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Editorial

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 11, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 6.

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Editorial

By Editor

"Like as a Father"

In his life and teaching among men Jesus set out in a new and blessed light the relation which God sustains to us as our Father. “So ready, so eager is the Saviour’s heart to welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approaching God, he places the assurance of our divine relationship,—‘Our Father.’” “The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach him by the name of Father.” And how tender is the Father’s compassion toward us! “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” What comfort and courage there is for us in these words, as we reach out for the Father’s help!
“As flows the river, calm and deep, In silence toward the sea, So floweth ever, and ceaseth never, The love of God to thee.”

A Positive Testimony

The time has certainly come when every witness for this truth should bear a positive and decided testimony. Every believer in this message should know that his feet are upon solid ground, that he has a clear view of the issues at stake and that he is on the right side himself, and then he should exert an influence which will be felt in favor of right principles. Any further effort to remain neutral will be disastrous. “He that is not with me is against me,” said Jesus, and this teaching applies with special force just now. We should not seek to stir up strife and division, but when error is being put forward for truth, and foundation principles are being perverted, it is a false view of Christian duty which leads one to make no protest lest he appear to be a disturber of the peace. Elijah was charged with being a troubler of Israel because, according to his word, the rain was withheld in the time of Ahab as a protest against the wickedness of that Baal worshiper. But he answered, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” There is great danger now that righteousness and truth will be compromised in the effort to preserve a false peace. This cause now needs men of clear discernment, undaunted courage, and Christ-like love; for it is the time for decided action to be taken.