsequent expansion of the Israelitish nation and the triumphant glories of Zion (17-21). The prophet announces the calling together of the nations W fight against Edom. An ticipa tivelv. he declares that God will cause her to be made small and despised. For a proud nation like Edom W be "despised" would be peculiarly painful-as if Eng-land was despised by the Euronean powers! Their naturally impregnable position would prove no protection when God should send His instruments to pull them down from their proud bcights; "Though thy nest be set arnonsr the stars 1 will bring thee down." The higher their position the more complete and hopeless their fall. And the rapacity of their enemies would be without bounds. Th ieves do not take everythinz. somethinn is left. but nothi;'g should bp lp-ft behind when the spoilers had finishecl with Edom: "How are hi. hidden trea.sures sought orrt ?" And wha t would make it mo re hitter would be that those whom they counted as their friends and partisnns 'wollld turn and dereive them. Those familiar with thei r persons. their habits, their dwellings. would take advantage of their knowledge to despoil them. Also, they had boasted of - their political wisdom and the strength of their armies (vel'. 8-9). hut these would fail them in t.he hour of trial. Then we have set forth the reason whv God would thus punish them. Tt is "for the violence done to thy brother .Taeob," for when the foreigne;' entered .Ierusalem "thou wast as one of them." And they further exhibited their malice find wickedness, for tbev "cut off those that did escape and delivered not those who were in distress." Tt shows a heart altogether depraved to take advantage of another's fall to trample yet more on him when he is in the dust. This is exactly what Edom did. and for him tbere shall be a condign retribution: "As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee, thou shalt be cut off for ever." And so closes the first part of the prophecy. Edom (sometimes called Idumea) is not yet done with. The second part of the prophecy (17-21) is not yet fulfilled. "The day of the Lord," in its full and proper sense, has never yet arr-ived When Israel is restored to their own land, the nation of Edom will re-appear. And Israel, established on Mount Zion, will be the instrument in God's hands for the final overthrow of the descendants of Edom. It is true that in the Maccabean age Judas Maccabeus and John Hyrcanus and Simon of Gerasa gained great victories over the Edomites, plundering and stripping their country. Hut is it not a fact that when our Lord came, Edom had so far held its own that an Tdumean (Edomean) family had got the upper band in the land. and Herod the descendant of .Antipater the Edomite sat on the Jewish throne at Jerusalem, reigning as King of the Jews? Of what time in the past could it be said "the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall burn among them and devour them?" Read carefully verses 17 to 21, and you will see that all this is unfulfilled-it must be in

To search for truth with doubtful mind, To grope for light with eyes long blind! To say to ev'ry fact, "Maybe," To argue wel l it nd ne'er agree ; To think it wise to scorn the old, To deem it well "new" views to ho ld ; To smile at wisdom born of years, To keep a host of doubts. and fears; To seek by reason's aid to find The path to certitude of mind, To look to science as the key '1 nat shall rovcal each mysteryTo do all this, the critics strivo, Their faith in FAlTH to keep ul ive l Alas! 'twcre better far to own, Mankind has vain and foolish grown, And fails to recognise the Voice That bids the burdened heart rejoice. I say, 'twere better to confess To God our utter helplessness Than scck by humu u III('aIlS to Lruce Each secret to its hidi ng-pluce ; For often to thc Spirit's ear The message conles-'Vhy shou ld'st. thou fear, o eh i Id of man? thou wert not made Like flowers that onl v bloom to fa drBut rather as the se;ds that lic ' Awaiting fuller life on high. Thou sayest science Iu.i ls to find A truth that "satisfies" the lIlilltlIf thou would'st rid thy soul of doubt. Ask Ohrist to cast the' tempter out. ' Then trust the light He will bestow. Till thou can'st say with John - "wz
KNO'V!"

-Er' nest JIlonk,

Read for yourself the Word of God. Its teachings ponder we'l; A God of love has not designed To torture men in hell. Matt. x. 28, -C.G.

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Chnreh and Mission News.

AUCKLAND.-A lively interest is still maintained in the subjects spoken to on "Man's Nature: His State in Death, at the His Reward Resurrection." Or His Punishment,

Sunday, March 29: Bro. G. A. Green presided. and read the second chapter of 1st Oorinthians. Bro, Wi lcoek gave an address from verse 9 of the same chapter. Bro. Qeo. Yearbury was with us in feIlo,,:ship ~his morning, and gave an exhor ta tion. In the evening the subject was "Truth for To-day." Sunday, April 5: Bro. Aldridge presided, Bro. Wild being to ill to attend. The third chapter of Romans was read, but the remarks were based on Gal. i. 3 and 4. Bro, Jenkins was with us this morning, and related some ~onversations he had had with some orthodox people, some of whom had been won over to believe in Life in Christ only. In the cvening the topic was "Battling for the Faith" (Jude iii.). 12th: Bro. Aldridge conducted the meeting. First chapter John's gospel, verse 44. A touching reference was made concerning those of the household who had fallen on sleep. One, an aged sister of 92 years old, who died on the 6th of April; the other an elder of the Church, Bro. W. J. Wild, who passed away on the 8th. In the ovenin an "In Memoriam" service was held." 1 Cor. xv. 26. Sunday, 19th: Bro. Aldridge presided at the morning gathering. Bro. C. Garratt read Luke xxiv., and gave a good encouraging address on "Resurrection," and remarked: "Of what value would be the resurrection of Lazarus, the son of the widow of Nairn and others if Christ was not raised?' His life, Iris works manifested that He was the Son of God, culminating in His resurrection." With us in fellowship: Bros. Tippin, of Hamilton, and WilIiams, late of Toka Toka ; Sisters Battson, of the Thames, and Eva Brewster. In the evening a very forceful address was delivered from Philippians iii, 10, "The Power of His Resu rrection." The resurrection of Christ is a historical fact, which God asks man to believe for salvation (Homans x. 9). The Wednesday evening lectures continue to be well attended, and unabated interest displayed. In order to meet the demands of some enquiring minds, the following subjects were chosen, and evident satisfaction evinced at the lucid manner in which the lectures were deli vered :-March 25, "Hell: Its History, Geography and Use." April 1, "Heaven: Bible Teaching vetsus Orthodox Beliefs." April 8, "The Atonement." April 15, "The Intermediate State." April 22, "The Hich Man and Lazarus." These lectures are free, and questions are invited. W.G.

THAMEs.-Our services have been continued as usual during the past two months. We have nothing very special to report in regard to them. The work at present consists mainly in "holding on," and so far we are grateful for the blessings vouchsafed to us as a community of believers. Recently we have had in fellowship with us Bro. F. Rushbrook, from the Pah iatua Church of Christ. We are hopeful our brother will settle at Thames; and on April 5th (Sunday) we had a surprise visit from Bro. T. L. Wilcock. vVe were all very glad to see him, and listen to his words of cheer. The Sunday School is well attended, and the teachers regular and prompt. We are proud of these devoted workers in Christ's cause, and trust their labours will result in many heing led to put on Christ. TAPu.-The usual monthly services have been held here on the first Sunday in the month. Bro. Taylor receives a good hearing from a good congregation for a small settlement. The services are much appreciated. We believe that good has been, and is being done by our brother's preaching. vVAIOMo.-This settlement is about ha If-way between Thames and 'I'apu, and recently they have commenced erecting a series of large smelting works there, known as the Ferguson Smelting Co. A small day school has also been erected by some of the old settlers, and Bro. Taylor has been invited by them to hold a monthly service there on Sundays, at 2.30. The first service was held on March Lst, when somc thirty persons assembled to hear "The Message of Life"; the second service on April 5th, with about the same number of attendants. We are trusting to be able to make this a permanent preaching place, if it be the Lord's will. 1ATATOKE.-Here, too, Bro. Taylor reports the services as well attended for a farming community, usually from 40 to 50 persons being present. We know that some have been led to deeper inquiry into God's Truth. Bro. Taylor goes out the six mile from Thames ever," Thursdav ewning, and conducts a Bible Class. The attendance varies according to the weather and the state of the roads, yet usually some 20 persons are present, .often more. Latterly, by requests, subjects have been dealt with such as "Spirits in Prison," "WlHLt is a Soul ?" "Giving lip thc Ghost: Whn.t Does it Mean 1" and numerous others of like import. we pray that Goil's blessing may rest upon His Word.-E.C.M.

This power to regenerate mank ind is not ill the intellect, it is not in our schools of learning, not in our houses of mcrcy; it is outside of mall, hilier than man, high as God. It is only" in Jesus Christ our Lord. Dismiss eyery other ho~e; dismiss philosophy. science, Jaw, philanthropy, for tnere is none other name by which we can be saved can be purified, can be redeemed, or b~ which society can be uplifted. than the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.-John P. Neio-

AUCKLANn.-Bro. C. Garratt gave a very interesting lesson on "Sense." Man having the power of thought, can absorb knowledge through his various senses, and so obtain great blessings. So also, by means of these senses, we can be to others channels of blessing or a source of evil. The tongue, an unruly member, is capable of doing much evil; but if guarded and directed aright, becomes a great source of blessing. It is the same also with all the senses. which are dominated by the power of thought. It is verv important tha.t our thoughts and motives should be pure, so that the will power may have a pu rifving effect upon 0111' actions. Let 11S take heed to the nnos+le's iniunction. "Have the mind of Christ." Kill daily the old man with his deeds. and show to the world that we are living witnesses for our Lord. April fl: Bro. L. ~7j]cock spoke upon the subject of "Some Essentials of Christian Growth." Vile must grow in grace ann knowledge. and also get the right kind of food at the right time. and in the right place, a nd take in the milk of the Worn, that we may grow thereby. Two things are absolutely necessary to the Clll'istian life, consecration and absolu te snrrender. We should live that we may become like our Master. able to resist ~vil and glorify our Father, surrenrler inz our will to His, that we may be fashioned after His own purpose, and he a vessel of honour fit for the Master's use. Our life must be one of activity and contention: the hardest fight is against ourselves. It must be a daily fight. So Jet us run that we may obtain. Do good work, and let our light shine before men. April 13: "Faith" was the subject of Bro, A. Green's address, which was based npon Heb. xi. 6. We must believe two things. "that God is," and "that He is n Hewarder of all thorn that diligently . eek Him." The element of faith is in all things, and is based upon the known facts that God liveth, and that God cannot die. In Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Abraham believed, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Let ns therefore remain the children of the faithful, and so obtain the promises. Our faith must be accompanied by righteous deeds. God wants obedience. Let us earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. and wait with patience the corning of the Lord. C.C.

man.

The following is an Arabic proverb:Men are four: He who knows not, and knows not he knows not. He is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows he knows not. He is simple; teach him. He who knows, and knows not he knows. He is asleep; wake him. He who knows, and knows he knows. He is wise; follow him.-New York Ob.

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sica.lly are wanted in this service, and under no circumstances will a boy who smokes cigarettes be employed." The service referred to is that of special delivery messengers, for which appointments are made from this examin-

TO MY BIBLE. (By C. D. MEIGS.)

Text: "And beginning at Moses and the Prophets, He expounded unto them in all tbe Scriptures the things concerning Himself."-Luke xxiv. 27. Book of all Books! Book divine! All and always . 10U art mine, From beginning uirough to end, I may still on Thee depend: In fidels still love to scout thee. Critics high, breed doubts about thee, Devils low would gladly rout thee, If they could-thou Book snblime! "Higher critics," lowered creeds. Fail to satisfy my needs. My soul hungers to be fed iVith divine, not human bread. T need something God hath spoken, My heart craves inerrn.nt token That His Word can ne'er be broken. This. my very soul demands. Let tile critics still rebuke :,\foses and his pen tateueh ! Let them question what he wrote, To their heads content-I note, That He who walked upon the sea. And raised the dead in Oalil"c. Of Moses said-"Ire wrote of Me!" Divine interpretation! Jesus Christ, the Holy One. God's all wise, eternal :::;onHe who at twelve years of age. Taught the Book to Jewish Sage; Found no "myth" in Jonah's storv, Found in Job no "Allegory." " But with light shed down from glory Found Himself! throughout it all. Then to Jesus let us look To interpret His own Book. I-J e who said, and also willed-"Every jot shall be fulflllcd," Knew 'twus heaven's revelu tiou, Never questioned "Inspiratiou," Ever taught its close rcla tion To Himself-blest Book of m ine,

ation.-Se~ected.
ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.

AT this time of the year many indications of the wise provision of our Father in heaven for the needs of His creatures a re to be found.
Just now, as winter approaches, the cold winds begin to blow and the air robs from living things the heat they obtain from their food and from the sunshine, now not so plentiful or powerful. In many ways the loss of heat is prevented. The birds, about thiR time, are growing under their feathers a plentiful supply of fine down. some of the animals are lengthening their hair, and others are laying on fat; some have stored up food of good heat-giving qualities in their winter qun rters, and so save themselves the trouble of much travelling outside in the cold air. Some have a good meal, and then find a comfortable place to snooze away the wintry days. Trees send down their juices into the earth. protected from the searching winds and the biting frosts by a blanket of soil. and possibly a counterpane of snow. A11 a round. therefore, are seen preparations for the time of cold. preparations arranged by Divine wisdom. 'Men and women, however. require to prepare by laying up supplies of fuel, food, and extra cov.ering for day and night. Some of us, like the woman of Prov. xxxi., are so well prepared that we are "not afraid of the snow" or the cold when it comes. Many are not. Misfortune, iIIness, lack of work, loss of the breadwinner, and many another cause not quite so worthy of sympathy, has left them sadly unprepared. A few of our committee are already helping with coal and firewood, groceries, ctc., but when it comes to purcbasing blankets our funds are found to be too small to get many. So we desire you to contribute a little now to aid in this work, or. if you would prefer, send along a spare hlanket or a pair, or rug, homemade or otherwise. and we will undertake to place it satisfactorily. Depot for parcels: "Sunshine," care E. H. Falkner, Karangahape Road. Correspondence to f iss Hardy, Pollen Street. Arch Hill; or H. Aldridge, WiJ liam Street, Mount Albert.

Remember. my son, you have to work. iYhether vou handle a pick or a pen, It wheelbarrow. or a set of books, digging ditches, or cdi ting a paper, ringing an auction bell or writing funny things, you must work. If you look around, you will see the men who are most able to live the rest of their days without work are the men who work the hardest. Don't be afraid of killing yourself with over-work. Tt is beyond yOllr power to do that on the sunny side of thirty. They (10 sometimes, but it is because thev quit work at 6 p.m. and don't grt home un ti l 2 a.m. Tt's the intervn 1 tha t kills, mv son. The work gives you an appetite for your meals; it lends solidity to vour slumbers , it gives YOll a perfect and grateful appreciation of a holiday. There are young men who do not work. . bu t the world is not proud of them. It noes not know their names even ; it only speaks of them as "old So-and-so's boys." Nobody likes them: the great busy wor ld doesn't know that they are there. So find out what you want to do and be. and take off Your coat and make a dust in the "'orld~ The busier vou are the less harm you will be apt "to get into. the sweeter wi 11 be your sleep, the brighter and happier your holidays, and the better sa tisfied will the world be wi th you.-R. J. Burdette. WHISTLING AND THINKING.

BOY

WANTED,

NOT A SMOKER.

BL'NYA

-s

IMPROVIRED

FLUTE.

Tn z most curious story of John Bunyan's life in Bedford Gaol is this: To pass away his gloomy hours he took a leg out of his stool and with his knife fashioned it into a flute. The keepers repeatedly searched his cell to find the cause of the music, but when he heard them coming he would always replace the leg in the stool, and they never discovered how the music had been pro-

dueed.-Selected.

At a conference of the Ch icago post office authorities it was recently decided to hereafter employ no boy who smokes cigarettes, or who is known to have once been addicted to the habit. Heretofore there has been a rule in force that boys employed by the office could not smoke while working, but believing that smoking has a demoralising effect, and because of the need of the most intelligent and active boys, it is thought wise to make closer restrictions. An examination is soon to be held, when seven hundred youths wi ll enter into competition for positions in the post office, and the new order will have no small effect upon so large a number of applicants. The clause relating to cigarettes says: "No small boys will be allowed to participate in the examination, since only the best-equipped boys mentally and phy-

It was said of one boy that he "whistled for want of thought." This was another sort of bov that an exchange tells of: . There was much whistling in our yard OBe summer. It seemed to be an allsumrner's pcrfor ma ucc. Near the end of the season, however, our hoy announced the height of our tall maple to be thirtythree feet. "Why, how do you k no w?" wus Lhe general question. "Measured it." "How?" "Foot-rule and vu nlst.ick." "You didn't eliJ;lb that tall tree 1" his mother asked, anxiously. "No'm ; I just found the length of the shadow, and measured that." "But the length of the shadow changes." "Yes'm; but twice a day the shadows are just as long as the things themselves. I've been trying it all summer. I drove a stick into the ground, and when the shadow was just as long as the stick, I knew that the shadow of the tree would be just as long as the tree, and that's thirty-three feet." "So that is what you have been wh istling about all summer 1" "Did I whistle?" asked Tom.-CMis-

tian Guardian.

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~be

:fl3tble Stanbarb.
~. d.

There is as great genius displayed in advertising as in the higher branches of literature. No problem daunts the modern advertising man. In the window of a little bookstore in Eighth Avenue, New York, was recently heaped a great pile of Bibles, marked very low-never before were Bibles offered at such a bargain; and above them all, in big letters, was the inscription: "Satan trembles when he sees Bibles sold as low as these."

The Bible Standard. can be ordered direct from the 'I'reasurer MR. A. M. SKI';ATES, Queen Strec', Auckland. Price per ann 11111. post free . .. 2 6 Single copies .. 0 2 BOOK STEW ARD-E. H. FALK"ER, Queen 8treet. AGENTS FOR 'THIll BIBLE S1'ANIJA1U): NEW ZEALAND. Auckland-Mr. Hancock, Bookseller, Queen Sbreet , Wellington-H. J. Barraclough, Myrtle Crescent. Dunedin-Mr. Lawrence, Hope Street, Kai"poi-Mr. James Holland. Rangiora-Mr. Wm. Smith, SouLh Brook. New Plymouth-Mr. Fred Goodacre, CourLney Road. E"st Oxford-Mr. A. England. Thames-Mr. C. Sanders, Macky Street. Timaru-Mr. H. H. King, Stafford Sbreel., 'I'inwald, Ashburton-Mr. Shearer. Waihi-Mr. .Ioseph Foster. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide-Mr. C. Gamhle, Magilllload, Stepney. NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney-Mr. H. Oropp, Mitchell Street, Kogarah. Oommunications to the Editor to be addressed: GI!;O. ALIJRIDGE Brentwood Avenue, Mount Eden. Telegraphic Address, . Rock)'
Nook."

Woman's Home Oompanion.

TOO FOND OF GEOGRAPHY. That phrase was let slip by one of 0111' elevator men the other dav. Hp was describing a yOllng fellow who had not succeeded in business because 11e never stuck to one thing long enOllgh to slIrc!'Nl. H!' was "too fond of geography." A hright way to P11t it. Geography is a fine science, a favonrite studv of mine. but not in that way. T am fond of travel, hilt T (10 not care to travel from one job to another. Most trnve l is cducn t.iv and profltable . that kind is neither. Rtay put, voung man! Take root in vour sitnation! Shut vou r eves to the glittering promise of "big chances," "ad'vancing salary." ann "possible partnership." Do not make a change from 1'0111'present work unless Y011have the very best of reasons-no reasons but the very best. Remember the wisp proverb about the rolling stone. You do not W~l11tto srather moss? YOIl would avoid being a mosshack? Well. the kind of moss that this proverb means is dol la rs, and reputat.ion. and friends. and all kinds of good success. Yon have no objection to gathering these things, I am sure. Life is cumu la tive. when it is lived in one place and spent in one occuna tion. Every removal dissipates influence and wastes exnerience. and loses mOn1Pntn111. Stop a cannon-ball, and even if vou nut it in a larger cannon than it was in before. it must hf'gin all over again. with an entirely fresh charge of nowder behind it. Change the direction of the ship, and you lessen its speed. Move. if you mllst-to another house, another town. another farm. another business. But count the necessi tv a misfortunc ; and if Y011are not obliged to move, be grntef111 for thr- opportunitv of steady growth.-OhriBtian

All communtcations to the Association and orders for Bible Stamdard to be addressed to the Secretary, MR. AT,F,X. P AGJ<~.Murdoch Road, Grey Lr nn, Auckland.

CHURCH
H uld

OF CHRIST

Services as under: AUCKLAND-West Street. Sunday, at 11 o'clock .m., Fellowship Meeting RA5 p.m., Preaching Service. 8nnday School at 2,45. Wednesday evening, BIble Class at 7.45. Hlvan~elist'8 address-Geo. Aid ridge, .Brentwood Avenne Mount Eden. Secreta.rv=-W. Gibson, Ponsonby Road.

LWSKILL HALLSunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting. DUNEDIN-Oddfellows' Hall. Stuart I:;treet. Sunday at 11 a.m .. Fellowship and Meeting. EvenIng Preaching Servlc4.', 6.30. Secretary's Address-S. Laurence, Hope Street, Dunedin. HELENSVILLE-Church. Sunday, Sunday Sunday Church Secretary, THAMES-Pollen

n"deo

VOll1'

TVo,.zd.

\!reasurer'fl Bclmowletl(lments.
S/a1ldrrHl S1I1Js.-Mesdames Moodv. Robinson. McGillwrny. Parker. Noble. Rov. G. Gr('en. A. :'If. Murray. Mitchell. Bruce, 'I'uckctt. Bormn n n. Gray. Broadhead. Clement. Misses Carratt, Younz. ~Tf'ssrs. Rogors. J. Muir. .Ienkins. D. Mi tch ell , Duthie. Wvn t t .. T. R. Cara.dus . T. Bn.llard. M. Ballard. Daley W. H;lston. 'V. Stout, H. Tnylor.R. Holland, J. Holland, 'R. ,T. Huzhcs. T,angoon. C. L. Ha nson. F. S. Shearer, R. M. Cn meron .. T. Ar1l1strong. G. Aldridge. VIT. Smith. O. VeaJe, W. WiQ'ht. D. Gnlhnm .. T. P. Maver, M. Heape, D. Sherriff. T. Ashlev. W. Hodze. Wheeler. D. Donn ldson .. J. Foster. C. Higgs, W. Hood. J. Moore. C. Neilsen. E. Bestie. A. Lang, H. Bostock, C. Ludwirr. W. Half'S. A. Nett.i ngha m B. Best, C. J. Green. Wright. YV. Bla.kev. R. Revburn, VV. H. Clarke, E. Ling, J. Pu rne ll. C. Dickcnson. W. Pear-son. H. Cropp, H. Stewart, G. Buxter . T. Mcl ntyre. 1\. Harrow, O. Sanders, J. Trewin. G. J. .~llen. C.. T. Kern. D. Somerville .. T. McKenzie, Baker. C. Sanrlers. Morrison, Jessop. B. Dickson, G. Johnston, F. Pugh, K R. Brewster .. T. Goldie. O. W. Cropn. McRae, F. B. Hughes, .T. Ford. H. H. King, C. 1. Keat, .T. L. Taylor, P. Comrie, Lush. C. Moon. J. Br idson. Kessell. ,T. O. Hardy, J. Morr ison, B. Morrison. Williams, Mitchell, D. Mnrgatroyd.

Fellowship Meeting, at 11 a.m, School, at 2.30 Evening, Preaching, 7. R. M. Cameron.

'~T.

Street Lecture Hall. Sunday at 11 a.m., Fellowship Meeting. EvenIng ServIce at 6.30. Sunday School at 2.30. Bible Class every Wednesday eventng 81 Evangelislr--E. H. Taylor, Bowen Street. Parawai. Secretary-Ch as. Sanders, Mackay Street, Thames. Miners' Union H"II. Sunday 11 a.m. Fellowship MeetinR'; ,. 2.30 p.m. Sunday School. . Sunday Evening. at 7. A Public Hible Address. Church Secretary-D. Donaldson. !1;vangelist-JoHeph Foster, Waihi.

7.1111

W AIHI-The

TIMARU-Sonhla

Street nan. Sunday, at 11 a.m .. Fellowship Meeting. Secretary'S Address-H. H. King, Sta1Tord Street. Tlmsrn

ADELAIDE. S.A.-Druids' Hall. BeuJah Road. Norwood. Secretary's Address-George G. Gamble, Magil\ Road. Stepney Adelaide. S.A.

Association Subs.-Mesdames Shepherd, Brewster, G. Green, Matthews, Firth, Messrs. E. Phi pps, L. Falkner, J. Caradus, D. Hpron. R. M. Cameron. G. A. Green, R. Logan, T. O. Jen kins. T. L. Wilcock, A. Thomson, W. Penman, D. Donaldson, W. J. Wild, J. Fletcher, H. Cropp, G. S. Fowler, W. H. Cropp, J. M. Miller, J. Kenc1ell, W. E. Gibson, Gibson, McDell, Comrie.
A. M. SKEATES, Treasurer.

Printed hy TRI<: RR~~T1' RI:'fTING ANn PUBLISHINGCOMPANY.Short P land Street, for the New Zealand Evangelistic and Publication Association. and nubl ished bv W. A. SMITH. Selwyn RORd, Mt. Arbert, MAY. 1908.