We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us, hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.
It will not be long till we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence, all the trials and sufferings of this life will be as nothingness. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:35-37. Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7, 8.
APPENDIX
The Prophetic Gift
In the beginning, when man was created and placed in the garden of Eden, he could talk with his Creator and with the angels face to face. When sin entered, this privilege was withdrawn. Man became subject to death, and was unable to look upon the wonderful glory of God, or to live in His presence.
But though fallen man could no longer talk directly with God, yet our loving heavenly Father has ever maintained communication with the human family. Through the ministry of holy angels, He has provided for men and women protection from the influences of evil, and help to live in accordance with His will. And through the agency of His Holy Spirit, God has spoken to the hearts of men, and has made it possible for even the most sinful and ignorant to find the way that leads to right-doing and to eternal life.
God has also spoken to the fallen race through chosen human agencies, to whom He has communicated a knowledge of His purpose in visions and dreams. These messengers of His will, have been known as holy men, or prophets, set apart by the Lord Himself for the special work of receiving and communicating truth from heaven to mankind. “If there be a prophet among you,” God declares, “I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6.
The Holy Scriptures were compiled from the writings of men thus signally honored. To the people living in their days these men bore messages from238God; and they also taught spiritual truths and gave counsels and warnings for the church in future times. To "the prophets" "it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you." 1 Peter 1:10-12.
IN THE PATRIARCHAL AGE
The prophetic gift is not limited to any one age. Early in the inspired record we find instances of its manifestation. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, was a prophet. Looking down through the centuries, he saw with prophetic vision the coming of the Lord, and the execution of the final judgments upon the ungodly. Jude 14, 15.
To Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob the Lord appeared in vision, foretelling the blessings that would come to their posterity. With them He renewed His covenant, and they were led to look forward to the final reward of the righteous, and to behold the glories of that heavenly city whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:10.
Moses, who was chosen of God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage into the land of Canaan, was a mighty prophet. Predicting the coming of the Messiah, he said, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken.” Deuteronomy 18:15. God gave many revelations to this faithful man; and though the divine glory was not fully revealed to him, yet the Word declares that God talked with him “face to face.” Deuteronomy 34:10.
After the children of Israel were settled in Canaan, the influence of the idolaters by whom they were surrounded, turned them from the true God, to the239worship of the sun, the moon, and the stars, and also to the worship of graven images made of gold and silver and wood and stone. Thus they transgressed the commandments from heaven that had been given for their own good. The loving heart of God was grieved as He saw the chosen nation led away from their Creator and Benefactor, into a course of action tending toward ruin.
Amid the general apostasy there were some who maintained their allegiance to Jehovah; and from among these, God chose prophets whom He commissioned to call the people to repentance, and to warn them of the evils that their course would surely bring upon them. “The Lord God of their fathers sent to them by His messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because He had compassion on His people, and on His dwelling-place.” 2 Chronicles 36:15.
Prominent among the prophets of Israel were Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. In stirring words they called upon the people to turn from their evil ways, giving assurance that the Lord would graciously receive and bless them, and would heal their backslidings. Some of the writings of these prophets have a special application to the time in which we live. They wrote of things which should “come to pass in the last days,” or in the “time of the end.” Isaiah 2:2; Daniel 12:4.
AT THE FIRST ADVENT OF CHRIST
The last of the Old Testament prophets was Malachi. During the period of formalism before the appearance of Christ, so far as any record exists, there were no manifestations of the gift of prophecy. But prophets were sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, "was240filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied." Luke 1:67. Simeon, a "just and devout" man, who was "waiting for the consolation of Israel," came by the Spirit into the temple, and prophesied concerning Jesus, that He should be a "light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." Anna, a prophetess, "spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:25, 32, 38. And there was no greater prophet in any age than was John the Baptist, who was chosen by God to proclaim to Israel the advent of "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
IN THE DAYS OF THE APOSTLES
The beginning of the Christian era was marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of various spiritual gifts. Among these was the gift of prophecy. In the book of Acts we read of the inspired utterances of Peter, of Stephen, and of others connected with the early Christian church; also of the four daughters of Philip, “virgins, which did prophesy;” and of a prophet named Agabus. Acts 21:9, 10.
The apostle Paul had visions of the glory of heaven. See 2 Corinthians 12:1-7. He wrote at length in the twelfth chapter of First Corinthians concerning the gifts of the Spirit that were given, not for one age alone, but “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13. “God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28.
John, the last survivor of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was a prophet. In the closing book of the241Bible, he tells of the visions that were given him while he was in banishment on the isle of Patmos. In recording these visions he declares them to be "the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass;" and he says that Christ "sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John, who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw." Revelation 1:1, 2.
DISAPPEARANCE DURING THE GREAT APOSTASY
The Scriptures foretell a great apostasy, which even in the days of the apostles had begun to manifest itself among certain false brethren in the church, and which finally was to develop into a “falling away,” and the revelation of “that man of sin, . . . the son of perdition,” of whom Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-7.
In fulfilment of these predictions, it is a matter of historical record that following the death of the last of the apostles of Jesus, some members of the Christian church began to depart from the simplicity of the truth as taught by Christ; and gradually these church members were led to unite with the world in heathen practices.
As the years passed by, and the church increased in numbers and in popularity, there were many who became less and still less strict in their obedience to Bible teaching, until finally, in the fifth and sixth centuries after Christ, the greater number of those who claimed to be Christians were in reality not living in harmony with the teachings of Christ. For many centuries thereafter an apostate form of Christianity held sway. The truth was suppressed and lost sight of, and ignorance prevailed.
These centuries of apostasy are correctly designated in history the “Dark Ages.” During this time attempts were made to alter or to set aside many of the fundamental teachings of the Bible. Under these circumstances, it is not surprising that, in such a time, as likewise in the centuries immediately preceding the first advent of Christ, the manifestation of the gift of prophecy almost wholly disappeared.
RESTORED IN THE LAST DAYS
But the Scriptures, while foretelling this dreadful apostasy, also plainly teach that just before the second coming of Christ, many will be rescued from the darkness of error and superstition. Once more the earth is to be lightened by the glory of God. The pure truths of the Bible are to shine forth. And in this time of heavenly illumination marking the approaching end of the age, the gifts of the Spirit are again to be manifest in the true church. “It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:17, 18; Joel 2:28, 29.
In clear terms the prophet John speaks of “the remnant,” or the last church, as those who “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. In another passage the same writer gives a plain definition of what he means by the “testimony of Jesus.” When on one occasion John attempted to worship the angel who appeared to him in vision, the angel said:
“See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God.” Revelation 19:10.
Under similar circumstances the same angel said, as recorded in another place:
“See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets.” Revelation 22:9.
The thought expressed is the same in both these passages. In one, however, John's “brethren” are said to have “the testimony of Jesus;” in the other these “brethren” are called “the prophets.”
Therefore it is the prophets who have “the testimony of Jesus;” and the angel who appeared to John is evidently the special messenger who conveys instruction to all the prophets,—doubtless the angel Gabriel, who is mentioned as having appeared to Daniel. See Daniel 8:16; 9:21. The same angel further said to John, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”Revelation 19:10.
Comparing the Bible expression, "the testimony of Jesus," with the statement of Revelation 12:17 concerning the "remnant . . . which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ," we conclude that prior to Christ’s second coming His true church will be keeping His commandments, and that they will have the spirit of prophecy.
The rapid fulfillment of the predictions of Holy Scripture regarding the signs and events which were to mark the closing scenes of earth's history, is a sure evidence that we are now living in the last days. Therefore a company of Christian people who keep the commandments of God and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ—the spirit of prophecy—should to-day be in existence. Where may they be found?
Tested by the Word
Because of the fanaticism resulting from the work of men falsely claiming to be taught of God, many good people regard with grave suspicion or even disbelief the claim of any one to divine revelation. But the searcher after truth must guard equally against deception by false prophets or teachers, and a failure to recognize the true. “Despise not prophesyings,” writes the apostle. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21.
In harmony with this injunction, believers in Christ are urged to give candid consideration to the evidences of divine guidance in the advent movement of the present day, and the manifestation of the gift of prophecy connected with this movement. To disregard the work of the Holy Spirit, as manifested through this gift, is perilous. Yet we are admonished to “beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” And the test is given, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
As well might men expect to gather “grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles,” as to find unadulterated truth and sanctifying power emanating from a base deceiver. “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. . . . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20.
The active labors of Ellen G. Harmon, known after her marriage as Mrs. E. G. White, covered a period of seventy years, sixty years of which were spent in America, and ten years in Europe and Australasia. During this long time she was honored with many245revelations, which she believed to be heaven-sent and which she endeavored faithfully to write out for the instruction of the church. Many volumes of her writings have been published and have a world-wide circulation. Many thousands of people, convinced by the Scriptures that we are living near the close of this earth's history, have been led to believe that Mrs. White was an agent through whom God spoke by the spirit of prophecy to His remnant church. Such a belief is surely worthy of consideration. The character of her work is to be judged by her own life, by her teachings, and by the nature of the revelations she received.
Mrs. White always desired that her work and teachings be tested by the standard of God's word as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. “Let the testimonies be judged by their fruits,” she wrote. “What is the spirit of their teaching? What has been the result of their influence? . . . God is either teaching His church, reproving their wrongs, and strengthening their faith, or He is not. This work is of God, or it is not. God does nothing in partnership with Satan. My work . . . bears the stamp of God, or the stamp of the enemy. There is no half-way work in the matter.
“As the Lord has manifested Himself through the spirit of prophecy, past, present, and future have passed before me. I have been shown faces that I had never seen, and years afterward I knew them when I saw them. I have been aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of subjects previously presented to my mind; and I have written, at midnight, letters that have gone across the continent, and, arriving at a crisis, have saved great disaster to the cause of God. This has been my work for many years. A power has impelled me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I had246not thought of. Is this work . . . from above, or from beneath? . . . Those who really desire to know the truth will find sufficient evidence for belief.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. V, pp. 671, 672.
CHRIST’S OFFICE MAGNIFIED
The incarnation of Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," is the great theme of the gospel. "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." Colossians 1:27; 2:9, 10. The acceptance or rejection of this vital truth is one of the divinely appointed tests of one who claims to have the gift of prophecy.
“Believe not every spirit,” writes the apostle John, “but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.” 1 John 4:1-3.
False prophets do not exalt Christ. They rather draw attention to themselves. “Speaking perverse things,” they “draw away disciples” after themselves. Acts 20:30. To accomplish this, they teach in a manner to please the carnal mind of those who in their hearts “say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things.” Isaiah 30:10. These alleged prophets or teachers are “of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1 John 4:5.
In the teachings of Mrs. White, Christ is recognized and exalted as the only Saviour for sinners. Than Christ, "there is none other name under heaven given247among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. In her own work for the Master, she exemplified the following instruction given by her to her brethren in the ministry:
“Christ crucified, Christ risen, Christ ascended into the heavens, Christ coming again, should so soften, gladden, and fill the mind of the minister that he will present these truths to the people in love and deep earnestness. The minister will then be lost sight of, and Jesus will be made manifest. Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people, lift Him up in sermon, in song, in prayer. Let all your powers be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, lost, to the ‘Lamb of God.’ Lift Him up, the risen Saviour, and say to all who hear, Come to Him who ‘hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.’ Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Bring nothing into your preaching to supplement Christ, the wisdom and power of God. Hold forth the word of life, presenting Jesus as the hope of the penitent and the stronghold of every believer. Reveal the way of peace to the troubled and the despondent, and show forth the grace and completeness of the Saviour.”—“Gospel Workers,” pp. 159, 160.
“TO THE LAW AND TO THE TESTIMONY”
It has ever been the effort of the enemy of righteousness to lead men to disregard the claims of the law of Jehovah. And through His prophets, God has ever sought to bring men to a realization of the binding claims of His eternal and unchangeable law. Of His ancient people, it is written: "The Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from248your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets." 2 Kings 17:13.
In this our day, when there is manifest a widespread tendency to throw away the restraint of God's law, Mrs. White has firmly and fearlessly endeavored to bring to the consciences of men the sacredness of the divine requirements. The immutability of that law, and the vital necessity of obedience, through the power of Christ, to its every requirement, including the fourth commandment, has been constantly urged in her public work. Of the relation of the law to the gospel she has written:
“In the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart; as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.’
“Till heaven and earth pass,’ said Jesus, ‘one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.’ The sun shining in the heavens, the solid earth upon which you dwell, are God’s witnesses that His law is changeless and eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. ‘It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.’ The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death; but the precepts of the decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.”—“Desire of Ages,” p. 308.
THE SCRIPTURES HONORED
The writings of Mrs. White point constantly to the Bible as the great source of all spiritual truth. They249abound in Scriptural quotations, to which she gives no fanciful interpretation. Her writings are not regarded by Seventh-day Adventists as an addition to the Bible, nor is their study to take the place of Bible study. She herself has written:
“The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind, and may be understood by those who desire to understand it. But, notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make the word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives them plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the Word they have neglected to follow.” “The testimonies are not to belittle the word of God, but to exalt it and attract minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of truth may impress all.”
“Our watchword is to be, ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ We have a Bible full of the most precious truth. It contains the alpha and the omega of knowledge. The Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, are ‘profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ Take the Bible as your study book.”
To her brethren in the ministry she wrote: "Do not advocate theories or tests that Christ has never mentioned, and that have no foundation in the Bible. We have grand, solemn truths for the people. 'It is written' is the test that must be brought home to every soul. Let us go to the word of God for guidance. Let us seek for a 'Thus saith the Lord.' We have had enough of human methods. A mind trained only in250worldly science will fail to understand the things of God; but the same mind, converted and sanctified, will see the divine power in the Word."—"Gospel Workers," pp. 309, 310.
PREDICTIONS FULFILLED
One of the features that distinguish the true God from all false gods, is the power to communicate with men regarding the past and the future. Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah issues a challenge to the gods worshiped by the heathen: “Let them show the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods.” And because of the inability of these false gods to do this, Jehovah declares, “Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of naught; an abomination is he that chooseth you.” Isaiah 41:22-24.
One of the divinely appointed tests of a true prophet of God is the accurate fulfillment of his words. To ancient Israel God said through Moses, himself a mighty prophet:
“If thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? when a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:21, 22.
Many instances might be mentioned in which prophetic foresight was given to Mrs. White. Often she saw in vision persons with whom she was not acquainted. Later in her travels she would meet these individuals, and give them messages that had been251given her in vision for them—messages revealing a knowledge of their actions or motives which she could not have received from any human source.
In the early years of her work, at a time when she and her husband and Elder Joseph Bates were almost the only ones preaching the Sabbath truth, there was opened before her the future growth of the movement, then in its weakness, of which they were the pioneers. November 1, 1848, at a meeting held at Dorchester, Massachusetts, Mrs. White was given a vision in which she beheld the message, symbolized by the rising sun, increasing in strength till it shone over the whole world.
After coming out of this vision, she told her husband that the Lord desired him to begin printing a small paper, and that the work of publishing the truth would increase till the publications would be like streams of light encircling the earth. From a human point of view this was indeed a bold prediction. The believers were very few in number, poor in this world's goods, and their views were very unpopular. Yet God, with whom all things are possible, has marvelously fulfilled this word. Through the years since that time, the publication of truth-filled literature by this denomination has steadily increased, until the sale of this printed matter, in all parts of the world, aggregates about $7,000,000 annually.
In relating her early visions, Mrs. White graphically portrayed the experiences through which the Adventist people were to pass before the Lord should come. At a time when the manifestations of Spiritualism were confined to the "mysterious rappings" in Rochester, New York, she was shown the rapid and phenomenal growth that cult would make in the future. She foretold the passing of laws enforcing252Sunday observance in countries where at the time full religious liberty prevailed. All these predictions, and many others, have been published and widely circulated. The changing events that have taken place since these predictions were written have proved the truthfulness of many of them, and their fulfillment has inspired increased confidence that her prophecies concerning the final triumph of the Seventh-day Adventist cause will be likewise fulfilled. The prosperity of this movement has been signally advanced by the counsels and admonitions that have come, through her voice and pen, to its leaders and workers.
CONDITION WHILE IN VISION
Especially during the early years of her work, Mrs. White's visions were often given in the presence of many witnesses. During these manifestations she was entirely unconscious of her earthly surroundings. Yet she would frequently walk about, making graceful gestures, while describing the scenes she was witnessing. Her strength at such times was phenomenal. Strong men have endeavored to move her hand or arm from the position in which it was held, but failed. On one occasion, at the home of Mr. Curtis, in Topsham, Maine, in 1845, she took from a bureau a large family Bible weighing about eighteen pounds, and, holding this at arm's length above her head with her left hand, she turned the pages with her right hand. Then, with her eyes directed upward away from the book, she read correctly many passages of Scripture, pointing to the verses with the index finger of her right hand. With her ordinary strength she would have had difficulty even in lifting this heavy volume; but while supernaturally strengthened in vision, she253held it aloft with outstretched arm for more than half an hour.
In relating her visions, Mrs. White frequently spoke of the one who had instructed her, as "my accompanying angel," or "my instructor," or "my guide." By these expressions, she referred to a bright, glorious angel, who invariably acted as her guide or instructor.
Although Mrs. White often spoke while in vision, yet no breath came from her lips. June 26, 1854, in Rochester, New York, while she was in vision two physicians endeavored to show that there must be breath in her lungs. Among other tests, a lighted candle was held as close to her lips as was possible without burning her; yet, although she was at that time speaking with force, there was not a flicker of the blaze. The first indication of her coming out of vision was a deep inhalation. Perhaps several seconds would elapse before the next breath. Then after a few more full breaths she would begin to breathe normally.
These physical conditions correspond to the experiences of the prophet Daniel while in vision, as he records them in the tenth chapter of his prophecy. He refers to a loss of strength, and the appearance of an angel who imparted supernatural strength. “As for me,” he declares, “straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.” Daniel 10:17, 18.
TESTIMONY OF AN EYEWITNESS
Elder Uriah Smith, a lifelong associate of Mrs. White and her husband, bore the following testimony regarding her special gift:
“Every test which can be brought to bear upon such manifestations proves them genuine. The evidence which supports them, internal and external, is conclusive. They agree with the word of God and with themselves. They are given, unless those best qualified to judge are invariably deceived, when the Spirit of God is especially present. Calm, dignified, impressive, they commend themselves to every beholder as the very opposite of that which is false or fanatical.
“Their fruit is such as to show that the source from which they spring is the opposite of evil.
1. They tend to the purest morality. They discountenance every vice, and exhort to the practice of every virtue. They point out the perils through which we are to pass to the kingdom. They reveal the devices of Satan. They warn us against his snares. They have nipped in the bud scheme after scheme of fanaticism which the enemy has tried to foist into our midst. They have exposed hidden iniquity, brought to light concealed wrongs, and laid bare the evil motives of the false-hearted. They have aroused and rearoused us to greater consecration to God, more zealous efforts for holiness of heart, and greater diligence in the cause and service of our Master.
2. They lead us to Christ. Like the Bible, they set Him forth as the only hope and only Saviour of mankind. They portray before us in living characters His holy life and His godly example, and with irresistible appeals they urge us to follow in His steps.
3. They lead us to the Bible. They set forth that Book as the inspired and unalterable word of God. They exhort us to take that Word as the man of our counsel, and the rule of our faith and practice. And, with a compelling power, they entreat us to study long and diligently its pages, and become familiar255with its teachings, for it is to judge us in the last day.
“4. They have brought comfort and consolation to many hearts. They have strengthened the weak, encouraged the feeble, raised up the despondent. They have brought order out of confusion, made crooked places straight, and thrown light on what was dark and obscure. And no person with an unprejudiced mind can read their stirring appeals for a pure and lofty morality, their exaltation of God and the Saviour, their denunciations of every evil, and their exhortations to everything that is holy and of good report, without being compelled to say, “These are not the words of him that hath a devil.””
VALUE OF HER WORK
After full seventy years of active labor in many lands, in writing and preaching, Mrs. White quietly fell asleep in Jesus at her home near St. Helena, California, July 16, 1915. She was buried beside her husband in Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan, July 24. In the funeral sermon, Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, said regarding her life work:
“Perhaps we are not wise enough to say definitely just what part of Mrs. White’s life work has been of the greatest value to the world, but it would seem that the large volume of deeply religious literature she has left would prove to be of the greatest service to mankind. Her books number upwards of twenty volumes. Some of these have been translated into many languages in different parts of the world. They have now reached a circulation of more than two million copies, and are still going to the public by thousands.
“As we survey the whole field of gospel truth,—of man's relation to his Lord and to his fellow men,—it256must be seen that Mrs. White's life work has given these great fundamentals positive, constructive support. She has touched humanity at every vital point of need, and lifted it to a higher level.
“Elisha Evans,” St. Helena, California.
“Now she is at rest. Her voice is silent; her pen is laid aside. But the mighty influence of that active, forceful, Spirit-filled life will continue. That life was linked with the eternal; it was wrought in God. The message proclaimed and the work done have left a monument that will never crumble nor perish. The many volumes she has left, dealing with every phase of human life, urging every reform necessary to the betterment of society, as represented by the family, city, State, and nation, will continue to mold public sentiment and individual character. Their messages will be cherished more than they have been in the past. The cause to which her life was devoted, and which that life molded and advanced to such a degree, will press forward with increasing force and rapidity as the years go by. We who are connected with it need entertain no fear except the fear of our own failure to do our part as faithfully as we should.”
