p. 10 | Human Wrecks by S. N. HASKELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 21, 1909

Human Wrecks

By S. N. HASKELL

S. N. HASKELL

When men and women who once were strong and vigorous lose their minds, we call them human wrecks. It does not necessarily follow that this great misfortune is because of some sin that they have committed, for often this condition is caused by trouble or sickness.

There is another class of human wrecks which may be studied with profit. I refer to those who once held prominent positions in the cause of God, but have departed from the faith. Judas was one of them. For three years he was with Jesus, saw his wonderful works, unmistakable evidence of his Messiahship, his unselfish life; and yet love of money so blinded his mind that he could sell his Lord for thirty pieces of silver. He afterward threw down his money, declared Christ an innocent person, and then went out and hanged himself—a human wreck.

Of the six hundred thousand men who came out of the land of Egypt, only two entered the promised land. The rest disbelieved God, and died. The wilderness was strewn with human wrecks.

Ezekiel, looking down to our time, prophesied concerning God's people as follows: “I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond

of the covenant; and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.” Eze. 20: 35-38.

In this chapter idolatry and Sabbath-breaking are the principal sins mentioned, causing spiritual wrecks. It is the same with modern Israel.

Over sixty years ago the great advent proclamation called forth a people from all denominations, and from the world, and even from the ranks of infidelity, to look for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The observance of the seventh day as the Sabbath drew a dividing line in Israel. “Moreover,” said the Lord, “I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” But, like Israel of old who rebelled against God in the wilderness, some walked not in God's statutes, but despised his judgments, and his Sabbaths were greatly polluted. They became spiritual wrecks; but the end is not yet. Many a bright star will set in darkness, and lesser lights will come to the front. This is God's work. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

In looking over the General Conference Bulletin for 1897 I find some significant facts. The volume contains three hundred ninety-two pages. Two hundred seven pages contain sermons and Bible studies given by those who are now out of the truth for these last days. There are also many other pages filled with the writings of those who are now taking no active part in the work. Why has there been such a change in twelve short years? A quotation from “Early Writings” will answer:—

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not hear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people.

“I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs, has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it, will obey it and be purified.”

Whatever may be the faith of the reader of these lines, one thing is certain: God has revealed three steps in Rev. 14: 6-12—the first, second, and third angels' messages—to prepare a people to stand when Christ appears upon the great white cloud. A true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The manner in which they are received will determine the destiny of souls. These messages are a solid, immovable platform for the people of God. Those who are connected with the Lord's work during these three messages have an experience which costs too much to be carelessly thrown away in the time of battle. Some will approach the platform of the messages of the three angels and readily step upon it; others will examine it, and step off and find fault with it, and wish improvements made in it; some will declare it to be laid wrong. But God is its Master Builder, and in the end it will be found to be laid in wisdom. The faithful will recount the victories of the past, and will look forward to the bright and glorious future, a most glorious triumph of the people and work of God.

Oakland, Cal.