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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 10, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 38.

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Questions and Answers

In this department there will be considered from time to time helpful and practical questions relating to the various phases of this message, church government, Christian doctrine, duty, experience, etc. The editors reserve the right to consider only those questions which in their judgment will prove of benefit to the readers of the REVIEW. All questions should be addressed to the editor.
21. When Turkey is driven out of Europe, what will occur?
There is arising among our people considerable speculation over this question. Several correspondents have inquired whether that event will mark the close of probation and the standing up of Michael. Just how soon after Turkey withdraws from European soil before she comes to her end, the prophecy of the Scriptures does not indicate. When Turkey is forced to give up her European possessions, it is probable that she will move her capital to some city in Asia. She may go at once to Jerusalem; she might choose some other city in her Asiatic possessions. We may be sure of this, that at Jerusalem she will make her last stand, and here, according to the prophecy of Daniel 11 and 12, she shall come to her end and none shall help her. How long after she leaves Europe before the consummation of her history the prophet does not say. While probably it will be a very short time, yet it might be months or even years, so far as the teachings of the prophecy show.
As a matter of fact, the Scriptures say nothing about the king of the north leaving Europe. The Bible record indicates that the Turkish power will be dried up; that it will waste away and finally reach its termination. When that time comes, the close of probation will be reached, and Michael, or Christ, will stand up to take his kingdom. But while the driving of the Turk from Europe will be a long step toward the consummation of this scheme, and while we believe that in the rapidly shaping events of the last days it will be a short time after Turkey is driven out before the end of all things is reached, yet at the same time let us be careful not to read into the prophecy that which it does not contain.
And in the prophecy relating to the Ottoman Empire, as in every other line of prophecy, let us not seek to build up an argument or evolve a theory that is not fully warranted by the Scriptures of Truth. The fulfillment of prophecy in the momentous events of the last few days is sufficiently thrilling in its plain, unvarnished state, without the addition of any speculative philosophy regarding it.
22. Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church make tithe paying a test of fellowship?
Before believers are received into the church they should be thoroughly instructed with reference to the fundamental principles of the gospel. The Bible method for the support of the gospel ministry and the work of God in the earth should be clearly set before them. They should be made to feel that it is their duty to contribute of their means to the support of all the activities of the church. The candidate who feels opposed to this doctrine, or in fact to any other cardinal doctrine taught by the church, should be asked to wait until further study makes clear the question to his mind. On the other hand, the church cannot take it upon itself to regulate the practice of tithe paying on the part of its members. This is a matter which must be settled between the individual and his God. In fact, as a rule no one but the individual himself can tell whether or not he is rendering to the Lord a true tithe. It is better to secure promptness and faithfulness in the paying and freewill offerings by setting before the church not only the duty of such service, but above all the blessed privilege which God affords his children to show their appreciation of his goodness. Let us make appeal to the heart and to the conscience, based upon the instruction of the Word, rather than to criticism or threatened discipline.
23. Is it proper for local elders and deacons to officiate in the Communion after their election, but before their ordination.?
No, it is not. The election of one by the church alone does not constitute him an elder. The election is only the expression of the will of the church that he officiate in that capacity. In addition to the action of the church, he must be set apart for his work by prayer and the laying on of hands. Therefore he has no right to officiate at the Communion until after his ordination. The same principle applies to the deacons of the church.
24. Is it right for a woman who has obtained a divorce from her husband on account of his violation of the seventh commandment to marry a second time? Is it proper to elect the brother who unites with her in her second marriage as a deacon of the church?
To both these questions we answer yes. The teachings of the Scripture permit a second marriage on either of two conditions: namely, the death of either the husband or the wife, and divorce following the violation of the seventh commandment on the part of either one. This is made clear by reference to Rom. 7: 1-3, also Matt. 5: 31, 32; 19: 3-9. Our Saviour clearly indicates in these last two references that the violation of the seventh commandment constitutes a sufficient ground for divorce, and that the one separated from the faithless companion on this account is entitled to unite with another in marriage relationship. We see therefore no ground to exclude one who has done this from occupying the office of deacon in the church.
25. Is it proper for a local elder of the church to pronounce the benediction at the close of the services?
We know of no reason why this should not be done. The benediction is nothing more or less than a closing prayer to God for his Spirit to descend upon the congregation. We believe it is entirely proper for any member of the church to be asked to make this prayer.
26. Should Adventists have lightning rods on their buildings?
We are not prepared to discuss the merit of lightning rods. If their presence will preserve a building from fire, we see no reason from the standpoint of right and wrong why they should not be employed, the same as noncombustible material is used in the building of a house or shelter provided to protect flocks and herds from sun or storm. We see no reason to regard the burning of a building or the destruction of life from a lightning flash as a special judgment of God any more than where such disasters come from the effect of heat or storm. We are inclined to question, however, the value of lightning rods as ordinarily employed. In matters of this character let us accord to our brethren liberty of conscience and action. Let us not regard our own convictions or practice as a standard by which to gauge the conduct and practice of those around us.