Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 31, 1905

Editorial

By Editor

Our Great Deliverer

It needs no argument to convince us that we need help. We have all had the experience of struggling “against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places,” and of finding ourselves utterly unable to cope with these opposing powers. Then we have appreciated more than ever the provision which has been made in our behalf, and have been devoutly thankful for the assurance, “I have laid help upon one that is mighty.” How helpless we are when we are left without special help! How weak and fruitless are our best endeavors to overcome the tempter! How soon we should sink in despair if we did not remember the encouraging exhortation, “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee.” When we consider these things, we are stirred more deeply than ever over the work of those whose whole effort seems to be directed toward discrediting Christianity and undermining confidence in a personal God and a divine Saviour. What do these men propose to give us in the place of the God of the Bible and the Saviour of sinners? At best it is only an “Infinite Force,” or a “Personal Power,” working under established laws and regardless of the special needs of any individual. This leaves no place for prayer, and no comfort for the one who prays. This leaves us with “no hope and without God in the world.” This leaves us to be the sport of temptation, and to be taken captive by the enemy at his will. Those who are thus induced to discard pilot and chart will be “driven by the wind and tossed,” and will finally make shipwreck of their faith and be eternally lost. We know something of the insidious working of these doubters and skeptics. With beautiful sentiments and fair speeches they plant the seeds of distrust, which take root all too quickly. With plausible arguments and assurances which are flattering to the natural heart they undermine the foundation of our confidence in the work of Christ for us, and while promising us liberty, they leave us in the bondage of sin. Be not deceived by these apostles of a new religion. Our only hope is to cling to the old faith, and to hang our helpless souls on our great Deliverer.