Most Encouraging of All by William Ambrose Spicer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 2, 1905

Most Encouraging of All

By William Ambrose Spicer

The Progress Beyond Our Sight

No one can intelligently watch the progress of this work in mission fields to-day without seeing that Providence is shaping the line of advance for a sharp and quick work at the close. Bases of operation have been established from which every continent may be quickly evangelized when once the outpouring of the Spirit supplies the means.

Cheering as may be the things we see, the most encouraging thing of all is the knowledge that away beyond the bounds of the Lord’s visible work on earth, his Spirit is preparing the way specifically for this closing message. We have the evidence that the time has come when, in a special manner, the Spirit of God is being poured out on all flesh, according to the prophecy.

Such evidence is supplied by the sudden bursting forth of the light in men’s hearts in Korea, in the Fuhkien province of China, and in other parts. We see it in our work among native Russians. Despite the conditions, in the face of the severest possible restrictions, their numbers have nearly doubled within the year. Where human effort can do the least, there, apparently, the Lord chooses to show us the cheering token that he has indeed set his hand to finish the work.

We know that he is speaking to hearts, and preparing witnesses, in every populous land. In “Object Lessons” this encouraging truth is set forth:—

In the depth of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to his servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The “Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.

Thus it was that the impulse came to a cannibal in the New Hebrides, who had joined his fellows in a fierce attack upon John G. Paton’s life. Suddenly, as spears were lifted for the fatal thrust, the savage leaped to the missionary’s side, and warded off the blows.

Only a few years ago, in the great Boxer uprising in China, an edict ordering the extermination of foreigners was sent from Peking to two statesmen whose official duty it was to pass the edict on to the southern provinces. The southern provinces did not rise against the missionaries. Why?—The two statesmen, in passing on the edict, changed the wording so that it was a command to “strenuously protect” the lives of the foreigners. For this act they were literally “sawn asunder,” but they had saved hundreds of lives by forfeiting their own. Over and over again in our time men have heard the voice of God saying, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”

What glorious prospects are afforded by this nearness of God to all men, so that he can speak to every soul that is leaning toward the light. In the forty-second of Isaiah he cites us to the fact that he gives breath to all men on the earth, as evidence of his power to send the light of truth to all who sit in darkness. For a long time he has held his peace, he says, but now he will cry out. There can be delay no longer.

Now as the message rises to go, there will be a rising to meet it. We see the beginning of it here and there, already, among the most populous and difficult fields. The same Spirit that says to the missionary, “Go,” is saying to millions. “Come,” and many will listen and obey. We are seeing stirring things in these days, and by faith in God’s word we may know that what we see is not by any means the compass of God’s cause. He is finishing the work. He is cutting it short in righteousness. “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.” Ps. 107:43. W. A. S.