REASON FOR TROUBLE IN CHURCHES.
By P. M. Howe
While visiting one of the churches recently, the writer found that every member had neglected to renew his subscription for the REVIEW. There was trouble among the members. Several, in fact nearly all, were in a low condition spiritually. None, not even the elder and the deacon, were acquainted with the present condition of things as far as the Third Angel’s Message goes. Nearly all were taking some local paper, so as to keep posted in regard to the war, etc. The Conference to which this church belongs is financially embarrassed. Most of the workers are canvassing in order to care for themselves, and to allow funds to accumulate for the work in new fields. Now it is easy to see why Satan has got such a strong hold in this church. The REVIEW is a weekly preacher, sent by the Lord to keep his people up to the times. It should be in every home, and carefully read. The local weekly and daily papers might with profit be dispensed with; for the REVIEW will bring to everyone all the news that any Seventh-day Adventist needs to know, as far as the world is concerned. Then, besides, there are Sister White’s articles; the Sermon; Sowing for Health; Woman’s Work; editorials, etc., that are worth so much that no money value can be placed upon them. It is safe to say that if the members of our English-speaking churches would only take the REVIEW and study its pages week by week, there would be no fallings-out between brethren, no backsliders, no members who do not live the health reform, and none who do not pay their tithe. If those who have recently accepted the truth will only stop to consider for a moment, they will see how they can subscribe for the REVIEW, and for all the rest of our good papers and magazines. Let them count the cost of tea and coffee, tobacco, and other useless and harmful things; count the money once spent in bad diet, and see if they can not afford to buy all our good papers. Many, even in the country, take a daily paper that costs yearly from three dollars (twice the price of the REVIEW) to six dollars (four times the price of the REVIEW). These papers are poor reading for any family. Why not put the money into the REVIEW, and feed the mind with that which is good? Why spend our money for that which is not bread? God has put it into the hearts of those who edit the REVIEW to put into its pages matter that is just fitted for our times. Now, if we read and practice its teachings, there can be no time nor place for failure. It will be said of all such, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” May God put it into the hearts of all to lay hold upon every means of strength, so we may grow up into him, our living Head. All who do will endure unto the end, and only those who endure will be saved.