The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-07-05

vided for in the time of great tribulation
that will develop in the close of this age
dispensation? Qawndale)
Answer.-We have every reason for be-
leving that the widows and orphans of
the Lords consecrated people would be
specially shielded and protected in the
time of trouble such never was since
there was nation" foretOld to come to
pass in the last days of this present evil
world. Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21.) Not
only from the Scriptures quoted but from
many others would this thought be con-
firmed. The families of the consecrated
Christians have special opportunities Of
becoming acquainted with the true teach
ings of the Scriptures and thus of coming
under the sanctifying influence of the
Word of Truth. Also, by intimate rela-
tionship with those who are of sanity
characters, they would be, to a more or
less extent influenced in the way of
righteousness. In general therefore, 1t
may be said that the orphans and widows
of the consecrated followers of Christ
have characters of meekness and right
eousness, and the Lord has minated that
those who of this disposition shall be
specially shielded in the great tribulation.
earth, which have wrought his judgment;
seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may
be We shall be hid in the day of the Lords
anger '-Zephaniah 2:3.
Q.-What is the meaning of Peter 1:2o
which reads Is follows, Knowing this
first. that no prophecy of the Scripture Is
of any private Interpretation "a. T. M
AnsweT--It is not to be supposed that
the APOSTLE setting forth that some
would have monopoly of the gift of in
terpreting the prophecies, as many seem
to think from the reading of this text. In
the preceding verse he was admonishing
the Lords people to give heed to the word
of prophecy which was more sure as
testimony than sight and sound. More
than half of the Bible is made up of pro-
phecies, and the most of these relate to
the last times and the Introduction of
heaven on earth. The majority of Chris
tan people have failed to heed the
Apostles injunction, and consequently are
in the dark respects the under
standing of the trend of events of this our
day. Not many aware of the fact that
d diSpenSation is already beginning
to dawn upon the world and that the old
order of things is swiftly passing away.
After pointing out the Importance of Civ
ing heed to the sure word of prophecy, St
Peter explains how the prophecies came
into existence. He says proper render
ing-''Thfs first aScertaining, that all
prophecy of Scripture is not of private
setting forth; for not at any time was
men from God spoke as they were moved
by the holy spirit" The Apostle was re-
ferring to the origination of the prophecies
and not to their Interpretation. Consider
ing the fact that God caused holy men of
old to write these prophecies, and that
they were influenced by the power of the
Lord to do this, then brethren, give heed
to these things.
Q.-Why is it that some of the most in
ferior specimens of the race such as Dhysi-
cally and mentally weak people, nervous
wrecks. etc, are inclined to snobbishnesS
to think that they are little more re
fined, important, and superior, to those
who are sound in mind and body? Would
We not call this selfiShness; and is not
selfishness a kind of insanity? Have you
anything from the Bible on the subject?
&C. A. ID
Answer.-It is said that the inmates of
insane asyluTns are prone to imagine that
they are some great ones, as. for instance,
one will have the hallucination that he is
Napoleon Bonaparte or julius Caesar.
Another will imagine she is Queen Vic
tor1a, etc. From this, well as from the
general teachings of the Bible, we would
conclude that all kinds of pride and
self1shness are but varying forms of in
sanity. Those who are fairly sound phys1-
smile (secretly) at the foolish assumptions
of the weaker ones; just as the keeper in
an asylum would view with plying kind |
ness and with more less amusement thu |
antics of the deluded inmates 1t may
be said that the degree of con- |
ceit. pride and egotism marks the degree |
of degeneration of the Individual They
who center their thoughts, not upon self. |
their appearance, actions and speech but |
and in contemplation of great and funda-
mental truths. these are the ones who I
give evidence of having the spirit of a |
sound mind" How finely the Bible deals I
with this matter-"For L say, through the
grace that is given unto me, to every man
that is among you, not to think of himself |
more highly than he ought to think; but |
to Ink soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of faith
better than themselves. ''-Philippians 2:3