Lessons From Past Experiences by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

Lessons From Past Experiences

By GEO. O. STATES

—No. 14

GEO. O. STATES

FORTY years ago I settled in Lapeer, Mich., where I lived several years. Not long after I went there, a citizen died, and was buried under the auspices of a certain secret order. What was my surprise to see one of our brethren marching with others, in his regalia.

That was the first time I had ever heard of a Seventh-day Adventist's belonging to a lodge. This brother soon began to oppose some points of our faith, and matters went on until finally a business meeting was called, and the church withdrew the hand of fellowship from him. When the action was taken, he arose and said, “You have turned me out of the church, but you can never drive me from this truth.” That man lived for many years, and always seemed much interested in the workings of the order, but before his death about the only point on which he seemed to be in harmony with the message was in outwardly observing the Sabbath.

It is a sad fact that in the last forty years there has come a great change among us in this respect, and now when our ministers visit our churches and read such texts as 2 Cor. 6:14-17, bringing in that close separation that should exist between God's people and worldly societies, it is liable to make a stir, especially if we should read from Bible Students' Library, tract No. 103, in which the servant of the Lord says, in speaking of lodges:—

“Do you take Jesus with you? Are you seeking to save the souls of your companions? Is that the object of your association with them? . . . The presence of Christ is unknown in these gatherings. No reference is made to him. His companionship is not desired. . . . Those who fear God can not choose the ungodly for companions, and be themselves unharmed. In these societies they are brought under the influence of worldly principles and customs, and through the power of association and habit the mind becomes more and more conformed to the worldling's standard. Their love for God grows cold, and they have no desire for communion with him. They become spiritually blind. . . . These societies, that are not controlled by the love and fear of God, will not be found true and upright toward man. Many of their transactions are contrary to justice and equity. . . . We should be firmly rooted in the conviction that whatever in any sense turns us aside from truth and justice in our association and partnership with men, can not benefit us, and greatly dishonors God. Every species of deceit or conniving at sin is abhorrent to him. Fraud runs all through these secret associations, and none can be bound up with them and be free men before God and heaven.”

I have watched these influences among us as a people for many years, and believe, from what I have seen of those who were professing the truth and still holding their connection with these influences, that it has kept them from advancing in the message. My observation has convinced me that every word that has been given us by the servant of the Lord regarding these things has proved true, and that the only safety for us as a people is in heeding the counsel given in the Word, and through the spirit of prophecy, which has been in this church from the very rise of this message. The Word says, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” That is a positive command, and in all the history of God's people, when they have heeded this counsel, it has brought about a separation of his people from the world. The people of God are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.

The Lord willing, in my next I will give some of my personal experiences while in a backslidden condition, and connected with the lodge.

Cedaredge, Colo.