The third session of the European Council convened in the meeting-hall of the new publishing house at Basle, Switzerland, Sept. 15, 1885. Though but little more than a year had passed since the close of the previous session, this year had seen carried out the plans recommended by the former Council concerning the publishing house for the Central European Mission. The large, well-arranged building to which the delegates were welcomed on this third visit to Basle, was in marked contrast to the narrow, inconvenient tenement, in an obscure part of the city, in which the first Council was held, and gave evidence of the advancement which had been made since their first period of consultation.
In response to the cordial invitation of its previous session, seconded by the recommendation of the General Conference, Mrs. E. G. White and Eld. W. C. White and his wife had made the journey from the Pacific Coast to the Old World, and the brethren assembled at this session enjoyed the privilege of having among them these representatives of the work in America. The attendance was even more general than at the previous session, there being several114representatives from France in addition to those from other fields. The meeting continued until Sept. 29,—fourteen days,—yet although of so much longer duration than the previous session, every day was filled with important business relating to the various branches of the work in different fields.
The length of time during which the Council continued, permitted the introduction of some features in the regular order of exercises which had not been before adopted. In addition to the early morning prayer and social meeting, a regular class for Bible study was formed, which held one regular meeting each day. A Bible reading conducted in English, French, and German, was also held daily, and each evening a discourse, usually on some practical subject, was given. In this manner, while much time and thought were given to the affairs of the various missions, and to the details of the work in its various phases, a good share of the time was devoted to cultivating the spiritual interests of the meeting,—a most essential branch of the work.
At the suggestion of Bro. White, an auditing committee was appointed to examine the details of the accounts of those employed by the General Conference, in order to facilitate the work of the auditing committee of that body in its final action. Many difficulties arise in the work of this latter committee, on account of the different methods of making the report of labor and expenses, and it was judged that a committee on the ground could examine these details much more readily than the committee of the General Conference.
The propriety of the Council recommending to the General Conference those who should receive credentials and licenses in the various missions was considered; and a committee was instructed to recommend the names of such as in the judgment of the Council should receive credentials and licenses from the General Conference.
Several of the first meetings of the session were occupied with verbal reports from the laborers of the different missions. These reports brought out interesting statistics of the work in the various fields. Eld. Matteson spoke of Sweden as one of the best fields of labor in Northern Europe. A general interest was manifested by the people to hear the truth, and as the result of a series of meetings in Stockholm, over fifty souls were converted. This Conference is composed of seven churches with 193 members, a gain of 81 members since last year. There are, in addition to this number, 86 scattered Sabbath-keepers, making in all 279 believers who are fully united with us in the truth. Colporters have good success laboring here. Two of these and one minister have been employed during the year. They have sold and distributed during this time 426,400 pages of reading matter, obtained 448 subscriptions for our papers, and received $580 on sales and subscriptions.
Eld. E. G. Olsen reported concerning his labors and the work in Norway. A church of twenty-one members had been organized in the vicinity of Drammen, and twenty-eight persons had been added to the church in Christiania. In the work of the colporters in the missionary society 500 subscriptions had been obtained, 600,000 pages of reading matter had been given away, and about $400 received on sales and subscriptions. The publishing work in Christiania was reported to be in a prosperous condition. The completion of the new office of publication will furnish increased facilities for the growth of this branch of the work. The office publishes at present a Danish Norwegia115n religious monthly, Tidernes Tegn, a Swedish religious monthly, Sanningens Härold, and monthly health journals in the Danish-Norwegian and Swedish languages. The office also publishes forty-five different books and tracts in the Danish-Norwegian, and fifteen in the Swedish.
In the Conference of Denmark, reported by Eld. K. Brorsen, there are four ordained ministers, two licentiates, nine churches, and 160 members. There are besides ninety-eight Sabbath-keepers in this country. The tithe for the past year was $400.
The following summary of the work in the Scandinavian Mission was presented by Eld. J. G. Matteson: Number of ministers, 7; licentiates, 7; colporters, 8; churches, 18; members, 514; whole number of Sabbath-keepers, 698; amount of tithes and donations, $2,161.86; total number of subscriptions taken for our periodicals, 1,044; pages of reading matter sold and distributed, 1,041,400; received on sales and subscriptions, $1,033.
The condition of the work in the British Mission was presented by Eld. S. H. Lane, who a few months before had become connected with the work in England, Eld. M. C. Wilcox, and Bro. Geo. R. Drew. In his ship missionary work at Liverpool, Bro. Drew had sold during the past eleven months, 301,000 pages of books, for which he had received $750. He had visited, in doing this work, 2,216 vessels. Three other colporters had been employed in the Mission for a portion of the time. They had received 249 subscriptions for the Present Truth, and visited 3,453 families. The office at Grimsby had printed during eleven months 102,500 copies of Present Truth, and received on subscriptions and sales of their paper about $550. Received on other sales, $450. The tithes received during this period amount to $388.58. During the summer a tent-meeting had been held with good success, as the result of which nine persons had embraced the truth.
The circulation of Present Truth has made a favorable impression upon the public mind; but much more can be done by circulating it by means of colporters than by sending it through the mail. Eld. R. F. Andrews gave an account of his labors in Northern Ireland, and Eld. A. A. John referred to his experience in open-air meetings, recommending this as an effective method of presenting the truth before the people of England.
The Swiss Conference, as reported by Eld. B. L. Whitney, has one ordained minister, seven licentiates, ten churches, with 224 members. There are also thirty-nine Sabbath-keepers in churches not as yet connected with the Conference. The tithes paid in during the eleven months of the year amount to $1,314.87, besides $264.35 paid by the churches in Germany. The Missionary society has a membership of 113. Their report of labor shows 137,039 pages of tracts distributed, and 9,066 missionary visits. The donations since the organization of the society amount to $2,041.-00. The Sabbath-school Association includes eleven schools, with 251 members.
The office of publication has published during the year 131,000 copies of the periodicals in the four languages in which journals are issued, and the receipts on the French and German papers are $1,010.00. The office publishes thirty-one different tracts and pamphlets in French, fourteen in German, and seven in Italian.
In Pitesti, Roumania, according to the report of Bro. Thomas G. Aslan, a church of fourteen members had been116organized by Eld. A. C. Bourdeau. The Roumanian paper is well received, and seems to be accomplishing a good work, though according to the judgment of the friends there, its efficiency would be greatly increased if it could appear oftener.
Eld. D. T. Bourdeau reported his labors in France and Italy. Three churches had been organized with thirty-five members in France and Corsica, and two churches in Italy, at Naples and Torre Pellice, of twenty-five members.
Bro. A. Biglia, of Naples, had labored particularly in the distribution of the Italian paper, and in correspondence with those who had become interested through reading it. By this means the truth is finding an entrance into many towns of Southern Italy. Bro. John Geymet had been engaged in colporter work in the Vaudois Valleys. He had sold about 22,000 pages of tracts, and given away 8,000. He spoke favorably of that locality as one well adapted for French labor.
The conditions of the work in the German field were presented by Eld. James Erzenberger. In Germany religious meetings cannot be held without first giving notice to the authorities, stating the time and place of the meeting, and the subject to be presented. Unless this is done, one is liable to be fined. When, however, these conditions are complied with, the meeting is under the protection of the authorities, and is not liable to be disturbed. Halls for meetings are expensive, and it is difficult to obtain private rooms. At the same time there is an immense Protestant population in Germany, and encouraging results have followed the labor put forth among them. Colporters are needed to prepare the way for public effort by judicious distribution of our publications. These colporters will have to obtain license of the authorities, the expense of which will be about four dollars for each license granted.
Eld. A. C. Bourdeau had labored in Roumania, Italy, Corsica, Western France, and Switzerland. He reported nine or ten persons in Western France as having embraced the Sabbath, though they are not as yet organized as a church.
Through these verbal reports the members of the Council were enabled in a measure to become familiar with the situation of the work in the various fields, and thus to enter more intelligently into the discussion of the important questions which were presented for the action of the Council. The members of the Council were requested to offer in writing the practical questions upon which they desired information, these questions being referred by the chairman to different individuals to be answered. As these questions were presented, general discussion was also invited, and in this manner much practical information was gained on the subject under consideration. Among these questions were the following:—
1. “Can tents be used to advantage in Switzerland, Germany, France, England, and Northern Europe?” The discussion to which this question gave rise brought out the facts that, so far as known, there are no laws in these countries to hinder such meetings, unless perhaps it may be the case in Switzerland. The difficulty and expense in obtaining suitable and respectable halls make the use of tents desirable. The advantages of tent-meetings over open-air meetings were quite fully discussed, and many strong reasons were advanced in favor of the former. It was thought that without doubt many difficulties would arise, but this should not stand in the way of making an effort in this direction. Difficulties have been encountered in this kind of work in America, and yet at present scores of tents are being successfully used there. While in the open-air meeting but little if any opportunity is afforded for making the meeting self-sustaining, with a tent effort the case is quite different, as the people will often give of their means, and in other ways aid in the support of the tent company.
During this discussion Sister White made some very important statements in regard to the manner in which meetings should be held. There are serious objections to open-air meetings. In the effort to hold the attention of the people, the vital forces of the one engaging in this kind of labor are subjected to a heavy strain. It is much more difficult to speak in the open air than in a tent, and the exposure of health and strength is much greater. Again, these meetings are usually attended by a continually changing class of people, so that there is no good opportunity for personal labor. This kind of labor is absolutely necessary in order to success in the work of winning souls to Christ. As he came in personal contact with those for whom he labored, so his servants must labor personally for the people. She expressed the belief that the use of tents is one of the very best methods of conducting a meeting, and that the Lord would bless this kind of labor in Europe.
As the result of the consideration of this question, the Council recommended the purchase of a second tent for England, and one for use in Sweden the coming season; that the Swiss Conference purchase two tents, one for the French and one for the German work; and that the General Conference be requested to furnish a tent for use in Italy.
2. “Would it be profitable to illustrate our papers?” The opinion prevailing that well-executed, instructive illustrations would add greatly to the circulation, and thus to the efficiency, of our periodicals, it was recommended that, so far as consistent, the European journals be illustrated.
3. “Should we bear arms or serve in the army? If so, is it lawful to serve on the Sabbath?” Military service is compulsory in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy. The period of service varies in the different countries, in some being as long as three years. In Switzerland, Sabbath-keepers have the choice of joining the sanitary corps, in which a person is exempt from bearing arms; but even here the duties required are such as are not consistent with the proper observance of the Sabbath. The Council recommended that the Executive Committee prepare a circular setting forth the principles involved in this question, and offering suggestions for the instruction of our brethren.
The question arose how to reach the traveling public, and whether it is advisable to use distributors at places of pleasure resort, and on the ocean steamers. The experience of our American brethren in placing such distributors in stations, hotels, and public places, was cited in favor of an experiment in this direction in Europe. A request was made by the Council to the International Tract Society to furnish distributors on the transatlantic steamers leaving Liverpool.
On the subject of distribution of labor the Council adopted resolutions recommending that Eld. A. C. Bourdeau locate in the Waldensian Valleys, and devote his principal efforts to the work in Italy and France; that in view of the special and urgent demand for labor in various localities in the Italian field, Bro. A. Biglia be recommended not to confine his labors to Naples, but to devote the greater portion of his time to new fields; that Bro. Thomas G. Aslan spend six months or a year in Italy, laboring with Bro. Geymet; that a Scandinavian laborer be selected to assist Bro. Drew in his work at Liverpool; and that the General Conference be requested to send a German laborer to join Bro. Erzenberger in the German field.
Resolutions were also adopted expressing continued confidence in the gift of prophecy which God has mercifully placed among his remnant people, and pledging a renewed endeavor to show true appreciation of the same by prayerfully carrying out its instruction.
Among the resolutions relating directly to the policy of the work in the different missions was one setting forth118the “duty of our ministers to encourage and educate young persons to become successful canvassers and colporters, by holding Institutes, and by connecting them with tent labor and other work where it may be deemed advisable, thus helping them to obtain the necessary qualifications for this work.” It was recommended that an Institute of three or four weeks’ duration be held at Great Grimsby, England, for the purpose of giving instruction to canvassers and colporters.
The Scandinavian brethren of America were invited to become subscribers to the health journals published at Christiania, and to aid in their circulation among the Scandinavians in that country. The Executive Committee of the Council was requested to prepare petitions to the Swiss government that the children of Sabbath-keepers be exempt from attending the public schools on the Sabbath; and also to prepare tracts and leaflets to be distributed by those who circulate these petitions.
Resolutions were adopted embodying the judgment of the Council as to the relation of the laborers to the offices of publication, recommending that definite orders be given for all publications desired, that a prompt settlement of accounts be made with these offices at least once each quarter, and that all book accounts be settled before or in connection with the settlement for their labor. The Conference Committees, or Mission Boards, were recommended to inform all laborers to what extent the free distribution of our publications should be carried, and to instruct them to include what they spend in this way in their annual report.
The Council expressed by vote its appreciation of the labors and counsel of Sister White and Eld. W. C. White, and extended a cordial invitation to them to visit all the missions, and to spend as much time in Europe as their other duties would permit.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Executive Committee, B. L. Whitney (chairman), J. G. Matteson, S. H. Lane; secretary, A. B. Oyen; treasurer, Addie S. Bowen; Mission Boards: Central European Mission, B. L. Whitney, A. C. Bourdeau, D. T. Bourdeau; British Mission, S. H. Lane, M. C. Wilcox, R. F. Andrews; Scandinavian Mission, J. G. Matteson, A. B. Oyen, E. G. Olsen.
At its eighteenth meeting, held Sept. 28, the Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which was unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, That the report of the Council, the financial and statistical report of the European missions, with the report of Sister White’s morning talks and a sketch of her visit to the missions, be published in a large-page pamphlet in the English language, that our brethren in America may share the blessing of this good meeting.
Although the Council continued so long a time in session, the interest in its proceedings did not flag, and an earnest desire was manifested on the part of all to become more thoroughly intelligent and efficient in the great work of extending a knowledge of the present truth in Europe. The morning talks of Sister White were one of the specially interesting features of this annual convocation, and were the means of imparting much precious instruction concerning the practical work of those who were here convened. The session of the European Council of 1885 will remain in the memories of those who enjoyed its privileges as an occasion of practical instruction, spiritual refreshing, and encouragement to future faithfulness and earnestness in the good work.
LOVE AND FORBEARANCE AMONG BRETHREN.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am indeed thankful for this privilege of meeting with those who are laboring to spread the light of truth in the various countries of Europe. It is a grand, a noble work, and one which should call forth every energy of the being. As laborers for God, we need a more sacred nearness to him, and a closer fellowship with one another, that our prayers and efforts may not be hindered. We must not expect in our own strength to meet and press through the moral darkness that is in the world; but we must perseveringly labor for that strength which is found alone in Jesus. He loves us, and those who labor in his spirit will realize his assistance in all their efforts. It is impossible, even with the strong arguments of truth, to reach the hearts of men, unless there is, united with these arguments, a divine power.
A machine may be perfect in all its parts, and yet there be much friction and wear in its movements; but apply oil, and it performs its work quietly and well. So with us. It is necessary to have the oil of grace in our hearts, in order to prevent the friction that may arise between us and those for whom we labor. Then, having not only the arguments of truth but the oil of grace, we can bear the message with power. Prejudice will be broken down, and a great work will be accomplished. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” The branch cannot bear fruit except it abide in the vine; neither can we except we abide in Christ.
PRACTICAL ADDRESSES.
DELIVERED BY MRS. E. G. WHITE TO THE SWISS CONFERENCE AND THE EUROPEAN MISSIONARY COUNCIL HELD AT BASLE IN SEPTEMBER, 1885.
If the love of Jesus is cherished in the heart, it will be seen in the labors; the will and the manners will be brought under the moulding influence of the Holy Spirit. In the prayer of Christ just before his crucifixion, he said, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” The teacher of the people must be an example to the flock of God in all meekness, patience, forbearance, and love. He is, in a special sense, a living epistle, “known and read of all men.” How important, then, that the sanctifying power of the truth be seen in his character.
The minister of God must first drink of the living fountain himself if he would firmly and intelligently lead others to that fountain. If he would present those120for whom he labors, perfect in Christ, he must himself be perfect. Divine power alone will reach and melt the sinner’s heart, and bring him, a penitent, to Christ. Neither Luther, Melancthon, Wesley, Whitefield, nor any other great reformer and teacher, could of himself have gained such access to hearts as to accomplish the work that these men accomplished. But God spoke through them. Men felt the influence of a superior power, and involuntarily yielded to it.
God calls upon those who are lifting up the standard of truth before others to themselves exemplify its precepts in their daily life. Such a course would charm into believing many who have intrenched themselves behind the breastworks of infidelity. The influence of a true Christian character is like a cheering ray of sunlight that pierces to the remotest corner the darkness into which it is allowed to enter. The light emanating from the example of the Christian minister should not be fitful and uncertain, like the flash of a meteor, but it should have the calm, steady radiance of the heavenly stars.
The true minister of Christ should be encircled by an atmosphere of spiritual light, because he is connected with the world of light, and walks with Christ, who is the light of the world. Arguments may be resisted, persuasion and entreaty may be scorned, the most eloquent appeals, supported by the rigor of logic, may be disregarded; but a living character of righteousness, a daily piety in the walks of life, an anxiety for the sinner wherever found, the spirit of truth burning in the heart, beaming from the countenance, and breathing from the lips in every word, constitute a sermon which is hard to resist or to set aside, and which makes the strongholds of Satan tremble. Ministers who walk with God are clad with the panoply of heaven, and victory will attend their efforts.
Those who are engaged in the great and solemn work of warning the world, should not only have an individual experience in the things of God, but they should cultivate love for one another, and should labor to be of one mind, of one judgment, to see eye to eye. The absence of this love greatly pleases our wily foe. He is the author of envy, jealousy, hatred, and dissension; and he rejoices to see these vile weeds choke out love, that tender plant of heavenly growth.
It does not please God to have his servants censure, criticise, and condemn one another. He has given them a special work, that of standing in defense of truth. They are his workmen; all should respect them, and they should respect one another. In the army, officers are required to respect their fellow-officers, and the privates soon learn the lesson. When the leaders of the people in the Christian warfare are kind and forbearing, and manifest a special love and regard for their co-laborers, they teach others to do the same.
The reputation of a fellow-laborer is to be sacredly guarded. If one sees faults in another, he is not to magnify them before others, and make them grievous sins. They may be errors of judgment, that God will give divine grace to overcome. If he had seen that angels, who are perfect, would have done the work for the fallen race better than men, he would have committed it to them. But instead of this he sent the needed assistance by poor, weak, erring mortals, who, having like infirmities as their fellow-men, are best prepared to help them.
There was Peter, who denied his Lord. After he had fallen and been converted, Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Before Peter’s feet slipped, he had not the spirit of meekness required to feed the lambs; but after he became sensible of his own weakness, he knew just how to teach the erring and fallen; he could come close to their side in tender sympathy, and could help them.
In beginning missionary work in new fields, a great mistake is often made in not calling into exercise all the talents that might be employed in the work. Sometimes those who have excellent ability make great mistakes when they begin to work; but are they to be dropped because of this? No, indeed. Let them be patiently, perseveringly educated and trained, and in nine cases out of ten they will become useful workers.
My brethren in the ministry, I entreat of you to be just as kind and forbearing toward those who are new in the faith, as you wanted others to be toward you when you first came to the knowledge of the truth. In meekness and love teach them to bear responsibilities, and to labor for others. Jesus loves them just as much as he does you, and is just as willing to help them if they will learn to trust in him. If you see imperfections in them, do not discourage them and drive them from the truth by manifesting an overbearing, critical spirit. This is not the spirit of Christ. What does God say? “Come now, and let us reason together.” He does not say, You are defective, and I will have nothing to do with you. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
Wednesday morning, Sept. 16.
MANNER OF PRESENTING THE TRUTH.
Those who labor in word and doctrine have a great work before them to tear from the minds of those for whom they labor the fatal deceptions of Satan, and to impress them with the importance of aiming to reach God’s great standard of righteousness. They should pray earnestly for divine enlightenment, and for wisdom to present the truth as it is in Jesus. Sympathy, tenderness, and love, woven into their discourses and manifested in their lives, would disarm opposition, weaken prejudice, and open the way to many hearts.
It is to be regretted that many do not realize that the manner in which Bible truth is presented has much to do with the impressions made upon minds, and with the Christian character afterward developed by those who receive the truth. Instead of imitating Christ in his manner of labor, many are severe, critical, and dictatorial. They repulse instead of winning souls. Such will never know how many weak ones their harsh words have wounded and discouraged.
Christ came to break the yoke from off the necks of the oppressed, to strengthen the weak, to comfort those who mourn, to set at liberty those who are bound, and to bind up the broken-hearted. The servants of Christ are to take the work where he left it when he ascended, and carry it forward in his name. But it is Satan’s constant aim to so shape circumstances that the workers will become disconnected from God, and labor in their own spirit and in their own strength.
Our ministers need more of the wisdom that Paul had. When he went to labor for the Jews, he did not first make prominent the birth, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ, notwithstanding122these were the special truths for that time. He first brought them down step by step over the promises that had been made of a Saviour, and over the prophecies that pointed him out. After dwelling upon these until the specifications were distinct in the minds of all, and they knew that they were to have a Saviour, he then presented the fact that this Saviour had already come. Christ Jesus fulfilled every specification. This was the “guile” with which Paul caught souls. He presented the truth in such a manner that their former prejudice did not arise to blind their eyes and pervert their judgment.
Brethren, you who go forth to labor for those who are bound in chains of prejudice and ignorance, need to exercise the same divine wisdom that Paul manifested. When you are laboring in a place where souls are just beginning to get the scales from their eyes, and to see men as trees walking, be very careful not to present the truth in such a way as to arouse prejudice, and to close the door of the heart to the truth. Agree with the people on every point where you can consistently do so. Let them see that you love their souls, and want to be in harmony with them so far as possible. If the love of Christ is revealed in all your efforts, you will be able to sow the seed of truth in some hearts; God will water the seed sown, and the truth will spring up and bear fruit to his glory.
Oh that I could impress upon all the necessity of laboring in the spirit of Jesus; for I have been shown that souls here in Europe have been turned away from the truth because of a lack of tact and skill in presenting it. In kindness and love seek to instruct those who oppose you. Preach the truth with the meekness of simplicity, remembering that it is not your words but the word of God which is to cut its way to the heart. There is danger, even in laboring among our churches, of leaving the great principles of truth and dwelling too much upon small, unimportant matters that create a fault-finding spirit among brethren. There are always those in the church and out who have not the love of Jesus in their souls, and who have, in the place of true religion, a criticising, exacting spirit, a desire to find something to condemn in their brethren and sisters. Such ones grasp eagerly at this kind of labor; but they do more harm than good, and should not be encouraged.
The third angel’s message is infallible. Upon the grand, ennobling truths connected with that message you can dwell with perfect safety. Labor intelligently to encourage union of faith and union of judgment, that all may be united in the bonds of Christian fellowship and love; but do not belittle the work of God with ideas and notions of your own. Let not your ears listen to gossip from any one. If all would refuse to hear evil of their neighbor, the tale-bearer would soon seek other employment.
Do not encourage a class who center their religion in dress. Let each one study the plain teachings of the Scriptures as to simplicity and plainness of dress, and by faithful obedience to those teachings strive to set a worthy example to the world and to those new in the faith. God does not want any one person to be conscience for another. Talk of the love and humility of Jesus; but do not encourage the brethren and sisters to engage in picking flaws in the dress or appearance of one another. Some take delight in this work; and when123their minds are turned in this direction, they begin to feel that they must become church tinkers. They climb upon the judgment seat, and as soon as they see one of their brethren or sisters, they look to find something to criticise. This is one of the most effectual means of becoming narrow-minded, and of dwarfing spiritual growth. God would have them step down from the judgment seat; for he has never placed them there. I speak thus plainly because I know your danger in this country. Already souls have become discouraged and given up the truth because of this spirit manifested toward them.
When the subject of dress is dwelt upon explicitly, there are some who feel all the burden over it that they ought to feel for a soul balancing between life and death. I once attended a meeting where this spirit existed. There was the most solemn interest that I ever saw. Seventy-five were baptized before the meeting closed. After speaking to the crowd in public, I labored for the youth privately, talking and praying with them as they came to my tent. Many were greatly blessed; but there was a company on the ground who had no burden. I could hear their idle conversation, their trifling laugh, while agonizing prayer was being offered for the unconverted. In the height of the interest, one of this number came to me and said that some were in trial because Sister White wore gold. Some time before, I had received a present of a little open-faced, gold watch. It was very ancient in appearance, and certainly never would have been worn for its beauty. I carried it because it was a good timekeeper. But in order to avoid all occasion for any to stumble, I sold the watch, and I would recommend that others follow a similar course. This is in harmony with the teaching of the apostle Paul, who says: “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
All the religion many have is to pick flaws. I once knew a lady whose religion was of just this character, and in her family she was so overbearing that they could hardly live with her. A tent-meeting was held near the place where she lived, but instead of taking hold to help those who were laboring very hard in the meetings, or to receive help herself, this woman stood back to criticise. On returning to the house one day, I found her searching my trunk to see if there was not some article of clothing in it that she could condemn. We shall ever have just such people to deal with in this world. But if we do not enter too much into particulars, they will have no excuse for indulging their natural disposition. It is a marvel to me what patience the Lord has with such crooked material. But he has ordained that by the clear presentation of truth all can be brought into love and harmony.
There are few of my brethren and sisters who maintain plainness of dress as I do. My writings are pointed on this subject; but I do not carry it in the front. It is not to be made of greater importance than the solemn, testing truths for this time. There is in the very composition of some a criticising spirit, and this they cultivate as a precious acquisition.
We must present the principles of truth, and let them work upon the hearts of the people. We may pick the leaves from a tree as often as we please, but this will not cause the tree to die; the next season the leaves will come out again as thick as before. But strike124the ax at the root of the tree, and not only will the leaves fall off of themselves, but the tree will die. Those who accept the truth, in the love of it, will die to the world, and will become meek and lowly in heart like their divine Lord. Just as soon as the heart is right, the dress, the conversation, the life, will be in harmony with the word of God.
We all need to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. May he help us to plant our feet firmly upon the platform of eternal truth. Give God a chance to impress hearts, brethren, and you will find that a wholesome impression will be left upon the minds both of church members and of outsiders. May God help you to exercise reason in the work of saving souls. Let the people hear through you the voice of God, not the voice of man. Let God’s mould be placed upon the work, and not the mould of man. Take to yourselves the exhortation of the apostle Paul to Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.”
Thursday morning, Sept. 17.