Earlier text: SPECIAL TESTIMONIES.Your letter tells me, my brother, that there are many who are stirred deeply to move out of Battle Creek. There is need, great need, of this work being done; and now, those who have felt at last to make a move should not go in a rush, in an excitement, or in a rash manner, or in a way that hereafter they will deeply regret that they did move out at all. Let all calmly consider what were their motives in coming to Battle Creek, and leaving the little churches that they might have helped and blessed if they themselves were enjoying a personal Saviour. Then let them consider the influence upon their own souls in making the move which they did. Have its results been deeper spirituality? Has it been an influence over them to make them feel their responsibility to be laborers together with God? Did it improve them in keenness of discernment, to make them wise in counsel, and give them experience in culture and training of their untrained abilities? Have they seen things in a clearer light as they listened to the words of truth? Have they practiced the truth which has been brought home to their souls with power? Have they shown corresponding zeal to be witnesses for Christ nigh and afar off? Have they felt that now was their opportunity to state the truth more correctly because they understood it better, that they could adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour with modest simplicity of language, and with a sincere, honest, earnest purpose to so follow the Pattern that they may represent through the grace of Christ, a perfect manhood, because they live an actual Christian life? Each has his work, his own individual work, to do. Has he done it in Battle Creek? Is he likely to do it if he has not? Can he recognize that he has been, through practice, learning to pray more earnestly, and, through education in the school of Christ, learning through the influence of the Holy Spirit to use better language to address our Heavenly Father in a manner that corresponds to the great principles of truth, that his supplications to God will bear the marks of an intelligent, progressive Christian? What is truth? Have you bought the field which contains the precious jewels hidden in that field? Has the human agent come into possession of the truth, precious truth, revealed in God’s word? That word gives no uncertain sound. In obeying it, you follow no cunningly devised fables. It speaks with definiteness and with authority, never speaking hesitatingly, never doubtingly. It is a sure word of prophecy. Now will you take heed that there shall be no rash movements made in heeding counsel in moving from Battle Creek? Do nothing without seeking wisdom of God, who hath promised to give liberally to all who ask, and who upbraideth not. All that any one can do is to advise and counsel, and then leave those who are convicted in regard to duty to move under divine guidance, and with their whole hearts open, to learn and obey God. Let every one take time to consider carefully; not be like the man in the parable, who began to build, and was not able to finish. Not a move should be made until that movement and all it portends are carefully considered, everything weighed, and he feels that the Lord has something for him to do in educating and training himself to do a more spiritual work in imparting to others that which God has imparted to him. To every man was given his work according to his several ability. Then let him not move hesitatingly, but firmly, and yet humbly trusting in God. There may be individuals who will make a rush to do something, and enter into some business they know nothing about. This God does not require. Think candidly, prayerfully, studying the word with all carefulness and prayerfulness, with mind and heart awake to hear the voice of God. He does not follow his own imagination, but weighs the words of God, and counsels, and seeks wisdom from God. When, in the providence of God, he has a work to be done by the human agent co-operating with the divine, he has a man to do that work, if he will heed the moving of the Holy Spirit upon his heart and mind. To understand the will of God is a great thing. Divine Wisdom has his hand hold of the living machinery in human agencies; men are selected as fitting instruments to do a given work; and O what a precious ability is given of God to man to know his fellow-man, so that he can use, through the grace of God, the human agencies, and organize a working company to do the best work, according to their recognized ability! This is a sanctified gift—genius; it is wise generalship that can make use of men according to their ability. When God has a work for men to do in connection with Jesus Christ and the heavenly intelligences, and a revelation to give to men in regard to the eternal salvation of their fellow-men, he does not select men who have not a knowledge of God and truth and his righteousness; he does not choose weak and unsuitable men for this work, for this would misrepresent the work, and cast reflection upon God’s wisdom. God makes no mistakes; and he is not glorified when those who profess to follow him are heedless, and make mistakes. The God of heaven has not left us to follow impulses, or our own impulses, or any man’s guesses and weaknesses and perpetual mistakes, when vital, eternal interests are involved. There are things we need to know, and which we never can know, unless the Lord tells us about these things. Therefore we must call upon God to give us his wisdom. We need to have wisdom,—something reliable and sure; we need truth without any admixture of error. I address these words to the church at Battle Creek, to move in the counsels of God. There is need of your moving—many from Battle Creek—and there is also need of your having well-defined plans as to what you will do when you go out from Battle Creek. Do not go in a rush, without knowing what you are about. You may be enthused with the Spirit of God, saying, “Now it is time we awake out of sleep; and, Arise, and shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord has arisen upon us.” Let not one go to enlighten others unless his own soul has been touched with the divine love of Jesus Christ. “Thus saith the Lord;” “It is written,” let it be oft spoken, and bring from the treasure-house things new and old. A great work is to be done, and an important work for this time; work for the Master may be done anywhere in this great moral vineyard. O for generals, wise and considerate, well-balanced men, who will be safe advisers, who have some insight into human nature, who know how to direct and counsel in the fear of God! I have seen that danger attends every new phase of experience in the church, because some hear things with such a wrong spirit. While some teachers may be strong and efficient in teaching in the lines of Bible doctrines, they will not all be men who have a knowledge of practical life, and can advise perplexed minds with surety and safety. They do not discern the perplexing situation that must necessarily come to every family who shall make a change. Therefore let all be careful what they say; if they know not the mind of God in some matters, let them never speak from a guess or suppose so. If they know nothing definite,132let them say so, and let the individual rely wholly upon God. Let there be much praying done, and even with fasting, that not one shall move in darkness, but move in the light as God is in the light. We may look for anything now to break forth outside and within our ranks; and there are minds undisciplined by the grace of the Holy Spirit, that have not practiced the words of Christ, and who do not understand the movings of the Spirit of God, who will follow a wrong course of action because they do not follow Jesus fully. They follow impulse and their own imagination. Let there be nothing done in a disorderly manner, that there shall be a great loss or sacrifice made upon property because of ardent, impulsive speeches which stir up an enthusiasm which is not after the order of God, that a victory that was essential to be gained, shall, for lack of level-headed moderation and proper contemplation, and sound principles and purposes, be turned into a defeat. Let there be wise generalship in this matter, and all move under the guidance of a wise, unseen Counsellor, which is God. Elements that are human will struggle for the mastery, and there may be a work done that does not bear the signature of God. Now I plead with every soul to look not too strongly and confidently to human counselors, but look most earnestly to God, the One wise in counsel. Submit all your ways and your will to God’s ways and to God’s will. If you did not sufficiently consider the glory of God, the good of your own spiritual interest, and the work you might do for the saving of the souls of the neighbors and those with whom you were associated, when you left to make your home in the large church in Battle Creek, duly consider before making another move whether that is sensible and sound, in the right time and order, and under the supervision and direction not of man, but God, who never commits an error. Should some move hastily, and fly out of Battle Creek, and be brought into discouragement, they will not reflect upon themselves for moving unadvisedly, but upon others, who, they will say, brought a pressure to bear upon them, all their discomfiture and defeat are charged back upon those who should not be reflected upon; for the Lord has given to them reason; he has given his holy word, full of counsel and cautions, and warnings and entreaties, and more, he has invited them, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest.” Now, just now, is the time when the perils of the last days are thickening around us, that we need wise men for counsellors, not men who will feel it duty to stir up and create disorder, and who cannot possibly give wise counsel, but who can organize and arrange that every stirring up shall bring order out of confusion, and rest and peace in obeying the word of the Lord. Let every man be found in his true place, ready to do some work for the Master, according to his several ability. None should be left to drift, to make a vast amount of trouble and confusion that is difficult to arrange and keep in order. How shall this great work be done? “Take my yoke upon you,” saith Jesus Christ, who hath bought you with his own precious blood, whose servants and property you are, “and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” If every one will come to Jesus in a teachable spirit, with contrition of heart, then he is in a condition of mind to be instructed and to learn of Jesus, and obey his orders. He sees the past movements you have made, he knows every error and mistake of your life, which has been a hindrance to your spiritual advancement. He seeth not as man seeth; he knoweth the outcome of every133movement, and if you have had little faith mingled with your prayers and movements, cultivate faith and hope and trust in God now, for if there was ever a period that has tried the souls of men in the past, there will be a greater necessity for faith in the times before us. We cannot have a weak faith now; we cannot be safe in a listless, indolent, slothful attitude. Every jot of ability is to be used, and sharp, calm, deep thinking is to be done. The wisdom of any human agent is not sufficient for the planning and devising in this time. Spread every plan before God, with fasting, with the humbling of the soul before the Lord Jesus, and commit thy ways unto the Lord, and the sure promise is, “He will direct thy Israel, who calls the host of heaven by name, and holds the stars of heaven in position, has you individually in his keeping. There is a work to be done by living human agencies, which they are slow to comprehend. They need to study the Scripture, to search the Bible, with humble, teachable minds, that they may know their place in the work, and not move haphazard, but fall into line, keeping step with Jesus. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Every talent with which God has endowed the human agent is now to be awakened, to be employed, not solely in worldly transactions, to buy and sell and get gain, not to use your God-given powers selfishly, greedily to make a place for yourself in the earth; no, you want now to consecrate every entrusted talent of means and ability, having yourself under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Not a word is to be spoken unadvisedly, to stir up the elements of opposition; not an action entered into to create any deeper enmity than exists in the hearts of the enemies of truth; and, moving with well-balanced minds, holding aloft the banner of truth, grace from God will be given, wisdom will be imparted, and angels of God will be commissioned to minister unto all who walk in humility of mind, trustingly accepting the truth as it is revealed, standing by their colors, but not creating persecution by unwise actions, but moving in the footsteps of Jesus. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Let each now consider the strong and determined traits of his character, and not be misled by them, and misrepresent the precious truth, and thus misrepresent Jesus Christ by unguarded statements in public by voice, or in publications; for every such thing will be meet again. Those who have the truth, let the truth appear, while self is dropped out of sight. Give no occasion for any one to be harsh, denunciatory, or severe; for there are inexperienced men and women who will catch the manners and indiscreet words that fall from the lips of any one bearing aloft the banner of truth, and in an improper manner will repeat their very words, and in a spirit which will do much harm. Therefore, every man, however gifted, however prominent in the ranks of believers, let him know that caution in expression is his positive duty to practice, lest his words shall lead astray some souls, who will think he is imitating and following the example of the man, the messenger acknowledged to be sent forth by God to proclaim a message for this time. Let all consider that we are as sheep among wolves, and heed the caution of Christ by being “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling within the heart of the true teacher of truth, will lead him to express in words and character the gentleness of Christ. The Lord Jesus is our Example, our Pattern, our sufficiency, in all things. He has identified his interest with suffering humanity.134He knows just what his children need, how much divine power they will appropriate for the blessing of humanity; and he bestows no more than he sees the human agent will employ in blessing others, and elevating, and ennobling his own soul, and he may be uplifting and refreshing and ennobling those for whom Christ has died. I would that all could realize what possibilities and probabilities there are for all who make Christ their sufficiency and their trust. The life hid with Christ in God ever has a refuge. He who trusts in him can say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I leave this matter with you; for I have been troubled in regard to the dangers that assail the church in Battle Creek, lest they shall move indiscreetly, and give the enemy advantage. This need not be, for if we walk humbly with God, we shall walk safely, and bear in mind the words of Jesus Christ, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one,” “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and (mark these words) that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” Blessed, blessed utterance! Will we believe the words of Jesus? Will we practice his words? If we do, we shall possess a power that shall resist every device of the enemy. Let us, then, bring the lessons of Christ into our practical life, and we shall realize as the fulfillment of the prayer of Christ in all its specifications, “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them; and I in them.” Let the mind embrace the largeness of the promise, and contemplate the richness that is expressed. There is no excuse for unbelief.
ELLEN G. WHITE. Giving for the necessity of the saints and for the advancement of the kingdom of God, is preaching practical sermons, which testify that those who give have not received the grace of God in vain. A living example of an unselfish character, which is after the example of Christ, has great power upon men. Those who do not live for self, will not use every dollar meeting their supposed wants, and supplying their conveniences, but will bear in mind that they are Christ’s followers, and that there are others who are in need of food and clothing. Those who live to gratify appetite and selfish desire will lose favor of God, and will lose the heavenly reward. They testify to the world that they have not genuine faith, and when they seek to impart to others a knowledge of present truth, the world will regard their words as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Let every one show his faith by his works. “Faith without works is dead,” “being alone.” “Wherefore show ye to them and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting in your behalf.” How is it with my brethren and sisters in America? How much do you practice self-denial in order that you may show liberality to the needy cause of God at this time? We are doing our work here under great pressure for the want of the very money that many of the members of our churches are expending upon their own fancies, in pleasing and gratifying themselves. If they had accepted the testimonies I have borne to them concerning the great want in these regions beyond, they would not be found expending one dollar in following the example of those who are multiplying pictures of themselves and their families. You would not be purchasing bicycles, which you could do without, but would be receiving the blessing of God in exercising your physical powers in a less expensive way. Instead of investing one hundred dollars in a bicycle, you would consider the matter well, lest it might be at the price of souls for whom Christ died, and for whom he has made you responsible. Please read Isaiah 58, and see what is a sure remedy for poor health. Satan will contrive to bring about many devices to absorb the means which should be devoted to the cause of God at this time. We cannot open new fields in regions beyond, for want of the very means that are used up in various ways, which might be given to destitute missions. God would have you invest in a fund to erect humble houses of worship for those who have newly come to the faith, who cannot possibly command means to do this, on account of their great poverty. Their souls are just as precious as your soul; and could you pass through the experience through which we have passed since coming to this country, you would bind about your supposed wants, and would be ready to help to build humble houses of worship in regions beyond. You would have the satisfaction of denying inclination in thus investing means in the cause of God. Night after night, we have studied the perplexing problem of how we should obtain the means to advance the cause of God. It rests with you in America to solve this puzzling question. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds); casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” FROM THE REVIEW OF AUG. 21, 1894. SPECIAL TESTIMONY TO BATTLE CREEK CHURCH.
THE matter contained in this little tract is of the greatest importance to the Battle Creek church and the institutions located here. From time to time, this church and these institutions have received very solemn and important messages of warning and instruction; but these messages have not received the careful attention they deserve, and the reformation they called for has not been made. And now that our attention has again been called to these things in a very plain and direct manner, we entreat all our brethren and sisters to take them to heart, and give them careful and prayerful consideration. We are glad this matter can be sent out just as we are entering upon the special season of prayer, so that opportunity will be afforded for giving it careful study. God has great blessings in store for his people, and he is ready to work for us here in Battle Creek in a marked manner. At different times in the past the Lord has wrought for his people, and we have witnessed the Spirit of God poured out in large measure; but instead of making the best use of these blessings and privileges, there has been a spirit of departing from God, which has brought darkness and much evil work. We entreat all to seek the Lord most earnestly, confess the wrong, repent of sin, turn to God with all the heart, and lay hold of his promises by living faith. If we do this, we may be assured that God will come near, and we shall see the glorious power of his salvation manifested in our midst.
O. A. Olsen. SPECIAL TESTIMONY TO BATTLE CREEK CHURCH.
DANGER OF REJECTING TRUTH.
“SUNNYSIDE,” COORANBONG, N. S. W., I HAVE returned from our season of prayer. The spirit of intercession came upon me, and I was drawn out in most earnest prayer for souls at Battle Creek. I know their peril. The Holy Spirit has in a special manner moved me to send up my petitions in their behalf. God is not the author of anything sinful. None should fear to be singular if the fulfilment of duty requires it. If it makes us singular to avoid sin, then our singularity is merely the distinction between purity and impurity, righteousness and unrighteousness. Because the multitude prefer the path of transgression, shall we choose the same? We are plainly told by inspiration, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” Our position should be clearly stated, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” Would that every one whose name is written in the church books could from the heart utter these words. The church-members need to know from experience what the Holy Spirit will do for them. It will bless the receiver, and make him a blessing. It is sad that every soul is not praying for the vital breath of the Spirit; for we are ready to die if it breathe not on us. We are to pray for the impartation of the Spirit as the remedy for sin-sick souls. The church needs to be converted, and why should we not prostrate ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from a broken heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that when it shall be graciously bestowed, our cold hearts may be revived, and we may have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy. Some have treated the Spirit as an unwelcome guest, refusing to receive the rich gift, refusing to acknowledge it, turning from it, and condemning it as fanaticism. When the Holy Spirit works the human agent, it does not ask us in what way it shall operate. Often it moves in unexpected ways. Christ did not come as the Jews expected. He did not come in a manner to glorify them as a nation. His forerunner came to prepare the way for him, by calling upon the people to repent of their sins, and be converted, and be baptized.138Christ’s message was, “The kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” The Jews refused to receive Christ, because he did not come in accordance with their expectations. The ideas of finite men were held as infallible, because hoary with age. This is the danger to which the church is now exposed,--that the inventions of finite men shall mark out the precise way for the Holy Spirit to come. Though they would not care to acknowledge it, some have already done this. And because the Spirit is to come, not to praise men or to build up their erroneous theories, but to reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, many turn away from it. They are not willing to be deprived of the garments of their own self-righteousness. They are not willing to exchange their own righteousness, which is unrighteousness, for the righteousness of Christ, which is pure, unadulterated truth. The Holy Spirit flatters no man, neither does it work according to the devising of any man. Finite, sinful men are not to work the Holy Spirit. When it shall come as a reprover, through any human agent whom God shall choose, it is man’s place to hear and obey its voice. MANIFEST WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE DISCIPLES.
Just before he left them, Christ gave his disciples the promise, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” While these words were upon his lips, he ascended, a cloud of angels received him, and escorted him to the city of God. The disciples returned to Jerusalem, knowing now for a certainty that Jesus was the Son of God. Their faith was unclouded, and they waited, preparing themselves by prayer and by humbling their hearts before God, until the baptism of the Holy Spirit came. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” In that assembly there were mockers, who did not recognize the work of the Holy Spirit, and they said, “These men are full of new wine.” But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.” Read the history. The Lord was at work in his own way; but had there been such a manifestation among us, upon whom the ends of the world are come, would not some have mocked, as on that occasion? Those who did not come under the influence of the Holy Spirit, knew it not. To this class the disciples seemed like drunken men. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the disciples, clothed with the divine panoply, went forth as witnesses, to tell the wonderful story of the manger and the cross. They were humble men, but they went forth with139the truth. After the death of their Lord, they were a helpless, disappointed, discouraged company,—as sheep without a shepherd; but now they go forth as witnesses for the truth, with no weapons but the word and Spirit of God, to triumph over all opposition. Their Saviour had been rejected and condemned, and nailed to the ignominious cross. The Jewish priests and rulers had declared, in scorn, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” But that cross, that instrument of shame and torture, brought hope and salvation to the world. The believers rallied; their hopelessness and conscious helplessness had left them. They were transformed in character, and united in the bonds of Christian love. Although without wealth; though counted by the world as mere ignorant fishermen, they were made, by the Holy Spirit, witnesses for Christ. Without earthly honor or recognition, they were the heroes of faith. From their lips came words of divine eloquence and power that shook the world. The third, fourth, and fifth chapters of Acts give an account of their witnessing. Those who had rejected and crucified the Saviour, expected to find his disciples discouraged, crestfallen, and ready to disown their Lord. With amazement they heard the clear, bold testimony given under the power of the Holy Spirit. The words and works of the disciples represented the words and works of their Teacher; and all who heard them, said, They have learned of Jesus, they talk as he talked. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT OF THE APOSTLES.
The chief priests and rulers thought themselves competent to decide what the apostles should do and teach. As they went forth preaching Jesus everywhere, the men who were worked by the Holy Spirit did many things that the Jews did not approve. There was danger that the ideas and doctrines of the rabbis would be brought into disrepute. The apostles were creating a wonderful excitement. The people were bringing their sick folk, and those that were vexed with unclean spirits, into the streets; crowds were collecting around them, and those that had been healed were shouting the praises of God, and glorifying the name of Jesus, the very one whom the Jews had condemned, scorned, spit upon, crowned with thorns, and caused to be scourged and crucified. This Jesus was extolled above the priests and rulers. The apostles were even declaring that he had risen from the dead. The Jewish rulers decided that this work must and should be stopped; for it was proving them guilty of the blood of Jesus. They saw that converts to the faith were multiplying. “Believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees),” who held that there would be no resurrection of the dead. The assertions made by the apostles that they had seen Jesus after his resurrection, and that he had ascended to heaven, were overthrowing the fundamental principles of the Sadducean doctrine. This was not to be allowed. The priests and rulers were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. The disciples were not intimidated or cast down. The words of Christ in his last lessons to them were brought to mind: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me140shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues. Controversies, the foundation of the trouble is, that self is striving for the supremacy. About what?—About matters which are not vital points at all, and which are regarded as such only because men have given importance to them. (See Matt. 12:31-37; Mark 14:56; Luke 5:21; Matt. 9:3) CONDEMNATION OF THE WORK OF THE APOSTLES.
But let us follow the history of the men whom the Jewish priests and rulers thought so dangerous, because they were bringing in new and strange teaching on almost every theological subject. The command given by the Holy Spirit, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life,” was obeyed by the apostles; “They entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.” If the priests and rulers had dared act out their own feelings toward the apostles, there would have been a different record; for the angel of God was a watcher on that occasion, to magnify his name if any violence had been offered to his servants. “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” (See Matt. 23:34, 35.) “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” Then the Holy Spirit moved upon Gamaliel, a Pharisee, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people. His advice was, “Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed.” PREJUDICE OF THOSE IN AUTHORITY.
Yet the attributes of Satan so controlled their minds, that notwithstanding the wonderful miracles that had been wrought in healing the sick and in releasing God’s servants from prison, the priests and rulers were so filled with prejudice and hatred that they could hardly be restrained. “When they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” MERCY OF GOD EXEMPLIFIED.
We can see what evidence was given the priests and rulers, and how firmly they resisted the Spirit of God. Those who claim superior wisdom and piety may make most terrible and (to themselves) fatal mistakes if they allow their minds to be molded by another power, and pursue a course in resistance to the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus, represented by the Holy Spirit, was in the presence of that assembly, but they did not discern him. For a moment they had felt the conviction of the Spirit, that Jesus was the Son of God, but they stifled conviction, and became more blind and hardened than before. Even after they had crucified the Saviour, God in his mercy had sent them additional evidence in the works wrought through the apostles. He was giving them another call to repentance, even in the terrible charge brought against them by the apostles, that they had killed the Prince of Life. It was not alone the sin of putting to death the Son of God that cut them off from salvation, but their persistence in rejecting light and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that works in the children of disobedience worked in them, leading them to abuse the men through whom God was giving a testimony to them. The malignity of rebellion reappeared, and was intensified in every successive act of resistance against God’s servants and the message he had given them to declare.