A Chain of Witnesses by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 28, 1904

A Chain of Witnesses

By Editor

Editorial

A Chain of Witnesses

THOSE who really believe the truth are witnesses for the truth. In this way the message of truth is given to the world. Thus it was when the risen Saviour instructed the disciples concerning their future work: “Ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” And beginning at Jerusalem, they testified of a crucified and risen Jesus whom God had exalted “to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.” By going from city to city and from country to country as witnesses of these things, they raised up believers in all parts of the then known world in their own generation, making an unbroken chain of living witnesses to testify of the Messiah. The same experience is to be repeated in this generation. “The Angel of the covenant is empowering his servants to be his witnesses to carry the truth to all parts of the world. He has sent forth his angels with their message. But as if these angels did not speed on their way fast enough to satisfy his heart of yearning love, he gives John personally the message to be given to all: ‘The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.’ He has opened a fountain for Judah and Jerusalem, and every member of his church is to show his loyalty by inviting the thirsty to drink the water of life. A chain of living witnesses is to carry the invitation to the world. Will you act your part in this great work? Christ calls upon you to believe and live the truth, even though you have to stand alone.” A martyr is simply a witness who testifies by dying rather than by living. The words “witness” and “martyr” in the New Testament are from the same original word. And every true witness will have a martyr’s faith to sustain him in testifying, whether in life or in death. The very situation suggests that the witnesses ought not to crowd together in one place, but by going forth to the world they should become links in the chain of witnesses which will surround the whole earth. “Ye are my witnesses.” “Go ye into all the world.”

“He Careth for You”

WE are under the protection of a loving Father whose watchcare extends to each individual. He is acquainted with all our peculiar circumstances, and understands our particular and special needs. Nothing escapes his notice. “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” When we are tempted to think that our Father does not regard us, we must remember the price which he has paid for us, and surely he will not forget that which has cost him so terrible a ransom. Listen to his own words: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” “Our God is a tender, merciful Father. His service should not be looked upon as a heart-saddening, distressing exercise. . . . The Lord desires his children to take comfort in his service, and to find more pleasure than hardship in his work. He desires that those who come to worship him shall carry away with them precious thoughts of his care and love, that they may be cheered in all the employments of daily life.” As we sometimes feel almost overwhelmed with the difficulties and perplexities of the daily struggle, we can find fresh courage in these gracious words, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

“How sweet, my Saviour, to repose On thine almighty pow’r! To feel thy strength upholding me, Through ev’ry trying hour!

“It is thy will that I should cast My ev’ry care on thee; To thee refer each rising grief, Each new perplexity;

“That I should trust thy loving care, And look to thee alone, To calm each troubled thought to rest, In prayer before thy throne.”