For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
A trumpet must give a distinct, clear and certain signal, for if its sound is uncertain no one knows to get ready for battle and is left unprepared. So all speech for God in preaching, witnessing, prayer and testimony must utter words easy to be understood, plain enough even for a child, and not unintelligible excitement that leaves hearers unedified. Ministers and laypeople as watchmen must first receive the message from Christ's lips into the heart, then pass it distinctly from watchman to watchman with no compromise, no hiding of colors and no turning aside to side issues. The certain sound is unwavering affirmative proclamation of eternal truth that lifts up Jesus purely and entirely, and lifts the voice like a trumpet to reprove sin and awaken to repentance rather than giving smooth sermons that make no lasting impression. In the last days that certain trumpet is the third angel's message swelled into a loud cry, proclaiming the end near, Babylon fallen, and the commandments and faith of Jesus with Sabbath reform, to prepare a people sealed and ready to stand.
Trumpet Call Meaning
The trumpet must give a distinct, clear and certain signal, for if its sound is uncertain no one will know how to prepare for battle and all are left unready and without excuse for action. That certain signal is clear, understandable speech about the responsibilities and dangers of the time, and a decisive gospel message proclaimed so plainly that people can respond. In the present crisis it means watchmen clearly proclaim present truth, explain where the world stands in prophetic history, and awaken people to the value of religious liberty. In the church's mission it means ministers, physicians and teachers unite in heart and purpose to proclaim the third angel's message distinctly, since the closing warning prepares a people to receive the seal of the living God and unclear or unfaithful proclamation means fewer hear and join in sharing it. The warning must therefore be steady, urgent and unmistakable, faithfully telling the consequences of sin and pointing to safety without wavering, with ministers speaking and working earnestly to give unmistakable warning of spiritual peril and the approaching end.
Israel's wilderness camp shows how this works: directions were received from Moses and signified through trumpets by the sons of Aaron, with a special signal first to command attention and then the certain sound that all were to obey. The head officer of each company gave definite directions, and the same words were carried through trumpets section by section until the message reached the whole vast congregation, so that none who gave attention was left in ignorance of what to do. The certain sound is thus the clear making known of the word of the Lord and His positive requirements, given when Jesus Christ gave Moses the requirements to communicate to the entire encampment. Attention and obedience are therefore the hearer's duty, and willing ignorance is inexcusable, for when the same opportunity to obtain knowledge is given to all, not knowing through one's own fault is as great a sin as transgression after hearing and deserves just punishment.
Intelligible Speech Required
Just as pipe, harp and trumpet must give distinction in their sounds to be known and to prepare for battle, so speech in religious services and social meeting, especially public prayer, must utter words easy to be understood. Witnessing, prayer and testimony in church require an audible, distinct voice cultivated so others can understand and be strengthened, for indistinct words cannot guide or edify listeners. Unintelligible speech and noisy excitement are not genuine spiritual gifts and do not help the church advance spiritually, leaving hearers unprepared and unedified as one speaking into the air. Speaker and hearer in such case are as barbarians to each other, and zeal for spiritual gifts must therefore seek to excel to the edifying of the church by what is simple, clear and understood by all, with words of life direct and definite and endorsed by the Holy Spirit to leave a lasting impression so truth can prevail.
Giving the trumpet a certain sound is teaching the Word of God clearly under the influence of the Holy Spirit, through plain exposition of the Bible without departing from tested Bible truth. It is preaching the truth plainly and easily so even a child can understand it, with distinctness and power so people certainly hear and understand. Such preaching prepares for the battle by causing people who never heard the truth to hear it and by awakening them, and if it does not awaken them nothing will awaken them, with the Lord making the work effective in places that need it so hearers can be converted. Such clear, Spirit-led Bible study, continued steadily for a month and studied thoroughly over time, awakens interest and brings profitable and lasting good.
The certain sound is given when mind and voice are combined to make deep and right impressions on large congregations, including the voice used to present important subjects publicly before large assemblies as in public meetings in the Battle Creek Tabernacle. When so combined talents are exercised to the glory of God, the Lord's plan is fulfilled and the talent of personal influence is developed. Those responsible for giving instruction must speak with a clear, reliable message like a definite call, proclaiming Bible truth clearly, purely and publicly with the Spirit witnessing to the truths spoken. That clear light on the doctrines counterworks false messages, misrepresentations and wrong impressions and proclaims present truth in all its purity so people can discern between truth and error. Self-centeredness and an unpurified heart prevent clear, reliable instruction and can make it misleading, so instructors need the Holy Spirit's cleansing and careful self-guarding to serve safely as guardians of souls.
Watchmen Sounding Clearly
Ministers and laypeople are watchmen on the walls of Zion who must be vigilant day and night, accept the message sent by God, fall into line for action, and send the distinct message for this time from watchman to watchman so that all along the line echo the warning and all have opportunity to make ready for the conflict. To give that certain sound they must first receive the message from the lips of Christ by listening to His voice speaking in His word and receiving His truth into the heart to be spiritualized by its living, sanctifying power, for without this their trumpets give an uncertain sound and their light burns dimly instead of sending clear bright rays amid moral darkness. With it the gospel is aggressive and the church is kept to what brings health and courage, faith and power.
Giving this clear warning so that not one fails to understand the voice of warning or fails to prepare requires eyes anointed to discern all things clearly and a vital connection with the great Leader of armies, and not following one's own way or will or inclination, for that is not safe.
The trumpet gives a certain sound when the minister is a converted and free man who no longer sees dimly but sees clearly, drinks of the Spirit of God, plants his feet on the solid Rock, and is supplied with divine grace with less of self and much more of Jesus, acquainted with faith and the righteousness of Christ, so the people are no longer left in a maze but are greatly benefited. That certain sound is given only when the Lord touches the watchman's lips with a live coal from His altar, removing exaltation of self, fierce and contentious spirit, hardness of heart, vanity, perverse speaking, and secretly cherished roots of bitterness, and giving humility of mind, a heart of flesh, mercy for the poor and oppressed, love of justice, and the spirit and mind of Christ. Then ministers can stand firm as a rock for principle, make straight paths for their feet, and help the lame and halting in faith without halting themselves, so the people can receive the light sent to fill the earth with glory and become vessels unto honor to receive the latter rain. The clear message bears the divine credentials of faithful practice of the truth, the love of God abiding in the heart, and being clothed with His imputed righteousness, not highest profession, eloquent words, talent, or education, and without that credential and power watchmen are false guides and hearers remain feeble, listless spectators instead of doers of the Word. It is not tame, lifeless sermonizing, not meeting the world's standard and catching the world's ideas, and not speaking smooth things prophesying deceit, but reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine through the Comforter to convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. God's picked, old and experienced representative men give this certain sound to prepare men for the great day by voicing His words, catching the first sound of command, and obeying His directions because they have learned His voice, without mingling natural temperament with the Word, making confusion, giving orders that counteract His orders, or mixing His orders with individual ideas or preferences, and younger vigorous workers who think themselves all-sufficient need to learn from them and respect them for their works' sake.
Giving the certain sound means no compromise, no hiding of colors, no turning traitor when the battle rages sore, and no laying down or concealing weapons to give the adversary advantage in the warfare. Giving it requires watching and keeping garments unspotted from the world in order to stand true to the Captain, and requires watchmen not to slumber on the walls but to be wide awake and to call to fellow watchmen that the morning comes and also the night. It requires a pure people, divested of self, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, with the beauty of righteousness, holiness, and truth, trusting God as Daniel did, for harmonious theory alone will not save and eloquent appeals to the highest authorities cannot gain what is needed unless the Lord works by His Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who claim to believe.
When the trumpet gives no certain sound through hesitation and delay saying do not be in haste, there may be a mistake, be careful not to raise a false alarm, do not get excited, be not alarmed, peace and safety, and the agitation will die down, which virtually denies the message from God, the warning designed to stir the churches fails and the churches suffer great loss. When watchmen who serve in the closing scenes do not clearly discern and give the messages needed, many souls are lulled into sleep and left to perish to face eternal loss, and their blood is required at the watchman's hand. Had that clear, distinct message of warning been given, the world might ere this have heard, but because it was not given the work is years behind, and while men have slept the adversary has stolen a march upon them.
The certain sound will be the clear, united testimony of Christ's watchmen when divisions in the church end, opposite the present rents and tears in the seamless robe of unity, controversies that dishonor Christ, brother regarding brother coldly, loss of warm love binding heart to heart, Christ humiliated in His professed people, and ministers lacking faith that works by love and purifies the soul. It will come when all true believers are one, with the cross of Christ as the pledge of their fellowship and union, when the watchmen see eye to eye, and when envy and vexation are removed.
Those raised up to share the truth should be supported in that work, including with means to reach others and establish a place of worship, and united laborers in the work are not to be dismissed. Responsible brethren must give clear, steady instruction about proper organization, putting in place those who give the certain sound and discharging whoever permits betraying and confusing matter or false teaching to go out, since false alarms and false teaching sent abroad weaken, perplex, and confuse the people when they need every particle of energy and clear foresight to discern wiles, meet them firmly and decidedly, and fight manfully.
Faithful Certain Message
The certain sound is unwavering, affirmative proclamation of eternal truth that shines forever and stands firm despite criticism, scorn and derision, growing brighter the closer it is examined and tested. It is yea and amen, not yea and nay, spoken without doubt, fear or uncertainty, with assurance and great power to meet confusion and emergency. That assurance repeats the evidences of the truth for those confused by strange developments, giving the messages in their order as the binding-off message that prepares a people for the coming of the King. It must go to all the people in the large cities and all over the land, where many honest souls stand in uncertainty waiting to hear, and many will listen when men speak under the Holy Spirit even though the warning is twenty years behind.
Smooth sermons that avoid faithful rebuke are the uncertain sound that makes no lasting impression and leaves grievous sin unreproved and men unprepared. The certain sound lifts the voice like a trumpet to show transgressions with plain, sharp truths of the word that cut to the heart. It reproves, rebukes and exhorts with longsuffering and doctrine so hearers are awakened to danger, convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment, and moved to repent.
The certain sound keeps to the main question at issue and presents the established waymarks of truth to give hearers a sure foundation that can be recognized and responded to. It does not turn minds aside to side issues or to minor matters of jot-and-tittle importance, which hinder positive, effective conversion and swing open a door to questioning and division of sentiment with harmful outcomes that cannot be foreseen. In large camp-meetings and tent efforts in or near large cities there must be abundance of ministerial help so that one or two ministers do not become overwearied and give the trumpet an uncertain sound. It also avoids unwise censuring of ministers and churches that gives convicted ones reason to think a raid is being made and gives ministers occasion to misinterpret and misapply words, keeping instead the clear beauty of truth before the people while being wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Giving the certain sound means lifting up the Saviour higher and still higher and lifting up Jesus purely, devotedly and entirely as the source of light and efficiency and giver of every good gift. It combines message and work to produce not merely a flash of light but permanent vitality and power to reach people where they are, through churches set to work and consecrated to the highest attainments through self-surrender amid always changing conditions. It presents Him as the Man of Calvary who loved and washed from sin in His own precious blood, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, leaning the whole weight on God for help in every emergency instead of trusting human powers or the smartness of speakers. It weeds out all needless, extravagant words that give those disposed to extremes an excuse to carry things too far and react back harmfully, gives no glory to self or success, requires being living epistles known and read of all men through consecration of everything to Christ, and carries the aggressive work into new fields rather than halting or hovering about the churches. It comes from knowing for oneself with clear confidence and hope that the Lord has risen, and carries the good news to others at once without minding roughness of way or darkness of night, knowing just where to go to find those who need to hear it.
The certain sound is preached with faith and earnestness in unreserved consecration of soul and body, entering into no controversy but sowing by word, prayer and influence seeds that bear fruit to God's glory. It is given not as men walking in sleep but as men awake at the post of duty, calling attention to the third angel's message and preparing for the coming of Christ. It arouses both those who never heard, giving them opportunity to hear the reasons of the faith, and church members to put on the armor and show a burden to give the message. Ministers fulfill it by going out to proclaim the truth to those who know it not rather than hovering over the churches.
The certain sound is given by standing before the people in good courage and in faith and power, letting light shine forth in clear and steady rays with freedom and courage in the Lord to give the last note of warning calling all to the battle. Those who see light and truth, being right upon the borders of the eternal world, must overcome sleepy indifference by taking hold upon the Mighty One by living faith when truth is a living reality. It is decided testimonies to bear in warnings, in reproofs and in entreaties, with missionary work to do and earnest labor put forth by all in seeking to save perishing souls.
The certain sound presents Bible truth straight as it is in Jesus in demonstration of the Spirit with the endorsement of the Holy Spirit, so hearers certainly hear, know the doctrine whether it be of God, and can be converted. It enables humble seekers to recognize truth amid many voices on every side saying Here is Christ and to gather under the banner of Jesus Christ, in contrast to searching the Scriptures to sustain human traditions while missing their central truth and refusing Christ. It counterworks widespread deception and united opposition seeking to make of no effect the message sent, makes precious truth intelligible to reasoning minds, and centers on the revelation of Jesus including His soon return and God's character revealed in Him as the last message of mercy to be sounded everywhere. Speakers know what they speak because Jesus is in their midst speaking through His servants, and as truth is presented the Holy Spirit impresses hearers, with the increase coming from God rather than depending merely on what the minister says.
The certain sound is sounded in the warfare of truth against error to carry truth clearly to all tongues and nations, to subvert the strongholds of idolatry and sin and to rouse slumbering nations from spiritual apathy and death. That warfare is not merely against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, with eternal results depending on it. Those who sound it do not depend on human wisdom or human facilities but work in Christ's name as seeing Him who is invisible.
The certain sound educates souls dead in trespasses and sins in the knowledge of God and guides them into light through personal religion that enlightens the understanding and arouses the conscience. It binds people to truth and righteousness and makes the difference between falsehood and truth clear, while paralyzed energy and spiritual inactivity make the work misleading. Given in healing work it makes many good impressions on guests and patients who come there.
Uncertain Sound Described
An uncertain sound is given when God's people depart from Him and let the spirit, maxims, likings and principles of the world leaven the churches, descending to the world's level while dragging the banner of truth after them. It includes world-loving selfishness and fanaticism, choosing the society of the vain, trifling and unconverted and becoming charmed with them, planning marriage with those who have no love for God and know nothing of self-denial and of laboring together with God, receiving and teaching false phases of Christianity that bind souls in deception, and walking in blindness in the light of sparks of one's own kindling. When this is done the world is convinced the warning is uncertain and concludes there is no difference between believers and worldlings, while those who love and fear God stand up for Jesus and keep the broad, clear, deep line between worldly policy and the unselfish, undeviating principles of justice, righteousness and equity, refusing to discard the principles of heaven as in the days of Noah.
Leaders who oppose what is sent and stand in darkness fail to give the certain sound and stand as sentinels to bar the way, bringing confusion, misunderstanding, stumbling and want of unity instead of the clear, earnest, decided message wholly in accordance with the work for this time, especially righteousness by faith and the righteousness of Christ as the only hope to prepare a people to stand. Watchmen who give unclear, indecisive testimony that fails to vindicate the testimonies of the Spirit cause the people to lose their bearings and waver in faith, so decided testimony and personal labor by experienced workers are needed to settle faith and strengthen what remains ready to die.
The trumpet of human greatness and human instruction gives an uncertain sound comprised in assertion rather than truth, borrowing only the educated ability of previous teachers and bringing tradition with a semblance of truth. It cannot be traced back to the first great principle, the Source of unerring wisdom from which true teachers derive authority, unlike Christ as a teacher sent from God whose words contain no chaff and nothing non-essential, and it leaves painful uncertainty and constant searching for assurance found only in God. The salvation of souls cannot be risked or ventured upon it, and disregarding Christ's words and giving God's word second place for things of minor consequence brings infidelity and iniquity.
Educators who fail to distinguish between the sacred and the common and between obedience and disobedience, who exalt disloyal learned men and place all on the same level and put man where God should be, give an uncertain sound and dishonor God. Without the Holy Spirit and sanctified, quickened and sharpened perceptive faculties that make a difference between the circumcised and uncircumcised and between the obedient and disobedient, learned from the great Teacher and Master of education, such unclear teaching leaves men unprepared for the battle of the great day of God. Every worker and teacher as watchman must remain wholly on Christ's side and give a steady, faithful call that prepares youth to be a blessing to the world, for professing to work for Christ while occasionally going over to the adversary's side and doing his work is an uncertain sound that cannot be pronounced good and faithful service. Because influence has no limit, one thoughtless act reproduced in others may ruin many souls.
Teachers of children must hold a steady, firm, living principle of righteousness over them and practice it before them, letting true heavenly light shine before pupils and showing spirit, taste and longings of a higher and purer order than the world. Leaving the impression that they are of no higher order holds out a false, deceptive light that leads to ruin, while the certain sound keeps plain the broad, clear, deep line drawn by God between the righteous and unrighteous, the godly and ungodly, the obedient to the commandments and the disobedient. Working among unbelievers without appearing like worldlings is part of the certain sound, and spending time talking politics or acting as politicians is not the work given to high or low, gives the enemy opportunity to bring variance and discord, and those in ministry who desire to stand as politicians should have credentials taken from them, learning the work directly through Christ rather than through any human being.
Mixing truth with old errors from insufficient knowledge and experience, presenting books that mix truth with error, taking up a new theory instead of the assigned work, and sending abroad false alarms and confusing, unchristian principles weakens, perplexes and diverts minds, hinders the sacred work, and can lead toward ruin. Those who depart from the faith in this way give an uncertain sound that confuses many, so evidences of truth must be repeated with assurance. Preaching while unestablished, without understanding the testimonies and health reform and without discernment of spiritual things, gives no certain sound but feeds mixed provender of truth and error from shepherds who cannot discern between truth and falsehood, while what is needed instead is a ringing message like faithful Caleb's that the land ahead is goodly and the people are well able to go up and possess it.
Scornful criticism, discouraging remarks, unjust unfeeling speeches, scoffing at another's field of labor, discourteous remarks and searching for fault and discouraging God's servants fail to give a clear call and hinder the saving of souls and cause souls to be lost. Such a spirit is prompted from beneath by another spirit from Satan rather than from above by the Spirit of God, while drawing attention to one's own achievements or being spiritually asleep and blinded by commercial interests and failing to understand Bible principles deceives fellow workers rather than preparing them for duty. Setting men and women to work in enterprises never given misleads the army and neglects the very work assigned of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord. The uncertain trumpet uses in wrong channels the money that should relieve destitute fields and establish memorials and meetinghouses as memorials in centers outside America, keeps back ripe foreign fields for want of means and hinders sending the warning, exalts a human name and not the Lord, virtually ignores the final message and the third angel's message, belittles the gospel ministry while making medical missionary work disproportionately important, works for a consuming class with no restriction, and confuses minds as to the work for these last days, which must keep the ministry of the Word in its own place as the greater and far more essential work not to be displaced, discouraged or smothered, with medical missionary work only as its right hand bound up with the gospel.
Giving an uncertain sound includes turning minds to lesser matters while urgent warnings about what is coming and the great issues facing every soul are treated indifferently, so the message fails to prepare them. It includes filling papers with too much common matter and not enough of the sacred, long articles with no reference to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds with power and great glory that other newspapers could publish as well, and dependence on pictures and things unrelated to present need. That follows the track of Nadab and Abihu in using common fire in place of sacred fire instead of publishing a distinct class of literature about the signs of the near coming and giving meat in due season, real solid spiritual food on the vital issues for this time.
Final Warning Proclaimed
The certain sound is the third angel's message following the first and second, swelled into a loud cry with increasing power as the great final test approaches. It is the work of the remnant in the last days to promulgate present truth with all it embraces, maintaining eternal truth held from the beginning in all its increasing importance to the close of probation. It is given by best plans with pen, voice, talk and prayer in simplicity, strict economy and Christlikeness of character, presenting eternal faith in past and present truth until the whole earth is filled with its light and power.
That final trumpet includes proclamation that the end is near, that Babylon has fallen, and that God's people must come out of her to prepare for the final test and decide where they stand. The first, second and third messages blended as a complete whole bind the law among disciples, magnify the law and present its claims in true sacred character. It sounds the message of righteousness from one end of the world to the other until the work is cut short in righteousness.
The certain trumpet preaches solemn warning subjects plainly and easily to thousands hearing for the first time, with power from on high that overcomes infirmity and holds listeners entranced. It sounds heaven's warning in clear, distinct language by the mouth of servants who watch, pray and work, lest the warning be refused. Though one may plant and another water, God alone gives the increase to cut through long deception, false theories and idols of error.
The last message of mercy must go with no uncertain sound to all parts of the world so lands in darkness are enlightened, carried by self-sacrificing labor with multiplied publications and circulated literature. Books carrying present Bible truth give a certain sound while opposing publications give an uncertain sound, and mere story books do not give it. Young men going house to house as canvassers with books speaking words of life sow seeds of truth, for truth is not to be concealed but proclaimed in power and purity to awaken even those who long knew it yet resisted light.
The closing warning prepares a people to receive the seal of the living God, calling them to be on guard, keep the Word burnished for action as weapons of warfare, pray without ceasing, walk humbly and hold the fort against decided opposition. It is to be given by the very best experienced talent, uniting ministers, physicians and teachers in heart and purpose to proclaim the third angel's message distinctly. Its faithful voice in the central tabernacle undeceives those drawn away by misrepresentations by uplifting the banner inscribed with the commandments and the faith.
In the present crisis watchmen must clearly proclaim present truth, explain where the world stands in prophetic history, and awaken people to religious liberty, warning of coming danger so the warning echoes along the line. That certain sound of alarm, reproof and instruction enlightens people, makes them realize danger and tells the work required at the present time. It must be heeded, read carefully, favored with influence and passed to relatives, friends, church and world, and after all that can be done the rest is left to the Lord. Hesitation and delay saying do not be in haste, be careful not to raise a false alarm, be not alarmed, peace and safety, virtually denies the message and leaves souls to perish with their blood required of the watchman.
Failure to give the certain sound has left the work years behind. Withholding it through blindness of mind and hardness of heart hindered the advancement of the message meant to go forth as a burning lamp from the earlier conference. But when watchmen arise with united voices and send forth the decided message, all spring to duty and the light of the angel coming down with great power fills the earth with glory. That certain sound has shone since the earlier conference through clear preaching of justification by faith and imputed righteousness calling all to come, and those making excuses and neglecting it lose much.
The certain sound will be given by eleventh-hour laborers, many coming out of the world and out of the churches with zeal exceeding those who proclaimed truth before. In calamity and crisis they come to the front, gird on the whole armor, exalt the law, hold to the faith and maintain religious liberty. God will not send judgments until the people are warned nor close probation until watchmen give that distinct, magnified proclamation of the law that brings conviction and widens the work.
The Sabbath truth belongs to the certain sound and must be proclaimed with a loud voice, not introduced gradually or presented vaguely. While the Sabbath question is discussed the truth must be presented plainly and firmly, declaring that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment means much in how it is treated. It is a sign of loyalty for all posterity through all time, raising the standard of the commandments and the faith, exposing transgression and enforcing the Revelation teachings to separate a people standing on eternal truth.
Teachers as faithful stewards voice the third angel's message telling the world to make ready for the great day, bearing the seal of the living God and combining Old and New Testament Scriptures to fit up a people to stand in the day of the Lord. That living present truth stands opposite sleeping watchmen who exalt books and papers with little present truth and leave a perishing world unprepared for the day that comes as a thief upon all who are not watching. The call to make ready must therefore be given clearly, for an unclear trumpet cannot prepare people for battle.
All who minister in word and doctrine must arise and shine because great peril is upon them while the powers of earth are stirred and everything is in confusion, holding aloft the banner bearing the third angel's message.
The message for this time must be proclaimed with certainty and clarity without hesitation, ambiguity or concealment, and ministers must speak the same things without counterworking confusing theories. That requires conversion to the truth, drilling in Bible study to know God and His Son and justification by faith, then going forth everywhere. It requires clear, united triumphing with no time to lose, turning from wrong courses, making straight paths and removing stumbling blocks so the lame are healed, and lifting the voice without laying down burdens even when the adversary tries to shut out light.
As powers of darkness work intensely from beneath, God's agencies must be more vigilant, going forward from light to still greater light and proclaiming the righteousness of the law in earnest, distinct, startling tones so no watchman fails to catch the alarm and all awake from lethargy to watch for souls. That clear, decided warning requires the Spirit's guidance and deep moving, examining hearts, seeking counsel, fasting and prayer rather than lifting the soul to vanity in self-confidence. It requires constantly cherishing present light with old truths in new aspects, and standing unflinchingly as a unit, especially youth of great light whose words, spirit and character must not mislead associates.
The certain sound is the testimony sent to the churches voiced through visible human messengers with unseen heavenly attendants communicating by their side to those imbued with the Spirit. It plainly proclaims truth so people recognize the difference between holiness and sin and prepare for the time of trouble until the whole earth is lightened with glory. It is the watchman's work in view of the fast-approaching crisis and gathering storm upon a world asleep, whether men hear or forbear, leaving ease and warning even with limited means while standing where the light is to discern the fall of Babylon.
Truths and Duties Taught
The certain sound finds its life-giving, awakening power only in preaching Jesus Christ with heaven-sent power, received as living gospel truth rather than a lifeless dead idea. It means drinking fully from the cup of truth held out since the Minneapolis meeting, especially justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ, and standing in full harmony with the work to bring the church to see its true state and come prepared to the supper. Holding aloof without openly opposing, accepting the message only in part, and clinging to the old citizen's dress instead of the dress prepared by Christ leaves one unable in every respect to give that certain sound. That preaching presents the Christ every soul and sinner needs in the Spirit and with power: His love, forgiveness and grace, His humiliation, meekness and lowly life of poverty that sons and daughters of Adam might be made rich, His death as sacrifice, His resurrection, and His ascension where He intercedes to bring men to believe on Him whom the Father sent. Preparing a people to stand by righteousness by faith is the only hope.
Those who teach truth by word and example must give a clear, unmistakable message about Christ's present work in the heavenly sanctuary, the solemn call to confession and humility belonging to the day of atonement, and the final warning to the world. The certain sound is the witness of commandment-keeping standard-bearers who hold aloft the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus and thereby call attention to eternal realities. In every church the trumpet must give that certain sound by proclaiming the gospel message for this time, which calls for a true line of education in all points and requires the essential ministry of the Word kept in its own place. Awake teachers give it as faithful stewards, voicing the third angel's message telling the world to make ready for the great day, bearing the seal of the living God and combining Old and New Testament Scriptures to fit up a people to stand, in contrast to sleeping watchmen who leave people unready for the day coming as a thief to take unawares all who are not watching.
The church's testimony must be clear, definite, decisive and sharp, upholding temperance and the principles of righteousness in all things so people can distinguish good from evil. That testimony calls people to practice temperance in all things so moral sensibilities are awakened and great victory is gained. It requires increased knowledge in every line of health reform and taking up special lines such as medical missionary work in connection with the gospel message for this time, because genuine medical missionary work is the gospel practiced. Giving a certain sound on dress means plain and decided testimony against pride, vanity and worldliness, declaring the whole counsel in print and from the stand without shunning unpopular reproof. It calls professed followers to resemble their Lord and conform dress to Bible requirements, turning from fashion, dress and display as an offense to God and a denial of the faith containing the whole duty of man, refusing to let almost universal worldliness excuse doing as others do, so souls are warned and the warner is clear of blood.
Wherever the certain sound is proclaimed clearly and decisively and awakens and converts people, they are at once to unite in enterprises of charity, practical godliness and true missionary work for the helpless and suffering, with every newly established church doing this work. The message must be exalted to become far-reaching by sending missionary workers with Bibles, converting and establishing souls in the truth, building memorial meetinghouses, and letting light shine as a city set on a hill, summoning every mind and voice to join preparing for the return. Denominational papers must clearly present Bible truth and give light amid moral darkness, publishing a distinct class of literature about the signs of the near coming with power and great glory and giving meat in due season on vital issues rather than common matter other papers could publish as well.
Now is the time for the trumpet to give a certain sound with no uncertainty, to arouse the people, sweep back moral darkness and stop unbelief by proclaiming that the Lord is coming and calling everyone to get ready every moment. That readiness comes by humbling the soul before God low at the foot of the cross, receiving grace and the robe of righteousness, getting out of self, having lips touched with a live coal from the altar with tongue and entire being sanctified, and learning praise. Leaders and counselors must give a clear, certain, decided sound to strengthen God's people for the coming battle and outpouring of wrath without mercy, not repeating cowardice that consents to idolatry instead of opposing it decisively, being wise and harmless. Increased light on the prophecies in the last days is given to help give that clear, definite message. The gospel trumpet gives no uncertain sound when precious truth is presented with speakers knowing what they speak because Christ is in their midst speaking through servants while the Spirit impresses hearers.
At one meeting the preaching gave no clear call because it was not the message intended for the people at that time and did not support the work being done. Giving a certain sound means proclaiming the warning clearly and distinctly without fear in the place sent, meeting the breadth and urgency of suffering wants flocking to uncertain disappointments, defending the faith in cities, and requiring both workers and ministers. Bearing aloft the banner of truth in the perils of the last days when the day of preparation is very near means standing where appointed, clothed with the armor of light with every capability vitalized by the Spirit, pressing forward and upward, valuing souls, and triumphing with the message, including bringing the Sabbath before all nations. Amid changes, turmoil, violence and crime, giving a certain sound requires firm hold on the One who sees and knows, burden for the flock, and intelligent, disinterested work giving the work a higher, more spiritual and healthful tone.
Faithful watchmen must sound forth clear, distinct, straight, plain, resolute Bible truth outlining the Bible position and rejecting poisonous popular errors, keeping guard without sleeping or standing passively while souls face temptation. In centers of danger this means bringing mature persons of good Christian experience as managers, pastors and teachers to guard youth serving among those who know not the Lord, so young helpers are not led away by unbelievers and worldly influences and both believers and unbelievers who will listen have opportunity to hear, understand and be saved. Men upon whom is laid the burden of a solemn work must honor God at every step with a path growing brighter and brighter until the close of time, preparing people for the battle. Failure under temptation gives an uncertain sound leaving people in fatal delusion and blindness, walking in sparks of their own kindling unable to distinguish self-made fire from God-given light, yet the overthrow of a messenger does not prove he had no message or that the work done was all a mistake.
The certain sound holds forth truth in its fullness, including the Sabbath and the second coming, rather than suppressing those teachings. It lifts up and carries high the banner inscribed with the commandments and the faith, letting no one take it away, taking a stand on the true foundation and raising it higher and still higher, having nothing to do with deceptive spiritualistic, theosophic and pantheistic branches of the adversary's work, as God puts new vital force into His work and Himself proclaims His forever-shining truth through faithful messengers. God's message for this time is essential and must be given clearly, not set aside for human ideas, measured or bound about under control of any person, nor hindered by demeriting ministers and organized plans. Giving it calls for individual heart renovation wholly given to God, and because few give it those who have it must take the heaviest part, spend themselves fully, and advance with many more workers qualified through schools, publishing houses and sanitariums in the training school of Christ, each arousing individually to present emergencies instead of remaining behind opening providences.
Wisdom from above gives clear understanding of the foundation of faith, enabling presentation of its evidence plainly, explanation of hope, and demonstration that faith is genuine and has led to standing as God's chosen people. The Word must come as the grand, testing, life-and-death message for this time and must not come uncertainly from watchmen on the walls, with men of appointment raised up to step into their lot and place and sound it to open missions in new fields. Faithful watchmen identify and name a dangerous, deceptive influence plainly rather than leaving others unprepared through vague or compromised messages, so others can recognize the danger and separate from it. God's people must awake and give a clear, earnest call proclaiming truth in all its purity to souls not of Christ, warning that disloyalty and transgression leave no place in paradise, and carrying that message to cities, villages and from rivers to earth's ends.
Messengers must give a clear, unmistakable warning so people can prepare, and teachers and speakers whose lives bring reproach should not be elevated. Chosen messengers proclaim it in every place, exalt the memorial, and establish churches through Scripture-based teaching in clear lines by precept and example. Giving a certain sound means telling the truth just as it is in Jesus in home life, assemblies and schools where children are taught, belonging to preparedness to glorify God and requiring reality and humility whose stamp makes its impression so people understand. A leader must give a clear message that prepares people for what lies ahead, and no office gives right to speak uncertainty in God's work, with changing conviction for deceptive arguments making one unfit to lead.
The trumpet gives a certain sound by proclaiming the Word clearly, definitely, purely and publicly under the Holy Spirit, with mind and voice combined making deep and right impressions on large congregations and the Spirit witnessing so doctrines appear in clear light. That proclamation presents present truth in all its purity, counterworks false messages, misrepresentations and wrong impressions, and enables discernment between truth and error, awakening interest when studied thoroughly over time. The certain sound proclaims the message for this time with special power to convert, exalting the gospel to become far-reaching. An uncertain sound smothers it by lavishly spending means and talents by human wisdom on those with no interest, caring for promiscuous outcasts at great expense, consuming gatherings with work not for this time, and binding up means so memorials are not erected and foreign fields remain unrelieved. God's people must make the message clear and dependable like a certain call, putting aside worldly interests that divert thoughts from heavenly concerns and cause light to languish, with those who failed called to confess backsliding, repent, be converted and then help bring others to knowledge of the truth.
A trumpet must give a distinct, clear and certain signal, for if its sound is uncertain no one knows to get ready for battle and is left unprepared. So all speech for God in preaching, witnessing, prayer and testimony must utter words easy to be understood, plain enough even for a child, and not unintelligible excitement that leaves hearers unedified. Ministers and laypeople as watchmen must first receive the message from Christ's lips into the heart, then pass it distinctly from watchman to watchman with no compromise, no hiding of colors and no turning aside to side issues. The certain sound is unwavering affirmative proclamation of eternal truth that lifts up Jesus purely and entirely, and lifts the voice like a trumpet to reprove sin and awaken to repentance rather than giving smooth sermons that make no lasting impression. In the last days that certain trumpet is the third angel's message swelled into a loud cry, proclaiming the end near, Babylon fallen, and the commandments and faith of Jesus with Sabbath reform, to prepare a people sealed and ready to stand.
Trumpet Call Meaning
The trumpet must give a distinct, clear and certain signal, for if its sound is uncertain no one will know how to prepare for battle and all are left unready and without excuse for action. That certain signal is clear, understandable speech about the responsibilities and dangers of the time, and a decisive gospel message proclaimed so plainly that people can respond. In the present crisis it means watchmen clearly proclaim present truth, explain where the world stands in prophetic history, and awaken people to the value of religious liberty. In the church's mission it means ministers, physicians and teachers unite in heart and purpose to proclaim the third angel's message distinctly, since the closing warning prepares a people to receive the seal of the living God and unclear or unfaithful proclamation means fewer hear and join in sharing it. The warning must therefore be steady, urgent and unmistakable, faithfully telling the consequences of sin and pointing to safety without wavering, with ministers speaking and working earnestly to give unmistakable warning of spiritual peril and the approaching end.
Israel's wilderness camp shows how this works: directions were received from Moses and signified through trumpets by the sons of Aaron, with a special signal first to command attention and then the certain sound that all were to obey. The head officer of each company gave definite directions, and the same words were carried through trumpets section by section until the message reached the whole vast congregation, so that none who gave attention was left in ignorance of what to do. The certain sound is thus the clear making known of the word of the Lord and His positive requirements, given when Jesus Christ gave Moses the requirements to communicate to the entire encampment. Attention and obedience are therefore the hearer's duty, and willing ignorance is inexcusable, for when the same opportunity to obtain knowledge is given to all, not knowing through one's own fault is as great a sin as transgression after hearing and deserves just punishment.
Intelligible Speech Required
Just as pipe, harp and trumpet must give distinction in their sounds to be known and to prepare for battle, so speech in religious services and social meeting, especially public prayer, must utter words easy to be understood. Witnessing, prayer and testimony in church require an audible, distinct voice cultivated so others can understand and be strengthened, for indistinct words cannot guide or edify listeners. Unintelligible speech and noisy excitement are not genuine spiritual gifts and do not help the church advance spiritually, leaving hearers unprepared and unedified as one speaking into the air. Speaker and hearer in such case are as barbarians to each other, and zeal for spiritual gifts must therefore seek to excel to the edifying of the church by what is simple, clear and understood by all, with words of life direct and definite and endorsed by the Holy Spirit to leave a lasting impression so truth can prevail.
Giving the trumpet a certain sound is teaching the Word of God clearly under the influence of the Holy Spirit, through plain exposition of the Bible without departing from tested Bible truth. It is preaching the truth plainly and easily so even a child can understand it, with distinctness and power so people certainly hear and understand. Such preaching prepares for the battle by causing people who never heard the truth to hear it and by awakening them, and if it does not awaken them nothing will awaken them, with the Lord making the work effective in places that need it so hearers can be converted. Such clear, Spirit-led Bible study, continued steadily for a month and studied thoroughly over time, awakens interest and brings profitable and lasting good.
The certain sound is given when mind and voice are combined to make deep and right impressions on large congregations, including the voice used to present important subjects publicly before large assemblies as in public meetings in the Battle Creek Tabernacle. When so combined talents are exercised to the glory of God, the Lord's plan is fulfilled and the talent of personal influence is developed. Those responsible for giving instruction must speak with a clear, reliable message like a definite call, proclaiming Bible truth clearly, purely and publicly with the Spirit witnessing to the truths spoken. That clear light on the doctrines counterworks false messages, misrepresentations and wrong impressions and proclaims present truth in all its purity so people can discern between truth and error. Self-centeredness and an unpurified heart prevent clear, reliable instruction and can make it misleading, so instructors need the Holy Spirit's cleansing and careful self-guarding to serve safely as guardians of souls.
Watchmen Sounding Clearly
Ministers and laypeople are watchmen on the walls of Zion who must be vigilant day and night, accept the message sent by God, fall into line for action, and send the distinct message for this time from watchman to watchman so that all along the line echo the warning and all have opportunity to make ready for the conflict. To give that certain sound they must first receive the message from the lips of Christ by listening to His voice speaking in His word and receiving His truth into the heart to be spiritualized by its living, sanctifying power, for without this their trumpets give an uncertain sound and their light burns dimly instead of sending clear bright rays amid moral darkness. With it the gospel is aggressive and the church is kept to what brings health and courage, faith and power.
Giving this clear warning so that not one fails to understand the voice of warning or fails to prepare requires eyes anointed to discern all things clearly and a vital connection with the great Leader of armies, and not following one's own way or will or inclination, for that is not safe.
The trumpet gives a certain sound when the minister is a converted and free man who no longer sees dimly but sees clearly, drinks of the Spirit of God, plants his feet on the solid Rock, and is supplied with divine grace with less of self and much more of Jesus, acquainted with faith and the righteousness of Christ, so the people are no longer left in a maze but are greatly benefited. That certain sound is given only when the Lord touches the watchman's lips with a live coal from His altar, removing exaltation of self, fierce and contentious spirit, hardness of heart, vanity, perverse speaking, and secretly cherished roots of bitterness, and giving humility of mind, a heart of flesh, mercy for the poor and oppressed, love of justice, and the spirit and mind of Christ. Then ministers can stand firm as a rock for principle, make straight paths for their feet, and help the lame and halting in faith without halting themselves, so the people can receive the light sent to fill the earth with glory and become vessels unto honor to receive the latter rain. The clear message bears the divine credentials of faithful practice of the truth, the love of God abiding in the heart, and being clothed with His imputed righteousness, not highest profession, eloquent words, talent, or education, and without that credential and power watchmen are false guides and hearers remain feeble, listless spectators instead of doers of the Word. It is not tame, lifeless sermonizing, not meeting the world's standard and catching the world's ideas, and not speaking smooth things prophesying deceit, but reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine through the Comforter to convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. God's picked, old and experienced representative men give this certain sound to prepare men for the great day by voicing His words, catching the first sound of command, and obeying His directions because they have learned His voice, without mingling natural temperament with the Word, making confusion, giving orders that counteract His orders, or mixing His orders with individual ideas or preferences, and younger vigorous workers who think themselves all-sufficient need to learn from them and respect them for their works' sake.
Giving the certain sound means no compromise, no hiding of colors, no turning traitor when the battle rages sore, and no laying down or concealing weapons to give the adversary advantage in the warfare. Giving it requires watching and keeping garments unspotted from the world in order to stand true to the Captain, and requires watchmen not to slumber on the walls but to be wide awake and to call to fellow watchmen that the morning comes and also the night. It requires a pure people, divested of self, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, with the beauty of righteousness, holiness, and truth, trusting God as Daniel did, for harmonious theory alone will not save and eloquent appeals to the highest authorities cannot gain what is needed unless the Lord works by His Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who claim to believe.
When the trumpet gives no certain sound through hesitation and delay saying do not be in haste, there may be a mistake, be careful not to raise a false alarm, do not get excited, be not alarmed, peace and safety, and the agitation will die down, which virtually denies the message from God, the warning designed to stir the churches fails and the churches suffer great loss. When watchmen who serve in the closing scenes do not clearly discern and give the messages needed, many souls are lulled into sleep and left to perish to face eternal loss, and their blood is required at the watchman's hand. Had that clear, distinct message of warning been given, the world might ere this have heard, but because it was not given the work is years behind, and while men have slept the adversary has stolen a march upon them.
The certain sound will be the clear, united testimony of Christ's watchmen when divisions in the church end, opposite the present rents and tears in the seamless robe of unity, controversies that dishonor Christ, brother regarding brother coldly, loss of warm love binding heart to heart, Christ humiliated in His professed people, and ministers lacking faith that works by love and purifies the soul. It will come when all true believers are one, with the cross of Christ as the pledge of their fellowship and union, when the watchmen see eye to eye, and when envy and vexation are removed.
Those raised up to share the truth should be supported in that work, including with means to reach others and establish a place of worship, and united laborers in the work are not to be dismissed. Responsible brethren must give clear, steady instruction about proper organization, putting in place those who give the certain sound and discharging whoever permits betraying and confusing matter or false teaching to go out, since false alarms and false teaching sent abroad weaken, perplex, and confuse the people when they need every particle of energy and clear foresight to discern wiles, meet them firmly and decidedly, and fight manfully.
Faithful Certain Message
The certain sound is unwavering, affirmative proclamation of eternal truth that shines forever and stands firm despite criticism, scorn and derision, growing brighter the closer it is examined and tested. It is yea and amen, not yea and nay, spoken without doubt, fear or uncertainty, with assurance and great power to meet confusion and emergency. That assurance repeats the evidences of the truth for those confused by strange developments, giving the messages in their order as the binding-off message that prepares a people for the coming of the King. It must go to all the people in the large cities and all over the land, where many honest souls stand in uncertainty waiting to hear, and many will listen when men speak under the Holy Spirit even though the warning is twenty years behind.
Smooth sermons that avoid faithful rebuke are the uncertain sound that makes no lasting impression and leaves grievous sin unreproved and men unprepared. The certain sound lifts the voice like a trumpet to show transgressions with plain, sharp truths of the word that cut to the heart. It reproves, rebukes and exhorts with longsuffering and doctrine so hearers are awakened to danger, convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment, and moved to repent.
The certain sound keeps to the main question at issue and presents the established waymarks of truth to give hearers a sure foundation that can be recognized and responded to. It does not turn minds aside to side issues or to minor matters of jot-and-tittle importance, which hinder positive, effective conversion and swing open a door to questioning and division of sentiment with harmful outcomes that cannot be foreseen. In large camp-meetings and tent efforts in or near large cities there must be abundance of ministerial help so that one or two ministers do not become overwearied and give the trumpet an uncertain sound. It also avoids unwise censuring of ministers and churches that gives convicted ones reason to think a raid is being made and gives ministers occasion to misinterpret and misapply words, keeping instead the clear beauty of truth before the people while being wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Giving the certain sound means lifting up the Saviour higher and still higher and lifting up Jesus purely, devotedly and entirely as the source of light and efficiency and giver of every good gift. It combines message and work to produce not merely a flash of light but permanent vitality and power to reach people where they are, through churches set to work and consecrated to the highest attainments through self-surrender amid always changing conditions. It presents Him as the Man of Calvary who loved and washed from sin in His own precious blood, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, leaning the whole weight on God for help in every emergency instead of trusting human powers or the smartness of speakers. It weeds out all needless, extravagant words that give those disposed to extremes an excuse to carry things too far and react back harmfully, gives no glory to self or success, requires being living epistles known and read of all men through consecration of everything to Christ, and carries the aggressive work into new fields rather than halting or hovering about the churches. It comes from knowing for oneself with clear confidence and hope that the Lord has risen, and carries the good news to others at once without minding roughness of way or darkness of night, knowing just where to go to find those who need to hear it.
The certain sound is preached with faith and earnestness in unreserved consecration of soul and body, entering into no controversy but sowing by word, prayer and influence seeds that bear fruit to God's glory. It is given not as men walking in sleep but as men awake at the post of duty, calling attention to the third angel's message and preparing for the coming of Christ. It arouses both those who never heard, giving them opportunity to hear the reasons of the faith, and church members to put on the armor and show a burden to give the message. Ministers fulfill it by going out to proclaim the truth to those who know it not rather than hovering over the churches.
The certain sound is given by standing before the people in good courage and in faith and power, letting light shine forth in clear and steady rays with freedom and courage in the Lord to give the last note of warning calling all to the battle. Those who see light and truth, being right upon the borders of the eternal world, must overcome sleepy indifference by taking hold upon the Mighty One by living faith when truth is a living reality. It is decided testimonies to bear in warnings, in reproofs and in entreaties, with missionary work to do and earnest labor put forth by all in seeking to save perishing souls.
The certain sound presents Bible truth straight as it is in Jesus in demonstration of the Spirit with the endorsement of the Holy Spirit, so hearers certainly hear, know the doctrine whether it be of God, and can be converted. It enables humble seekers to recognize truth amid many voices on every side saying Here is Christ and to gather under the banner of Jesus Christ, in contrast to searching the Scriptures to sustain human traditions while missing their central truth and refusing Christ. It counterworks widespread deception and united opposition seeking to make of no effect the message sent, makes precious truth intelligible to reasoning minds, and centers on the revelation of Jesus including His soon return and God's character revealed in Him as the last message of mercy to be sounded everywhere. Speakers know what they speak because Jesus is in their midst speaking through His servants, and as truth is presented the Holy Spirit impresses hearers, with the increase coming from God rather than depending merely on what the minister says.
The certain sound is sounded in the warfare of truth against error to carry truth clearly to all tongues and nations, to subvert the strongholds of idolatry and sin and to rouse slumbering nations from spiritual apathy and death. That warfare is not merely against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, with eternal results depending on it. Those who sound it do not depend on human wisdom or human facilities but work in Christ's name as seeing Him who is invisible.
The certain sound educates souls dead in trespasses and sins in the knowledge of God and guides them into light through personal religion that enlightens the understanding and arouses the conscience. It binds people to truth and righteousness and makes the difference between falsehood and truth clear, while paralyzed energy and spiritual inactivity make the work misleading. Given in healing work it makes many good impressions on guests and patients who come there.
Uncertain Sound Described
An uncertain sound is given when God's people depart from Him and let the spirit, maxims, likings and principles of the world leaven the churches, descending to the world's level while dragging the banner of truth after them. It includes world-loving selfishness and fanaticism, choosing the society of the vain, trifling and unconverted and becoming charmed with them, planning marriage with those who have no love for God and know nothing of self-denial and of laboring together with God, receiving and teaching false phases of Christianity that bind souls in deception, and walking in blindness in the light of sparks of one's own kindling. When this is done the world is convinced the warning is uncertain and concludes there is no difference between believers and worldlings, while those who love and fear God stand up for Jesus and keep the broad, clear, deep line between worldly policy and the unselfish, undeviating principles of justice, righteousness and equity, refusing to discard the principles of heaven as in the days of Noah.
Leaders who oppose what is sent and stand in darkness fail to give the certain sound and stand as sentinels to bar the way, bringing confusion, misunderstanding, stumbling and want of unity instead of the clear, earnest, decided message wholly in accordance with the work for this time, especially righteousness by faith and the righteousness of Christ as the only hope to prepare a people to stand. Watchmen who give unclear, indecisive testimony that fails to vindicate the testimonies of the Spirit cause the people to lose their bearings and waver in faith, so decided testimony and personal labor by experienced workers are needed to settle faith and strengthen what remains ready to die.
The trumpet of human greatness and human instruction gives an uncertain sound comprised in assertion rather than truth, borrowing only the educated ability of previous teachers and bringing tradition with a semblance of truth. It cannot be traced back to the first great principle, the Source of unerring wisdom from which true teachers derive authority, unlike Christ as a teacher sent from God whose words contain no chaff and nothing non-essential, and it leaves painful uncertainty and constant searching for assurance found only in God. The salvation of souls cannot be risked or ventured upon it, and disregarding Christ's words and giving God's word second place for things of minor consequence brings infidelity and iniquity.
Educators who fail to distinguish between the sacred and the common and between obedience and disobedience, who exalt disloyal learned men and place all on the same level and put man where God should be, give an uncertain sound and dishonor God. Without the Holy Spirit and sanctified, quickened and sharpened perceptive faculties that make a difference between the circumcised and uncircumcised and between the obedient and disobedient, learned from the great Teacher and Master of education, such unclear teaching leaves men unprepared for the battle of the great day of God. Every worker and teacher as watchman must remain wholly on Christ's side and give a steady, faithful call that prepares youth to be a blessing to the world, for professing to work for Christ while occasionally going over to the adversary's side and doing his work is an uncertain sound that cannot be pronounced good and faithful service. Because influence has no limit, one thoughtless act reproduced in others may ruin many souls.
Teachers of children must hold a steady, firm, living principle of righteousness over them and practice it before them, letting true heavenly light shine before pupils and showing spirit, taste and longings of a higher and purer order than the world. Leaving the impression that they are of no higher order holds out a false, deceptive light that leads to ruin, while the certain sound keeps plain the broad, clear, deep line drawn by God between the righteous and unrighteous, the godly and ungodly, the obedient to the commandments and the disobedient. Working among unbelievers without appearing like worldlings is part of the certain sound, and spending time talking politics or acting as politicians is not the work given to high or low, gives the enemy opportunity to bring variance and discord, and those in ministry who desire to stand as politicians should have credentials taken from them, learning the work directly through Christ rather than through any human being.
Mixing truth with old errors from insufficient knowledge and experience, presenting books that mix truth with error, taking up a new theory instead of the assigned work, and sending abroad false alarms and confusing, unchristian principles weakens, perplexes and diverts minds, hinders the sacred work, and can lead toward ruin. Those who depart from the faith in this way give an uncertain sound that confuses many, so evidences of truth must be repeated with assurance. Preaching while unestablished, without understanding the testimonies and health reform and without discernment of spiritual things, gives no certain sound but feeds mixed provender of truth and error from shepherds who cannot discern between truth and falsehood, while what is needed instead is a ringing message like faithful Caleb's that the land ahead is goodly and the people are well able to go up and possess it.
Scornful criticism, discouraging remarks, unjust unfeeling speeches, scoffing at another's field of labor, discourteous remarks and searching for fault and discouraging God's servants fail to give a clear call and hinder the saving of souls and cause souls to be lost. Such a spirit is prompted from beneath by another spirit from Satan rather than from above by the Spirit of God, while drawing attention to one's own achievements or being spiritually asleep and blinded by commercial interests and failing to understand Bible principles deceives fellow workers rather than preparing them for duty. Setting men and women to work in enterprises never given misleads the army and neglects the very work assigned of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord. The uncertain trumpet uses in wrong channels the money that should relieve destitute fields and establish memorials and meetinghouses as memorials in centers outside America, keeps back ripe foreign fields for want of means and hinders sending the warning, exalts a human name and not the Lord, virtually ignores the final message and the third angel's message, belittles the gospel ministry while making medical missionary work disproportionately important, works for a consuming class with no restriction, and confuses minds as to the work for these last days, which must keep the ministry of the Word in its own place as the greater and far more essential work not to be displaced, discouraged or smothered, with medical missionary work only as its right hand bound up with the gospel.
Giving an uncertain sound includes turning minds to lesser matters while urgent warnings about what is coming and the great issues facing every soul are treated indifferently, so the message fails to prepare them. It includes filling papers with too much common matter and not enough of the sacred, long articles with no reference to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds with power and great glory that other newspapers could publish as well, and dependence on pictures and things unrelated to present need. That follows the track of Nadab and Abihu in using common fire in place of sacred fire instead of publishing a distinct class of literature about the signs of the near coming and giving meat in due season, real solid spiritual food on the vital issues for this time.
Final Warning Proclaimed
The certain sound is the third angel's message following the first and second, swelled into a loud cry with increasing power as the great final test approaches. It is the work of the remnant in the last days to promulgate present truth with all it embraces, maintaining eternal truth held from the beginning in all its increasing importance to the close of probation. It is given by best plans with pen, voice, talk and prayer in simplicity, strict economy and Christlikeness of character, presenting eternal faith in past and present truth until the whole earth is filled with its light and power.
That final trumpet includes proclamation that the end is near, that Babylon has fallen, and that God's people must come out of her to prepare for the final test and decide where they stand. The first, second and third messages blended as a complete whole bind the law among disciples, magnify the law and present its claims in true sacred character. It sounds the message of righteousness from one end of the world to the other until the work is cut short in righteousness.
The certain trumpet preaches solemn warning subjects plainly and easily to thousands hearing for the first time, with power from on high that overcomes infirmity and holds listeners entranced. It sounds heaven's warning in clear, distinct language by the mouth of servants who watch, pray and work, lest the warning be refused. Though one may plant and another water, God alone gives the increase to cut through long deception, false theories and idols of error.
The last message of mercy must go with no uncertain sound to all parts of the world so lands in darkness are enlightened, carried by self-sacrificing labor with multiplied publications and circulated literature. Books carrying present Bible truth give a certain sound while opposing publications give an uncertain sound, and mere story books do not give it. Young men going house to house as canvassers with books speaking words of life sow seeds of truth, for truth is not to be concealed but proclaimed in power and purity to awaken even those who long knew it yet resisted light.
The closing warning prepares a people to receive the seal of the living God, calling them to be on guard, keep the Word burnished for action as weapons of warfare, pray without ceasing, walk humbly and hold the fort against decided opposition. It is to be given by the very best experienced talent, uniting ministers, physicians and teachers in heart and purpose to proclaim the third angel's message distinctly. Its faithful voice in the central tabernacle undeceives those drawn away by misrepresentations by uplifting the banner inscribed with the commandments and the faith.
In the present crisis watchmen must clearly proclaim present truth, explain where the world stands in prophetic history, and awaken people to religious liberty, warning of coming danger so the warning echoes along the line. That certain sound of alarm, reproof and instruction enlightens people, makes them realize danger and tells the work required at the present time. It must be heeded, read carefully, favored with influence and passed to relatives, friends, church and world, and after all that can be done the rest is left to the Lord. Hesitation and delay saying do not be in haste, be careful not to raise a false alarm, be not alarmed, peace and safety, virtually denies the message and leaves souls to perish with their blood required of the watchman.
Failure to give the certain sound has left the work years behind. Withholding it through blindness of mind and hardness of heart hindered the advancement of the message meant to go forth as a burning lamp from the earlier conference. But when watchmen arise with united voices and send forth the decided message, all spring to duty and the light of the angel coming down with great power fills the earth with glory. That certain sound has shone since the earlier conference through clear preaching of justification by faith and imputed righteousness calling all to come, and those making excuses and neglecting it lose much.
The certain sound will be given by eleventh-hour laborers, many coming out of the world and out of the churches with zeal exceeding those who proclaimed truth before. In calamity and crisis they come to the front, gird on the whole armor, exalt the law, hold to the faith and maintain religious liberty. God will not send judgments until the people are warned nor close probation until watchmen give that distinct, magnified proclamation of the law that brings conviction and widens the work.
The Sabbath truth belongs to the certain sound and must be proclaimed with a loud voice, not introduced gradually or presented vaguely. While the Sabbath question is discussed the truth must be presented plainly and firmly, declaring that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment means much in how it is treated. It is a sign of loyalty for all posterity through all time, raising the standard of the commandments and the faith, exposing transgression and enforcing the Revelation teachings to separate a people standing on eternal truth.
Teachers as faithful stewards voice the third angel's message telling the world to make ready for the great day, bearing the seal of the living God and combining Old and New Testament Scriptures to fit up a people to stand in the day of the Lord. That living present truth stands opposite sleeping watchmen who exalt books and papers with little present truth and leave a perishing world unprepared for the day that comes as a thief upon all who are not watching. The call to make ready must therefore be given clearly, for an unclear trumpet cannot prepare people for battle.
All who minister in word and doctrine must arise and shine because great peril is upon them while the powers of earth are stirred and everything is in confusion, holding aloft the banner bearing the third angel's message.
The message for this time must be proclaimed with certainty and clarity without hesitation, ambiguity or concealment, and ministers must speak the same things without counterworking confusing theories. That requires conversion to the truth, drilling in Bible study to know God and His Son and justification by faith, then going forth everywhere. It requires clear, united triumphing with no time to lose, turning from wrong courses, making straight paths and removing stumbling blocks so the lame are healed, and lifting the voice without laying down burdens even when the adversary tries to shut out light.
As powers of darkness work intensely from beneath, God's agencies must be more vigilant, going forward from light to still greater light and proclaiming the righteousness of the law in earnest, distinct, startling tones so no watchman fails to catch the alarm and all awake from lethargy to watch for souls. That clear, decided warning requires the Spirit's guidance and deep moving, examining hearts, seeking counsel, fasting and prayer rather than lifting the soul to vanity in self-confidence. It requires constantly cherishing present light with old truths in new aspects, and standing unflinchingly as a unit, especially youth of great light whose words, spirit and character must not mislead associates.
The certain sound is the testimony sent to the churches voiced through visible human messengers with unseen heavenly attendants communicating by their side to those imbued with the Spirit. It plainly proclaims truth so people recognize the difference between holiness and sin and prepare for the time of trouble until the whole earth is lightened with glory. It is the watchman's work in view of the fast-approaching crisis and gathering storm upon a world asleep, whether men hear or forbear, leaving ease and warning even with limited means while standing where the light is to discern the fall of Babylon.
Truths and Duties Taught
The certain sound finds its life-giving, awakening power only in preaching Jesus Christ with heaven-sent power, received as living gospel truth rather than a lifeless dead idea. It means drinking fully from the cup of truth held out since the Minneapolis meeting, especially justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ, and standing in full harmony with the work to bring the church to see its true state and come prepared to the supper. Holding aloof without openly opposing, accepting the message only in part, and clinging to the old citizen's dress instead of the dress prepared by Christ leaves one unable in every respect to give that certain sound. That preaching presents the Christ every soul and sinner needs in the Spirit and with power: His love, forgiveness and grace, His humiliation, meekness and lowly life of poverty that sons and daughters of Adam might be made rich, His death as sacrifice, His resurrection, and His ascension where He intercedes to bring men to believe on Him whom the Father sent. Preparing a people to stand by righteousness by faith is the only hope.
Those who teach truth by word and example must give a clear, unmistakable message about Christ's present work in the heavenly sanctuary, the solemn call to confession and humility belonging to the day of atonement, and the final warning to the world. The certain sound is the witness of commandment-keeping standard-bearers who hold aloft the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus and thereby call attention to eternal realities. In every church the trumpet must give that certain sound by proclaiming the gospel message for this time, which calls for a true line of education in all points and requires the essential ministry of the Word kept in its own place. Awake teachers give it as faithful stewards, voicing the third angel's message telling the world to make ready for the great day, bearing the seal of the living God and combining Old and New Testament Scriptures to fit up a people to stand, in contrast to sleeping watchmen who leave people unready for the day coming as a thief to take unawares all who are not watching.
The church's testimony must be clear, definite, decisive and sharp, upholding temperance and the principles of righteousness in all things so people can distinguish good from evil. That testimony calls people to practice temperance in all things so moral sensibilities are awakened and great victory is gained. It requires increased knowledge in every line of health reform and taking up special lines such as medical missionary work in connection with the gospel message for this time, because genuine medical missionary work is the gospel practiced. Giving a certain sound on dress means plain and decided testimony against pride, vanity and worldliness, declaring the whole counsel in print and from the stand without shunning unpopular reproof. It calls professed followers to resemble their Lord and conform dress to Bible requirements, turning from fashion, dress and display as an offense to God and a denial of the faith containing the whole duty of man, refusing to let almost universal worldliness excuse doing as others do, so souls are warned and the warner is clear of blood.
Wherever the certain sound is proclaimed clearly and decisively and awakens and converts people, they are at once to unite in enterprises of charity, practical godliness and true missionary work for the helpless and suffering, with every newly established church doing this work. The message must be exalted to become far-reaching by sending missionary workers with Bibles, converting and establishing souls in the truth, building memorial meetinghouses, and letting light shine as a city set on a hill, summoning every mind and voice to join preparing for the return. Denominational papers must clearly present Bible truth and give light amid moral darkness, publishing a distinct class of literature about the signs of the near coming with power and great glory and giving meat in due season on vital issues rather than common matter other papers could publish as well.
Now is the time for the trumpet to give a certain sound with no uncertainty, to arouse the people, sweep back moral darkness and stop unbelief by proclaiming that the Lord is coming and calling everyone to get ready every moment. That readiness comes by humbling the soul before God low at the foot of the cross, receiving grace and the robe of righteousness, getting out of self, having lips touched with a live coal from the altar with tongue and entire being sanctified, and learning praise. Leaders and counselors must give a clear, certain, decided sound to strengthen God's people for the coming battle and outpouring of wrath without mercy, not repeating cowardice that consents to idolatry instead of opposing it decisively, being wise and harmless. Increased light on the prophecies in the last days is given to help give that clear, definite message. The gospel trumpet gives no uncertain sound when precious truth is presented with speakers knowing what they speak because Christ is in their midst speaking through servants while the Spirit impresses hearers.
At one meeting the preaching gave no clear call because it was not the message intended for the people at that time and did not support the work being done. Giving a certain sound means proclaiming the warning clearly and distinctly without fear in the place sent, meeting the breadth and urgency of suffering wants flocking to uncertain disappointments, defending the faith in cities, and requiring both workers and ministers. Bearing aloft the banner of truth in the perils of the last days when the day of preparation is very near means standing where appointed, clothed with the armor of light with every capability vitalized by the Spirit, pressing forward and upward, valuing souls, and triumphing with the message, including bringing the Sabbath before all nations. Amid changes, turmoil, violence and crime, giving a certain sound requires firm hold on the One who sees and knows, burden for the flock, and intelligent, disinterested work giving the work a higher, more spiritual and healthful tone.
Faithful watchmen must sound forth clear, distinct, straight, plain, resolute Bible truth outlining the Bible position and rejecting poisonous popular errors, keeping guard without sleeping or standing passively while souls face temptation. In centers of danger this means bringing mature persons of good Christian experience as managers, pastors and teachers to guard youth serving among those who know not the Lord, so young helpers are not led away by unbelievers and worldly influences and both believers and unbelievers who will listen have opportunity to hear, understand and be saved. Men upon whom is laid the burden of a solemn work must honor God at every step with a path growing brighter and brighter until the close of time, preparing people for the battle. Failure under temptation gives an uncertain sound leaving people in fatal delusion and blindness, walking in sparks of their own kindling unable to distinguish self-made fire from God-given light, yet the overthrow of a messenger does not prove he had no message or that the work done was all a mistake.
The certain sound holds forth truth in its fullness, including the Sabbath and the second coming, rather than suppressing those teachings. It lifts up and carries high the banner inscribed with the commandments and the faith, letting no one take it away, taking a stand on the true foundation and raising it higher and still higher, having nothing to do with deceptive spiritualistic, theosophic and pantheistic branches of the adversary's work, as God puts new vital force into His work and Himself proclaims His forever-shining truth through faithful messengers. God's message for this time is essential and must be given clearly, not set aside for human ideas, measured or bound about under control of any person, nor hindered by demeriting ministers and organized plans. Giving it calls for individual heart renovation wholly given to God, and because few give it those who have it must take the heaviest part, spend themselves fully, and advance with many more workers qualified through schools, publishing houses and sanitariums in the training school of Christ, each arousing individually to present emergencies instead of remaining behind opening providences.
Wisdom from above gives clear understanding of the foundation of faith, enabling presentation of its evidence plainly, explanation of hope, and demonstration that faith is genuine and has led to standing as God's chosen people. The Word must come as the grand, testing, life-and-death message for this time and must not come uncertainly from watchmen on the walls, with men of appointment raised up to step into their lot and place and sound it to open missions in new fields. Faithful watchmen identify and name a dangerous, deceptive influence plainly rather than leaving others unprepared through vague or compromised messages, so others can recognize the danger and separate from it. God's people must awake and give a clear, earnest call proclaiming truth in all its purity to souls not of Christ, warning that disloyalty and transgression leave no place in paradise, and carrying that message to cities, villages and from rivers to earth's ends.
Messengers must give a clear, unmistakable warning so people can prepare, and teachers and speakers whose lives bring reproach should not be elevated. Chosen messengers proclaim it in every place, exalt the memorial, and establish churches through Scripture-based teaching in clear lines by precept and example. Giving a certain sound means telling the truth just as it is in Jesus in home life, assemblies and schools where children are taught, belonging to preparedness to glorify God and requiring reality and humility whose stamp makes its impression so people understand. A leader must give a clear message that prepares people for what lies ahead, and no office gives right to speak uncertainty in God's work, with changing conviction for deceptive arguments making one unfit to lead.
The trumpet gives a certain sound by proclaiming the Word clearly, definitely, purely and publicly under the Holy Spirit, with mind and voice combined making deep and right impressions on large congregations and the Spirit witnessing so doctrines appear in clear light. That proclamation presents present truth in all its purity, counterworks false messages, misrepresentations and wrong impressions, and enables discernment between truth and error, awakening interest when studied thoroughly over time. The certain sound proclaims the message for this time with special power to convert, exalting the gospel to become far-reaching. An uncertain sound smothers it by lavishly spending means and talents by human wisdom on those with no interest, caring for promiscuous outcasts at great expense, consuming gatherings with work not for this time, and binding up means so memorials are not erected and foreign fields remain unrelieved. God's people must make the message clear and dependable like a certain call, putting aside worldly interests that divert thoughts from heavenly concerns and cause light to languish, with those who failed called to confess backsliding, repent, be converted and then help bring others to knowledge of the truth.