JOHN D. GILLATT by John D. Gillatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 22, 1912

JOHN D. GILLATT

By John D. Gillatt

The City Problem --- No. 2

JOHN D. GILLATT

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

It is interesting to observe that twice when Jesus was delivering his commission to the disciples, he urged them to begin their work in the largest city of the nation. It is also worthy of notice that the same missionary sketch-book of Acts, which begins by picturing the close of special endeavor for the metropolis of Judaism, concludes with a picture of special endeavor for the metropolis of gentilism. Between these two lies a wondrous story of city work conducted in various parts of the world field; so we can correctly say that the book of Acts is a divine record of city missionary work.

The most marvelous events recorded in the book of Acts are those of a pentecostal order, and be it noted that every one of the four recorded took place in a city. The cities were Jerusalem, the Jewish metropolis; Samaria, the Samaritan metropolis; Cæsarea, the Roman metropolis of Palestine; and Ephesus, one of the most important Greek cities, and metropolis of the province of Asia. Thus the former rain was, as the latter rain is to be, poured out upon all flesh, in that cities that were renowned among the Jews, Samaritans, Romans, and Greeks, respectively, had their distinct pentecostal revivals. In this way the Lord emphasized the universal need of the universal application of the Holy Spirit.

Do not the facts here dwelt upon suggest to us that cities are the regions in special need of gospel work? Now the Lord’s followers were to be witnesses: and true witnesses, according to established and well-known legal usage, have two qualifications, to know and to speak. Hence the Saviour said, “We speak that we do know.” John 3:11. The first requisite of a successful witness is unwavering confidence, irrefutable knowledge. Something, however, must precede even this,—there must be something for him to know, that he may have something to say. What we require, therefore, is a message, and immovable confidence

in that message. Then, with power from our Commissioner, we are prepared to enter even these centers of sin, and offer that which will satisfy the spiritual needs of the people.

The message wherewith to evangelize the cities is plainly set on record. Let us read:— “The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the men of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” Micah 6:9. This verse merits close analysis. First of all, the Lord’s voice is to the whole earth, but particularly to the cities. Consider, for an instant, the word “voice.” By comparison of this scripture with John 1:23, we learn that the Lord uses human agencies as his voice. The one there thus describing himself was John the Baptist, who had come “in the spirit and power of Elias.” Luke 1:17.

We understand and tell the world that John was a type of the people to whom is committed the message of Christ’s second coming; hence we should allow the Lord and humanity to recognize in us the voice of God. Too often, though, the divine melody is missing from the mortal’s voice, and the tone is not pitched to the harmony of heaven’s sacred choir.

My fellow worker, are your lips mobile to the melody of angelic praise? Are your heart-strings softened and susceptible, that they may be stirred by the Spirit of God as the harp-strings by an expert? Have you that tender, sweet disposition that melts the hardened heart, and binds the sinner a willing captive to your Leader’s triumph car? If so, you may read yourself in this expression, “the Lord’s voice.” The church, then, professing as a whole to be that voice to-day must cry to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, especially the cities.

The voice demands a message. This message has been committed to us, and is calculated to effect such a transformation in our lives that the Lord by the sanctifying influence of his Spirit, particularly through the Sabbath blessing, can write his name on our foreheads. The Lord gives us his appointed rest day that thereby we can cause “the man of wisdom” to see God’s name, not only as the seal of Sinai’s precepts, but in us the seal of the Spirit’s presence. In our grasp has been placed “a reed like unto a rod” with which we are commanded to measure creed and character. Revelation 11. Such a symbol we readily understand to signify the law. This rod is a speaking rod (a figure strange in itself, but how easy to explain when we apply it to the commandments of the decalogue), a rod that communicates the will of God; and it is for us to invite the citizens to hear, for the Lord has “appointed,” or “determined,” it inviolable. As we carry a message established by God’s own appointing, hallowed by his holy name, and blessed with his Sabbatic blessing, let us press on in our heaven-appointed work, taking courage, and whole-heartedly believing God’s promise, “Blessed shalt thou be in the city.” Deut. 28:3.

London, England.