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Review and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 15.

Life and Health
Earlier text: Life and Health

The Canteen and the Army

THE liquor forces of the country have persistently sought to make it appear that since the abolition of the canteen from the army posts there has been an increase of crime in the army. A communication to the Washington Post of February 27, written by Owen P. Kellar, is a convincing refutation of that charge. He says:—
The statement that conditions in the army have become worse since the abolition of the canteen is not borne out by the facts as we find them in the annual reports published by the War Department.
The canteen was abolished seven years ago—February 2, 1901. In 1900—the last full year of the canteen régime—the total number of trials by general court-martial among the regular troops, exclusive of the volunteers, was 5,462, of which 1,496, or more than twenty-seven per cent, were for offenses due to drunkenness.
In 1907 the total number of trials was 3,913, of which only 486, or 12.4 per cent, were due to drunkenness.
A decrease of 28 per cent in court-martial trials, and especially the decrease of 67.5 per cent in offenses due to drunkenness in the seven years since the canteen was abolished, will strike most people as being pretty good evidence that conditions in the army are growing better, and not worse.

The Master Hath Need of Thee

By NANNIE BEAUCHAMP JONES

NANNIE BEAUCHAMP JONES
THE Lord is calling, is calling to me, “Lift up your eyes, look abroad and see, The harvest is ripe, the laborers few, And now I am calling, am calling for you.”
Voices are calling from over the sea, And hands stretch out to you and to me; “Come over and help us, O give us the light E’re falleth the shadow of endless night.”
I list the call from over the sea, Lifting and drifting o’er mountain and lea; ’Tis the voice of my Saviour, O how can I stay While souls are sinking along the bleak way?
Baxter Springs, Kan.

“Unto One of the Least”

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
The occasion was one on which Christ was surrounded by a large company of people. In the crowd were Pharisees and Sadducees, priests and lawyers, there in the hope of catching something in Christ’s words that they might report to the Jewish authorities, and thus cause his work to cease. It was at the suggestion of these enemies that the lawyer asked the Saviour the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
As an open book Christ read the heart of the plotters, and looking at the lawyer, he asked, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” said Christ; “this do, and thou shalt live.”
The lawyer had not obeyed this precept, and he knew it; but, desiring to justify himself, he asked, “Who is my neighbor?”
In reply Christ related an incident with which many of those present were familiar. “A certain man,” he said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
“And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked at him, and passed by on the other side.
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
“And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”
In the word-picture which the Saviour draws for his hearers, a sharp contrast is drawn. A certain man in his journey is attacked by thieves, robbed and wounded, and then left by the roadside to die. A priest, passing that way, comes to the place where the man lies, and though seeing his need, passes on without rendering any aid. Another passes, a Levite, whose special office it was to care for the sick and suffering, but he, as he looks at the wounded man, does not think of his duty, but of self. He sees, where the clothing has been stripped from the man, that his naked body is bruised and bleeding; but instead of giving the help it is in his power to give, he hurries from the scene, leaving the sufferer to his misery.
Then a certain Samaritan comes to the place. And when he sees him, he has “compassion on him.” He binds up his wounds; and when he has done all that he can for the sufferer in such a place, he sets him on his own beast, and, walking beside, leads the way to the nearest tavern. There he cares for the sick man through the night, and in the morning, places him in the care of the keeper of the inn, asking him to care for him until his return, when he will surely repay him.
The Samaritan fulfilled his duty to his fellow man. The priest and the Levite, in whose hearts selfishness reigned, proved themselves unkind and unmerciful. Self is a hard tyrant, and while this power rules in the life, we can not do unto others as we would have them do to us. To fulfil the golden rule, the life must be transformed, the human nature must become a partaker of the divine.
The people had listened with intense interest to the narrative, and when at its close the Saviour asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” Many joined with the lawyer in answering, “He that showed mercy on him.” Then said Jesus to the lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise.”
The parable of the good Samaritan outlines true missionary work, and in this work God’s people are all to have a part. No one is excused who neglects the duty he owes to his fellow men. In doing this work we fulfil the law of God. The Lord has pledged himself to bless those who fulfil his command to love him supremely and their neighbor as themselves.
It is not talk, it is not profession, or claims to piety and godliness, that are of value with God, but it is the work of righteousness that reveals a Christlike character. To obey the law of God means to be quick to see the necessities of our fellow beings, and quick to help them without stopping to inquire, Do they believe the same doctrines that I believe? To obey God’s law means to act as God’s helping hand in relieving the necessities of suffering humanity, no matter what the religious belief of those in need. Those who do this work, and who are loyal to the principles of God’s truth, are living the gospel.
The Lord takes careful notice of deeds of compassion and mercy shown by men to their fellow men. In his book of remembrance is written down every deed of mercy performed. “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”
The Saviour devoted more time and labor to healing the afflicted of their maladies than to preaching. His last injunction to his apostles, his representatives on the earth, was that they lay hands on the sick that they might recover. When the Master shall come again, he will commend those who have visited the sick and relieved the necessities of the afflicted. “I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat,” he will say to those at his right hand. “I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Importance of Walking in the Light

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON
The Saviour says, “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” To abide in the light we must continually walk in the light. This means a present, living experience. A dead experience of the past is of no value to us now. Many may be able to say, “I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.” But this will do no good unless it is a present, personal reality.
It is comparatively easy to trust in an experience of the past, to a time when we were sure that the light of the Lord’s countenance shone upon us. But this may prove a snare not only to ourselves, but to others as well. It is natural to conclude that because we were once chosen of the Lord as a leader and teacher in his work, and great blessings were brought through our labor to many souls, we are still in the light. But this is not conclusive evidence. It all depends upon whether or not we have continued to walk in the light. It is possible to change leaders imperceptibly, and thusbecome a blind guide, and fall into the ditch with those who blindly follow us because we once enjoyed God’s blessing.
It is possible to enjoy great light and privileges, and then because of a failure to walk in the light, lose it all, and as a result become a body of darkness. The case of Nadab and Abihu furnishes an example of this. They enjoyed privileges that few have ever been permitted to enjoy. They were the sons of Aaron the high priest, and with the seventy elders were permitted to go up into the mount. “Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: and they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.” Ex. 24:9-11.
Think of it! They actually “saw the God of Israel.” What a wonderful revelation of light this must have brought to the soul. These priests of God were admitted into his very presence. Surely they will never turn away from the light, but will remain safe spiritual guides, true shepherds of the flock as long as they live. But they did not. These men, called to the sacred and holy work of the priesthood, leaders and teachers in Israel, who “saw the God of Israel,” lost the light and blessing from their hearts. “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” Lev. 10:1, 2.
“Next to Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu had stood highest in Israel. They had been especially honored by the Lord, having been permitted with the seventy elders to behold his glory in the mount. But their transgression was not therefore to be excused or lightly regarded. All this rendered their sin more grievous. Because men have received great light, because they have, like the princes of Israel, ascended to the mount, and been privileged to have communion with God, and to dwell in the light of his glory, let them not flatter themselves that they can afterward sin with impunity; that because they have been thus honored, God will not be strict to punish their iniquity. This is a fatal deception. The great light and privileges bestowed, require returns of virtue and holiness corresponding to the light given. Anything short of this, God can not accept. Great blessings or privileges should never lull to security or carelessness. They should never give license to sin, or cause the recipients to feel that God will not be exact with them. All the advantages which God has given, are his means to throw ardor into the spirit, zeal into effort, and vigor into the carrying out of his holy will.”—“Patriarchs and Prophets,” pages 359, 360.
What a solemn warning this is to us not to trust in a past experience as a guide, however blessed it may have been. We may have been in the light once, but in the dark now. It all turns upon whether we have continued to believe God and walk in the light.
Lucifer was once in the light. He lived in the presence of Jehovah. He was an attendant of his throne, a leader of angels, and was trusted with great and holy responsibility. He was the light-bearer of the throne, next to Christ in power and authority. For ages he was faithful to the trust reposed in him. But there came a change, imperceptible at first, and so cunning and deceitful throughout, that millions of mighty angels were deceived. He “abode not in the truth.” But under a cloak of loyalty he began a warfare against the government of heaven, and at last lost his place in heaven and became the prince of darkness.
“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Heb. 3:6.
Takoma Park, D. C.

Unity in the Lord’s Work

By A. T. Robinson

A. T. ROBINSON
The God of the Bible is a God of order. Order is one of the highest laws of the universe. There may be perfect order where there is diversity, but order without unity is an impossibility.
Nature presents to us an object-lesson of order, in unity and diversity. We are told that God never made two leaves on a tree nor two blades of grass in the field exactly alike. Here we behold infinite variety and diversity, but a divine harmony and unity pervading the entire vegetable kingdom. “Can a fig-tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs?”—No, the divine law of harmony would thus be destroyed.
“When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy,” this divine harmony reigned in the hearts of all the beings that God had created. He never made two beings exactly alike, but it was his purpose that to all eternity there should be perfect unity and harmony among all created intelligences. Through sin this harmony has been broken. Satan, the author of sin, is the author of confusion, strife, and disorder.
God made man in his own image and likeness. Satan sought to destroy the handiwork of the Creator by implanting his own image in the human heart. The divine purpose in the plan of redemption is the restoration of the image of God in the soul. We are told that this is the divine plan in Christian education. Since this plan is to bring man back into a state of unity and harmony, without destroying his individuality, is it not perfectly reasonable to suppose that there would be unity with diversity in the different parts of God’s work in this world? Let us see if we do not find this principle clearly taught in the Bible:—
Has God bestowed different gifts upon his church?
“Now there are diversities of gifts.” 1 Cor. 12:4.
What controls in the exercise of these different gifts?
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” Ibid.
Are there different departments of the Lord’s work?
“And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.” 1 Cor. 12:5.
Are there different plans and methods in the carrying forward of these different departments?
“And there are diversities of workings.” 1 Cor. 12:6.
Through how many of these different plans does God work?
“But the same God, who worketh all things in all.” Ibid.
To how many of God’s workers and for what purpose is the Spirit given?
“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.” 1 Cor. 12:7. (Please read verses 8-10 for an illustration.)
How many of these different workers are used by the Holy Spirit?
“But all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.” 1 Cor. 12:11.
What is the church declared to be? “For his body’s sake, which is the church.” Col. 1:24.
Who is the head of the church?
“But speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ.” Eph. 4:15.
How is the Lord’s ideal of unity in the church illustrated?
“From whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.” Eph. 4:16.
What constitutes the main body?
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. . . . For the body is not one member, but many.” 1 Cor. 12:12, 14.
How important a place does the most humble member of the church occupy?
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.” 1 Cor. 12:27.
Who assigns to each member in the church the particular place he has to fill?
“But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him.” 1 Cor. 12:18.
When one worker in the church aspires to the position of a fellow worker, how is his course illustrated?
“If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. Andif the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.” 1 Cor. 12:15, 16.
What is an inspired assurance that each one will find his proper place?
“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Prov. 18:16.
What alone can bring the church into a state of true fellowship?
“For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.” 1 Cor. 12:13.
NOTE.—The writer some time ago occupied a seat in the train with a Methodist minister. During a friendly conversation, the minister inquired from what denomination the converts to the Seventh-day Adventist faith largely come. On being informed that they come from all denominations, as well as those not belonging to any church, he remarked, “I can see how you people would be united on one point, that is the Sabbath, but you must be an immensely divided people on other points of faith.” We know by experience that those who are baptized into the spirit of the third angel’s message are brought into the unity of the faith on all fundamental points of doctrine as well as of practise.
To what position are we called as workers in the cause of God?
“No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.” 2 Tim. 2:4.
Does this suggest the idea that each one will work independently, without reference to plans of organization?
As soldiers are we called to have an easy time?
“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Tim. 2:3.
What must a body of soldiers have as an assurance of success?—Leaders.
What kind of leaders are now bidding for a following?
“For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isa. 9:16.
Of what did the children of Issachar have understanding?
“And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” 1 Chron. 12:32.
Has God a people in the world now who have understanding of the times?
“And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed.” Rom. 13:11.
What did an understanding of the times enable the children of Issachar to know?
“To know what Israel ought to do.” 1 Chron. 12:32.
Does an understanding of the times now enable God’s people to know what to do in this time?
“The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Rom. 13:12.
How many heads, or leaders, did the children of Issachar have?
“The heads of them were two hundred.” 1 Chron. 12:32.
How many followed their lead?
“And all their brethren were at their commandment.” Ibid.
What are two special causes for thanksgiving in the church?
“For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, for that the people offered themselves willingly, bless ye Jehovah.” Judges 5:2.
What is greatly needed in the church now?—Wise, courageous, energetic leadership.
How does the Lord regard the faithful leaders who give themselves willingly to the work?
“My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people: bless ye Jehovah.” Judges 5:9.
What characterized the men of war who came to Hebron to make David king?
“All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel.” 1 Chron. 12:38.
What will hinder the soldiers in the Lord’s army thus keeping rank?
“Such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” 1 Chron. 12:33.
Did David recognize the principle that the leaders of different rank should counsel together?
“And David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.” 1 Chron. 13:1.
Of what time is it promised that the Lord’s people shall offer themselves willingly?
“Thy people offer themselves willingly in the day of thy power, in holy array.” Ps. 110:3. “Most willing will be thy people in the day of thy power.”
—Spurrel’s translation.
Hastings, Neb.

Religious Statistics for 1907

The following statistical table prepared by Dr. H. K. Carroll, the well-known statistician, presents an interesting study. A comparison of these figures with those presented last year shows that the gain in churches for 1907 was more than double that of 1906, and yet it was 2,000 less than for 1905, while the total increase in the number of communicants was over 300,000 less than for 1905. The following table shows the number of ministers, churches, communicants, and the relative gains or decreases. Where there has been a decrease it is indicated by a star:—
Denominations Summary for 1907 — Ministers Summary for 1907 — Churches Summary for 1907 — Communicants Net Gains for 1907 — Ministers Net Gains for 1907 — Churches Net Gains for 1907 — Communicants
Adventists (6 bodies) 1,569 2,544 99,298 4 45 3,861
Baptists (14 bodies) 38,279 55,294 5,224,305 259 676 103,358
Brethren (River) (3 bodies) 173 98 4,239 .... .... ....
Brethren (Plymouth) (4 bodies) .... 314 6,661 .... .... ....
Buddhist (Chinese) .... 47 .... .... .... ....
Buddhist and Shintoist (Japanese) .... 9 .... .... .... ....
Catholics (9 bodies) 15,891 12,731 11,645,495 622 282 266,000
Catholic Apostolic 95 10 1,491 .... .... ....
Christadelphians .... 63 1,277 .... .... ....
Christian Connection 1,348 1,340 101,597 .... .... ....
Christian Catholic (Dowie) 104 110 40,000 .... .... ....
Christian Scientists 1,336 668 85,096 10 5 4,899
Christian Union 201 268 17,500 .... .... ....
Church of God (Winebrennarian) 499 590 41,475 .... .... ....
Church of the New Jerusalem 130 144 8,200 2 5 116
Communistic Societies (6 bodies) .... 22 3,084 .... .... ....
Congregationalists 5,923 5,941 699,327 23 18 2,604
Disciples of Christ 6,673 11,307 1,285,123 *480 197 20,365
Dunkards (4 bodies) 3,337 1,159 121,705 96 59 511
Evangelical (2 bodies) 1,503 2,666 173,641 48 25 2,564
Friends (4 bodies) 1,466 1,075 122,081 .... .... 3,329
Friends of the Temple 4 4 340 .... .... ....
German Evangelical Protestant 100 155 20,000 .... .... ....
German Evangelical Synod 974 1,262 237,321 10 35 8,901
Jews (2 bodies) 301 570 143,000 .... .... ....
Latter-day Saints (2 bodies) 1,952 1,328 398,000 300 .... 1,646
Lutherans (23 bodies) 8,040 13,169 2,022,605 168 135 65,172
Swedish Ev. Mission Covenant 355 351 46,000 10 .... ....
Mennonites (12 bodies) 1,240 701 61,690 .... .... ....
Methodists (17 bodies) 41,893 61,518 6,660,784 381 1,946 101,696
Moravians 129 119 17,199 *1 .... 276
Presbyterians (12 bodies) 12,723 16,478 1,821,504 18 556 49,627
Protestant Episcopal (2 bodies) 5,197 7,779 830,659 *61 212 *15,833
Reformed (3 bodies) 1,999 2,596 430,458 *45 33 8,099
Salvation Army 4,765 1,016 28,000 992 33 *500
Schwenkfeldians 6 8 740 1 .... 9
Social Brethren 17 20 913 .... .... ....
Society for Ethical Culture 10 5 2,142 10 .... 442
Spiritualists .... 748 150,000 .... .... ....
Theosophical Society .... 72 2,607 .... .... ....
United Brethren (2 bodies) 2,168 4,359 289,652 *79 8 3,414
Unitarians 594 473 71,200 5 9 200
Universalists 728 910 52,621 8 *67 *3,210
Independent Congregations 54 156 14,126 .... .... ....
Grand Total in 1907 161,731 210,199 32,983,156 2,301 4,214 627,546
Grand Total in 1906 159,430 205,985 32,355,610 4,201 1,901 931,740

Co-operation with God and Angels

By E. HILLIARD

How We Are Prepared for It

E. HILLIARD
THE solitary place where God meets us is the dearest place on earth; and the secret prayer, which none but God hears, is the sweetest communion this world affords. In this communion the burdened soul, weighed down with perplexity, distressed with grief over sins and mistakes, pours forth its plea to the great Healer of hearts, and in exchange takes the peace of heaven.
The One to whom our petitions are addressed is the creator and ruler of all worlds, with their unfallen inhabitants,—the one on whom every creature on every world is dependent for existence and happiness. This world is the one lost sheep; the only one that sends back curses for heaven’s blessings. How earth’s revilings must grate upon the ears of unfallen beings.
The loyal angels, secretly or collectively, do not petition our Creator for pardon, as they never have sinned; but they do pour forth their untiring praises in the most lofty strains unto him for his infinite kindness continually manifested unto them. As that same loving-kindness is most freely shown unto us, why should not we from the secluded place, the family circle, the public congregation, join with the angels in prayers of praise for this marvelous manifestation of infinite kindness?
To bring imperfect, sinful men into communion with God, we as agents in the plan of salvation must prepare for the work through secret prayer. Angels of heaven are sinless beings, and if human agencies co-operate with them in reaching the hearts of sinful men, they must become sinless also. What an exalted privilege to work side by side with these holy, heavenly beings! After we have experienced thorough, heartfelt repentance and confession, and in the secret place have sought and obtained forgiveness, angels are not ashamed to press to our side and influence us to speak the right words to those in darkness. We plead in the solitary place for heavenly aid, and our Father rewards us openly by converting the hardened sinner, and numbering him in the rank and file of the saints. Let us visit the place of secret prayer more frequently, plead more earnestly, praise more fully, and we shall come forth with more faith. Then the mighty movings of the Holy Spirit will be seen among us.
Perth, West Australia.
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