The Eastern question in the light of God's promises to Israel

Front matter

Chap........ Copyright No..

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Chapter Two

Difference between the true Israel and the national Israel — History of the Hebrews — Division of the kingdom — Captivity of Israel and Judah — " Ten lost tribes " — The restoration — Nation reunited — Final dispersion — Theory concerning the return of the Jews — God's Promises to Israel — Conversion of the Jews — An Impressive Lesson — Character of true Israel.

Chapter Three

Equality of all men before God — His unchangeable plan in the gospel — Call of Abraham — Divine purpose with reference to the Hebrew nation — Their rebellious disposition — Rejection of the nation — Individual salvation — Gentiles called — Equal terms to Jews and Gentiles ; both must alike become true Israel by faith — Christians and Israelites compared — National boasting prohibited — Manner of saving all Israel — Blindness of Jews — Gentile fulness.

6 CONTCNTS.

CHAPTER FOUR. The Heathen Nations, . . . 64-78

God's dealing with the heathen — Responsibility measured by light imparted — Gospel revealed in nature — Design of the Sabbath — Who are heathen ?

CHAPTER FIVE. Universal Restoration, . . . 79-89

Truth and error contrasted — Israel compared with Sodom, Samaria, and Satan — Logical extent of restoration theories

— Sin against the Holy Ghost — No forgiveness in a future age — Paul's sorrow for his kinsmen.

CHAPTER SIX. " Another Gospel," . . . 90-101

Early advocates of Hebrew preeminence — Paul's curse on such teaching — Modern parallel — Dispensational salvation

— God's elect — Theories concerning the bride — True Israel, the church, the elect people, and Christians — Unity of the faith — One body of believers in all ages — Mutilating scriptures — Fruits of error.

CHAPTER SEVEN. The Promised Land, . . , 102-113

Location of Israel's inheritance — Three worlds — Destruction of the old world — God's purpose in creation — Covenant with Noah — The rainbow token — The present evil world — The world to come — New earth promised to Abraham — A heavenly country — The New Jerusalem — Paradise restored.

CHAPTER EIGHT. The Sanctuary, .... 1 14-138

Important historical connections — A subject of prophecy — Daniel 8 : 14 — Theory concerning the sanctuary and its cleansing — What is the sanctuary? — Original command — Building erected by Moses — Its purpose defined — A pattern

CONTENTS. 7

of things in heaven — Christ's work as priest — Objections considered — Cleansing the typical sanctuary — Application of symbols to the real service of Christ — Last ministration of grace to sinners — 2300 days — Explained by seventy w^eeks

— A day for a year — Period ended in 1844 — Intermediate dates and events — Perpetual desolation which befell national Israel — Rome the desolater — Strange theory concerning the seventieth week.

CHAPTER NINE. The Kingdom of Christ, . . . 139-154

Relation to the Eastern Question — Popular methods advocated — Ballot-box religion — Testimony of Christ — This world not the kingdom — A monstrous fable — A magnificent price offered for one vote — The throne of David — Difference between Melchisedec and David — Close of probation to all the race — Finishing the mystery of God — The Judgment.

CHAPTER TEN. The Doom of Turkey, . . , 155-170

Turkey the center of the Eastern Question — All nations involved — Turkey in prophecy — Called the "king of the north" in Daniel 11 — Direction of Turkey's chief troubles

— His reckless course foretold — Expulsion from Europe predicted — Final stand at Jerusalem — Comes to his " end " — Michael — Christ takes his kingdom — A time of trouble to all the world — True Israel delivered — Armageddon.

CHAPTER ELEVEN. Turkey and Russia, . . . 171-183

Rise of Othman — Character of his government — Five months' "torment" — Subsequent command to "slay" — Capture of Constantinople, 1453 — Period of Turkey's independent rule — Fall of the Ottoman Empire, 1840 — Quotation from Public Ledger — Extracts from Ridpath's History

— Last will of Peter the Great — The Crimean war — Turko- Russian war of 1877 — England's Turkish policy — Statement of Lord Salisbury.

8 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER TWELVE. The Modern Crusade, . . . 184-198

False Standard of Christianity — Satan's Part in the Eastern Question — Popular expectations a matter of prophecy — What "many people " say — What the Lord says.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN. The Day of the Lord, . . . 199-214

Indications of its proximity — Manner of its approach — A

period of darkness — Decree which closes the gospel message

— The seven last plagues — Righteous Israel delivered — The eagles and the carcass — Coming of Christ.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN. The Four Winds, .... 215-226

Winds a symbol of war — Held so that Israel may be sealed

— Compared with the history of the Eastern Question — The final whirlwind — Elijah the prophet — The hour of judgment message — Fall of Babylon — The last warning.

Chapter Fifteen

Object teaching — Dispersion of true Israel — Persecution their lot — Dragon makes war on the remnant — Christian Sabbath keepers — Promises of Israel's gathering — Time and manner of their return — The righteous dead resurrected

— Valley of dry bones — A physical change.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN. The Millennium, .... 247-263

Description in Revelation 20 — Two resurrections — Inheritance in heaven — Saints judge the world — Earth desolate — Satan bound — Satan loosed — The second death.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. The Royal Family, . . . 264-276

Christ and the church — The bride — An allegory — Joy of redeemed Israel — Unmeasured grace of God.

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

Introduction

THE Eastern Question is a well-known, world-wide expression, representing one of the most important and interesting issues now before mankind. Religion and politics, the church and the state, are all involved in the complications grouped under this comprehensive title. The happiness, the existence even, of individuals, nations, and the world, is linked together, and trembling in the balance which a breath may move. In thought and speech, public and private; in pulpit, platform, and press; in every nation and continent of the earth, the Eastern Question is recognized as the foremost subject now before the world. The following pages will show that it deserves and rightfully demands such attention.

The Eastern Question has come to stay. Willingly or unwillingly, its claims must be met and an answer given. No conjuring will banish the form rising in the East, which appears to the nations as an alarming specter, but to the church as a sign of the fulfilment of her fondest hopes. For half a century it has kept millions of armed men in conlo INTRODUCTION.

stant training for deadly combat, and still they dare not sleep. The cloud first seen as the hand of a man in extent has now spread its dark pall over the heavens. Everybody speaks of it with feelings of dread.

What is the Eastern Question ? Like other apparitions, this is hard to define. It means so much, and yet so little. The thing itself is only a shadow, but on the minds of men it sits like an incubus of crushing weight. No one can clearly describe the object as it appears to his vision. Each nation views it in a different light from all others. In the language of a well-known author who wrote about thirty years ago, we may say, "To Russia it may mean one thing, to France another, and to Austria still another; but sifted of every side issue, it may be reduced to this, — the driving of the Turk INTO Asia, and a scramble for his territory." This was the condition then, and it has not changed in general features since, except to become more comprehensive, until now it virtually means driving the Turk off the earth, and a rush for his territory in Asia as well as in Europe.

The situation at present may be summed up in the following words : The empire of Turkey occupies one of the most fertile and historic regions of the world in two continents, and controls the highway of trade between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, thus depriving Russia on the north of harbors for commerce and ports for fleets of war.

INTRODUCTION. ii

In other words, Turkey is not only a rich prize in herself to her greedy neighbor, but she also stands in the way of his ambitions concerning other rival powers. These with other causes have made Russia the implacable foe of Turkey, and it is no secret that the great northern empire is determined to secure a portion at least of the possessions belonging to his southern neighbor. A conflict between these two opposing powers alone would be of short duration. Turkey is weak and despotic, detested at home and abroad. Russia is strong and despotic, feared at home and abroad. The so-called " Sick Man " could not withstand the hug of the "Bear" if they were to meet for a final encounter.

In this unequal struggle, the great powers of Central and Western Europe have interposed to keep the sultan on the throne of Turkey, and to restrain the advance of. Russia. It is not an unselfish policy; each is jealous of the others, and fearful that if a powerful government should reign in Constantinople, the balance of power would be broken, and the equilibrium of Europe destroyed. No danger from this source is feared while Turkey remains in possession. Therefore, over the affairs of Turkey and the mutual distrust of other nations, the Eastern Question has developed until all Europe is involved. All have discovered that they must ultimately " fight for peace," and preparations for the contest have gone on without intermission,

12 INTRODUCTION.

till the earth trembles beneath the hosts marshaling for the fray.

Meanwhile the Turk is making no end of trouble for his guardians. By heredity, education, and religion he is a scourge to the race. His sponsors have done their best to keep him in check, so that the peace of Europe may not be interrupted, but massacre after massacre in his dominions has frozen the blood and sealed the lips of his former friends. All the civilized world instinctively feels that his national doom is near, and the people have made numerous petitions to their respective governments asking that further support shall be withdrawn and the culprit left to his fate.

But just here rises the dread of future results, if once the hold is loosed. Who can tell what will follow ? The issue is dark. If the Turk is left to his fate, what will be the effect ? Will peace ensue, and the several rival powers disband their troops ? or will the long-pent-up volcano of war burst out if the pressure is at all relaxed ? Well may the statesmen pause, even though goaded to action by an impatient populace. The problem is full of mystery and uncertainty. Is the long-looked-for time of peace about to dawn, or are new horrors about to arise from this Eastern Question ? O, if there were some divine oracle, some flashing Urim and Thummim, some prophet of the Lord, where we might inquire concerning all these wonders !

IMTRODUCTION. 13

And here is the only ray of hope. If God has spoken to the troubled earth in reference to these matters, all is well for those who hear his voice. Is the cloud, so dark toward Egypt, light toward the promised land ? Has the sure word of prophecy given us history in advance to guide our feet along the dim pathway ? On the sacred pages are recorded the story of the nations of old time; do they also speak to men of present affairs ? With unerring accuracy they pointed out the dangers then, unheeded by the rushing crowd; let them but speak once more, and we will listen. Yes; God has spoken of these very days. These current events are recorded for our benefit. He still holds out the scepter of love, as low we kneel before the throne of grace. His word shall be our guide, his will our law, his truth our shield and buckler.

Where shall we begin to trace the footsteps of Jehovah among the Babel paths of men ? Where, indeed, except with that chosen people, for whose sake ' ' the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance; when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel." Amid all the changing empires and dynasties of time, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is working out his eternal purpose for ' ' Israel. " Their welfare is bound up in this Eastern Question, and for their sakes the light is given along the ages to come. Give an attentive ear to their story as told in the

14 INTRODUCTION.

following pages; for with their destiny is involved the world's fate.

The Hebrew nation once inhabited Palestine, with Jerusalem for their capital city. To-day they are scattered in all lands, and the disciples of a false religion now occupy the places of sacred memory. Is the Turk to be driven out ? Are the scattered Hebrews to be gathered back to Judea, and re-established in their ancient inheritance } Is Christ to reign on David's throne at Jerusalem ? Will a millennium of peace on earth be realized ? When, where, and how will the "sanctuary be cleansed " ? What will be the condition of Gentile nations when the promises to Israel are fulfilled ? etc. , etc. All these and many more inquiries are parts of the world's great problem called the Eastern Question, and all are answered in the Holy Scriptures. The questions and answers are coupled together in this little volume. No one can truly understand the course of events who does not trace God's dealings with Israel; hence much of our space will be devoted to this theme.

Chapter One. THE ISRAEL OE GOD

NO one will deny that there are many promises to Israel which pertain to the future, and that they will all be exactly fulfilled in due time. But in their fulfilment the whole earth and all the people upon it are involved, and so through them the Eastern Question and every other question is open for study.

In the discussion of any subject it is necessary that the terms employed should be clearly understood. Otherwise misunderstanding will arise, and discord will ensue. Our first duty, therefore, is to ascertain who are meant in the Scriptures by the words "Israel," "Jew," "Abraham's seed," and similar expressions. Modern use restricts these titles to one particular nation — the Hebrew people. Does the Bible universally apply them in that way .-* What meaning is attached to them by the Lord ? It will at once be seen that this is a vital point. God's definition and application must be followed, if we would understand his promises. We are not at liberty to attach an arbitrary interpretation to these names. Many conclude without investigation that the commonly received meaning of these

[IS]

i6 THE ISRT^CL Or GOD.

words is the same as the Bible gives to them. But this should by no means be taken for granted. If a wrong base is laid at the start, the whole structure will suffer, notwithstanding the infinite labor bestowed on the dome. Therefore before we can understand the promises to Israel, we must first ascertain who are Israel in the mind of God. On this point the following testimony is ample : —

The name "Israel" is defined as " a prince of God." It is first used in the Bible in Gen. 32 : 28. From its use on this occasion we may learn its meaning, by noticing the following circumstances: Jacob, as the name indicates, was a tricky, dishonest man, who had supplanted his brother, Esau, deceived his father, Isaac, and outwitted his uncle, Laban. While thus guilty, he set "out to return to his boyhood home after an absence of twenty years. On the journey, he was attacked one dark and lonely night by what appeared to be a robber bent on murder. Jacob wrestled for his life until the morning began to dawn. Then by a mysterious touch from his unknown antagonist, Jacob's thigh was put out of joint, and he could struggle no more. But the same moment that Jacob saw his helplessness, he also saw the Lord as his adversary — the same One he had seen in his dream at Bethel when he filed an exile from his father's house. Hope immediately took the place of fear, and to the Lord's apparent intention to depart, Jacob, now humbled and penitent, exclaimed, "I will not let

THE ISRAEL or- GOD. 17

thee go, except thou bless me." His confession of sin is shown more fully in the words of Hosea 12 : 3-5 : " He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God. Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him; he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; even the Lord God of Hosts; the Lord is his memorial." Jacob's faith gave him victory with the Lord. He was then a converted man, a new creature in Christ Jesus. Then the Lord bestowed a new name on the new man: "And he said unto him. What is thy name .' And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."

From this we learn that Jacob was not " Israel " by being born of Hebrew parents. Only by the pardon of his sin could he receive the title of "a prince of God," and the name "Israel" was conferred upon him by the Lord himself. Applying these principles in a general way, the conclusion follows that no person is an Israelite in the true and primary sense of the word by being born of Hebrew ancestors; that this distinction relates to a righteous character, received by faith; and that God only can bestow it on those who are ' ' born from above." Israel is a title which cannot be transmitted from an earthly father to his son; but it must come from the Heavenly Father, and is i8 THE ISRT^EL Or GOD.

given to those alone who become children of God. Here is a difference often overlooked in common speech; people are called Israelites by men, simply because they are Hebrews; but in the sight of God no man is an Israelite by human descent. Natural birth, physical form, and national language have nothing to do with the matter. The features of a true Israelite are a contrite, humble heart, which only God can see. This agrees with the words of Christ concerning Nathanael, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile; "^ also with Paul's language : " For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, dut a nezv creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. " ^ Here, then, is the "rule" given by the Holy Spirit and applied by the apostle : A person must be a ''new creature,'' in order to be classed among the " Israel of God." That same "rule" holds good to-day, and men have no right to use any other in measuring God's chosen people.

This is not saying that in the Bible the word ' ' Israel " always means converted men. On the contrary, the term often designates a certain race of people without reference to character. But the former is the original and correct application, while the other is a secondary use of the word. In all cases where it is consistent with the context and circumstances recorded, the primary definition

THE ISRAEL or GOD. 19

should be understood. An example of both meanings is found in the use of the word " Christian." Strictly speaking, a person is a Christian only when converted to Christ; but the word is often used now to designate a whole nation, even though a large majority make no profession of being Christ's followers. No one will claim that all are Christians who belong to so-called "Christian nations." In like manner the word "Israel" is sometimes employed to describe a nation when perhaps but a very few are Israelites in the true sense. Hence Paul could declare, ' ' For they are not all Israel which are of Israel. "

By ignoring the fact that the promises of future blessings to Israel refer to those only who are Christ's indeed, many writers and teachers have framed erroneous theories concerning the Hebrew nation, and so of course are entirely wrong in their conclusions about the Eastern Question. Therefore we emphasize the statement that the reader must clearly discern this distinction, and apply it properly, in order to avoid untold confusion. In harmony with the foregoing, notice how the word " Jew " has a double use.

WHO ARE JEWS }

The Lord's description of a " Jew" is similar to that of an Israelite: " For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew,

20 THE ISR?\CL or GOD.

which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."^ No one can misunderstand these statements. The name "Jew," like "Israel," is a sacred title which God alone can give. When the Lord applies it, the man has "praise of God;" when mere men give that name to a person or people, it is simply "praise of men," and amounts to nothing, except to show that those who use it and those who receive it in this manner, do not really know whom the Lord calls a Jew. Let the Hebrew of to-day beware of those who would flatter him as a special subject of God's favor because of his natural descent; and let those who thus apply the term to unconverted men, as proof that special blessings are promised to them in this or a future age, be careful lest the blood of deceived souls shall be found upon them. Let God's idea of a Jew be taught, and more will desire the praise of that name from divine lips. It is astonishing how carelessly these words are now applied to all classes of men, until their real significance is nearly lost. But God has not changed, and he knows those who are really his, and also those ' ' which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie."

Abraham's seed.

The same general principles which pertain to the true Israelite, or Jew, are equally applicable to

THE ISRT^CL Ot GOD. 21

those whom the Lord recognizes as ' ' Abraham's seed." The name "Abraham" did not come by natural descent from any man. " Abram " was the appellation bestowed by the human parents to designate their son born of the flesh. No honor in God's sight comes through that source. Christ says, "The flesh profiteth nothing;" and Paul writes, " So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God; " and he applies this truth to the particular case of Abraham in the words, ' ' What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found ? " and then proceeds to answer the question by stating that all he received came to him by believing God. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Then so far as men are concerned, faith is the only avenue to God's favor. In this way Abram became the friend of God, and his name was changed to Abraham, "the father of all them that believe." Thus, over and over again the important lesson is taught that no permanent blessing can come to any person without the exercise of faith on his part.

Likewise the " seed " of Abraham derive nothing from the fleshly birth. This is made very plain by noticing the difference between the two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. The former was born " after the flesh," the latter " after the Spirit." In reference to them the Lord said: " Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So

2 2 THE ISR7\EL Or GOD.

then, brethren, we are not cliildren of the bondwoman, but of the free."* It is therefore certain that the natural descendants from Abraham are all Ishmaelites in God's sight, and only those who have been begotten by the direct power of God are counted for the seed through Isaac. Notice this same conclusion in exact Scripture : ' ' Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children; but in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the iiesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."^

LITERAL AND SPIRITUAL.

An objection to the foregoing conclusions is sometimes made by saying that the promises yet to be fulfilled can apply only to a "-literal Israel," whereas in these texts, a ' ' spiritual Israel " is represented. The dif^culty in this case all arises from a wrong idea of the words ' ' spiritual " and "literal." The former is supposed to denote intangible, immaterial beings, of spiritual essence, inhabiting an invisible world; while the latter refers to real persons of flesh and blood, capable of happiness on this material planet. Therefore, as many promises do relate to material things, like the "land," the "city," etc., the assertion is made that they cannot be fulfilled to the spiritual Israel, but that some literal nation or people must be intended. In subsequent portions of this book it

THE ISR^^CL or GOD. 23

will be shown how all these conditions are in exact harmony with the plain facts already learned concerning true Israel. In this connection, therefore, wc merely remark that spiritual things are literal, but they are not carnal. Spiritual beings are not ghosts, nor disembodied souls of men. They are real persons. Heaven is just as literal as earth; angels are as literal as men. The "things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Then it is a fact that eternal things are actually more real than the temporal. The true Israelite is a literal human being. In the present life he has flesh and blood like other men. For the life to come he looks to the " Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our yile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body."* Christ, after his resurrection, was a real, literal being, with hands, feet, sides, etc. ; able to converse, eat food, and do any act of which mortal persons are capable. True Israel, the redeemed saints out of all nations, will be made like him; therefore they will be able to " dwell in the land," eat the food it produces, and enjoy all its blessings. Individuals do not become spiritual Israel by dying and laying aside the physical body; but those who have died must live again before they can inherit the earth.

Christ confounded the Sadducees, and proved the resurrection of the dead, by citing the fact that God is not the God of the dead but of the living;

24 THE ISRTXEL Or GOD.

and as he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were then and are now dead, they must be raised to life. Therefore true Israel will always be a real, tangible, literal people, though finally made immortal. Now, they are saved Israel, by the Spirit dwelling in corruptible flesh; then, they will be redeemed Israel, by the same Spirit inhabiting incorruptible flesh. One condition is just as literal as the other, and both are spiritual. Grasp the fact so plainly stated, that only those ivho are trjily Christ's are Israelites indeed; hold it fast in all this disenssion, and perfect Jiarmony zvitJi each and all the accompanying conditions zvill be the glorious result.

GENERAL REMARKS.

Much more concerning Israel is yet to be presented in following chapters, confirming and enlarging the conclusions now reached; but before we turn from this division, let us review the statements already made. We are face to face with the Eastern Question. This subject is intimately related to the people of Israel, as will more fully appear in subsequent pages. Therefore we ask. Who are meant by Israel .-' — From plain words of inspiration we learn that the term ' ' Israel " is not confined to any nation, either Hebrew or Gentile; in fact, these worldly associations are a hindrance instead of being a help. On the contrary, we find that Israel is the title of those who are "in the world, but not of the world." They are the truly converted fol-

THE I5R/^EL OV' GOD. 25

lowers of Christ. Birth, wealth, education, or any other endowment of men, does not constitute a mark of God's people. All the promises of the gospel are made to the Israel of God, and no promise for the future is made to a Gentile. These are not statements made to support a human theory of national pride, but they are facts of great weight. We do not deny that there is a literal Israel in the world; but God alone can tell who they are, for he looks at the heart. We do not deny the promises yet unfulfilled to the chosen people; " for all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us. " We have one point settled, and this is a key which will unlock every door we shall meet. Without it, men wander in the maze of speculation. True Israel does not mean the "Hebrew nation," the "ten lost tribes," the "Anglo-Saxon race," nor any other division of natural men. It does mean a literal people, "born again," composed of some individuals out of every nation and tongue under heaven. Here is solid rock on which to build for the future. All theories in opposition to these Scriptural facts rest on a foundation of sand, or are merely floating castles in the air.