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Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 35.

Stirred for Service

Review and Herald

Jul 15, 1915

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1915

Stirred for Service

Stir me, O stir me, Lord! I care not how, But stir my heart in passion for the world. Stir me to give, to go, but most to pray; Stir, till Thy blood-red banner be unfurled O’er lands that still in heathen darkness lie, O’er deserts where no cross is lifted high.
Stir me, O stir me, Lord, till all my heart Is filled with strong compassion for these souls; Till Thy compelling “Must” drive me to pray, Till Thy constraining love shall reach the poles, Far north and south, in burning, deep desire; Till east and west are caught in love’s great fire.
Stir me, O stir me, Lord! Thy heart was stirred By love’s intensest fire, till Thou didst give Thine only Son, Thy best beloved One, E’en to the dreadful cross, that I might live; Stir me to give myself back unto Thee That Thou canst give Thyself again through me.
Stir me, O stir me, Lord! for I can see Thy glorious triumph day begin to break; The dawn already gilds the eastern sky. Awake, O church of Christ! awake! awake! O, stir us, Lord, as heralds of that day! The night is past, the King is on His way.
— Selected.

News Items

By E. R. Palmer

How the Literature Work Is Prospering

SINCE the beginning of the present year the REVIEW AND HERALD Office has sent out an average of over two tons of literature a day. This volume of business is divided about equally between periodicals and books.

“The World's Crisis”

Since January 1 of the present year, we have sold in the three union conferences of our territory, 104,000 copies of “The World's Crisis;” about 250,000 copies have been sold during this time in the United States. This sets an entirely new record in the history of our book work, this total being several times greater than the sale, in so short a time, of any other book we have ever published.

“The Shadow of the Bottle”

During the two months since this book was published, 30,000 copies have been sold in our territory. A very great interest is being awakened by this little book. Every reader of the REVIEW should secure a copy and become an agent for it in his neighborhood. This is indeed an “entering wedge.”

The Extras

It will be interesting to our workers to know that the REVIEW AND HERALD Extras now have a permanent list for the full series, numbering 60,000 copies.
Since the beginning of this year we have sold an average of 250,000 copies a month. All classes of workers are using them extensively. The first seven numbers have now been issued. It will be noticed from the list that the first seven constitute a brief series, which closes with “The Home of the Saved.” While these Extras will become more valuable for missionary work as the number issued is increased, no one needs to wait. All can begin right now with No. 1, and deliver to the homes of the people, month by month, as the numbers are issued.

The War Extra

This first number of the Extras, which enjoyed a circulation of about 1,500,000 copies, is one of the most interesting and valuable missionary documents we have ever issued. We have just received an order for 10,000 of this War Extra from one conference. They are to be distributed through the city where the camp meeting is being held. While the war is raging and all people are reading the newspapers, is a most favorable opportunity to distribute such a missionary document as this. All churches and isolated members who have not yet distributed this Extra should by no means neglect this opportunity to spread the truth.

An Interesting Question Answered

Many have asked us this question, both verbally and in writing: What effect does the distribution of this cheap literature have upon the sale of our large books? We will answer this question with the following facts: During the past six months the book business of the REVIEW AND HERALD Office shows an increase of sixty-three per cent over the corresponding period of last year. A letter received recently from Brother Curtiss, manager of the Kansas City office, brings the good word that the increase in that territory is about the same as in ours. It would appear, therefore, that the book work is not being hindered. The fact is that God is giving to us at this time the greatest opportunity that has ever come to this people to distribute literature and publish the third angel’s message. The question is, Shall we all be faithful in this interesting time, and, like Daniel, stand in our “lot at the end of the days”? E. R. PALMER.

For the Finishing of the Work

By E. R. Palmer

The Berean Library—Standard Books in Cheap Binding

Cheaper Than Novels

It should never again be said, truthfully, that yellow-backed novels can be purchased at a less price than books which teach the third angel’s message. At one time this was true, but it is an embarrassing fact no longer. Nearly two years ago the Review and Herald Publishing Association undertook to bring about a change. Success beyond all expectations has attended this effort.

A Literary Revolution

A literary revolution has actually been brought about. The real missionary workers among our people, who love to sell, lend, and give away our books, can now obtain many of our standard works at a nominal price. A heavy burden has in this way been lifted. It is now possible for those who have little means to do a great work. All who are interested in a matter of this kind should read every word on this page.

The Berean Library

A careful selection has been made of our best books, and these have been printed on cheap paper and bound in paper covers. They may be purchased as a library set, in a box, or any numbers of the set desired for missionary work may be purchased separately.

The Price

This is an experiment, or, to be more accurate, it is a line of publishing house missionary work. We see no reason why a publishing house may not do missionary work as well as an individual. All these books are furnished practically at cost. For example: the Review and Herald Office sold 45,000 copies of these books last year. The profit on this business was $58, or an average of about one eighth of a cent per copy. The profit of branches and tract societies for handling is barely sufficient to cover the cost.

Special Prices for Missionary Work

In the center of this page are given the names and prices of these books. The first price following each name is the regular retail price. The prices in the second column are the net prices at which these books are furnished to all who will take a full set of one copy each, or a few copies of any one kind such as they wish to use.

One Plan of Work

These cheap books can be used in many ways. They can be sold, lent, or given away. If sold at the regular prices, there will be sufficient profit to the missionary worker to enable him to lend or give away certain copies, as he often wishes to do, without personal expense.
In doing missionary work there are advantages in a definite plan. We therefore suggest that each missionary worker secure one full set in a box, as advertised. Then as the worker proceeds and copies are disposed of, additional copies can always be secured from the conference tract society at wholesale prices.
In planning for missionary work the question often arises, How can I do the most good with the means and time at my disposal? Does not this plan suggest one inexpensive, practical way for you to get the truth before your many friends and neighbors? Can you not add to your missionary equipment one box of these books, and thus be prepared to respond promptly and intelligently to opportunities that may arise for you to place the truth in the homes of the people? E. R. PALMER.

A Good Testimony

“I APPRECIATE the Present Truth Series. It supplies a long-felt want. I regret deeply that we did not get started about ten years ago. That would be five years before I heard the message. Had these papers been issued, I might have heard it sooner. We have used many for rack work here, but I encourage systematic house-to-house work. The personal touch is the thing. I find that a half-minute talk accompanied by a pleasant smile, a cheery salutation, yet withal an earnest bearing, is most effective in breaking down barriers and destroying prejudice.”—Chas. A. Cole, president British Columbia Conference.

THE BEREAN LIBRARY

Note.— The retail prices are given in the first column; those in the second column are prices to missionary workers.
No. Name Retail price Missionary workers’ price
1. Steps to Christ $ .25 $ .15
2. Thoughts on Daniel .25 .15
3. Thoughts on Revelation .35 .21
4. His Glorious Appearing .15 .09
5. Sabbath in the Scriptures .25 .15
6. Sabbath in History .50 .30
7. Capital and Labor .25 .15
8. Here and Hereafter .25 .15
9. Bible Footlights .35 .21
10. Our Paradise Home .15 .09
11. Religious Liberty in America .35 .21
12. The Coming King .50 .30
Completed Set in Box — $3.60 $2.16

TWO SPECIAL BOOKS

“The World’s Crisis in the Light of Prophecy,” 128 pages, illustrated. Cloth, 50 cents; paper cover, 25 cents.
“The Shadow of the Bottle,” 128 pages, 65 illustrations. Cloth, 50 cents; paper cover, 25 cents.
On these two special books a discount of 50 per cent is given to agents and missionary workers.
Order from your tract society.

Manasseh and Josiah

By Ellen G. White

(Concluded)
MRS. E. G. WHITE
THE faith that strengthened Habakkuk and all the holy and the just in times of deep trial shortly before the Babylonian captivity, was the same faith that sustains God’s people today. In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the Christian may stay his soul in harmony with the source of all light and power. Day by day, through faith in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. “The just shall live by his faith.” Hab. 2: 4. In the service of God there need be no despondency, no wavering, no fear. The Lord will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in him. He will give them the wisdom their varied necessities demand.
Of the abundant provision made for every tempted soul, the apostle Paul bears eloquent testimony. To him was given the divine assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In gratitude and confidence the tried servant of God responded: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor. 12: 9, 10.
We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified,—the faith that lays hold on the promises of God, and waits for deliverance in his appointed time and way. The sure word of prophecy will meet its final fulfillment in the glorious advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords. The time of waiting may seem long; the soul may be oppressed by discouraging circumstances; many in whom confidence has been placed may fall by the way: but with the prophet who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled apostasy, let us confidently declare, “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Hab. 2: 20. Let us ever hold in remembrance the cheering message, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. . . . The just shall live by his faith.” Hab. 2: 3, 4.
“O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mt. Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. And his brightness was as the light; he had bright beams out of his side; and there was the hiding of his power. Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.” “Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed.” “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength.” Hab. 3: 2-6, 13, 17-19, margin.
Habakkuk was not the only one through whom was given a message of bright hope and of future triumph as well as of present judgment. During the reign of Josiah the word of the Lord came to Zephaniah, specifying plainly the results of continued apostasy, and calling the attention of the true church to the glorious prospect beyond. His prophecies of impending judgment upon Judah apply with equal force to the judgments that are to fall upon an impenitent world at the time of the second advent of Christ:—
“The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.” Zeph. 1: 14-16.
“I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust. . . . Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.” Zeph. 1: 17, 18.
“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2: 1-3.
“Behold, at that time I will deal with all them that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven away; and I will make them a praise and a name, whose shame hath been in all the earth. At that time will I bring you in, and at that time will I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I bring again your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.” Zeph. 3: 19, 20, R. V.
“Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zeph. 3: 14-17.

The Morning Cometh

By Worthie Harris Holden

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
Lift up your heads, O ye mourners! The comfort of heaven is here, And gleams of His glorious morning In radiant crescendo appear.
Lift up your heads, O ye watchmen! Cry out ’tis the last hour of night, To give to the sleepers a warning And rouse to eternity’s light.
Lift up your heads, O ye humble! Rise in the might of the Lord! Valiantly fight for the Master, Armed with his Spirit and Word.
Long have ye sorrowed with weeping While he has tarried on high; Lift up your heads with rejoicing, Knowing redemption is nigh.

Another Law

By C. P. BOLLMAN

C. P. BOLLMAN
The majority of us are familiar with the subject of “the two laws”—the moral and the ceremonial. But in Rom. 7:23 the apostle speaks of “another law,” not the law of God spoken from Sinai by its author and by him written upon tables of stone; not the ceremonial law, given to Moses and by him written in a book; but a law directly opposed to the divine law and ever warring against it. What then is this law? The apostle Paul found it in his members, and even so it is in our members. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we know both what it is and how we may be set free from it.
In the seventh chapter of Romans the apostle recounts the experiences through which the sinner passes in coming to Christ for salvation. He is not excusing sin, but describing the bondage of sin, and pointing the way to freedom from sin. Reverting to his own experience, which is not different from that of others, the apostle says:—
“I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
And at this point, overwhelmed by the realization that sin is written, so to speak, in his very members, woven into the warp and woof of his whole being, the sinner, feeling his way toward Christ, but having not yet cast his soul fully upon him, cries out in anguish of heart, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” or, in other words, from the cruel dominion of that other “law,” “warring against the law” of the mind, and leading the soul into captivity to sin and death.
But there is hope, there is help, help speedy and efficient. Says the psalmist: “Then thou spakest in vision to thy saints, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.” Ps. 89:19, A. R. V.
And so the apostle, recounting his own blessed experience in finding the Saviour, as well as pointing the way to every seeking soul, triumphantly exclaims, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit;” that is, who live no longer according to the rule which the apostle calls “another law,” “the law of sin and death,” but according to the law of God.
It seems scarcely necessary to add that that other law, “the law of sin and death,” is the carnal nature, “the old man,” “the carnal mind,” which “is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”
But whence comes all this evil? Did God create the evil heart, “the carnal mind,” “the old man”?—Not as such. He “made man upright,” but with the power of choice. He set before him an open door; man could choose the service of God and eternal life, or he could choose the service of Satan and eternal death. In a sense, God gives every man that which he chooses—God’s own law of life, and love, and liberty; or the law of man’s own evil heart. “Thus saith the Lord God; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the Lord your God; . . . I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness. And I gave them my statutes, and showed them my judgments, which if a man do he shall even live in them. . . . Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them. . . . Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; and I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end they might know that I am the Lord.” Eze. 20:5-26.
God never gave man anything that was not for his good, except in the sense of allowing him to have the thing he chose of his own free will. In Prov. 8:36 personified wisdom is represented as saying, “All they that hate me love death;” that is, they choose death by rejecting true wisdom. For a little temporary pleasure, for mere sensuous enjoyments, men barter away eternal life and unending spiritual felicity. Not that they mean to do this, but in the very nature of things that is the result; hence they are said to make that choice. In like manner God is said to give that which necessarily results from violation of the laws which he has ordained.
The moral law, which defines and points out sin, is a law of liberty to those who obey it. It is a law of death to those who violate it. The ceremonial law was the gospel in type to the true worshiper; while to the mere formalist it no doubt became a snare and a false hope, even as do baptism and the Lord’s Supper to those who put their trust in them while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, “judgment, mercy, and faith.”
What the soul wants and must have is full and eternal freedom from sin; this the gospel, and the gospel only, gives. This, and this alone, is true liberty. To this end was our Saviour’s incarnation; to this end was his perfect life, his unselfish ministry, his cruel death, his triumphal resurrection; and by these we are made free if we only believe and obey.
To all who will to serve him, God gives his own character, writing his law upon their hearts. But to such as refuse his law of righteousness he gives the law that is not good, the statutes by which they shall not live. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.”

Mysticism as a Means of Cure

By Geo. D. Ballou

Mind Cure — No. 5

Mysticism as a Means of Cure

GEO. D. BALLOU
Of all the means used for mental diversion from adverse moods, none can in any way compare with wonder and astonishment. Wonder makes the mind walk on tiptoe and peer into occult fields with profound expectation. Wonder and astonishment are temporary antidotes for worrying and agonizing. In the modern systems this is used to effect mind cures.
Man's spiritual nature was given to enable him to reach out after God in the study of his works and Word, but it languishes for want of legitimate exercise. Men and women generally love to wonder and be astonished. This has caused the spread of doctrines more intangible than the morning dew, and more uncertain than the wisp of vapor that floats across the sky and momentarily hides the great orb of day. Many follow wildly after fakers, until, depleted in purse and disappointed in heart, they undertake to return and find comfort in the old paths. But their eyes have been so blinded and dazzled and their knowledge of truth so perverted that they seldom recover fully from the enchantment of these ancient-modern heathen systems. Their spiritual natures were hungry and languishing for want of true spiritual food and exercise; and while these systems of new religious teachings for a time appear to nourish them, and wonder quite takes the place of the workings of the Spirit of God, at last they are left broken, disappointed, and sick and sore at heart.
The only permanent, lasting things in this universe are the Creator and his creations. And the only solid mental conclusions, and the only lasting rest and peace, must be founded in God and his works.
Many of these modern cults and forms of professedly religious healing and teaching utterly ignore or deny all idea of the personal God who is clearly revealed in his works and in his Word. The power of this eternal, infinite God is seen in all the workings of nature right before our eyes. He is guiding the sunsand worlds in their appointed orbits. Our world, whirling through space at nineteen miles a second, is an infinite marvel, and speaks to every mind of an infinite designer. In our very presence he is constantly transforming sun energy, air, water, and earth into vegetable forms, and these become food for the animal world and for man; so that by two transformations sun energy, air, water, and earth are transformed in man into flesh and blood and bones.
For every artificial, finite design, reason postulates a designer. For the infinite design seen in all the universe, the same reason demands the existence of an infinite designer. This infinite designer is the God of the Bible. The same causes which led the ancient heathen to reject the Creator are operative today. Paul speaks of such and of their condition in Rom. 1:21-23, 28: "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things." "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind." Many still do not like to retain God in their knowledge, but now they dethrone him by teaching a god who so permeates all things as to make all things a part of deity; but to see the Creator revealed in all his works and hear him speaking in the plain language of his Word means faith, restored confidence in God.
Some place confidence in anything that seems profound and occult just because it is dark and mysterious. Others deny the voice of reason and the evidence of their senses and let their confidence rest on their own assumptions. Thus the world today is being whirled into a muddle of superstition, presumptuous mystified enchantment more hazy and profound than ever before possessed any portion of the human race. In our time human minds are being hurried so rapidly from one form of mysticism to another that the Creator and his mighty workings are forgotten.

The Sabbath Can Never Be Changed

By Adolphius Smith

ADOLPHIUS SMITH
The ten commandments given at Sinai were not a new law, but a drawing out of the two great precepts of the law of God to which they were appended as the thumbs and fingers to the hands. See Matt. 22:36-40. The Sabbath existed in the first great commandment from eternity.
God has emphatically declared that he will not alter that which he has once spoken. See Ps. 89:34; Ex. 20:1, 8-11; Isa. 55:11; James 1:17.
If God were to change his law, of which the Sabbath command is a part, it would be an alteration of the fundamental principles of his government, and would affect every world in the universe.
Man has undertaken to change the Sabbath, and in so doing, like Lucifer, he has exalted his own wisdom and judgment above that of God. See Isa. 14:12-14; Dan. 7:25.
Many true, honest-hearted Christians have been deceived, supposing Sunday to be the Sabbath of the Lord. They will be forgiven, but God will hold the deceiver accountable. See Isa. 28:18. Compare with Deut. 4:13.
It is not well for any man or church to insert into the fourth precept of God's law any wording or meaning that has not been placed therein by Jehovah.
Grand Rapids, Mich.

Are You a Child of God?

By I. A. Crane

I. A. CRANE
MANY good people are perplexed to know whether they are really children of God; yet it is their blessed privilege to know that God accepts them, and watches over them with tenderest care. There are others who content themselves with the hope that all is well, although their heedless disregard of God’s Word makes their ways and even their prayers an abomination to him. Why should we expect the Lord to pay heed to our words when we pray, if we pay no heed to his Word before we pray?
But how may we know of a surety that we are indeed children of God? Thank God, we need not be in doubt. We are given the most positive evidence by which we may know that our very names are enrolled in heaven’s family record book, and that the only begotten Son of God is not ashamed to call us brethren. Hear the Father’s message to us: “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Rom. 8: 14. Surely all may know whether they are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God. This is the test. Are you being led by the Spirit of God?
But many who have no love for God’s Word and are content to remain ignorant of its teaching, boastfully declare: “I know that I am a child of God. The Spirit leads me day by day. Praise God, I know I am saved.” But, my brother, what evidence have you that you are led by the Spirit of God? At this very point there is great danger of deception. Have you not read the warning, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God”? 1 John 4: 1.
There is a good Spirit, and there are wicked spirits. Be not deceived. If you are led by the Spirit of God, you will surely be led to do what the Word of God says. God’s Spirit and God’s Word will always agree. God did not give us his Word to tell us how to live, and then send his Spirit to lead us to do something else. Be assured that the Spirit of Truth and the Word of Truth will never be found in conflict. It is not enough to feel that you are moved by an unseen power. It is only when you are led by the good Spirit that you are to know that you are a child of God. Are you honestly and sincerely walking in the light of God’s truth? Are you living up to what you honestly believe is your duty not only to God, but to all mankind? Are you searching the Scriptures daily, hungering to understand more about God and how to serve him better? Have you made peace with God by confessing your faults and sins to him? Are you sincerely sorry that you have sinned against God, and have you asked him for Christ’s sake to forgive you? Have you made peace with all mankind by confessing your faults and making restitution to all those whom you have wronged? Are you willing to give up all things to please your Father in heaven? If so, then rest assured that God, who gave his only Son for your salvation, will not reject that which he has purchased at so great cost. He has commissioned all the angels to watch over and protect you. Ps. 34: 7; 91: 11; Heb. 1: 14.
But some may say: “I do long to serve God with all my heart; but I sin and bring grief to myself and others. How can I find peace with God?” If you have sins, know of a surety that they must be overcome, or you are lost forever. Yet do not despair. You are weak, but you have an almighty Saviour. Delay not a moment, but flee to him for help now. Every moment wasted, gives the enemy greater advantage, and lessens your hope of victory. You may know that he who spoke the worlds into existence is your Saviour. “He shall save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1: 21. He died to convince you that he longs to save you. Do not be satisfied to be overcome by sin, when you have such a mighty Saviour longing to help you. You must overcome or be lost. The victory must be gained. The promises are only to those who overcome; and you have no promise of salvation tomorrow. Today, now, is the accepted time.
Do not be discouraged. He who said to the loathsome leper, “I will; be thou clean,” will not spurn you when you humbly entreat him to save you from your sins. And he who was able to cleanse the body and blood of that loathsome leper, is abundantly able to subdue your wicked habits and passions, and to make you clean indeed. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Never be content till he has made you free from the power of sin. See John 8: 34-36.
If you do not reach purity of life as quickly as you had hoped, learn from this experience how fearful and lasting are the effects of sin, and that you have no time to lose. Let this drive you at once and with still greater earnestness and determination to him who alone can save you.
Never, never, risk a day or an hour under condemnation. You can never hope to be saved while you are under condemnation. What if your life should end thus! Find peace today, whatever be the cost. Confess your sins and makeall right at any sacrifice. Let the work of repentance and confession be deep and thorough. The greater the cost,—the more your proud heart is humbled in making amends to those whom your sins have wronged,—the surer you will be never to repeat the sins in time to come. By thorough repentance and confession and restitution, sins are rooted out of the life. This is the Spirit’s remedy for sin. It is then that atonement is made by the blood of Christ. “The righteousness of Christ will never cover one cherished sin.”
Does the Spirit lead you to confess? Do not delay. Let him lead you. Does he lead you to make restitution? Let him lead you now. When the Spirit has led you to do these things, and you continue to be led, you bear the credentials of a child of God. The Spirit then bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God, and an heir of the kingdom. Rom. 8: 16, 17. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Verse 1. You will in this way find the peace that passeth all understanding.
Waurika, Okla.

Man, the Image of God

By L. L. CAVINESS

L. L. CAVINESS
ONE of the fallacies of Christian Science is that man is now the image of God. The Christian Science healer will sometimes begin his conversation with the one who has come to him for help, with such questions as the following: “You believe that God is love? You believe that man was made in the image of God? You would not say that the image of God had the rheumatism?”
This method of procedure is intended to prove that the trouble lies not in the real man, but in his thought—in “mortal mind;” but the fallacy is easily discovered when we turn to the teachings of the Scriptures. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8: 20.
It is true that “God is love.” 1 John 4: 8, 16. It is also true that man was created “in the image of God.” Gen. 1: 27. The Scriptures, however, teach that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3: 23. Yet the image of God has not been irretrievably lost. When God planned that his own Son should come to the earth as a man and die for men, he arranged a plan whereby man might again be “conformed to the image of his Son.” Rom. 8: 29.
As God made a man a free moral agent, a man may refuse to believe in the atonement for sin which Christ made by his death, and may refuse to receive the divine power necessary to live the Christ life. Of such it may be said: “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Cor. 4: 4.
The method by which the image of God is restored in man is clearly shown in the words of the apostle Paul: “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3: 18. Realizing that man has lost the image of God, let us look to Christ, that by the Spirit the divine image may be restored in us; or, in the words of another scripture, let us “put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Col. 3: 10.
Continue reading: The Covetous Heart and Its Remedy