Denominational Work by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 22, 1903

Denominational Work

By Editor

Editorial

Denominational Work

THERE has been a strong tendency of late to treat lightly, and almost with ridicule, the idea that this denomination has been entrusted with a special work, and that it was raised up for this purpose. This view has been persistently made to appear as narrow and tending to bigotry. We have been exhorted to take a broader view of things, and there are some among us who seem to delight in emphasizing the statement that their work is an undenominational work, and that the institution with which they are connected is an undenominational institution. It is certainly clear that any persons who prefer to do undenominational work are at perfect liberty to do so, and we have no desire to hinder their labors, but we do object to any effort to evaporate this advent movement into the thin air of undenominational philanthropy and glittering gospel platitudes. We have a strong conviction that this body of people has been called out to do a specific denominational work, a work which no other denomination is doing, and that they will prove false to their trust if they allow themselves to be turned aside from that work. This work is world-wide in its extent, but it is very definite in its character. The work of this people is in fulfilment of specific prophecies, just as was the work of John the Baptist. This denomination is a voice in the earth to prepare the way of the Lord, and it must give to the world the very message which the Lord has designed for this generation. In order to accomplish this mission in the world, it is not necessary for this people to assert that the Lord does not use any other persons or agencies in the working out of his purposes, but it will be fatal to the success of this movement, so far as we are concerned, to take the position that we should keep our specific message in the background, and that we should lose our denominational identity on the broad platform of undenominational Christian effort. When this idea, which has been so strongly implied in some of the teaching of late, both oral and written, is accepted by this denomination, we may look for another people to arise to give this message. But we believe that this people will give this message to the world, and we do not therefore expect to see this idea adopted in this denomination. It is an exalted privilege to be connected with a denominated people who have been commissioned of God to herald his final message of warning and salvation to the world. To speak disparagingly of this people or their special work will not honor God or bring blessing to ourselves. “Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.”

Plain Counsel to Parents

IN the October number of The Medical Missionary we note a call for “good boys” to come to the Battle Creek Sanitarium to act as call boys. The article closes with these statements: “Now the Sanitarium wants a number of such boys. Fathers and mothers who have them and are wondering what to do with them, will do well to write to the Sanitarium in reference to the matter. The proper age is from fourteen to seventeen.” In view of this call we deem it our duty to lay before the fathers and mothers of this denomination the counsel which has been given to us through the spirit of prophecy bearing upon this very matter. In a message dated Aug. 27, 1903, Sister White writes as follows: “Christian fathers and mothers are now called upon to fulfill their duties in the home. They must try to save their children unto eternal life. Let them not advise their children to connect with the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, or with the schools that shall be set in operation at Battle Creek. There is tenfold more danger now in our youth going there, than there has been in the past.” This is a very clear note of warning. We may be sure that it would not be sounded if there were not abundant reason to justify it. We greatly regret that the situation demands such counsel, but knowing that it has been written, we do not feel clear to withhold it when fathers and mothers are being urged to do the very thing which it declares that they should not do. These are certainly times of peril, and it is the duty of each one of us to inquire diligently for the way of the Lord. He will preserve those who are willing to follow his leading.

Faithful Watchmen

IT is the duty of the watchman to warn the people when he sees the sword coming. If he does not do this, he is held responsible for the loss of those who might have been saved if the warning had been given. This places a solemn responsibility upon the watchman. When he accepts the position of a watchman, he assumes this responsibility. The watchman upon the walls of Zion ought to think seriously of their duty at the present time. We face a great crisis in this work. The sophistries of Satan have been taught as the truth of God by those who have held positions of trust in this denomination, and many watchmen have failed to discern the dangerous character of these teachings, and to warn the people against them, while some have thrown their influence heartily in favor of these perversions of the gospel message for this time. It is a time for repentance and humiliation. This will not be the only attempt to force error upon this people, and there must be an anointing of the eyes with the heavenly eyesalve, or the enemy will be successful in his next attempt to put falsehood in the place of truth. The instruction given last week through Sister White concerning the educational work at Battle Creek, and the instruction given this week through the same channel in regard to the character of the teaching which has been sent forth from that place, ought to awaken many who have been indifferent or blind to the real situation among us, and ought to startle the unfaithful watchmen. The compromising attitude which has been taken by a goodly number has brought weakness into their experience, and has left those

committed to their watchcare to be the prey of the enemy. It is time now for the faithful watchmen to give the trumpet a certain sound. It is time to teach the truth with power, and to unmask the sophistries of Satan. It is time to teach the message for this generation with clearness and authority. God is calling the faithful watchmen to their duty, and he will have no use for any other kind. Let the watchmen be faithful.