The Danger-Signal by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Aug 25, 1904

The Danger-Signal

By Editor

Editorial

The Danger-Signal

WE are now in times of peculiar peril, and it is the duty of every faithful watchman to lift the danger-signal. We should not be mere alarmists; but when a real danger threatens, it is a betrayal of trust to keep silence, even though in warning the people we may be compelled to expose the errors of those who have been our former companions in arms. Sin is sin, and rebellion is rebellion, and apostasy is apostasy, and “there is no respect of persons with God.” In the history of every departure from God there comes a time when to remain neutral and not to be outspoken against a wrong course, is to compromise with evil, and to become responsible for it. The integrity of God’s cause and faith in his last warning message are to be preserved at whatever cost to our feelings. It seems to have been the experience of nearly every reform movement that an effort would be made to counteract its influence and really to bring it to naught, by perverting its principles, and by holding to the mere forms of truth while denying its power. This advent movement has not escaped from this experience. It is now time to lift the danger-signal, and to take an uncompromising stand against those influences which, if allowed to work without hindrance, will greatly dishonor God, and bring defeat upon this advent movement. “The enemy is on our track. We must be wide-awake, on our guard against him. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must follow the directions given through the spirit of prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. . . . Let not erroneous theories receive countenance from the people who ought to be standing firm on the platform of eternal truth. God calls upon us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.” A strong influence is being exerted to counterwork the work of God for this time, and to destroy confidence in his leading. It is time to lift the danger-signal. Let the truth be spoken in love.

Mystery and Mysticism

We should carefully distinguish between the mystery of the true gospel and the mysticism of a false gospel. To his disciples Jesus said, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,” but many modern teachers have departed from the example of the Great Teacher, and have substituted mysticism for mystery in their attempt to expound the truths of the kingdom. The result is that iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold, because there is no power in mysticism to save from sin. It is the duty of the faithful preacher of the truth to proclaim the mystery of the gospel in such a clear manner that the contrast between it and mysticism shall be apparent to all.

Rejoicing in Trouble

THE same apostle who enumerates eight different kinds of perils to which he had been exposed, and who had been “in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness,” also says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.” There is nothing except a personal acquaintance with God which will make it possible for one to rejoice in every experience which may come to him. Uncertain indeed is the happiness of the one who depends upon the fickle fortune of circumstances, and such happiness is, after all, only a flight of feeling, a mere ripple upon the surface of life. It is in the deeper quiet of the soul that true happiness abides. This blessedness is the fruitage of the most intimate communion with the God of peace, in whose presence is fulness of joy. This was the experience of the prophet of old, who saw the coming Babylonish captivity and its attendant troubles, and yet stayed his soul on his God. Observe his words:—

“I heard, and my body trembled, My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entereth into my bones, and I tremble in my place; Because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble, For the coming up of the people that invadeth us. For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold. And there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

God is able to spread a table in the wilderness, and he can care for his people even though the usual channels of temporal blessings are closed up. And more valuable than all these is the gift of righteousness, the gift of himself. Then “be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”