p. 4 | Emancipation Day by Theodore E. M. Valentiner

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 21, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 16.

“The palm tree . . . stands green and flourishing and fruitful in the midst of the desert.”

Emancipation Day

By Theodore E. M. Valentiner

WITNESSED, on Oct. 23, 1908, for the first time a genuine celebration of Emancipation Day, in memory of Oct. 23, 1863, when the emancipation of the former slaves was practically accomplished.

I shall not take time nor space to describe the dinner served by the negroes to their white fellow citizens, some of whom were their rescuers,— nor the procession, headed by the band, and the old veterans of the Civil War, nor the speeches made by white and black. But I do wish to say that this celebration awakened some thoughts in my mind of another emancipation proclamation, which is even now heralded over the entire world,— and another celebration which will soon be held,—the proclamation of liberty to the captives, bound by the chains of sin and a carnal mind, forged by Satan, and a celebration in which will participate all true soldiers in this struggle for liberty.

Former slaves to physical bondage ought to be thankful and joyful; but their servitude does not compare to the slavery of sin and Satan. Well has a certain writer said that “there are slaves who are free, and masters who are slaves.” In this slavery of sin and Satan is every man who has not been set free by the grace of the mighty Redeemer. And those who are set free by the Son of God, who are free indeed, have more reason to rejoice, for they have attained to the glorious liberty of the sons of God, while the former were simply freed from bodily servitude, as were the children of Israel when freed from Egyptian oppression. They were then not free from the slavery of sin, as is shown by their experience during their journey in the wilderness. But into Canaan could enter only those who attained to this other liberty, in whose hearts was a different spirit, as in Caleb’s. Into the heavenly Canaan, the eternal kingdom of God, only those will enter who have attained to the glorious liberty of the children of God. But that is the blessed privilege of every one.

Now the emancipation from the slavery of sin is being proclaimed. Every man may be free — if he accepts of this liberty offered so freely. The proclamation and invitation to come, is being carried to the uttermost ends of the earth to-day. Now is the time to accept it. Soon it will be too late. There is a better General than ever fought earth’s battles to inspire and strengthen the soldiers in this campaign; and there is sure victory and certain liberty to whosoever will come.

Soon it will be too late. Then those who have chosen to remain in the slavery of sin, will be inseparably connected with it, and will perish with their sin. Hasten, and save your soul. Enter into the open door of mercy; do not reject Him who rejects none, however sinful, who will come. Let Him become King and Lord in your heart now. That is the only way, the only course you can pursue, and see Him when He, as He has promised, comes in the clouds of heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to gather His own to Himself.

Soon the proclamation will cease to be proclaimed. Soon the most glorious celebration will be held, which the universe will ever see. Then all the true warriors of the cross, from Creation until the end of time, will be carried by the holy angels into the presence of the Son of God when He appears in the glory of the Father, in His own glory, and in the glory of all the holy angels, to take to Himself His redeemed. And then He will gird Himself, and serve His faithful ones at that glorious marriage supper of the Lamb.

O, may we all be among the blessed, who from all nations and tongues, will be gathered at the glorious celebration of emancipation, made free indeed from the terrible service of Satan, to serve forevermore Him who has purchased our freedom, redeemed us, to His own praise and glory, as true children of the living God.

THEODORE E. M. VALENTINER.