Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 12, 1903

Editorial

By Editor

The End

WE are taught in the Word of God that this present experience of sin, suffering, and death will not always continue. There is a limit to the present order of things which is spoken of as “the end,” or “the end of the world.” The clear fulfilment of prophecy shows that we have almost reached “the end.” It only remains to give the warning message, making known to the world that “the end” is near, and preparing a people for that experience, and we shall see “the end.” Think for a moment how much is involved in “the end.” It means the end of sin and of the kingdom of the prince of this world. It means that “there shall be no curse any more.” It means that “death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more.” It means the consummation of the hope of the righteous of all the ages in the setting up of that kingdom which “shall stand forever.” It means an end to this period of separation from the immediate presence of the Father, and we “shall see his face.” And this end will bring us to the true beginning again, when “the first things are passed away.” What a long-desired end! What a glorious beginning! But to be prepared for the beginning we must be prepared for “the end.” The experience of the end of sin in our lives will be the preparation for the end of sin in all the universe. The end of Satan’s kingdom in our hearts will be the preparation for witnessing the utter overthrow of

his kingdom. To know Him as the life of our lives who is both “the beginning and the end” is the preparation for both the end and the beginning. “The end of all things is at hand.” “Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

As the Leaves of Autumn

WE have been told that our literature should be scattered like the leaves of autumn. In these autumn days the leaves are constantly falling, falling, falling. They cover the ground with a thick carpet. Under the influence of some strong current of wind they will at times almost fill the air, but even on the most quiet days, still they are steadily falling, falling, falling. Without any noisy demonstration they are falling, falling, falling. The result is that the ground under the trees is all the time covered with leaves. Even though the wind may sweep some places clean, yet by the constant falling, falling, falling of the leaves the ground is soon covered again. What a striking lesson does all this teach us! Wherever there is a believer in this advent message, there the printed leaves bearing this truth ought to be falling, falling, falling. We have such a variety of periodicals, tracts, pamphlets, and books, treating upon so many phases of gospel truth, that the people can be visited again and again with something different each time. Thus the leaves can be kept falling, falling, falling, without annoying those who are called upon. When all our people will take up this work systematically, the attention of the millions can be quickly focused upon this closing message, the good seed can be sown everywhere, and God will surely give the increase. Let the constant and quiet falling, falling, falling of the leaves in this autumn season teach its lesson to us all. “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.”

Daily Privileges

IT is our privilege to begin each day with the blessing pronounced upon the man “whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, . . . unto whom Jehovah imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” No one is prepared for the experiences of a new day who enters upon it under the con-condemnation of known sin, and in the moral weakness which comes from a lack of the fullest fellowship with the Father and with his Son. Every day it is our privilege to begin the conflict with the blessed assurance that there has been a vital union established anew between us and our mighty Helper, as we have sought communion with him through the prayer of humble confession and appropriating faith. “Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Make no calculations for months or years; these are not yours. One brief day is given to you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for the Master. Lay all your plans before him, to be carried out or given up, as his providence shall indicate. Accept his plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects. Thus the life will be molded more and more after the divine Example. And ‘the peace of God which passeth all understanding,’ shall keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.” Let not the enemy cheat you out of this daily privilege of forgiveness, consecration, and blessed service. Let the daily life be a testimony to the reality of the fellowship which should exist between a saved sinner and the indwelling Saviour. “All my cares I cast upon him, And he bears them all away; All my fears and griefs I tell him, All my needs from day to day. All my strength I draw from Jesus, By his breath I live and move; E’en his very mind he gives me, And his faith, and life, and love.”

As a Little Child

THE Father’s provision for the salvation of lost sinners is the product of infinite wisdom, and is therefore wonderfully simple. It is adapted to his children. It is suited only for children. It must be received in a childlike way. “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.” One of the greatest hindrances to the acceptance of the gospel of salvation by those who hear it is their unwillingness to receive it as little children. The satanic ambition to be like God in power without being willing to be like him in character has led to self-exaltation, and has blinded the minds of men to the great truth that

genuine humility is the essential condition of true greatness. He who represented the Father to the world said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.”

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth Jehovah require of thee, But to do justice, and to love mercy, And to be humble in walking with thy God?”

The proud heart, the lofty spirit, the high estimate of self, build up barriers between God and us, and prevent us from receiving the kingdom of God. He who is in his very being “the high and lofty One” has said, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” The little child’s sense of helplessness and the unquestioning rest of childlike faith open the channel for the inflow of heavenly gifts. He who delights in giving, but who must maintain the righteous principles of his own character in his giving, is able to give freely his most precious gifts to him who asks and receives as a little child. The little child asks upon the simple basis of need and relationship. He is in need, and he is his father’s child, therefore he asks. He has no other plan for paying for these gifts than by continuing to ask for and to receive and to use other gifts as his father’s child. “Of such is the kingdom of heaven.”