BIBLE ASTRONOMY
A small tract
entitled “Bible Astronomy” was recently sent to us by some of our readers, with
the request that we help them to see whether or not the theories it aims to
support are a part of the gospel, as its author and circulators evidently
believe. As the special mission of ZION’S WATCH TOWER is “the edifying of the
body of Christ and the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,”
and as the question, What constitutes the Gospel? is a most important one, we
take pleasure in reviewing it here from a Bible standpoint; and from that
standpoint only, for two reasons,-(1) because only from the Bible standpoint
can we determine whether the theories proposed are a part of the Gospel;
and (2) because the editor of the TOWER is not an astronomer, and if the
subject were to be discussed from a scientific standpoint we should want the
most accurate information, from the most advanced astronomers of our day, and
from all other reliable sources.
Astronomy is an abstruse science, and one which has commanded some of the
ablest minds in all ages; and those engaged in it to any purpose have usually
devoted to it the best energies of their lives. Its development has been a very
gradual one, through much painstaking study and research, and through many
centuries, and it has had its apostles in almost every nation. While much of
interest attaches to the discoveries and deductions of those early days,
comparatively little progress was made until, in more recent times, the
invention and numerous improvements of the telescope brought the starry heavens
into closer range of observation, and the advancements in mathematical sciences
rendered many astronomical calculations possible which previously could not be
obtained. These, together with the accumulated discoveries, deductions and
suggestions of all past time, have undoubtedly greatly advanced the science,
and placed it on a footing which not only commends its teachings to human
reason, but as well honors the great Creator of all things, whose wonderful
work in the material universe is seen to be commensurate with his great “plan
of the ages” revealed in the Scriptures. The seal of divinity seems to be
stamped upon both. Nor should it be a matter of surprise that, while God has
been disclosing the wonders of his grace to his people, he has also been paving
the way, through scientific research and modern invention, for a more correct
idea of his no less wonderful creation.
While it is true that gross error with reference to spiritual things has marked
the presumably advance steps of the great ecclesiastics and their followers, we
are not to presume that the same is probably true in science, art and
mechanics. On the contrary, quite the reverse is true; and for manifest
reasons. It is because spiritual things are spiritually discerned and cannot be
received by the natural man, and because “with the heart (as well as
with the head) man believeth unto righteousness,” that the efforts to probe
spiritual things with the natural mind and the uncircumcised heart are so
fruitful only in errors and absurdities. But the great truths of nature are not
so learned. Nature yields her secrets to the mind of the natural man, who, with
candor and simplicity, by diligent and persistent research, inquires for them.
Therefore progress in science and discovery, and development in art are to be
expected as the results of diligent and earnest study on the part of the
natural man who has the intellectual ability and the favorable opportunities
for such occupation. To deny such progress in the world is only to deny the
evidence of our senses. Who has not noted the real, practical and beneficial
advancement along all the lines of human attainment,-Law, medicine,
architecture, mechanics, etc., etc. And all this advancement, let us bear in
mind, is part of God’s plan in this day of his preparation for the setting up
of his kingdom.
The tract before us presents a number of Scriptures in support of a theory
which regards the earth as occupying a most important place in the material
creation, and the sun, moon and stars merely as inferior accessories, the only
object in whose creation was to minister to the earth, which is supposed to be
a plane floating upon the water;-which in turn must be supported by something
tangible, and that in turn by something else, ad infinitum.
The theory, in the main, is a very ancient one, antedating all modern
discovery and invention. It, however, has no claim to the name “Bible
Astronomy,” for it did not have its rise in Moses or the Jews, but was
promulgated by the Egyptian astronomer, Ptolemy, who flourished at Alexandria
about AD 130, but whose system has long since given place to that now
universally accepted by all the learned scientists, known as the Copernican
system, because the revolution was due chiefly to the labors of Copernicus.
The theory to which the writer of this tract has given the dignified name,
Bible Astronomy, is more generally known as “the flat earth theory.” What we
now propose to show is that the scriptures cited to prove that the earth is
what it terms a circular plane, and not a globe, do not prove it. When we shall
have done this, the subject will still be open for discussion from the
scientific standpoint, to the extent of present scientific development, by
those who have the time and talent to devote to it; but it will be seen to be
entirely separate from the “Gospel of the kingdom,” which all of the saints are
called to preach, and to which they have consecrated their all of time and
energy. Our observation of those consecrated ones who
have permitted other themes than “this Gospel” to engross time and attention
leads us to advise such to be very jealous in husbanding time and talent for
the ministry of the Gospel, leaving all other subjects, however interesting, to
others now, and to the future life for ourselves, when all knowledge shall be
ours. Those who for any avoidable cause turn aside from the ministry of the
true and only Gospel we have invariably observed are quickly turned out of the
way or greatly hindered in their course toward “the prize of our high calling.”
The Apostle Paul’s decision on this point is worthy of the adoption of all the
saints; viz., “I am determined not to know [talk of or discuss] anything among
you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (I Cor. 2:2) Many questions,
indeed, might be asked, even by those very ignorant of the subject in general,
which we could not answer, not being astronomers; but let no baits of curiosity
allure us from the narrow way. We sacrifice these pleasures of the pursuit of scientific
knowledge to the great ends for which, as new creatures in Christ, we are
striving. By and by it will be our delightful privilege to know all things, and
to enjoy ourselves to the full in beholding the glory of the Lord, when we
shall be like him, and see him as he is, and know as we are known.
Those who think that the Bible teaches that the earth is flat, except for its
mountains and valleys (a circular plane), do not claim that any texts of
Scripture describe the earth’s shape in these terms; but they draw the
inference that such is its shape from eight classes of texts, which we will
indicate and examine. From them they gather (1) that the sky or firmament is
substantial, firm, not ethereal, and a water reservoir; (2) that the firmament
or sky is a substantial vault, supporting the throne of God and indeed all
heaven; (3) that the terms “up,” “down,” “sunrise” and “sunset.” frequently
used in the Bible, are proofs that the earth is the center of the universe; (4)
that the account in Genesis teaches that the sun and stars were created merely
for ornaments and conveniences to the earth; (5) that the Bible phrase, “waters
under the earth,” and similar expressions. teach that the earth rests upon the
sea; (6) that the expression, “pillars of the earth,” indicates a solid
foundation; (7) that the record that on one occasion the sun and moon stood
still proves that the earth is not a globe; and (8) that the earth is so
founded as to be immovable. (9) We will examine a text which they singularly
overlook.
Let us now consider these proof texts:-
(1) THE SKY
SUBSTANTIAL AND A WATER RESERVOIR
Those Scriptures
which speak of a firmament above the earth they construe to mean
something substantial, or firm-not ethereal-as follows:-
“God made the firmament, and divided the waters … which were above the
firmament.”-Gen. 1:7.
“The windows [margin, ‘flood-gates’] of heaven were opened” (Gen. 7:11), so
that the waters from above the firmament poured forth at the time of the flood.
Reply.-The idea of firmness comes to the English translation from the Latin,
and not from the original Hebrew. The Hebrew word from which “firmament” is
translated is raqui, which does not contain the thought of firmness. Its
true signification is expanse.-See Young’s Analytical Concordance.
The air, a gaseous substance, composed chiefly of oxygen and
nitrogen, envelops the earth to a distance of about fifty miles from its
surface. The above texts tell us that God sep-arated the cloudy vapors from the
waters upon the earth, thus creating the expanse (“firmament”) or aerial
heavens. (See “the fowl of heaven,” that “fly in the midst of heaven,”
many times referred to in the Scriptures.) The word expanse (“firmament”)
or heavens is also given a wider application at times and made to embrace the infinitude
of space. It has been suggested, and apparently with good evidence, that before
the deluge the volume of water above the firmament or aerial heavens was much
greater than now, and that the waters below the firmament were correspondingly
less: that the earth at that time probably had a ring of water, similar to the
sev-eral rings of Saturn. The theory is that precipitation of the waters of
that “ring” produced the deluge, and that the in-creased weight of the waters
upon the ocean caused the upheaval of additional mountain ranges, especially in
America.
(2) THE SKY A SUBSTANTIAL VAULT
It is claimed that certain texts imply the flatness of the earth by
referring to the sky as a vault and as a curtain, and that God’s
dwelling, the “chambers” where he “sitteth,” is just
beyond the sky curtain, which is spangled with stars and emblazoned with our
sun. To prove this, the following texts are cited:-
“He buildeth his chambers in the heaven, and hath founded his vault upon
the earth.”-Amos 9:6. Revised Version
“Canst thou with him spread forth the sky, which is strong as a
molten mirror?”-Job 37:18. R.V.
“He that created the heavens and stretched them forth.”-Isa. 42:5. R.V.
“He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth … that stretcheth out the
heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.”-Isa. 40:2.
Then the question is asked, “Do not these verses describe the firmament, not as
unlimited space, but as a firm, solid structure resting upon
foundations?-a lofty dome or vault of marvelous workmanship, stretched out over
the circular plane of the earth, and enclosing it ‘as a tent to dwell
in’?”
We think not. The language is highly figurative and poetic, such as abounds in
the prophets, as well as in the poetry of Job and the Psalms. It is similar to
what can be found in the poetry of today, in which such expressions as the vaulted
sky, the blue dome of heaven, the canopy of heaven, etc., are of
frequent occurrence and are never misunderstood. And every Hebrew scholar can
testify that each of these texts was written in poetic form-as indeed is nearly
all that the prophets wrote respecting God and his mighty works. Those who are
not Hebrew scholars can, if they doubt it, confirm our statement that these
passages are poetic, by a glance at Young’s Bible translation.
In evidence that such language is in common use by the poets of our day,
who apparently do not question the testimony of modern astronomy, we quote as
follows, italicizing the corresponding words:
“This moveless scene,
heaven’s ebon vault,
Studded with stars unutterably bright,
Through which the moon’s unclouded grandeur rolls,
Seems like a canopy which love has spread
To curtain her sleeping world.”-Shelley.
“Mysterious Night! when the first man but knew
Thee by report, unseen, and heard thy name,
Did he not tremble for this lovely Frame-
This glorious canopy of Light and Blue?
Yet ‘neath a curtain,” etc.-J. Blanco White.
“Thou dost not strive, O Sun, nor dost thou cry
Amid thy cloud-built streets.”-Faber.
“This majestical roof, fretted with golden fire.”-Shakespeare.
“And they were canopied by the blue sky.”-Byron
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“Clouds on
clouds, in volumes driven, Curtain round the vault of heaven.”-T.
L. Peacock.
(3) UP, DOWN,
SUNRISE, SUNSET
It is claimed
that the terms, “under the sun,” “under heaven,” “up,” “down,” “sunrise,” and
“sunset,” used frequently in the Bible, are proofs that the earth is the center
of the universe, around which heaven and the sun, moon and stars revolve.
We reply that this is an unwarranted claim. It is admitted by all that the sun
seems to rise up in the East, and to go down in the West; and by
common consent all, even astronomers and almanac-makers, speak of the matter in
such terms.
But, be it noticed, these terms of general usage do not favor the “flat earth”
theory. Those who contend that the earth is a circular plane, and who bring
forward these texts, do not believe that the sun, moon and stars go up
and down: their contention is that they go around above the earth in a
circle, merely passing for a time out of view, because the earth, they say, is
so large, and the sun, moon, etc., are so small. The use of such an argument
and the quoting of such Scriptures therefore is directly in opposition to their
theory.
Similarly, the expression, “four corners of the earth,” is sometimes used to
prove that the earth is not a globe; but, we ask, Would this expression prove
that the earth is a circular plane? A circle no more has corners than has a
globe. The fact is that this expression of the Scriptures is in exact harmony
with our modern usage, of speaking of the four “points”-North, South, East and
West. No sensible person would look for a “point” or a “corner” in those
directions any more than he would look for literal North and South “poles.”
Language is a vehicle for carrying thoughts; the thoughts must not be
jolted out and the empty vehicle alone have consideration.
(4) SUN AND STARS
EARTH’S ORNAMENTS AND CONVENIENCES
It is claimed
that the statement of Gen. 1:16-18 proves that the sun, moon and stars were
made merely for the convenience of the earth and that all reference to other
worlds being omitted proves that this is the only world and that the sun,
stars, etc., are merely its useful and ornamental appendages. “And God made two
great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule
the night; the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to
give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to
divide the light from the darkness.”
“To him that made great lights, … the sun to rule by day, the moon and stars to
rule by night.”-Psa. 136:7-9.
“In them [the heavens] hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a
bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run his
course. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the
ends of it.”-Psa. 19:4-6, R.V.
Reply.-We agree most
heartily to the statements of these scriptures. The sun is beautifully and
poetically described by David, but he says nothing about the earth being
“flat,” nor that the circle was around a plane, and not around a globe. In
fact, he is not giving a lesson in astronomy, but a flash of poesy. There is no
more excuse for misunderstanding the poetry of the Psalms than for
misunderstanding such poetry as follows:-
“Thou who gazest ever
true and tender
On the sun’s revolving splendor.”-Shelley.
“Her two blue windows faintly she upheaveth,
Like the fair sun, when, in his fresh array,
He cheers the morn, and all the earth relieveth.”
-Shakespeare.
As for the account in
Genesis, it is true that the sun and stars were caused to give light to the
earth, and were intended so to do; but there is nothing to indicate that they
could not lighten other planets, or that in this they entirely fulfilled the
ends of their creation. It is true also that the sun does rule the day, and the
moon the night, and that they are so set as to mark times and seasons; but
there is no intimation that this is the limit of their usefulness. Only that
which specially pertains to man and to the earth, his home, is mentioned. God
was not attempting to teach astronomy: he was, we believe, leaving such things,
for mankind to investigate. The fields of science, art, discovery and invention
are all open for man’s pleasant and profitable exploration, and will and do
reward the patient and persistent exercise of his powers, as God intended. This
we believe is God’s method of dealing: he makes known to man gradually the
riches of his grace. Thus, too, it is with spiritual things, as our Lord
intimated to his disciples, saying, “I have many things to tell you, but ye
cannot bear them now.” In due time, and in the best manner, the heights and
depths, the lengths and breadths of the divine creation and plan are being made
known.
(5) THE WATERS UNDER THE EARTH
It is also claimed that the earth rests upon the sea, and not the sea upon
the earth, notwithstanding the fact that deep-sea soundings have very generally
been able to touch the solid earth with measuring lines. It is claimed that
this is taught by the following Scriptures,-
“Him that stretched [spread] out the earth above the waters.”-Psa.
136:6.
“Heaven above, … earth beneath…waters beneath
the earth.”-Deut. 5:8.
These passages merely refer to the dry land, higher than, or above, sea
level. The former passage in the Douay version is rendered with
equal propriety, “established the earth above the waters.” To appreciate this
passage turn to Gen. 1:9, 10, and learn how God stretched forth the dry
land and established it as dry land-by gathering together the waters into seas,
by convulsions of earth casting up mountain ranges and depressing other parts
for the gathering of the waters, seas.
The same explanation suits the second passage. The waters are not above, but below,
beneath, the level of the “dry land,” called the earth. (Gen. 1:10) And if
further evidence be desired a reading of the connections of the passage will
remove every vestige of doubt as to what waters are meant. Thou shalt not make
unto thee any graven image of anything in heaven on high, or in earth that is
lower, or in the sea that is still lower. Israel was commanded to make no
images of God or angels, heavenly beings, nor of men and beasts, earthly creatures
next in order, nor of fish or sea monsters, still lower. Can any one suppose
that in thus forbidding image-making and image-worship, the Lord ignored the
waters seen, which constitute two-thirds of the earth’s surface, and specified
waters underneath the dry land, which (if there at all) could not be
more than one-half the quantity not underneath it, and of whose living
creatures men could know nothing? Surely any one can see that the meaning is,
the waters under or lower than the level of the earth. “God called the dry land
earth.”-Gen. 1:10.
(6) THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH
“The pillars of the earth are the Lord’s and he hath set the
world upon them.”-l Sam. 2:8.
“Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof
tremble.”-Job. 9:6.
The first of these proof-texts is from the prayer of Hannah at the presentation
of Samuel to the Lord’s service. (Verses 1-10) It is a poem or psalm, and seems
to have been inspired and prophetic. Compare its language and sentiment with
the poetic-prayer-prophecy of Mary, our Lord’s mother.-Luke 1:46-55.
The passage from Job is also poetic, and prophetically refers to the shaking
of the coming time of trouble. That Job refers to the shaking of the
“pillars” of the present social structure, and Hannah to the establishment of
the saints as the “pillars” of the new order of things called the “new heavens
and new earth,” will be clear to all who read their contexts, after noting
the significance of the word “pillar” in the Scripture usage.-See Gal. 2:9; 1
Tim. 3:15; Rev. 3:12.
(7) SUN AND MOON STOOD STILL
In proof that the earth is not a globe, the account of Joshua 10:12-14 is
cited, and also Hab. 3:11,-“The sun and moon stood still in their habitation.”
Reply.-In our issue of March 15, 1892, following our return from the scene of
Joshua’s battle and miracle, we offered a suggestion respecting it, to the
effect that daylight was unusually and miraculously prolonged by the
rays of the sun being refracted upon the earth by a special arrangement of
clouds for the purpose, so that its light, supplemented by that of the moon,
similarly prolonged, practically turned that night into day. In no other view
can we find use for the moon. Certainly if the sun shone at noonday brightness,
the light of the moon would be useless and would not have been invoked. But,
even if the earth was slowed up in her diurnal motion so as to actually
lengthen out the day, it would be equally proper, as in speaking of any other
sunset, to say that the sun “hasted not to go down.”
As for the passage from Habakkuk, it is totally different: it is an item in his
prophetic poem, which is full of symbols and figures of speech. It undoubtedly
refers to a future event when “the sun and the moon shall be
confounded,” when “the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her
light,” etc. No one can read this chapter from the third verse onward without
recognizing this. Young’s Literal Translation renders verses 10-12
thus,-
“Seen thee-pained are the mountains [kingdoms]. An inundation of waters hath passed
over [Isa. 28:15, 17], Given forth hath the deep its voice [Luke 21:25], High
its hands hath it lifted up. Sun-moon-hath stood-a habitation, At the light
thine arrows go on, At the brightness, the glittering of thy spear. In
indignation thou dost tread the earth, In anger thou dost thresh the nations.
Thou hast gone forth for the salvation of thy people.”
Surely if Joshua’s battle, etc., has anything at all to do with the matters
here represented, it was only as a type.
(8) EARTH FOUNDED AND IMMOVABLE
It is claimed that the Bible mentions the foundations of the earth
and pillars of the earth in such a way as would preclude the idea that
the earth is a globe hanging in space; and in such a way as to prove that it is
an immovable structure resting upon strong pillars. In this they seem to forget
their other claim that it is founded upon the seas and
rises and sinks with the tides. Pillars would surely be a poor arrangement,
architecturally speaking, for resting up-on the water. Would not a “flat earth”
rest more solidly on the waters without the pillars? Besides, upon what would
the pillars rest? and what would support the waters? Then again, If the earth
floated in the seas, and rose and sank at “tide times,” how would that agree
with the text they quote so freely-The earth “is established that it cannot
be moved?”
Let us look carefully at the texts offered to prove this final point,-that
the earth is so firmly founded, and on pillars, that it could not be rolled
through space as a globe.
(a) “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Whereupon are
the foundations [margin, ‘sockets’] thereof fastened ?”-Job 38:4, 6.
(b) “Of old thou hast laid the foundation of the earth.”-Psa. 102:25.
(c) “Who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed forever.”-Psa.
104:5.
(d) “The world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.”-Psa. 93: 1.
(e) “He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the
floods.”-Psa. 24:2.
Reply.-The intelligent and thoughtful need only to be reminded that stone
foundations are not the only ones,-that principles, as well as things,
can have foundations; as, for instance,“Justice is the foundation of God’s
throne [government].” Some men lay the foundations of schools and colleges by
gifts of money, regardless of where the school buildings may be, if any, and
they more truly lay the foundations than do the men who handle stones and tools
for foundations for the buildings.
For our interpretation of the text marked (a) see MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. iii.,
page 312. We believe the reference to be to the Great Pyramid, whose
measurements. “lines,” passages and general arrangement have made it
world-renowned as a sign or symbol, in whose construction God has laid down
scientific lessons in astronomy and geometry, as well as relating to his great
plan of salvation. Into what would our “flat-earth” friends say the
socket-stones of their flat earth were made to sink so as to make a firm foundation?-into
the seas, as per the last text (e) cited?
The next four texts, as we will show, have no reference whatever to the literal
earth, but to the symbolic earth.-society.
As already, shown, not only lions, bears, trees, etc.. are used as symbols, but
so also the earth is a symbol of social order-society, its mountains
representing its kingdoms, its heavens representing its highest or religious
powers, its rivers representing its purifying truths which come from its
heavens, and its seas representing the restless, unrestrainable, discontented
and anarchistic classes. In illustration of these symbols see Psalm 46.
With reference to this symbolic earth, society, the Lord’s Word shows us that
in its present form, it is to be “dissolved,” “melted,” “moved,” “shaken,”
“turned upside down,” “removed as a cottage,” that it is to “reel as a
drunkard.” etc. (Psa. 75:3-10; Isa. 24:1-4, 17-20; 2 Pet. 3:10-12) Not the
literal, physical earth, but the symbolic earth-society as at present
organized-will “reel,” “melt,” and be “dissolved.” The Scriptures clearly show
that these are figures of speech, descriptive of the awful social trouble now
impending-“a time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation” (Dan,
12:1); that the fire is symbolic, “the fire of God’s jealousy” or
anger, and that after the “earth” (society) has been devoured with this fire,
the earth with the people on it will still be here, and God will then “turn
unto the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the
Lord, to serve him with one consent.”-Zeph. 3:8, 9.
But that will be in the “new earth” symbolically, although upon the same
earth literally. The “new earth” will be the new organization of
society, with its “new heavens” or new religious system;-the church or government
of righteousness for which we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on
earth as it is done in heaven.” Under that kingdom there will be no more sea-no
longer a restless, law-opposing, anarchistic class, because the former things,
the evils of the present social order, will have given place to the perfection
of righteous government, long promised in God’s word.
It is this new earth, or reconstructed social order, that the
Psalmist, in the Scriptures above (c, d, e), declares shall never be moved;
which (b) shows that the present order was well founded by the Lord though by
the fall it became “the present evil world” (Gal. 1:4), so that
it must give place to “the world to come, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (Heb.
6:5; 2 Pet. 3:5-7, 13), but that the time will come when it must be changed,
supplanted by the new arrangement of Christ’s kingdom-the new heavens and
new earth. Read the connections, and see that this is the case. “Thou Lord in
the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the
work of thine hands: they shall perish, but thou remainest; they all shall wax
old as doth a garment, and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall
be changed.” (Heb. 1:10-12) Turning to 2 Pet. 3:10, 11, 13, note that
the symbolic heavens, as well as the symbolic earth, is to pass away-to give
place to a new order, social and religious. Then turn to Heb. 12:26, 27 and
note the same teaching of the dissolution of present arrangements, and in verse
28 read about the unmovable kingdom which must be established before
that new heavens and earth is established which the Prophet David declares “cannot
be moved.” Then turn to Isa. 34:2-5 and Rev. 6:14-17, and see the symbolic
representations of the way in which the change of dispensation will be
effected-from “this present evil world,” ruled by “the prince of this world.”
to “the world to come, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Then read in Rev.
21:1-5 of the blessings of that new “world” or order of things when it shall
have come.
After studying the subject thus far, you will readily see the force of the
above quotation (e), in which the Lord declares that the new earth will be
founded upon the seas and established upon the floods,-i.e., the new
earth will be established where the sea now is: the class once
symbolized by the “sea” shall be no more-“There shall be no more sea.”
A careful investigation of the Psalms in which these proof texts (b, c, d, e)
are found gives convincing proof, in harmony with our exposition here given,
that they are prophecies descriptive of Messiah’s Millennial kingdom.
AN IMPORTANT PASSAGE OVERLOOKED
But the advocates of the flat earth idea seem to overlook the only text of
Scripture which really has to do with the subject. It is found in that
book of the Bible which contains more reference to the stars than any other,
mentioning Orion and the Pleiades by their present names, and referring to
their “influences”-the Book of Job. The text to which we refer is brief, but
full of significance. It reads:
Common Version, Job. 26:7,-
“He … hangeth the earth upon nothing.”
Revised Version,-
“Hanging the earth upon [margin, over] nothing.” Leeser’s
Translation,-
“He suspended the earth on nothing.”
Douay (Roman Catholic) Version,-
“He … hangeth the earth upon nothing.” Young’s Translation,-
“Hanging the earth upon nothing.”
The harmony of these translations is good evidence as to the correctness of the
expression; but if any one is curious further, let him refer, in Young’s
Analytical Concordance, to the various words-“nothing,” “earth,” and
“hangeth.” He will find, for instance, that the same Hebrew word here
translated “hangeth” is defined by Prof. Young to signify “To
hang up.” He will find, also, that the same word is used thirteen times in
referring to the hanging of men upon galIows.
So far as the Scriptures go, therefore, this one irrefutable, and not otherwise
interpretable, text stands against the “flat earth” theory; and the
texts supposed to favor that view, it has been shown, do not favor it.
“GREAT AND MARVELOUS ARE THY WORKS, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY”
While the revelations of divine wisdom and grace concerning the intelligent
creation of God command our deepest reverence, no less should his mighty works
in the physical creation inspire us with reverence and awe. No doubt the
successful pursuit of the knowledge of all God’s works and ways will be a part
of the delightful employment of men as they progress toward perfection, and
come to realize their privilege of eternal life and all the advantages of
leisure, facility and opportunity which the future will afford. While such
pleasures, we believe, are not the present privilege of the consecrated
children of God, whose talents are all engaged for the great harvest work, we
note with pleasure the great delight which the learned and able scientists find
in probing the wonderful secrets of nature, especially in the domain of
astronomy, and in observing, too, its elevating and ennobling influence upon
them. They give to the subject the most painstaking labor, profound thought and
careful investigation, and the devotion of their lives.
We are glad that there have been and still are such men: and from the results
of their labors we catch a measure of their enthusiasm and inspiration, and
would also that they might catch a measure at least of ours, gathered from the
“plan of the ages” revealed by the same great Author.
The history of astronomy dates back to very ancient times. It reached some
degree of advancement among the Chaldeans and Egyptians, and later among the
Greeks and Romans; but Thales, one of the seven wise men of Greece, who lived
six hundred years before Christ, was the first great teacher of the science.
Pythagoras, another Greek astronomer, taught it shortly after. Hipparchus of
Egypt, about three centuries before the Christian Era, and Ptolemy, of the same
nation, about one hundred and seventy years later, were also justly celebrated
teachers.
Prior to the invention of the telescope and the advancement of mathematical
science and other advantages of more modern times, the whole subject was
involved in great obscurity; and various theories were propounded and studied
to account, if possible, for the motions of the planets and the varied
phenomena of the heavens. Judged from very limited knowledge and observation,
it was for many centuries believed that our little earth was the chief factor
in all God’s universe, the center of importance and interest, to which the sun,
moon and stars ministered as the sole end of their existence. But the labors of
Galileo, Copernicus, Keplar and Sir Isaac Newton, in the sixteenth and
eighteenth centuries of the Christian era, developed the telescope, discovered
the laws of gravitation and of centripetal and centrifugal forces and suggested
an order in nature which science and telescopic observation have proven to the
satisfaction of all the learned scientists. These fully comport with our
highest conceptions of the infinite power and wisdom of our God, beautifully
harmonize with his mighty works of grace in the plan of the ages, and show us
that our earth, although comparatively an insignificant portion of God’s great
empire, has been wonderfully cared for by him.
With humbler ideas of earth and humanity, we gain correspondingly enlarged
ideas of God and of his mighty works. These discoveries and scientific
deductions are, we believe, in keeping with the general purpose of God, to
bring men by various paths to a more correct knowledge of himself through his
works and ways. That the men whose names we have mentioned were not superficial
enthusiasts, but careful, candid and diligent students of nature, is manifest
from the laborious methods by which they have arrived at and sought to prove
their conclusions.
In the light of scientific research, the sun is seen to be the center of a
great system of worlds revolving around him in definite and invariable orbits
and with a precision of time that never varies, some singly and some
accompanied by revolving satellites, and others with peculiar rings whose
substance is not yet clearly discerned, but is presumed to be liquid. In this
system of worlds our earth is one of the smaller planets.
Our solar system of planets is also found to be revolving together around some
other great center; and far beyond the farthest limits of our system, by the
aid of the telescope, other suns and systems are discerned, all presumably
revolving with ours around some common center,-the group Pleiades. And
the reasonable suggestion has been made that that center may be the heaven of
heavens, the highest heaven, the throne of God.
God has established laws so governing the motions of all the heavenly bodies
that no clash or discord occurs among them. Each world has its appointed
pathway and its regulated time, and the most exact calculations of astronomers
find them always true to time and order. How wonderful is our God! Truly in
this view “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his
handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth
knowledge. There is no speech, there are no words, their voice is not heard;
but their melody extendeth through all the earth, and to the end of the world
their words.” (Psa. 19:1-4.-Leeser) The magnificent
pageantry of the heavens daily and nightly should elicit our praise and
adoration, and should inspire in our hearts holy and reverent devotion. Let the
noiseless activity, the perfect obedience to divine law, and the blessed
shining of the heavenly hosts, impress their wholesome lessons upon us-of
zealous activity without commotion or ostentation; of perfect obedience to the
will of him who doeth all things well, who is too wise to err and too good to
be unkind; and of letting the glory of the Lord which has illuminated us shine
from us in turn upon every beholder. Indeed, to those who have been
brought into close fellowship with the Lord through a knowledge of his plan of
the ages, all his works should be viewed with a keener sense of
appreciation-from the tiniest organism seen through the microscope, to the
worlds revealed by the telescope.
With the Psalmist our hearts exclaim, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy
name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens;”-for, however
grand and glorious are the wonders of creation, they proclaim only the superior
grandeur and greatness of their Creator. Do we admire intellectual vigor,
nobility of conception and skill in execution, comprehensive scope and minute
particularity? We see it there! And while recognizing that even we ourselves
are his workmanship-“fearfully and wonderfully made,” and not beneath his
notice and Fatherly care, we feel humbled as we recognize our Father’s majesty,
and in our hearts we say with the Psalmist, again, “When I consider thy
heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast
ordained; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that
thou visitest him? for thou hast made him [but] a little lower than the angels
and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion
over the [earthly] works of thy hands.,” (Psa. 8) High indeed was the honor
conferred upon man and the glory of his dominion (lost in Adam, redeemed in
Christ) over the earth which God made “not in vain,” but for human habitation.
And while, as Job tells us, he “hanged the earth upon nothing,” but launched it
out in the abyss of space subject to those fixed laws which his wisdom established,
we rejoice to know that “The Lord hath prepared his throne [power, dominion,
control] in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all.” (Psa. 103:19) Surely
no confusion or mishap can befall the remotest fragment of his vast empire, the
Universe. Yea, Lord, we rejoice to realize that,-
“The whole creation is thy charge,
But saints are thy peculiar care.”
“HAVE FERVENT CHARITY AMONG YOURSELVES”
In leaving the above subject we desire to impress upon all a few thoughts
upon which all of God’s people who possess his spirit and are guided by his
Word can, we believe, fully agree.
(1) Christian unity is not established upon harmonious views of astronomy. Each
has the right to the use of his own intellect upon the subject of astronomy, or
any other subject not a part of the divine revelation; and we trust that we
have clearly shown that astronomy is not a part of that divine revelation.
(2) If, aside from the Bible, a brother or a sister reaches a conclusion that
another brother or sister considers wholly illogical and unreasonable, neither
should think or speak of the other as a fool; but each should remember that all
present knowledge is more or less incomplete, and that all of our reasoning
faculties are at present imperfect. Now we know in part, but when that which is
perfect is come, we shall know even as we are known. “Have fervent charity
[love] among yourselves.” This will enable each to treat kindly what may appear
to him most absurd views on non-essential subjects, so that when we know that
another holds such views we may avoid, if possible, wounding the feelings of
even the very least of the Lord’s “little ones.”-Matt. 5:22; James 5:9,
margin.
(3) Remember always that astronomy and such other subjects as are not
identified with God’s plan, and not taught in his Word, are not of those for
which we should contend. The Apostle declares that we should “contend
earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints;” but astronomy
is no part of that faith. Neither is it a subject which we should feel it our
duty to search or prove: we are to search the Scriptures upon the subjects
relating to eternal life, and to prove all suggestions respecting the same by
examining and comparing the Scriptures. Astronomy, therefore, is not one of the
subjects upon which every man should be fully persuaded in his own mind. On the
contrary, a man may be a saint and an overcomer, and believe the earth flat,
square, round, or any other shape; or he may be all the more likely to run the
race to glory successfully while confessing that he does not know positively,
and is so intent on following after Christ’s example,-feeding the sheep and the
lambs upon the bread of eternal life-that he has not the time needful to study
and prove and teach any other gospel. The Apostle’s resolve is a good one to
follow. He says,-“I determined to know [teach] nothing among you save Jesus
Christ, and him crucified.”