Review and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 17. (4/23/1914)

Review and Herald

Apr 23, 1914

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 23, 1914

THE WORK

By Editor

AND THE WORKERS

CiRCULATE the beautiful "Mayflower" number of Liberty magazine, just out! A powerful blow against church-and-state unionism.

Now ready: the seventh February, the third March, and the second April edition of the Protestant Magazine. Speak for themselves. Enough said!

THE bound volumes of Liberty magazine for 1913 are now ready. Price, in neat blue paper binding, side title, 60 cents; in cloth, 90 cents, postpaid.

THE special public library rate for Life and Health, Liberty, and the Protestant Magazine, one year, is only $1.90 — regular price, $2.35. Say "library rate" when ordering.

Prof. H. A. Farrar, dean of the State normal school, Castleton, Vt., writes: "I have for several years been a subscriber to Liberty. I consider the magazine an excellent one, and believe its mission is a great and far-reaching one."

THE East Colorado Tract Society has just telegraphed for 300 more copies of the February (Protestant Mass Meeting) number of the Protestant Magazine. Seventh edition just off the press, making 80,000 copies printed to date.

HAVE you seen the May or "Exercise," "Recreation," and "School Gardens" number of Life and Health? Send $1.00 for 20 or $2.00 for 50 copies today. Thousands are being sold by boys and girls, by young and old, everywhere.

Prof. Addison Hogue, head of the department of Greek, Washington and Lee University, Virginia, says of Liberty: "Inclosed find my subscription. I should like to send $1,000 to have it sent to as many subscribers. I hope subscriptions have poured in."

THROUGH the courtesy of the Southern California Tract Society, of Los Angeles, the great February Protestant Magazine has just been mailed to 503 Protestant and Catholic clergymen in that conference. Several other conferences are planning to do likewise.

"I WOULD not take $1.00 each for those two articles in the new Liberty magazine," said a business man. He referred to "Daniel Webster's Oration on Religious Liberty" (page 53) and "James Madison on Ecclesiastical Monopolies and Government Chaplains" (page 55). Over 20 other strong features in that same number.

SEND 25 cents for the February (Protestant Mass Meeting), March (President Wilson-Tumulty correspondence), April (Church and State) and May numbers of the Protestant Magazine. These numbers will never grow old. Scatter them everywhere. They are filled with just such matter as the world ought to have just now.

JUST as the May number of the Protestant Magazine was ready to go to press, news came of the mobbing and kidnaping of Rev. Otis L. Spurgeon, head of the Knights of Luther, in Denver, Colo., by Roman Catholics. The forms were held up, and ten pages of the Spurgeon story were substituted for other matter. You will thank us for delaying this number to get this matter. Send $2.00 for 50 copies.

LOOKING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

By Editor

The above is but one of several religious liberty and temperance cartoons and other striking features found in the new "Pilgrim Fathers," "Church Monopolies," "True Patriotism," and "Supreme Court Decisions" number of Liberty magazine, just off the press. The front cover shows the "Mayflower" under full sail---a beautiful design in two colors. Read Daniel Webster's great oration on "Religious Liberty," James Madison on "Ecclesiastical Monopolies and Government Chaplains;" also "Why I Changed Front on the Liquor Question," by Ex-Governor Patterson of Tennessee. Other interesting features: "Religion in the Public Schools"---"Patriotism; in What Does It Consist?"---"Judge Elliott of Baltimore on Sunday Laws"---"Congressional Hearing on Barbers' Sunday Bill"---"Illinois Supreme Court Decision on Unconstitutionality of Sunday Laws"---"Supreme Court of North Carolina on Sunday Laws"---"New York Supreme Court on Sunday Laws"---"Conservation of Our Natural Rights"---"Church and State," etc.

HELP TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC BY CIRCULATING THIS NUMBER OF Liberty magazine! THREE WAYS TO HELP: 1. Invest $1.00 for five friends. For this amount we will send this magazine to five different addresses for one year. Your name may be one of the five. 2. Invest $2.00 in ten yearly subscriptions. Send in a representative list of ten molders of public opinion in your State, city, or community, or your own name and nine others. 3. Act as our representative in your community. Send $1.00 for 20 or $2.00 for 50 copies. Sell 10 or 20 to get your money back. Sell or distribute the rest. Apply for agency particulars today. Over 12,000 new subscribers enrolled in three months! Let the good work go on! Address your tract society, or Liberty Magazine, Washington, D. C.

Blessings Through Prayer

By Mrs. E. G. White

Early Counsels on Medical Work — No. 4

Blessings Through Prayer

DEC. 4, 1865, my husband passed a restless night of suffering. I prayed by his bedside as usual, but the Lord was not pleased to send relief. My husband was troubled in mind. He thought that he might go down into the grave. He stated that death had no terrors for him. . . .

I felt intensely over the matter. I did not believe for a moment that my husband would die. But how was he to be inspired with faith to feel and say, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord"? That night was the most distressing I had experienced during his illness. I did not sleep, but pondered in regard to our future course. Previous to this night I had not thought of immediately leaving Dansville.

I saw that the courage, hope, and buoyancy of spirit which had sustained my husband were failing. I had been remarkably enabled to endure anxiety, and the care of him during his sickness. He was considerate of my health and strength; yet his case required constant care. I knew that no one at Dansville could take my place; and I had so long had the burden and care of his case that I could not leave for others that which I had regarded not only a duty but a privilege to do for my afflicted husband. I did not consider this a task; it was to me a privilege. I had been nearly all my life an invalid, and tenderly and patiently had my husband sympathized with, watched over, and cared for me when I was suffering. Now my turn had come to repay in a small measure the attention and kind offices I had received from him. And, again, I felt such a degree of the peace of God, and the consolation of his Spirit in the happy performance of my duty, that I could say from the heart that I would not ex-change the blessings and the experience I had obtained during the past six months for those of the same length of time in any former period of my life.

I feared that I could not long endure being so much deprived of sleep. Taking treatment was an additional tax upon my strength; and if I failed, where would my husband drop? Who would care for him as I had done? . . .

My husband was losing flesh and strength every day. I thought of our large and convenient house at Battle Creek, with its high and airy rooms, and I asked myself, Would we not make more rapid progress toward health were we in our own home? I thought of the large reservoir of hot water upon our stove, ready for use at any time; of our immense cistern of soft water; our filter in the cellar, and our bathroom. But all these conveniences had but little weight in my mind compared with my anxiety to get my husband, while I could, among his tried brethren, who knew him, who had been benefited by his labors, and who were acquainted with the perseverance and zeal with which he had toiled to do the work of God, that he might be found at his post. His faithful brethren could sympathize with him, and help him by their prayers and faith.

I prayed God to guide me, and not suffer me to take one wrong step, but to give me wisdom to choose the right course. The more earnestly I prayed, the stronger was my conviction that I must take my husband among his brethren, even if we should again return to Dansville. It seemed advisable to take him to Rochester, thus trying the effect of the journey, and if this proved beneficial, to go still farther, even to Battle Creek, after a short stay at Rochester. . . .

In the morning Dr. Lay called, and I told him that unless there should be a decided improvement in the case of my husband in two or three weeks, at most, I should take him home. He answered, "You cannot take him home; he is not able to endure such a journey." I answered, "I shall go; I shall take my husband by faith, relying upon God, and shall make Rochester my first point, tarry there a few days, and then go on to Detroit, and, if necessary, tarry there a few days to rest, and then go on to Battle Creek." This is the first intimation my husband had of my intentions. He said not a word. . . . That evening we packed our trunks, and before nine o'clock were all ready for an early start the next morning. . . .

During the three weeks that we were in Rochester, much of the time was spent in prayer. My husband proposed sending to Maine for Elder J. N. Andrews, to Olcott for Brother and Sister Lindsay, and to Roosevelt, requesting those who had faith in God and felt it their duty, to come and pray for him. These friends came in answer to his call, and for ten days we had special and earnest seasons of prayer. All who engaged in these seasons of prayer were greatly blessed. They felt a burden of prayer, not only for my husband, but in their own behalf. With brokenness of spirit, with their faces bathed in tears, these servants of God entreated that a deep work of grace might be wrought in their own hearts. Shouts of victory and praise to God ascended to heaven for a token of love and acceptance. I never enjoyed greater freedom in prayer. We had the assurance that our petitions were heard. We were often so refreshed with heavenly showers of grace that we could say, "My cup runneth over." We could weep and praise God for his rich salvation. . . .

Those who came from Roosevelt were soon obliged to return to their homes. Brother Andrews and Brother and Sister Lindsay remained. We continued our earnest supplications to Heaven. It seemed to be a struggle with the powers of darkness. Sometimes the trembling faith of my husband would grasp the promises of God, and sweet and precious was the victory then enjoyed. Then again his mind seemed depressed, and too weak to hold the victory he had gained.

Each season of prayer increased in interest, and all who took part felt blessed in their efforts to draw near to God, and to pray for my husband. Brother Andrews especially felt the burden of the case, and labored earnestly in faith, while the power of the Holy Spirit seemed to indite prayer. Every member

of our family consecrated himself anew to God. Our dear children united with us in this work of consecration. . . . I felt the assurance that we should come forth purified from the furnace of affliction.

Once, at the house of Brother Andrews, while engaged in a season of prayer, I felt like presenting my case to the Lord, entreating him to give me health of body and strength of mind. All present made my case a special subject of prayer. I felt a sweet peace and rest in God. A heavenly atmosphere pervaded the room. The Lord heard prayer in my behalf, and I found relief from physical ailments.

Christmas evening, as we were humbling ourselves before God and earnestly pleading for deliverance, the light of Heaven seemed to shine upon us, and I was wrapt in a vision of God's glory. It seemed that I was borne quickly from earth to heaven, where all was health, beauty, and glory. Strains of music fell upon my ear, melodious, perfect, and entrancing. I was permitted to enjoy this scene awhile before my attention was called to this dark world. Then my attention was called to things taking place upon this earth. . . .

My husband then proposed our returning to Battle Creek the next week. . . . We were prospered on our journey. . . . On the arrival of the train at Battle Creek, we were met by several of our faithful brethren, who received us gladly.

. . . My husband rested well through the night. The next Sabbath, although feeble, he walked to the meetinghouse and spoke for about three quarters of an hour. We also attended the communion season in the evening. The Lord strengthened him as he walked out upon faith. . . .

I believed, without a doubt, in the perfect and entire restoration of my husband to health. The Lord is for us, praise his holy name! Although Satan tried to press us sore, yet help has been laid upon One that is mightier than he, and in the name of Jesus, our great Deliverer, we knew we should come off conquerors.

The Greatest Attraction on the Journey

By G. B. Starr

G. B. STARR

JESUS prayed that his followers might be with him where he was, that they might behold his glory which he had with the Father. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." John 17: 24.

Many see in the answer to this prayer a blessed journey with Christ to other worlds. In imagination they visit Jupiter, Saturn, and thousands of other worlds, and behold the glories of creation there displayed,—glories not seen in our little world, for each world has its special attractions; and so we talk of this journey and rejoice in anticipation of all that such a universe trip could bring, accentuated by the company of loved ones.

But to some the chief attraction of those glorious journeys will be Jesus himself, for "they are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth" (Rev. 14: 4), and Jesus is better and more attractive than any world or anything else he ever made, and "the heavens are the work of his hands." Having Jesus to lead the way, having him to teach us, to point out the glories and special attractions, being always with him, is the attraction of attractions, the joy of joys. He will lead us, he will fill us with continual joy. "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Rev. 7: 17.

Melrose, Mass.

The Awakening of Nations

By S. B. Horton

S. B. HORTON

If ever evidence was necessary to indicate that almost universal war would be waged against King Alcohol, this day and time furnishes that evidence. For many years the idea of prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating beverages has occupied a large place in the consideration of civic morals. The cause of temperance is now being given a great deal of consideration. It seems verily that the time has come to meet the issue squarely on its merits. It is not a time for parleying or quibbling. The issue is on; and, as temperance people, we have a duty we must not shirk.

This nation is being awakened as never before, and the work of noble women and patriotic laymen is being augmented by the activities of public officials. However, political leaders are not united in regard to prohibition, and the whisky question is coming to be looked upon by some as a curse to any political party which may assume parentage of it. Recently Secretary of the Navy Daniels issued an order which has stirred navy circles from center to circumference. The order reads as follows:—

"The use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board of any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station, is strictly prohibited, and commanding officers will be held directly responsible for the enforcement of this order."

This order goes into effect next July, and means a revolution in managing the United States Navy. The Secretary's order was based largely upon the recommendation of Surg.-Gen. W. C. Braisted, who pointed out that there "should not be on shipboard, with reference to intoxicants, one rule for officers and another and different rule for enlisted personnel," and called attention to the case of an officer dismissed from the service who "had never tasted intoxicating drinks until he did so in the wine mess on his cruises."

On March 25, Hon. Cato Sells, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, communicated to the employees in the Indian service an address to the conference of field supervisors which he had delivered on February 20, in which he said, in part:—

"I believe that the greatest present menace to the American Indian is whisky; it does more to destroy his constitution and invite the ravages of disease than anything else; it does more to demoralize him as a man, and frequently the women also. . . . If I say nothing more to you tonight that leaves an impression, let it be this one thought: Let us save the American Indian from the curse of whisky. . . .

"There is nothing that could induce me, since I have taken the oath of office as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to touch a single drop of any sort of intoxicating liquor, and this regardless of my attitude on the prohibition question."

Congress appropriates $100,000 a year for the suppression of the liquor traffic among the Indians. Referring to this fact, the Commissioner closes his letter with the admonition that "every employee in the Indian Service shall realize the tremendous importance of the liquor suppression work," and expresses the desire that "this letter be regarded as a personal communication to every employee," and treated seriously.

By the time this paper reaches most of its readers, there will have begun a series of hearings before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on the subject of national prohibition provided for in pending joint resolutions before Congress. The House Committee began its hearings on the fifteenth and the Senate Committee on the sixteenth of the current month. What the outcome of these hearings will be is problematical, but it would seem that the attitude of two leading members of the national administration, as above referred to, would furnish ground for believing that the national legislators will not treat the subject with indifference.

From across the seas comes the news that Russia is making desperate efforts to rid herself of the liquor curse. The revenues of that nation are augmented by the sum of $500,000,000 a year through the liquor traffic, and yet the czar is willing to devise some other method to pay the expenses of the government. He has recently issued an order prohibiting army commanders from following the time-honored custom of "raising a cup" to the health of the czar and the imperial family in front of the troops at the conclusion of parades and maneuvers. The reason given is that although the liquor traffic has furnished about one third of the entire revenue, the traffic

"has proved a Frankenstein's monster in sapping the vitality of the people by their debauchery through their drunkenness, which is the national vice of the Russian masses."

Scarcely a day passes by without some editorial reference to the moral and physical effect of the alcohol business. The increasing ratio of insanity furnishes a topic for the writer upon sociological problems. Nine American States have prohibition clauses in their constitutions,—Maine, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia. Illinois recently went "dry" throughout three fourths of its territory. Besides these, there are eighteen States in which a major portion of the people live in territory made dry by local option. It will require thirty-six States out of the forty-eight to pass a national prohibition amendment.

It would seem that our people should take an active part in accomplishing results which are admittedly desirable for the welfare of the home and the nation. Petitions asking for the passage of the joint resolutions now before Congress should be circulated for signatures and sent to your senator or representative in Congress. The brewery and saloon people are pouring in petitions against these resolutions every day. Surely, our duty is plain, and as Sister White has said, "by voice, vote, and pen" we should assist in bringing about results which will make for sobriety, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A. G. DANIELLS

By A. G. Daniells

Does the History of Turkey and Egypt Since 1798 Fulfill the Prophecy of Dan. 11: 40-44?—No. 24

A. G. DANIELLS

THE preceding article contained the most important parts of the Treaty of London, July 15, 1840, by which Turkey voluntarily surrendered her independence to the European powers. The preamble of the treaty states plainly the cause and the purpose of the treaty.

The cause was the difficulties existing between the sultan of Turkey and the pasha of Egypt,—"difficulties," says the preamble, "which threaten with danger the integrity of the Ottoman Empire and the independence of the sultan's throne."

The purpose of the treaty as given in the preamble was that of "maintaining the integrity and independence of the Ottoman Empire, as a security of the peace of Europe."

The sultan acknowledged his helplessness, and the dependence of Turkey upon the powers for a continuation of its existence. The powers responded to Turkey's appeal for support, and by formal treaty took her affairs into their own hands and brought her conqueror to submission. The responsibility of maintaining the integrity and independence of Turkey assumed by the powers at that time and in that way has never been laid down.

The conditions of the treaty, briefly stated, were these:—

1. The administration or governorship of Egypt was to be given to Mehmet Ali, and to his descendants in a direct line for an indefinite period of time.

2. The governorship of Saint-Jean d'Acre and southern Syria was to be given to Mehmet Ali during his lifetime only.

3. These offers in their entirety, with the conditions 'attached, were to be accepted by Mehmet Ali within ten days after he received the treaty.

4. Should Mehmet Ali fail to accept these offers within ten days, all pertaining to Syria was to be withdrawn.

5. Ten days more were to be given Mehmet Ali in which to accept the hereditary rule of Egypt.

6. If at the end of this second period of ten days he had refused to accept that part of the treaty, all was to be withdrawn, and immediate steps were to be taken by the powers to deprive him of everything.

7. As soon as Turkey had signified her acceptance of the treaty, the naval fleets of England and Austria stationed in the Mediterranean were to be given orders to blockade all the ports on the Syrian coast, and thus prevent any further transport of Egyptian troops and arms.

Referring to this treaty, the Morning Chronicle (London) of Sept. 2, 1840, in a leading editorial clearly states the situation then existing, and the purpose of the treaty:—

"The English government has no selfish objects in view in agreeing with Russia, Austria, and Prussia to preserve the integrity of the Turkish Empire. Its policy was plain and obvious. Turkey must fall to pieces if Mehmet Ali be suffered to retain Syria as well as Egypt; and the dismemberment of Turkey must lead to a general war."

The Execution of the Treaty

In view of the importance which we place upon the results that followed the making and the execution of this treaty, we ought clearly to understand its history. This we may trace in the daily press of the time. Of its conveyance to Turkey the London Times of Aug. 27, 1840, says:—

"The Marseilles journals of the 22d mention that the treaty of the 15th of July was brought to Constantinople by Mr. Moore, who reached that capital on the 3d inst., after delivering dispatches to Admiral Stopford on the way. They add that the admiral had been instructed to commence forthwith the operation of the blockade of the coasts of Egypt and Syria without waiting for the ratification of the treaty by the powers."

Note the fact that Admiral Stopford, in charge of the English fleet, was given instructions to begin operations without delay.

The acceptance of the treaty by the Turkish cabinet is reported as follows:—

"CONSTANTINOPLE, Aug. 6, 1840.—The Ottoman ministry received on the 4th inst., by a courier, the official notice of a convention concluded on the 15th July, between the ministers of Austria, Russia, Great Britain, and Prussia, and the minister of the Porte, relating to the affairs of Egypt.

"In consequence of this communication, a great council was held on the morning of the 6th inst., and the late ambassador to Austria, Rifat Bey, received orders to proceed immediately to Alexandria, in order to notify, in the name of the sultan, to the pasha of Egypt, the conditions under which, in conjunction with the four courts, the sultan has resolved to grant an amicable arrangement of the points now in dispute.

"Rifat Bey made immediate preparations to start to the place of his destination in a Turkish steamboat."—Austrian Observer, quoted by the Morning Chronicle (London), Sept. 1, 1840.

Of the arrival of Rifat Bey with the treaty at Alexandria the London Times of Aug. 27, 1840, says:—

"Our intelligence from Constantinople brought by this conveyance comes down to the 7th inst. On that day Rifat Bey, mousther of the department of foreign affairs, sailed for Alexandria in the 'Tahiri Bahri' steamer, accompanied by a secretary, a dragoman, and a numerous suite, for the purpose of notifying to Mehmet Ali the ultimatum of the conditions adopted by the representatives of the four powers in London relative to the solution of the Eastern Question. The mission of this envoy had been officially announced to the ambassadors of the five great powers on the 5th."

"ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 16, 1840.—The arrival of Rifat Bey and Mr. Alison in the 'Bair Tahir' steamer from Constantinople, on the 11th inst., with the ultimatum of the four powers, produced a great sensation here. The pasha was absent at Damietta (it is believed on purpose to be out of the way at the moment when all eyes would naturally be turned on his, to read the fate of Egypt in their expression), and speculation was left to indulge itself at leisure; for all other occupation amongst the commercial portion of the inhabitants was virtually at an end."—Id., Sept. 4, 1840.

From this correspondence it will be seen that the treaty, or ultimatum, of the powers reached Alexandria August 11. But it was not presented to Mehmet Ali that day. He was absent from the city for the purpose, it appears, of avoiding the representatives of the various powers on their arrival. Rifat Bey and the consuls who accompanied him were placed in quarantine until Mehmet Ali's return. The history continues as follows:—

"We have received from our correspondent at Alexandria, via Toulon, letters dated the 16th and 17th ult. [August]. They contain intelligence of considerable importance.

"On the 11th [August] Rifat Bey and M. Alison arrived in the 'Bair Tahir' steamer from Constantinople."

"On the 16th Rifat Bey obtained free pratique, and the next day was admitted to an audience of the pasha. The exact nature of Mehemet Ali's reply had not

transpired, but he was understood to have told Rifat Bey that his answer had long since gone to Constantinople, and that he had no intention of altering the resolution he had previously formed."—The Times (London), Sept. 4, 1840.

"ALEXANDRIA, Aug. 17, 1840.—This communication was made to Mehemet Ali in the following manner:—

"The consuls representing England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, attired in the richest costumes and preceded and followed by a numerous cortège, waited on the pasha to apprise him of the wishes of their respective courts. The latter, they said, enjoined them to demand the immediate submission of the pasha to the order of the sultan. The following is the substance of their speech:—

"Your Highness is allowed eleven days to consider whether it behooves you or not to accept Egypt and the pashalic of Saint-Jean d'Acre, the former as an hereditary possession, and the latter merely for life. If, after that period, you do not make known your decision, eleven days more shall be allowed to you to return an answer respecting Egypt, the pashalic of Acre being placed at the disposal of the Sublime Porte. Thus you will have to consider in the second period of eleven days, whether you wish or not to remain pasha of Egypt. If you come to no decision before the expiration of this delay, the powers, parties to the treaty, will take such measures as will secure the full rights of the sultan."—Id., Sept. 5, 1840.

These dispatches sent from Alexandria by the correspondents of the European papers give us information of value in this study. They show that the Turkish secretary and the consuls of the four powers arrived at Alexandria with the treaty Aug. 11, 1840; that Mehemet Ali was in Damietta at the time of their arrival, having left Alexandria, it was believed, to avoid meeting these representatives on their arrival; that they were all sent into quarantine until the 16th, the day Mehemet Ali returned to Alexandria; and that on the 17th of August these representatives had an audience with Mehemet Ali and placed the treaty in his hands, at the same time giving him such explanations and suggestions as they deemed necessary.

The Remedy for the Church

By A. C. ANDERSON

A. C. ANDERSON

"JOHN came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days, and saw that John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus."

"And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey."

John's diet and manner of dress were a rebuke to the professed people of God in his day, who spent most of their time in preparation of garments for the outward adorning, and entirely forgot the inward adorning, which is in the sight of God of great price. Their manner of eating and drinking had been greatly perverted. The flesh which their fathers so exceedingly lusted after, they were now enjoying to the full. "He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." "Now these things were our figures [see margin], to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." If John represented those who bear this message, why should not our manner of life and deportment be more like his in simplicity of dress and living? It is wonderful, when we think of it, what great light God is focusing upon this generation. Every ray of light given in ages past is refracted, or concentrated, on the Laodicean message. And we need every ray of light, in this awful spiritual darkness which is settling down upon the earth. It is just at this time that we are admonished: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." Isa. 60: 1, 2.

The servant of the Lord has told us: "If we would be wise, and use diligently, prayerfully, and thankfully the means whereby light and blessing are to come to God's people, no power upon earth would be able to withhold these gifts from us. But if we refuse God's means, we need not look for him to work a miracle to give us light and vigor and power; for this will never be done." God has indeed given us great light, and soon we shall have to give an account to him for the way we have treated the light sent. If ancient Israel was guilty of rejecting light sent to them by their prophets, how much more guilty are we? We are told that there is now the same falling away from our holy calling as God's peculiar people.

If we were truly converted, the desire for the things of this world would all be taken out of the heart. To be truly converted to the present truth, as revealed in the Bible and the Testimonies, means to live it. One must not only preach the truth to others, but he must live according to its teachings. If we really live the truth, we ourselves will know it and feel it; Satan will also know it; the angels will know it; and the unsaved around us will know it. Our lives will have an influence for good upon others; but all who have a mere profession are like salt that has lost its savor, good for nothing, but "to be trodden underfoot of men."

If we follow the Master, we must die to self; we cannot be self-shielding or self-seeking. We must "make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." The doctrine of Christ is not to gratify self, but to sacrifice. To shrink from the cross is to forfeit eternal life. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." He who would follow Jesus must not only come out from the world and suffer its reproach and condemnation, but must die to self. Paul said, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." We must all do the same if we expect to obtain an incorruptible crown. God in love is rebuking the sin of this people through the spirit of prophecy; many of us have disregarded the instruction. The hearts of men are being tested. The ax is being laid unto the root of the tree. The question is, Will it produce "fruits answerable to amendment of life," or shall the tree be cut down?

The attacking forces must beat back the hordes of the enemy; the standard bearer in front must stand his ground, even if the troops retreat. Our Captain is shouting, "Bring the men up to the colors!" This is the work that devolves upon every faithful standard bearer,—to bring the men up to the colors. The Lord calls for whole-heartedness. We all know that the sin of many professing Christians is that they lack the courage and energy to bring themselves and those connected with them up to the standard.

Unless the watchman gives the trumpet a certain sound, the people do not prepare for battle. Unless we arise to a higher, holier state in our religious life, we will not be ready for the great crisis before us. God cannot pour out upon us his Spirit in the listless attitude in which we are at present. We are unprepared to cooperate with God. We are in a lukewarm condition, not awake to the situation, not realizing the threatening danger. There must be more spirituality, and a deeper consecration to God; we must feel now as never before the need of vigilance. We must have a zeal in the work that has never yet been reached. Great light has been given, and the Lord expects corresponding zeal, earnest faithfulness, and devotion on the part of his people.

Faith for the New Year

By George Hodges

IF God is a vital reality to us, so that our life is in his life, and our will is his will, and with our hand we hold his hand, then we know that God will lead us, and help us, and bless us, and bring us at last through whatever sorrows into his light and joy perpetual. And that faith will interpret all the days of the new year, begun, continued, and ended in the name of God.—George Hodges.

Interest in the Youth

THE spirit of prophecy says, "The work that lies nearest our church members is to become interested in the youth." How much interest are you taking in the children and youth in your church?

Character

To Character is the backbone of true success.

Continue reading: The Inconsistency of Protestantism