An Editor’s View of the Message by Walter L. Burgan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 20, 1914

An Editor’s View of the Message

By Walter L. Burgan

That newspaper editors and their wives have regard for the power connected with the preaching of the third angel’s message, and believe that the words spoken are of more than ordinary importance, is shown by the manner in which the wife of one editor in a town in Minnesota wrote of one of our workers in that locality. She very highly appreciated the sermon they had heard, and the forceful way in which she commented upon the remarks ought to be the means of arousing an interest in the hearts of their readers. The write-up, including the heading, was as follows:—

“Devil’s Last Stand

“Being an Arraignment of Infidelity, Agnosticism, and Higher Criticism

“At the Adventist church on Cedar Street Sunday evening Elder — gave a stirring address upon the topic ‘The Devil’s Last Stand.’ Mr. —, who is president of the — Union Conference and a member of the World’s General Conference Committee, is a speaker of unusual force and ability. He speaks with conviction and power. Like others of his denomination, he knows his Bible thoroughly, believes it means what it says, and goes to its pages for the answer to all his questions.”

“He prefaced his sermon by the statement that ministers are called to preach the gospel, and not to uphold or build on any particular denomination. His sermon dealt with the drift of the times, the spirit of infidelity and unbelief, born of higher criticism, perverted Christianity, and failure to find directing power in God’s Word. His exhortation and the keynote of his message was, Study the Bible, search the Scriptures, go to the Word of God, study his message, each for himself, and then you must believe its promises and trust its Author. He gave a text for almost every statement, and drew this message from Gospel sources, the Old Testament, and Revelation.”

“He quoted from the press, from published sermons, theological professors’ opinions, and higher critics’ ultimatums; then, brushing them aside, as many of them had brushed aside the Bible, and holding his Bible in his hand, he assured his audience that heaven and earth would pass away but not one jot or tittle of the Word of God could pass.”

“The address was brilliant, didactic, logical throughout. It held the audience in closest attention, and would make any one who heard it more thoughtful. It was marked by earnestness, a love of truth, and fearlessness. The speaker believed what he said, and gave a reason for the faith that is in him.”

“There was a good attendance, good music, and deep interest.”

It would be well for more of our workers to invite editors and their wives to attend the tent and hall meetings and get them aroused to the importance of the truth. Not only do they need salvation, but when favorably impressed with the truth they can be mighty instruments in the hands of the Lord in using their pens through the greatest medium that can carry the blessed message for these days into the homes of the people. Such comment as here reproduced should be courted by our workers, as it is bound to work for the glory of the cause we so dearly love.

WALTER L. BURGAN.