p. 8 | Missionary Literature by F. M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1914

Missionary Literature

By F. M. Wilcox

We have been asked by several correspondents what literature they should use in awakening the people to the dangers threatening our liberties from the Catholic propaganda and other church-and-state movements. We have replied unhesitatingly, "The literature prepared and published by Seventh-day Adventists." Why this counsel? We answer, Because in this literature the principles of civil and religious liberty are clearly set forth in their relation to the Scriptures of Truth and to the times in which we live.

There are some excellent religious journals published by other denominations. These journals express much truth, but oftentimes this is intermingled with specious error; and while the truth is expressed in its general relationship to Christianity, no attempt is made to teach it in its relationship to that phase of the gospel message which is due the world at the present time.

The publications of the Baptist Church clearly teach the doctrine of immersion as the only Scriptural method of baptism. With the advocacy of this vital truth we are in hearty accord. The doctrine of free grace is precious to the heart of every Methodist, and in this belief we rejoice as a people. In the Lutheran papers the blessed truth of justification through faith is taught and emphasized. These papers minister good to many of their readers, and exert an ennobling influence in the lives of the members of these churches. We wish them Godspeed in all their efforts to build up the kingdom of Christ in the earth.

But in the light of the development of prophetic truth for these days, these cardinal doctrines of the Bible are placed in a new setting in the great circle of truth. For instance, it is not for us to see the truth of justification through faith in Christ in the setting alone in which Luther placed it, but in its particular setting in the message of God for this generation. This doctrine should mean today all that it meant to Luther, and more. It means a preparation to stand, a little way from this, in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. It means a preparation to meet the King face to face at his coming. It means a power in the life to stand against "the beast and his image."

At the present time there are published in various parts of the country a number of journals which have as their burden the safeguarding of the liberties of the American people. These papers carry on an active propaganda against the efforts of the Roman Church. While we cannot approve many of their methods, which partake to a large extent of the partisan and religio-political spirit of Romanism itself, we do not question that they accomplish good in the campaign in which they are engaged. But the basis of their opposition to Rome is quite different from the basis of the opposition by Seventh-day Adventists. While these journals stand for some excellent principles, they carry on their work with partisan zeal rather than with a missionary spirit. Their efforts are not for the salvation of the Romanist, but to oppose Rome. To them the triumph of their cause is above the salvation of the individuals opposed to that cause.

We do not doubt that God may even overrule these efforts as deterrent forces for the sake of his truth; and for our friends and neighbors engaged in this propaganda against evil we have the kindest wishes. We cannot, however, afford to be classed with them in their opposition to Rome. Our opposition must spring from a different motive. We stand opposed to Roman aggression today not because we are anti-Romanists, but because we recognize the fact that the ascendancy of her principles means the ensnaring of souls. We stand opposed to evil principles whether advocated by Rome or by those who are fighting Rome. The salvation of the Romanist should appeal as strongly to our hearts as the salvation of Protestants. We recognize that the situation which exists is a fulfillment of the prophecy of the Word, and the only way that the crisis can be met is by the power of the Word. We cannot trust to numbers, political influence, logic, or argument. Our help must come from God. We must proclaim his warning message, and let his Spirit seal it to the good of the honest hearted.

The great mass of mankind, according to the inspired penman, will reject God and go down to destruction. We cannot hope to save the mass of humanity, but we can hope to find in the mass honest souls, both Romanists and anti-Romanists, who love God and desire his truth; who are reaching out not only for civil liberty, but above all for soul liberty. It is for these we must labor. Wherein we permit a partisan spirit to enter our hearts, we nullify the very work which God has called us to do. It is for these reasons that we should use our own literature in this present crisis.

The Protestant Magazine, Liberty, the Watchman, and the Signs of the Times (weekly and monthly),—all these journals have been prepared with special reference to these times in which we live, and they present the truth in the setting in which it belongs in this period of the earth's history. Let us make liberal use of our denominational literature just now. The minds of men are open for study. Thousands are looking out into the world, and as they witness the gathering of the forces of good and evil for the last great conflict, are inquiring what these things mean. It is our privilege, under God, to answer this inquiry, to point them to the prophetic word, and its striking fulfillment which is taking place before our very eyes.

Surely if we do not improve the opportunity afforded by the present agitation throughout the country to place in the hands of our neighbors the books and tracts and periodicals which explain these vital questions, we shall indeed be recreant to our trust. Let us recognize the opportunity before us, and enter the door which the providence of God has opened.

F. M. W.