The Seven Seals and the Seven Churches
The Seven Seals and the Seven Churches
1904 Quater 2
INTERNATIONAL SABBATH-SCHOOL iQUARTERLY
Sabbath-School Lessons on
OUTLINE STUDIES IN
THE REVELATION FOR SENIOR CLASSES SECOND Q,UARTER, rgol
PUBLISHED BY THE
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA (Entered June 17, 1895, as second-class matter at the Oakland, California, Post-office, under Act
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No. 36 Oakland, California, April 1, 1904 zPoricceenstcs each per year
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Testimonies on Sabbath-school Work
CONTENTS
PAGE The Sabbath-school and the Church Service 7 The Use of Helps 9 Search the Scriptures To Sabbath-school Duties in the Camp-meeting and at
Home 12 To Superintendents and Teachers i6 Sabbath-school Influences 20 Possibilities in Sabbath-school Work 29 Responsibilities of Parents and Teachers 35 Need of Genuine Religion in Our Sabbath-schools . 41 Co-operation with Christ 47 The Object of Sabbath-school Work 5o Heart-work in Sabbath-school Teachers and Scholars 54 The Teacher Must Be a Learner 58 The Spirit of Investigation Essential 62 What It Means to be a Laborer with God 67 The All-important Lesson 7o Need of Consecrated Teachers 73 Christ Our Example 76 Treatment of Erring Pupils 77 Qualifications of Teachers 8o Safety in Following Christ 83 Fresh Themes to be Presented 85 To Teachers 87 Danger of Formalism 89 Holy Spirit Essential to Success 91 Consecration of Teachers 95 Safeguarding the Children 98 Love the Constraining Power loo God's Manner of Imparting Knowledge .. . ro5 Fragments 107
The Price of this Book Bound in Leather is 35 Cents Post-paid SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION FOR SENIOR CLASSES
Second Quarter, 1904
Note:—These lessons are not to be a book study, but an outline study of the leading prophecies in the book. They will be but a survey of a book which we have been especially ex- horted to study earnestly and prayerfully in order that we may understand the past history of the people of God and the closing work under the Third Angel's Message of the four- teenth chapter, which gives the special burden and key-note of the Gospel message for our time.
LESSON I — The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
APRIL 2, 1904.
Questions.
i. What is the inspired title of this book? Who is the Author of this revelation? For what purpose was it given? How was it brought to men? Rev. Li.
2. Of what did John bear testimony? Verse 2. , 3. What had it cost John to bear witness for Christ? Verse 9. Note I. The offerings for this quarter go to the most needy fields.
4 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
4. Need one despised or persecuted by earthly princes be ashamed of the Christian calling? What has it cost Jesus to bring the revelation of His saving power? Verses 5, 6.
5. What special blessing may we claim as we take up studies in this book? Verse 3. Note 2.
6. Round what grand event does all the revelation center? Verse 7.
7. When were the scenes of this book opened to John? Verse 1o. What day is this? Mark 2:28; Isa. 58: 13.
8. To whom was this revelation sent? Rev. Note 3.
9. What did John see as he turned to learn from whence the voice came that spake to him? Verses 12, 13. 1o. Describe His appearance. Verses 14-16. I I. Who does this One declare Himself to be? Verses II (first part), 18. 12. What did He hold in His right hand? Verse 16. 13. What do the seven stars and the seven candle- sticks represent? Verse 20. 14. Need we fear to deal with this all-glorious One? Verses 17, 5, last part. 15. With what purpose is He ministering in the heav- enly courts and overruling in the affairs of earth? John
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What help may we claim in believing study of God’s revelations? Deut. 29:29. The Son of God beggared Himself to enrich us. OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 5
Notes. I. "On account of the desolate character of this island, it was used, under the Roman Empire, as a place of banish- ment, which accounts for the exile of John thither. The banishment of the apostle took place about the year 94, as is generally supposed, under the Emperor Domitian; and from this fact the date assigned to the writing of the Revelation is A. D. 95 or 96."—Thoughts on Revelation) 2. The blessing promised to those who read and hear comes only as the third condition is fulfilled, by the keeping of the things written. We are not studying merely to learn interesting facts regarding the past fulfilment of prophecy. These are all essential in the proper understanding of the book, but the study will be of lasting value only as we seek God for grace to learn how to keep in our own lives the lessons of the past and the warnings and counsels, all written for us. The "sayings of the prophecy of this book" are things to be daily kept by thoie who would be prepared for the coming of Christ. Rev. 22:7. 3. "The seven churches." Under the names of the seven churches in Asia, the Holy Spirit has delineated seven differ- ent stages of the Christian church, which appear in succes- sion, extending from the apostolic days to the coming of the Lord and the consummation of all things. In other words, these messages to the seven churches constitute a connected prophecy of the church of Christ on earth, during seven periods of time, covering the entire history of the church from the first to the second advent. The messages to all the churches therefore come to us who live in the last days.
LESSON 11.—The Seven Churches—Ephesus and Smyrna. APRIL 9, 1904. Questions. i. What are the names of the seven churches to whom this book of Revelation is dedicated? Rev. It11. Note I. Nine-tenths of the women of India never heard of a Saviour. THE SEVEN CHURCHES Z
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"It is impossible to mark by exact date the definite beginning and ending of each division or church. They blended into each other, telescoped each other so to speak, and the characteristics of each and all continue in some measure to the end. In general, it may be. said that Ephesus included the closing part of the apostolic age; Smyrna, the time of the pagan persecutions; Pergamos, from the days of Constantine to the sixth century; Thyatira, the greater part of the long period of the Dark Ages; Sardis (beginning with Reformation times), Philadelphia (with Advent-message days, about 1840-44), Laodicea (especially after 1844), all represent last-day conditions, manifest even unto the very end. The varied shading in the diagram suggests the spiritual con- dition of the churches in the various periods." For colored diagrams and further explanation see Bible Stu- dents' Library, No. 184, entitled, "The Seven Churches and the Seven Seals."
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 7 2. What local church was named as representing the first period in this history of the entire church? Rev. 2:1
- What was there desirable at that period of the church? Note 2.
- Who bears this message to the church of Ephe- sus? Verse 1.
- What assurance is there in the fact that He walks among the candlesticks? Rev. I:20, last part; Matt. 28:20. 6. For what is this church commended? Rev. 2:2, 3. 7. What reproof is given? Verse 4. Note 3. 8. What exhortation? What warning? Verse 5. 9. Suggest some examples of “first works.” See John 1:43-46; Luke 8:38-4o; 2 Peter I :5-9. Note 4.
- What commendation is given concerning their attitude toward- apostasy? Rev. 2 :6. Note 5. 1. What is the call, and what the promise of the Lord to the overcomer? Verse 7. Note 6.
- What may we say of the time of this first period of the church?—It covers the early church to the time when its apostolic leaders had passed away, say to the closing of the first century and the early days of the second, the natural boundary of the first, or apostolic, era of the church, though no specific year may be given.
- What church is named for the second period of the history? Verse 8. Note 7.
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How is the speaker described? Verse 8. Note 8. “ There shall be delay no longer”—our confidence. 8 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
- What comforting assurance is given? Verse 9.
- What scenes of tribulation were they to pass through? Verse to, first part. Note 9.
- What was the cheering promise? Verse 10 (last part), i 1.
- What special period of time is covered by this second stage of church history?—From early in the second century, through the days of pagan persecution, to the time of Constantine, whose professed conversion, in A. D. 323, opened a distinctly third era in church history.
- What picture does Inspiration set over against these descriptions of times of trial? Rev. 7:13-17. Notes. 1. The number seven is used repeatedly throughout the book, evidently to denote fulness and completion. So just seven churches represent the complete history. 2. The word “Ephesus” means “desirable.” The church in this period—in the days of apostolic labor—had enjoyed the doctrine of Christ in its purity; also the benefits and blessings of the Holy Spirit received. “3. The first love, the warmth of affection experienced when the Saviour was first received and the hope of the message first dawned upon the mind, had faded out some- what in process of years, under cares and trials. “Lord, is “i it I?„, first love must be renewed by coming to Jesus for the forgiveness of all sin, the full surrender of the heart, and then, constrained by the love of Jesus for others, the new con- vert, though perhaps old professor, will have a new experi- ence to tell, a new song to sing, even praise unto God. Then missionary work of all kinds will be not a duty alone, but a joy; yet still a duty to which the believer must sternly hold himself against all the tendency of the flesh to become care- less. Just here was the failure of the early church. 5. The sect of Nicolaitanes was one of the earliest of the The needs of the cause of God are world wide. OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 9
•parties that sprang tip within the church, undermining the truth by mysticism and fanciful teaching. Under profession of a higher philosophy of God and a more spiritual under- standing of the doctrines of Christ, they brought heathen no- tions and moral corruptions into the church. 6. This and other references show plainly that the Eden that once was on earth has been transplanted to heaven. 7. .:”Smyrna’ signifies ‘myrrh,’ fit appellation for the church of God while passing through the fiery furnace of per- secution and proving herself a ‘sweet-smelling savor’ unto Him.” — houghts on Revelation. 8. “Which was dead and is alive.” This is an assurance that One who has gone down into Satan’s prison-house, con- quered death, and brought the key away with Him, was qualified to bear a message of hope and comfort to the church in that age when many were to seal their testimony with their blood. ) 9. In these times of pagan persecution, the issue was practically the same as we must again face—the Christian principle of religious liberty as opposed to the Roman prin- ciple of governmental regulation of religion. The Roman law was: “No man shall have for himself particular gods of his cwn; no man shall worship by himself any new or foreign gods, unless they are recognized by the public laws.” The prophecy speaks of “ten days.” The last and severest per- secution of this period was a sustained effort to suppress Christianity, lasting ten years. Ten clays. prophetic time—a clay for a year—would be ten years, literal time “It was not till A. D. 311,” says Lecky, “ten years after the first measure against the Christians, that the Eastern persecution ceased. Galerius, the arch-enemy of the Christians, was struck down by a fearful disease.” He suspended his edict and besought Christians to pray for his recovery.
Prayerfully consider the unentered fields.
I0 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
LESSON LIZ—The Seven Churches. Pergamos and Thyatira.
APRIL 16, 1904.
Questions.
i. To what period were we brought in the last les- son?—To the days when, under the patronage of Con- stantine and the great of earth, the apostate wing of the church and the world joined hands and the Roman Empire was said to be "converted."'
2. Under what name does the Spirit address the loyal church in this third period? Rev. 2:12, first part. Note 1.
3. How is the speaker described? Verse 12, last part. Note 2.
4. What words of approval are spoken? Verse 13. Note 3.
5. What words of censure? Verses 14, 15. Note 4.
6. What warning is spoken? Verse 16.
7. What exhortation and promise is addressed to those who have compromised with evil? Verse 17.
8. By what church is the next, or fourth, period represented? Verse 18. Note 5.
9. Who speaks, and how is He described? Verse 18. Note 6. 1o. What does He first mention?—The virtues. In what terms? Verse 19. it. What is the reproof? Verse 20. Note'7. We expend sixty per cent of our efforts upon four per cent of
our field.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION II
- What threat is uttered against the apostate power? Verses 21-23.
- How does the Lord encourage His own, but erring, church in days of apostasy? Verses 24, 25. See Isa. 42 :3, 4.
- What promise is made to the faithful under op- pression? Verses 26, 27. Note 8.
- What pledge of victory has the believer? Verse
- Note 9.
- With what call does the message close? Verse 29. Notes. 1. “Pergamos” means height or elevation. The so-called conversion of the Emperor Constantine took place in A. D.
- The same power which had been used to persecute and put to death millions of the Christians was now turned in their favor. Thus a flood of worldliness and pagan doctrines was brought into the church. 2. The description suggests the need of discipline by the hewing of the Word of God. Rev. 1:16; Heb. 4:12. 3. “Where Satan’s seat is.” It was following the supposed conversion of Constantine that the flood-gates of error were opened, and every form of false doctrine was brought in. Constantine was nothing but a heathen to the day of his death. His so-called conversion was wholly an affair of politi- cal policy. Nearly every false doctrine in the Roman Church to-day, and very many still retained in Protestant churches, came direct from paganism, and were brought into ,the church at that time. Truly it was where Satan’s seat was.F7 4. The apostate Balaam having failed by direct attack to bring a curse upon* Israel, counseled Balak to seduce them into sin .and so indirectly accomplish the end. Num. 31:16. Here the church that had withstood the pagan persecutions was weakened by popularity, and the compromise with worldly principles, evil and falsehood springing up within. It is still the greatest danger of the church.
- “Thyatira” means “sweet savor of labor,” or “sacrifice “One dollar now is of more value to the work than ten dollars will be at some future period.” 12 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
of contrition,” appropriately suggesting the torn and bleeding church of Christ in the dark days of papal rule.) This period of—the church may be said to begin about A. D. 538, the date- , marking.the political supremacy of the Papacy, anclintroduOng another distinct era in church history, namely, the 1260 years (538 to 1798)of Dan. 7:25. 6: The feet of burnished brass (see Rev. 1:15) are evi- dence that Jesus still walks the fiery furnace of trial with His loved ones. 7. “Jezebel is a figurative. name, alluding to Ahab’s wife, who slew the prophets of the Lord, led her husband into idolatry, and fed the prophets of Baal at her own table. A more striking figure could not have been used to denote the papal abominations. See 1 Kings, chapters 18, 19, and 21. It is very evident from history, as well as from this verse, that the church of Christ did suffer some of the papal monks to preach and teach among them. See the ‘History of the Waldenses.’ “—William Miller’s Lectures. 8. The smiting of the nations (Ps. 2:8, 9) is performed by Christ, but associated with Him in the final judgment are all the saints. Ps. 149:5-9. During the thousand years they sit with Christ in judgment upon the wicked. 9. In that darkest hour of the church the Lord gives the assurance of the coming dawn. See Luke 1:78; Rev. 22:16; 2 Peter r:19. The light shed abroad in the believing sinner’s heart by the Holy Spirit, Christ’s representative, is assurance of the dawn of eternal day to those who “hold fast.”
LESSON IV.—The Seven Churches. Sardis and Philadelphia. APRIL 23, 1904. Questions. I. What special period was covered by the church of Thyatira?—The days of papal supremacy. 2. What great event prepared the way for a new era in the church?—The Reformation. Note I. “ The advent message to the world in this generation”—our watchword. OUTLINE STUDIES IN Tilt REVELATION
- By what church of Asia was the next, or fifth, period of the history represented? Rev. 3:1, first part. Note 2. 4. How is this church addressed? Verse 1. 5. Would the Lord have His people rest satisfied in partial reformation? Verse 2. 6. What is the exhortation and warning? Verse 3. Note 3. 7. To what sad state had trust in high profession brought the church of Sardis? Verse 4. 8. Toward what event does the promise to the over- corner point in the Sardis stage of the church? Verse
- Note 4.
- What is still the call? Verse 6.
- What name expresses the special characteristic of the next, or sixth, stage of the church? Verse 7. Note 5. I. How is the speaker here described? Verse 7. Note 6.
- What had He done for the church? Verse 8. Note 7.
- What assurance is given the advent believers? Verse 10.
- What is the hope held forth and the exhortation? Verse it.
- What is the ever-ringing call to every man? Verse 13.
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What influence has the genuine advent hope upon the life? 1 John 3:3. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” Iej OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE EEVELAtION
Notes. I. The full prophetic period in which the Papacy was to wear out the saints reached to 1798. But for the elect's sake, those days were shortened. Matt. 24:22. The Reformation• partially broke the power of the Papacy and brought the reign of wholesale persecution to an end. By.successive reform movements the Protestant churches of Europe and America were developed. Thus, as we approach 1798, a new era, the fifth, develops in the history of the church—the era of the Protestant reformed churches. - “Sardis” means “song of joy,” or “that which remains:” “I will put upon you none other burden,” was the promise made at the close of the preceding period of the church. Rev. 2:24. For nearly eighteen centuries the church had felt the hand of persecution laid heavily upon her, and many millions had fallen in death. At the close of the Thyatira church she was never again to pass through like scenes. This is truly cause for rejoicing. N 3,T hose who have started in reform and ceased to grow must fake fresh hold of principles already learned and go on unto fuller knowledge and experience in the truth. The fatal weakness in the reformed churches Was the tendency to stand still where the first reformers left them. Growth is the law of spiritual life. See Prov. 4:18; John 12 :35.
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We are now in our study approaching the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary—the final blotting out of sins, be- ginning in 1844. Hence the promise to the overcomer directs attention to the final work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, the opening of the judgment hour. The proclamation of this grand event, in the years just preceding 1844, constituted the world-wide Advent movement which was to mark the next stage in the development of the church. 5:”Philadelphia means “brotherly love.” All the story of the early Advent movement leading up to the autumn of 1844, at which time the Advent people expected to meet their Lord, shows that believers were bound together in ties of fellowship and love like to that which reigns in heaven, which they ex- pected soon to enter. Coming out from various churches and the world, they were made one by the “blessed hope.”
"Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; " This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations,• and then shall the end come."OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVE;’_,ATION
The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above."
Now, with the ministry in the heavenly sanctuary almost finished and the coming of the Lord at the very door, all hearts must again let in the love of heaven, which will make the true believers one and fit them to live. with the angels. See-the last rounds in Peter’s ladder. 2-Peter -1:77-hr”
- The time approaches for Christ to take the throne and kingdom as son of David. Luke 1:32, 33. He gives assurance that none may frustrate His final work for us in the heavenly sanctuary. .
- The specific Philadelphia period of the church hr-ings, us to the autumn of 1844, when the long period of the 2,300 days ended, and the work of judgment was opened in the,1 most holy of the heavenly sanctuary. “I was shown tha(t . . . the time for the commandments of God to shine out; with all their importance, and for God’s people to be tried on the Sabbath truth, was when the door was opened in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which is contained the Ten Commandments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holy place of the sanctuary in 1844. Then Jesus rose up and shut the door of the -holy place, and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where He now stands by the ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches. I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev. 3:7, 8); and that since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to God’s people, and they are being tested on the Sabbath question.”—Early Writings.
“Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they’ are whit, already to harvest.” 16 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
LESSON V.—The Seven Churches. Philadelphia and Laodicea.
APRIL 30, IS04.
Questions.
I. What church of Asia is used to represent the very last stage of Christ's church on earth? Rev. 3:14. Note I.
2. Through what experience must believers in the last generation pass? Verses To, II; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. Rev. 12:17. Note 2.
3. What is the promise to the overcomer in the message to Philadelphia? Rev. 3:12.
4. Against what tendencies must the latter-day be- lievers guard? Matt. 24:12; 2 Tim. 3: 1-5.
5. How is the speaker to the Laodiceans described? Rev. 3:14. Note 3.
6. What reproof is sadly given? Verses 15, 16.
7. What makes the condition more deplorable? Verse 17, first part.—Satisfaction in a profession of the truth.
8. What condition does this high and correct pro- fession cover? Verse 17, last part.
9. What counsel is given? Verse 18. What is the gold? James 2:5; Eph. 2:7, 8. What the raiment? Isa. 61:1o. What the anointing? Isa. 61:1. 10. How shall this experience come?—By the sur- render to the love of Jesus as the needy, common sin- ners that we are. I Tim. I :t5; I John i : 8, 9.
The offerings for this quarter go to the most needy fields.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 17
- What encouragement is in the reproof itself? Rev. 3:19.
- Must the sinner search far to find the Saviour? Verse zo, first part.
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What is the needy soul to do?—Only to hear, open the heart’s door; no longer hold it•shut. Verse zo; John 14:23. “Yes, I’ll open this proud heart’s door, Yes, I’ll let Him in. Gladly I’ll welcome Him evermore; 0, yes, I’ll let Him in. Blessed Saviour, abide with me, Cares and trials will lighter be; I am safe if I’m only with Thee, O blessed Lord, come in.”
- What does Christ long to do? Rev. 3:20, last part. Note 4.
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What is’ the final promise and exhortation? Verses 21, 22. Note that all the promises and warnings and lessons of the messages to the seven churches come to thoSe in the last days, with the solemn call to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Truly last-day pro- fessors and unbelievers are left without excuse. “What could have been clone more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it?” Isa. 5:4.
Notes. 1. Laodicea signifies a "judging of the people." From 1844 to the close of probation is the hour of God's judgment. After this work of judging the people, the Lord will come. The message to the world in this judgment hour is the three- fold message of Rev. 14:6-12, the commandments of God, andThe Son of God beggared Himself to enrich n.5., IS OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
the faith of Jesus, which has brought out this Seventh-day Adventist people. 2. It is evident that the last two periods of the church— Philadelphia and Laodicea—cover one and the same genera- tion. The rise of the Advent movement and the special mes- sage of preparation for the end was a signal that the opening years of the closing generation had been reached, to whom was due Godls, final warning. Believers who came in during the Philadelphian experience, such as -live to the coming of the Lord, pass through the Laodicean period. The final trials and experiences of, the last-day church are therefore described in the message to Philadelphia, while the special perils to the waiting church in the last generation are pointed out in the Laodicean message. The time of the Laodicean message is fine of drowsiness and peril, and the burden of the message is to escape from the Laodicean condition. 3. The title “Amen” suggests the final Word to the churches, the faithful witness that can not spare; for now the church must be made clean and pure to meet the Lord. It must re- turn to the first lo.ve and first works, to the primitive purity of the first stage of Ephesus, and maintain constantly to the end that blessed experience enjoyed in the brief stage of the Philadelphia church, in which believers, joined in fellowship, waited for the appearing of the Saviour. Eph. 5:27; Rev. 1 4:5. 4. He will take our sin and give His righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21.. He longs to share our trials and share with us His triumphs.
LESSON VT—Scenes in Heaven.
MAY 7, 1904.
. Questions.
I. What scene was presented to John after the vision of the seven churches? Rev 4:1, 2. Note I. 2. How does he describe the One who sat upon the throne? Verse 3. Note 2. Nine tenths of the women of India never heard of a Saviour
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 19
3. What assurance is given us by the rainbow about the throne? Isa. 54:9, Io. Note 3.
4. Whom did the prophet next see round about the throne? Verse 4. Who are these? Rev. 5:9 (last. part), Io. Note 4.
5.. Further describe the view of the throne presented in the vision. Chap. 4:57-9. Instead of "beasts" the Revised Version has "living creatures."
6. What song of praise is uttered by the elders? Verses io, 11.
7. What did John see in the hand of the One upon the throne? What challenge was uttered by the angel? What was the response? Chap. 5:1-3.
8: How did this affect the prophet? What as- surance was given? Verses 4, 5.
9. Who then appeared to the prophet's vision? What did the Saviour do? Verses 6, 7. Note 5. • 1o. What song of praise was then heard in heaven? Verses 8-12.
I. In prophetic anticipation unto what grand chorus did this song of praise swell?—In. vision the prophet was carried to the final triumph, when all the universe is cleansed from sin through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Verse 13.
12. Where will all the saved have begun to learn the song? Ps. 40:1-3.
Notes.
i. These visions of heaven show how real and tangible is that place. Mysticism would make heaven but a state or condition; but heaven is a real place. Spiritual beings in
"There shall be delay no longer"—our confidence.
20 • OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
bodily form dwell there and go to and fro. Men in redeemed flesh, who once lived on earth, as Enoch and - Moses and Elijah, and our Lord and Saviour, in whose hands of flesh may he seen the prints of the nails, serve and dwell in heaven. There is the tree of life and the garden of Eden, trees that once rooted in the very soil of this earth as do those which we see abbut us. Let none be robbed of the hope of heaven by the theosophical mysticism which is sweeping the world to-day. 2. Throughout the Scriptures the Lord represents Him- self as one before whose face and bodily presence the re- deemed sinner in immortal flesh may one day come. The fact that God is Spirit in no way suggests the spiritualistic idea of an all-pervading personality or influence with no special place where His bodily presence may be approached by spiritual beings. Here is a view of the throne of heaven wholly in accord with scenes presented in Holy Writ: “I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. I gazed on Jesus’ countenance and admired His lovely person. The Father’s person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him. I asked Jesus if His Father had a form like Himself. He said He had, but I could not behold it, for, said He, if you should once behold the glory of His person, you would cease to exist.”—Early Writings, p. 45. 3. “In heaven the semblance of a rainbow encircles the throne, and overarches the head of Christ. The prophet says, ‘As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about [the throne]. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah.’ The Revelator declares, ‘Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. . . . There was a rain- bow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.’ When man by his great wickedness invites the divine judg- ments, the Saviour, interceding with the Father in his behalf, points to the bow in the clouds, to the rainbow around the throne and above His own head, as a token of the mercy of God toward the repentant sinner. With the assurances given to Noah concerning the flood, God Himself has linked one of the most precious promises of His grace. . . . Isa. 54:9, io.”—Patriarchs and P. rophets, P. 107. 4. These elders are plainly redeemed men, who once lived on earth. Many sleeping saints arose with Christ (Matt. 27: 52, 53), and as He ascended on high He led a multitude of captives (Eph. 4:8, margin), first-fruits and pledges of His
Prayerfully consider the unentered fields.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 21
victory over the grave and of the coming resurrection of all the righteous dead. In Solomon’s temple note that the priests served in courses of twenty-four. i Chron. 24:3, 4. 5. By His death and His victory over sin, Jesus had demonstrated His power to make manifest to the sons of men the mystery of the salvation of God, and as head of the church redeemed, it was His to reveal to the prophet events of the future which He desired His servants to understand.
LESSON V11.—The Seven Seals.
MAy 14, 1904.
General Note. — In the vision of the seven churches we studied the spiritual history of the church of Christ as de- veloped in seven successive eras, or periods, from apostolic days to the end of time. The seven, seals 'naturally suggest a line of prophecy covering the same,\ per'iods; bringing out additional phases of history. The series of the seven churches gives a view of the church of Christ in the midst of apostasy and through the experiences of the latter days. This series of the seven seals gives a view of the falling away, and the history of the apostate church in alliance with the world, .-through these same periods to the long years of papal su- premacy. While the sixth in the series of the seven churches brings us to the Advent movement of 1846-44, and to the generation that is to see the coming of the Lord, the sixth seal in this series now to be studied, by an abrupt change from symbolic to literal prophecy, deals with the signs of the second advent and the scenes of, the end. Thus there is a distinct parallel in the idea of the advent in the sixth stage of each series, while in each the s'venth touches eternity.
. Questions.
I. What was to be revealed to John in this vision? Rev. 4:1, last part.
2. How were the successive scenes of history to be unfolded to the view? Chap. 5:2.
The needs of the cause of God are world wide.
22 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
- Describe the opening of the first seal. What was seen? What did the rider do? Chap. 6:1, 2. Note 1. What is represented by the scene?
- Describe the opening of the second seal. What was seen?—The work of the red horse. What is rep- resented by the symbol? Verses 3, 4. Note 2.
- What was seen as the third seal was opened? What words were heard? What stage of history is covered by the third seal? Verses 5, 6. Note 3.
- As worldliness and apostasy are specially rising up again in the last falling away, what is our danger? 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Luke 21 :34-36.
- What came with the opening of the fouth seal? What fearful work was done? What special era in his- tory answers to this description? Rev. 6:7, 8. Note 4.
- What was seen with the opening of the fifth seal? What cry came forth? What did the prophet see ac- complished? Verses 9-11. Note 5.
- Having been brought in the history to the last days, with what events does the sixth seal open? Verses 12, 13. The “great” earthquake of Lisbon oc- cured in 1755.
- What does Christ say of these same signs? Matt. 24:29, 30.
- What is the word to our generation? Matt. 24 :32-35. Notes.
i. The rider on the white horse, going forth to conquer. • fitly symbolizes the apostolic church going forth in the con-
We expend sixty per cent of our efforts upon four per cent of our field. OUTLINE STUf1IES . Iet THE REVELATIol\f 23
quering power of, the Gospel in its purity. See Acts 8:4; Col. 1:2, 3. Compare Rev. 2:2, 3, the message to the apostolic church in the prophecy of the seven churches. In the study of the messages to the seven churches we found that, while the principles involved in each message have lessons for all time, the specifications applied particularly to distinct and suc- cessive eras. So„ while the symbolism of each of these’ seals teaches lessons applicable in all time, it will be seen that they, too, have a specific application to the same successive eras in history covered by the prophecy of the seven churches. 2. The symbols of the second seal fitly represent the fall- ing away of the great body of the church from primitive purity after apostolic days. “Errors began to arise, worldliness came in. The ecclesiastical power sought the alliance of the secular. Troubles and commotions were the result.” See the reference to the apostate professors in this second era of the church, in the message to the loyal ones in Rev. 2:9. World- liness and compromise and dependence on fleshly power must ever work the same. Note that the principles involved in each stage of the great controversy are living issues for all time. 3. In the third era of the church, say from Constantine’s day; A. D. 32.g; to the full establishment ofi,ther Papacy,-.A.- D. -538;* we found in the message to the third, or Pergamos, church, that the believers were in great peril because of Satan’s very seat being in their midst. The church of the apostasy had fully joined the world. Black is the fit symbol of this stage. See Matt. 6:23. As worldliness and commer- cialism came in, the oil and wine of the Spirit’s grace leaked out./ 7 4. Compare with the description of the apostate influences, under which the loyal believers suffered in the fourth, or Thyatira, stage of the seven churches. Rev. 2:18-2o. The apostate church ,EAT–D-. 538 and onward through the long period of -its supremacy-)4 is there described as the persecuting Jezebel, and the teachings as the doctrine of Satan. In this, fourth seal, the symbolism scarcely needs interpretation, so vividly does it picture the dark days of papal. rule. “Hell” or “hades” (R. V.),I the grave. See Dan. - 5. The-fifth, or t - Sardis. period in the series of seven churches-covered .the church of the Reformation, the Protes- tant.erarapproaching the-time of the , rise of the special Advent movement:, Here the fifth seal plainly suggests the. blood of the martyrs and of the faithful of past ages crying out to God “ This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” 24 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
to end the long reign of apostasy and sin. Compare Gen. 4:1o; Heb. 11:4. When great Babylon is dealt with, in her will be found the blood of all that have been slain upon the earth; for the principles of apostasy have been the same in all ages. Rev. 18:24. Compare Matt. 23:34, 35.
’ LESSON V111.—Events under the Si:r1h and Seventh Seals.
MAY. 21, 1904.
Questions.
1. What great event follows the falling of the stars, as witnessed by the prophet under the sixth seal? Rev. 6:13, 14. Compare Matt. 24:29, last part.
2. How will that day come upon the unprepared? Verses 15-17.
3. In view of the stupendous issue before this gen- eration, what message does God send? See Isa. 4o: 3, To; Rev. 14:6, 7, 12.
4. What will be the condition among the nations while this message is being carried? Rev. :18; Joel 3:9, II, 14.
5. How are the nations restrained from utterly des- troying one another? Rev. 7:1. Note i. 6. For what special purpose are the winds of strife restrained? Verses 2, 3.
7. What is the sign or seal of the living God? Ezek. 20:20; Ex. 20:8-1i. Note 2. "One dollar now is of more value to the work than ten dollars
will be at some future period."
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 25
8. What follows the closing of the sealing message under the sixth seal? Rev. 8:i; Matt. 25:31. Note 3.
9. What scene of triumph did John then behold? Rev. 7:9, 10. 10. What question was raised and answered for the benefit of those who meet temptation and trial? Verses 1 3, 14-
1. What glorious picture is set before us who must serve a little longer here? Verses 15-17. 12. What special incentive to service have we in present-day conditions?—While gusty winds of strife blow here and there, still God in mercy restrains the coming universal strife in order that the sealing mes- sage of Sabbath and Advent reform may be carried by us to all the world. Work not clone in times of peace must be done in times of war and hardship. Now, just now, is the time to work.
Notes.
i. Winds are used as symbolic of war and strife. Dan. 7:2; Jer. 23:35-33.
2. Creative power is the distinguishing feature of the living God. Acts 14:15. See Rom. 4 for proof that sign and seal have the same meaning.
3. The silence in heaven at the opening of the seventh seal shows that this seal covers the actual appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven as He comes with all the angels to gather His saints. Ministry in heaven ceases, and the scene of activity among the heavenly beings is transferred to the earth for a little time, until the hosts of angels and the re- deemed, led by their Captain and Saviour, return to the city of God. Half an hour, prophetic time, would be about seven days. In a description of this scene in "Early Writings" we are told: "We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass."—P. 12.
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” 26 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
DIAGRAM OF THE SEVEN SEALS. REV. 6; 7; 8 : T. *
- For fuller explanation see pamphlet on “The Seven Churches and the Seven Seals.” Bible Students’ Library, No. 184, price to cents.
LESSON IX.—The Seven Trumpets—The Breaking up of the Empire of Rome.—Fall of the Western Empire. MAY 28, 1904.
Questions.
What scene was presented to the prophet, fol-
I. lowing the vision of the seven seals? Rev. 8:2. 2. Of what is the trumpet a symbol? Jer. 4:19; Cor. 14:8. Note I. "The advent message to the world in this generation"—our
watchword.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 27
- Before opening to the prophet’s vision the desola- tion of war, what view was presented? Do our prayers actually reach heaven? With what are they mingled? Rev. 8:3, 4. Note 2.
- What followed the sounding of the first trumpet? Where did the desolating effect fall? What was the result? Verses 6, 7. Note 3.
- What ivas seen when the second trumpet sounded? Where was this burning mountain cast? What was the effect? Verses 8, 9. Note 4.
- What was seen, following the sounding of the third trumpet? Where did this star fall? What was the name of the star? What was its effect upon the waters? Verses to, 11. Note 5.
- What scenes transpired as the fourth trumpet sounded? Verse 12. Note 6.
- What more ancient prophecy was fulfilled in the history of these times? Dan. 7:23, 24.
- After the three kings had been plucked up, what work by the little horn power was to follow? Dan. 7:21, 22.
- Do papal principles still oppose the truth? Do the kingdoms of divided Rome still exist in our day? For what may we• look next? Dan. 2:44. H. What assurance for the times of conflict before us have we in the word of prophecy, showing God’s overruling hand in history? Isa. 45:9-11; 40:9, 22, 23, 29-31.
“Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” 28 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
Notes.
1. The seven trumpets deal with the wars of nations; the first four with the downfall of the western division of the Roman Empire. The division of Rome, as prophesied by Daniel, was to be brought about amidst war and tumult. The four attacks that really shattered the Western Empire are here covered.
2. As though to reassure the saints who were to witness the coming calamities of war, the Lord shows how surely the prayers of the saints on earth came up before His throne. "The incense, ascending with the_prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 353• This picture must ever comfort believers who will pass through the last struggle of the nations, when war and tumult is to fill the earth. Verse 5 seems to pass to the close of the heavenly ministry and the final desolation of the earth.
3. "Hail and fire mingled with blood" suggests war from the north, with fire and sword. The Goths fell upon Rome from the icy north like a hailstorm, A. D. 395-419, particularly under Alaric. Compare these significant phrases from the historian Gibbon's account with the language of the prophet: "They [the Goths] deserted their farms at the first sound of the trumpet." "Armies . . . issuing from the frozen regions of the north." "The consuming flames of war spread from the banks of the Rhine over the greater part of seventeen provinces of Gaul." "His [the poet Claudian] trees, his old contemporary trees, must blaze in the conflagration of the whole country." The text says, "The third part of trees." The phrase, "the third part," often repeated in this series, evidently has reference to the division of the empire into three parts, effected in Constantine's day,—the eastern, with Con- stantinople the capital: the western, including Britain, Gaul (France), and Spain; and the central division, having the city of Rome as capital.
4. The next crushing attack was from the burning regions of the south, by the Vandals, A. D. 428-476. The sea is the scene of conflict. Under Genseric, "Monarch of the sea," naval attacks were made upon the empire, aptly described in the symbol of the burning mountain cast into the sea. Twice he burned the entire Roman fleet. Carthage, in northern Africa, was his capital. "He beheld," says Gibbon, "the final extinction of the Empire of the West."
The Son of God beggared Himself to enrich as.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 29
5. Invasion of the Huns under Atilla, whose forces struck most heavily in the regions in which the main river systems of the empire have their fountain head. His career in Western Rome was brief, as a blazing meteor, A. D. 455-453. Atilla gloried in the titles, -The Scourge of God," "The Terror of the World," and bitter as wormwood was the cup of af- fliction pressed to the lips of the inhabitants of the desolated regions.
6. "In the political firmament of the ancient world, while under the reign of imperial Rome, the emperorship, the con- sulate, and the senate shone like the sun, the moon, and the stars."---Keith. After the conquest of Italy (A. D. 476), Odoacer, king of the Heruli, abolished the office and title of emperor in Western Rome, and in the course of history soon following, the consulship (in 545) and senate (542) were also
SUGGESTIVE OUTLINE DIAGRAM OF THE SEVEN TRUMPETS•
set aside, “till Rome was without an emperor, a consul, or a senate.” The original Roman Empire had been divided. The ancient seat of empire, the city of Rome, was henceforth to enthorne a pope instead of a Cesar. In coming up he had schemed the overthrow of three of the ten new nations, the I-Ternli. Vandals, and Ostrogoths, and in A. D. 538 the politi- :Vine-tenths of the women of India never heard of a Saviour. 30 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
cal supremacy of the Papacy was established, with seven na- tions in the territory of Western Rome, represented in the present-day nations of western Europe. Constantinople was the sole imperial city. And in the events of the next two trumpets the scene is transferred to the East.
LESSON X.-77ze Seven Trumpets (Continued)—The Fall of the Eastern Empire of Rome.
JUNE 4, 1904.
Questions.
- To what point did the close of the fourth trumpet bring us?—To the extinction of Western Rome. Henceforward the empire was perpetuated only in the eastern division, to which our attention is now turned.
- Calamitous as were the times under the first four trumpets, what is said of those to follow? Rev. 8: 13.
- Shortly after the closing events of the fourth trumpet, what power began to gather strength as a scourge upon the remaining or eastern portion of the empire?—Mohammedianism. Note i.
- Describe the view as the fifth trumpet sounded. Rev. 9:1-3: Note 2.
- What was the command to these forces? Verse
- Note 3.
- What development was seen in the organization of Mohammedanism? Verse it, first part. What fore- The offerings for this quarter go to the most needy fields. OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 31
boding of doom to the remaining, or Eastern, empire of Rome is implied in the name given this organized force? Verse I1, last part. See margin, “a destroyer.” Note 4. 7. What definite prophetic period is here assigned to this power? Verse io, last part. What literal time? —The five months— 150 days; prophetic 15o years. 8. Dating from the invasion of Roman territory by Othman, to what time and event does the period reach? Note 5. 9. What, word is spoken at the close of the sounding of this fifth trumpet? Verse 12.
- What was let loose when the sixth trumpet be- gan to sound? Verses 13, 14. Note 6. it. What general view of the .conflict was given the prophet? Verses 16-19. Note 7.
- How long a period of supremacy was assigned to this power? Verse 15. “An hour” (one-twenty- fourth of a prophetic day, or literal year)= 15 days literal time; “a day”-1 year; “a month”= 30 years; “a year” =36o years; total 391 years and 15 days, time of Turkish supremacy, from 1449, when that supremacy was acknowledged.
- To what date are we brought by the two prophetic periods of this chapter? Ans:—
Date of Othman’s invasion (accurately preserved), July 27, 1299. c 1st Period. Verse 1o. “Five months,” 15o years, July 27, 1449• “There shall be delay no longer”—our confidence.. 32 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
” An hour,” 15 days “A day,” year “ A month,” 30 years 2d Period. “ A year,” 36o years Verse 15. Total, 391 years, 15 days, added Supremacy to July 27, 1449 = August I I, 184o. lost.
- What occurred at the ending of the period?— Ottoman supremacy and independence ceased. Note 8.
- Has the world learned the lesson of history? Verses 20, 21.
-
What follows after the closing of the sixth trumpet on August II, 1840? Rev. 1i:14.
Notes.
1. The very next century after the events growing out of the fourth trumpet, the rise of Mohammedanism began to prepare the forces that brought ruin upon Eastern Rome. Mohammed was recognized as a prophet and entered Medina as prince in the year 622. In the next ten years he gathered nearly all 'Arabia to his standard, and following his death (in 632), the 'fanatical warriors were ready to burst forth from the Arabian deserts.
2. The word translated "bottomless pit" means a waste or desert region. How graphically the figures of speech describe the swarming forth of the Mohammedan forces, like clouds of locusts from the desert of Arabia, darkening the sky.
3. When Abubeker, who succeeded Mohammed, sent forth his followers against Syria, he issued the command: "Let not your victory be stained with the blood_ of women and children. Destroy no palm trees nor burn any fields of corn. Cut down no fruit trees." He said they would find certain ones living retired lives in the service of God who were to be let alone and not harmed. But of those with "shaven crowns," of "the
The needs of the cause of God are world wide.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 33
synagogue of Satan,” he said, “be sure you cleave their skulls and give them no quarter till they either turn Mohammedan or pay tribute.”—Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of Rome, chap. 51, par. ro. 4. Othman founded the empire which was used as the agency for the overthrow of the Eastern Empire of Rome. His name gave to this empire its title, Ottoman or Turkish Empire. From his time the fanatical Moslem forces were thrown directly against the Eastern Empire to destroy it. “It was on the 27th day of July, 1299 of the Christian era, that Othman first invaded the territory of Nicomedia; and the sin- gufar accuracy of the date seems to disclose some foresight of the rapid and destructive growth of the monster.”—Gibbon, chap. 64, par. 14. 5. One hundred and fifty years from July 27, 1299, the date the preservation of which the historian regarded as significant (though he little knew the prophetic significance of it), brings us to July 27, 1449. Through all the 15o years the Moslem forces had harrassed and destroyed, until, in 1449, the emperor succeeding to the throne of Constantinople took the office only by permission of the Turkish sultan, who thus, says Gibbon, “announced his supremacy, and the approaching downfall of the Eastern Empire.” 6. The Mohammedan government was composed at that time of the four great provinces, or sultanies, of Bagdad, Da- mascus, Iconium, and Aleppo. All the Moslem forces were now to be let loose upon the Eastern Empire for its final destruction. 7. Gibbon tells of the “myriads of Turkish horse” en- gaged. The discovery of gunpowder and its adaptation to war in firearms, which the Turks made use of in the siege of Constantinople for the first time in history (the Greek inventor having deserted to their side), answers exactly to the view the prophet had of battle attended by puffs of smoke and blazing brimstone. 8. By accepting intervention from the powers, prescribing a settlement with its own vassal, Egypt—which had revolted and seemed about to establish its independence—the Turkish Government acknowledged its dependence upon the great powers. A report from Constantinople, published in the London morning Chronicle, Sept. 18, 1840, states that an ulti-
Prayerfully consider the uncntered fields.
34 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
matum was officially placed in the hands of Mohemet Ali, of Egypt, so completing the arrangement of the powers, on the nth day of August, 1840, and the Turkish sultan’s independence was gone, inasmuch as it was the powers and not the sultan that were responsible to maintain the terms of settlement. Since then he has been helped to stand by the intervention and the jealousies of the powers, and the Eastern Question has constituted a perpetual menace to the peace of the world. The Advent Movement was well under way at this time, and in 1838, Josiah Litch, an associate of William Miller, had pub- lished the announcement that some event marking the close of Turkish supremacy was to be looked for on August II, 1840. Hearts were stirred to new energy in preaching the advent warning by this fulfilment of prophecy before then- very eyes.
LESSON XI—The Early Advent Movement.
JUNE 11, 1904.
Questions.
1. To what event and time does the close of the sixth trumpet bring us?—The passing of the independ- ence of the Ottoman Empire into the hands of the powers, August II, 1840.
2. What indicates a short interval thereafter before the beginning of the seventh trumpet? Rev. :14..
3. What events associated with the seventh trumpet fix the time of its beginning?--The beginning of the judgment ("the time of the dead, that they should be judged"), and the opening of the most holy in the heavenly temple. Verses i8, 19. "One dollar now is of more value to the work than ten dollars
will be at some future period."
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THt kEVELATIoN 35
- When did these events take place irc heaven (Dan. 8:14)?—At the close of the 2,30o years, in 1844. (See Lessons Four and Five for account of the 1844 Advent Movement.)
- As the sounding df the sixth trumpet closed, what view was given the prophet? Rev. io:t. Note 1.
- What did the angel have in his hand? What was his attitude? Verse 2. Note 2.
- What ,was the first solemn burden of the mes- sage represented by the angel? Verse 6. Note 3. 8. What book dealing with prophetic time and the latter days was especially opened to the world in the Advent Movement of this period?—The book of Daniel.
- What command had been given Daniel regard- ing the book of his prophecy? Dan. 12:4.
- In the vision of Revelation-10, what indicates the opening of Daniel’s book of prophecy? Verses 2 (last part), 8. Note 4. 1. What disappointment came to those who first raised the cry of the ending of prophetic time?—They fully expected the Lord to come in 1844, and the time passed and no coming One appeared.
- What view in John?s vision foreshadowed this bitter experience in the Advent Movement? Verses 9, To; also verse 1, the cloud suggesting obscurity.
- What view of truth had been obscured to their
eyes?—They thought the cleansing of the sanctuary,
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world
- for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” 36 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
at the Close of the 2,30o years of Dan. 8:14, to be Christ’s second coming to cleanse the earth by fire, whereas it was the opening of His final ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
- Instead of the year 1844 marking the close of the Gospel message to men, what new commission was given to John as representing the church? Verse 11.
- What was to come in the days of the sounding of the seventh trumpet, beginning in 1844? Verse 7.
-
What is the mystery of God now being finished? Eph. 3:3-9; Col. 1:26-28. Note 5.
Notes. I. The preaching of the Gospel is committed to men and not to angels. 2 Cor. 5:19. Yet in the symbolism of Revela- tion angels are repeatedly used to represent evident activifies in the church on earth in the preaching of Gospel messages to men. And there is something more than symbolism in this representation, as angels join as unseen helpers in the work of the church for the world. Heb. 1:14. Wherever the serv- ant of God on earth goes with the message, with him will an- gels go, and it may well be that to a mighty angel is com- mitted the general oversight of this or that special movement; for the view we get of heaven shows order and system in the angelic hosts. 2. The attitude indicates the world-wide proclamation of his message by land and sea. 3. The time of the end had come, and the thoughts of men were to be directed to the second coming .of Christ. The moment was at hand when the last _sands of time were to run out from the last hour-glass of definite prophetic time. No longer would prophetic time-periods point the way in history toward the approaching end. The longest time-period in proph- ecy, the 2,30o days, or years, of Dan. 8:14 (reaching from the commandment to restore Jerusalem, 547 B. C., to 1844), was now to close. The event was signalized by the great Advent
We expend sixty per cent of our efforts upon four per cent of our field. OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 37 proclamation sounded by land and sea to all the world in the years just preceding 1844. 4. The book of Daniel is the only prophetic book giving the specific time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, the finish- ing work of Christ’s ministry. It is the only book that was declared shut and sealed to the time of the end. The words in Revelation io indicate a book that had been shut, which then was to be opened. The great Advent Movement was based on the opening of the prophecies, particularly of Daniel, to the understanding of men, for the time was at hand. The preaching of these prophecies stirred the world in the 1844 times. 5. The mystery of God is the Gospel. When its work is finished and Christ closes His ministry for sin, it’ is evident that all who will be saved at His coming will have allowed grace to finish its work in the heart. To the believer living at the close of probation, the finishing of the mystery means - a preparing of the soul for translation to heaven,—the life to be pure, clean, unselfish, holy, every evil disposition over- come. “Then, 0 my Lord, prepare My soul for that grand day. 0, wash me in Thy precious blood, And take my sins away.”
LESSON X IL—The Measuring of the Temple and the Two Witnesses. ‘
JUNE 18, 1904.
Questions.
I. After the bitter disappointment in 1844, what commission was criven the church? Rev. Nine-tenths of the women of India never heard of a Saviour. 38 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
2. From that time what solemn work has been going forward in heaven? Dan. 8:14; Rev. 14:6; 10:7.
3. To what place is the faith of Israel directed in this hour of God's judgment? Heb. 8:1, 2; Rev II:19, first part; 3:8.
4. What, then, must be a special aim of the Gospel message in this time?,—To call attention to the work going forward in the temple of God and to the means of grace by which to meet the standard, or measure, . of the judgment.
5. What view in John's vision shows that this was the very message assigned the church after 1844? Rev. to:II and it:I, together.
6. What is the standard of measurement in the temple and service of God? Rev. 1:19, second clause; Eccl. 12:13, 14; John 12:48; Rev. 14: 12. Note 1.
7. What was to be left out in measuring? What would the nations do? What period of time is men- tioned? Is it previously referred to in prophecy? Rev. II :2. Note 2.
8. Was God to be left without witness in those days? Verse 3.
9. Who are these witnesses? Verse 4. Note 3.
1o. What power have the witnesses to maintain their testimony? Verses 5, 6. Note 4.
11. What experience came to these witnesses as the long prophetic period drew to a close? Verse 7.
12. -Where is this said to take place? Verse 8.
The Son of God beggared Himself to enrich us.
OUTLINE STUDIES IN TILE REVELATION 39
- What was seen in fulfilment of this prophecy?— The infidel attack upon the Bible in the French Revo- lution. Note 5.
- What was the attitude of other peoples? Verse 9.
- Why did infidelity hate the Word of God and rejoice at silencing it? Verse 10. Compare 1 Kings 22:8.
- Were the two witnesses permanently silenced? Verse 11. Note 6.
- What followed this infidel effort to overthrow the two witnesses? Verses II (last part), 12, 13. Note 7.
-
What lesson is there for us in these historical efforts, first of papal and then of infidel powers, to suppress the Word of God? Matt. 24:33-35; Isa. 4o: 8-1o; Rev. 12:11.
Notes.
I. The standard of measurement that must be met by those who would worship in the heavenly temple is the stand- ard of the temple itself—eternal righteousness and truth. It is summed up in Christ, who is the truth, and the mystery of the Gospel is to bring the members of the church "unto the meas- ure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." His measure is the measure of the perfect law of God, which is in his heart. Ps. 40:7, 8. Heaven itself is measured by this standard, hence those who are to enter there must also meet it, not unaided and alone, but hid in Christ.
a.. The Gentiles (nations, R. V.) could not enter the inner court of the earthly temple. The nations are of this world, not of the world to come, with which this measuring work is dealing. Not all the powers of earth can help a man t- meet the standard. Rom. 8:7, 8. The introduction of earthly powers, treading down the truth of God, here leads to refer-
Prayerfully consider the unentered fields.
40 OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
ence to that forty-two months or 1,260 days (literal years) of papal rule, spoken of in Dan. 7:25. This historic period began in 538 and ended 1798. 3. The figure is borrowed from Zechariah 4, where, in verse 6, the olive trees and the candlesticks are explained to be “the Word of the Lord.” Also Ps. 119:105; John 5:39. Through all the Dark Ages, the Scriptures, the Old and the New Testa- ments, testified for God. Because of this the enemy sought to burn the Word and keep it from the people. And all through these dark days God found men and women ready to hold forth the Word at the peril of life itself. 4. Not all the opposition to the Scripture could put it out of the world. God maintained His own Word. When He speaks judgments and warnings, none can turn aside the word. See Rev. 22:18, 19. In facing Bible truth men are not dealing with a common book, to be lightly accepted or rejected. 5. In the days of papal supremacy the Bible was kept in obscurity, as in sackcloth. But those days were shortened, and the light was shining out from the Word. “According to the words of the prophet, then, a little before the year 1798, some power of Satanic origin and character would rise to make war upon the Bible. And in the land where the testi- mony of God’s two witnesses should thus be silenced, there would be manifest the atheism of the Pharaoh [“Who is Jeho- vah, that I should obey His voice?”], and the licentiousness of Sodom.”—Great Controversy, p. 268. It was fulfilled in the formal repudiation of God and the Bible by revolutionary France in 1793. Bibles were burned and every sacred insti- tution turned to mockery. Afresh they crucified the Lord in seeking to blot out His truth. 6. Frightened by the fearful scenes that followed the de- cree suppressing the Bible in 1793, the assembly revoked the decree just three and a half years later. 7. The lesson taught by the bloody scenes of revolution startled men. From that time dates the Modern era of Bible circulation. Soon came the Bible societies and the Protes- tant missionary movement, putting the Bible into all the leading languages of earth, and exalting and glorifying it before the eyes of all. The shock, as of an earthquake, shattered France, one of the ten kingdoms (the Franks) of divided Rome. The
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 41 marginal reading in verse 13, “names,” or titles of men, sug- gests the titles of nobility that were abolished in the French Revolution.
LESSON XI11.—Events of the Seventh Trumpet.
JUNE 25, 1904.
Note. — In Rev. to and 11:1-13, the scene is slightly changed to give the prophet a view of special events associated with the times under review in the series of the seven trumpets. Rev. 11:14 again resumes the series of trumpets and the fate of nations.
Questions.
I. To what specific date are we brought in the sixth trumpet?—August II, 1840. See Lesson Io. 2. What is said of. the time of the next trumpet? Rev. II:14. 3. When did the seventh trumpet begin to sound?
Give the evidence.—Rev. 1o:7 shows that Christ was to take up the final phase of His ministry as the seventh trumpet began to sound. The begin- ning of this final ministry, the cleansing of the sanc- tuary, is fixed by the prophetic period of Dan. 8: 14, ending in 1844.
4. As the trumpet sounded, what was heard? What did the voices declare? Rev. 11:13. Note 1. "Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white
already to harvest."
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION
5. What -prophecy will then be fulfilled? Dan. 7:27.
6. Before that time shall come, what takes place in the heavenly ministry? Dan. 7:26, 9-11.
7. What reference to the opening of the judgment is there in the record concerning the seventh trumpet? Rev. 1i:19. Note 2.
8. With whom does the judgment work begin? Verse 18.
9. When the judgment has passed upon the living, what will have been accomplished? Rev. 10:7. 10. What was to be the condition of the nations in this time? Verse 18 (see also Luke 21:25, 26; Joel 3: 9-11, 14-17). Do we see these conditions to-day?
i. What is the Lord to do to the warring nations? Verse 18, last part. When? 2 Thess. 12. When did Christ receive the kingdom?—At the close of the judgment work. Dan. 7:13, 14. -NAThere will it be bestowed? Ps. 2:6-8. 13. What shout will then ring through heaven? Rev. 11:15-17. 14. In what office will He come the second time? Rev. 19:11-16; Matt. 13:41. 15. What will He then do for His children? Rev. 11:18; 22:12. 16. What assurance have we now? Rev. 3:Io, II; 2 Tim. I:12. "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION 43
Notes.
I. Before entering upon details of events to come under the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the prophet's view is first of all directed to the triumph when Christ's ministry for sin is finished.
2. The study of the sanctuary question shows that the in- vestigative judgment that precedes the coming of the Lord is the cleansing of the sanctuary, the finishing of Christ's ministry in the second apartment of the heavenly temple. The opening of this apartment, where the ark of the testament is, and the opening of the judgment, are one and the same events.
“The advent message to the world in this generation”—our watchword. AN OLD FRIEND RETURNED
W HEN a dear friend returns after a long absence, how gladly we welcome him! What satisfaction his very presence brings! Perhaps he has helped us over some hard place, or encouraged us in some trial—has in fact proven himself “a friend indeed.”
Just as gladly do the Sabbath-school officers and teach- ers welcome the return of the Sabbath-school Worker. Its familiar face brings encouragement to all. It was a help in the past, and we have missed it so sadly during its absence that it now seems doubly welcome.
We are not disappointed on a closer acquaintance, either, for although smaller in size than before, it still has just the helpful suggestions, the reports from other schools, the instruction for teachers and officers, which we all need. Its "Helps on the Sabbath-school Lessons" for each week and for every division of the school are more valuable than ever, and contain just the information for which every earn- est teacher feels the need.
The price, too, is so low that all can now afford to have it-35 cents per year to individual addresses, or 25 cents a copy where two or more copies are sent to one name and address.
You will surely need the Worker for 1904.
A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE
A MOST VALUABLE SERIES OF ARTICLES ENTITLED “Hints and Helps for Sabbath-School Teachers”
will begin in the April number of the Worker. These articles are by a veteran teacher and Sabbath-school worker, Prof. C. C. Lewis. The following list of topics will give some idea of the treat that is in store for our readers. We especially urge all schools that have not yet sent in an order for the journal, to do so at once, that they may have the benefit of this complete series:—
The Teacher's Calling and Opportunity
The Teacher in His Study The study of the lesson. The study of the pupils. How to adapt the lesson to the pupils. The Teacher Before His Class How to secure and hold attention. How to make the lesson clear and forcible. How to ask questions. How to manage the class. How to Review. The Teacher Outside of His Class Being what he wants his pupils to be. Winning confidence and influencing pupils. Counseling and aiding pupils. Helping pupils to decide for Christ.
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GOOD THINGS COMING —IN—
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
FROM the pen of Prof. G. W. Rine, who has for years been a student of the subject, we shall soon present the following articles under the general heading:—
The Industrial Conflict in the Light of Revelation
(1) Work a Duty and a Blessing; (2) Wealth and the Obligation It Im- poses; (3) The Demon of Avarice; (z) Monopoly, Its Nature and His- tory; (5) Present-Day Monopoly; (6) Phenomenal Increase of Wealth in the End of the Age; (7) Congestion of Wealth versus Diffusion of Knowledge; (8) Prevalence and Duration of Poverty; (9) “Lovers of Pleasures;” (to) Lawlessness of Labor; (t r) What Will the Harvest Be? (r2) How the Problem Will Be Solved; (13) “They Shall Not Build and Another Inhabit.” The above are not to be considered as exact titles, but as indicat- ing the general scope of the subject. We know that these will be intensely interesting. The paper for this period of time ought to receive a large number of short-term sub- scriptions. Another writer, Elder F. D. Starr, who has read the Bible through more than a score of times, besides giving it much special study, has read it in Greek, German, French; and the New Testament in Latin and Hollandish, will furnish a series of articles on the books of the Bible, one on each book. These will be a great help to old and young in getting a more general knowledge of the wonderful Book. These are only a few of the good things. It is always thoroughly alive and interesting, filled with timely matter that you and your friends and neighbors ought to read.
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Some Interesting Pamphlets
MATTHEW TWENTY-FOUR The question “What shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the world?” was not only in the minds of the disciples as they sat overlooking Jerusalem on that day so long ago, but was, and is, the one great question which interests all. The Sa- viour’s answer, as recorded in the twenty-fourth chapter of Mat- thew, is therefore of interest to every individual. Its exposition, as given in the work entitled “Matthew Twenty-four,” is com- plete, thorough, and readable. Bound in paper covers. Price roc.
MARSHALING OF THE NATIONS A pamphlet of 44 pages, dealing with the movements of the great nations of to day, showing how a few great powers are rapidly gaining control of the whole world. There is a meaning in all this that concerns every one, and the writer brings forth light from the divine Word for our consideration and profit. There are several instructive maps, showing the partitioning of the world as it is being made. Price ro cents each.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES A valuable compilation of Scripture texts, arranged to assist the reader in the study of a large number of Bible subjects, such as: The Second Advent, Home of the Saved, Millennium, Sanctuary, Sabbath, Spiritualism, Nature and Destiny of Man, etc. The texts are used in proof of leading propositions made under each sub- ject, and will be found a real help to Bible study. 32 pages. Price 2 cents each or $1.40 per hundred.
MODERN MYSTERIES—Their Moral Aspect This new number of the Bible Students’ Library is attracting attention everywhere. It takes up the questions of Clairvoyance, Mind-Reading, Hypnotism, Theosophy, New Thought, and Pan- theism in a way that will interest and instruct. Price 15 cents.
IS SUNDAY THE TRUE SABBATH OF GOD? This is a reply to S. W. Gamble’s work entitled “Sunday the True Sabbath of God.” Those who have heard Mr. Gamble’s theories, or even heard about them, will read with interest and profit this logical refutation of his teaching. Price ro cents.
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TESTIMONY VOLUME 8
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God in Nature, A Personal God, A False and a True Knowledge of God, The False and the True in Education, Importance of Seeking True Knowledge, The Knowledge Received through God’s Word, Our Great Need.
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