p. 3 | Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 49. (12/7/1911)

Review and Herald

Dec 7, 1911

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1911

“Of Such Is the Kingdom of Heaven”

ELDER H. KUNIYA, of Japan, reports seven souls baptized in the ocean at Kagoshima, as first-fruits of a tent-meeting in that city. He sends the photograph of a little girl who also desired baptism, with her aunt. She was but seven years old, and was advised to wait. “She felt very badly about it,” Elder Kuniya writes, “and could not rest that night. Her mother later tried to send her to school on the Sabbath; but the little girl remembered that it had been said in one of the sermons that those who knowingly break God’s commandments can never enter the gates of pearl or walk the golden streets. She refused to go to school on the Sabbath, saying: ‘Heaven is more precious than school for me. Please, mama, do not send me to school on the Sabbath day.’ I will send her picture to encourage others. Two boys also started to keep the Sabbath, but failed because of persecution by their parents. Are not these such as will yet break into the light in the closing days of the latter rain? We are of good courage. Pray for us at this time of prayer. We pray for you.”

The December Number of

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A FEW ARTICLES

Out-of-Doors in Winter, by Mary Alden Carver. (Five illustrations.) “There is too much of an inclination to seal up the doors and windows when cold weather comes, and sit huddled about a comfortable fire.”

The Sweetest Place on Earth, by Claude M. Dexter. The story of how Louisiana cane-sugar is made.

How Two Mothers Cared for Their Babies: Why One Succeeded and the Other Failed, by Lauretta Kress, M. D., of the Loma Linda (Cal.) Sanitarium staff. (Three illustrations.) The second of three articles from the pen of this physician of wide experience in Europe, Australia, and America. Mrs. Lake, the successful mother, gives Mrs. Franklin, the “dragged-out” mother, her first lesson in the care of the baby.

The Opium and Morphin Vice, by D. H. Kress, M. D., of the Loma Linda (Cal.) Sanitarium. (Illustrated.) The facts concerning this terrible slave-making habit; the use of opium in patent medicines; and how to successfully abandon the use of the drug. Your next-door neighbor may be a victim of this habit.

What and What Not to Eat, by R. S. Ingersoll, M. D., M. R. C. S. (England). (Illustrated.) What are proper food combinations? Is it safe to say, “O, I can eat anything”? How to avoid sour stomach and a cross disposition.

Ventilation, Exercise, and Sleep, by G. H. Heald, M. D. A short common-sense talk on “the breath of life,” the man who is “too busy,” or “too dead tired” to take exercise, also, on burning the “midnight oil.”

Healthful Cookery, by George E. Cornforth. How to make apple, quince, crab-apple, plum, cherry, currant, grape, and barberry jelly,—eight valuable recipes given by a competent chef.

Do Not Move Into a Consumptive House. How many healthy people contract tuberculosis. Why Mr. Smith contracted the disease a second time after being cured out West.

Is Rabies, or Hydrophobia, a Contagious Disease? Does Alcohol Cause Insanity? The Cause of Warts, and 64 other valuable articles and items on health topics.

Buy this number, read it, and pass it on to others. Better still, send $2 for 50 copies; sell 20 to get your money back; then sell or give away the other 30 copies in the interests of true health reform.

This National Health Magazine Will Tell You

How to keep well. How to get well. How to treat diseases at home. How to eat, sleep, and dress for health.

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EASY STEPS IN THE BIBLE STORY

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Week of Prayer Greetings From Distant Lands

By George Keough; A. A. Elshaheed

EGYPT.—We can think of nothing that would be more encouraging to our brethren during the week of prayer than to let them know we are in the midst of a series of well-attended meetings, with better prospects for success than ever before. We ask your prayers on our behalf, that we may be able to lead many to an acceptance of the truth.

GEORGE KEOUGH, A. A. ELSHAHEED.

A Humble Appeal

FROM AN AGED SISTER

Raised up from a sick-bed, through the mercy of my kind Heavenly Father, I desire to express my heartfelt gratitude, with renewed resolutions to do some little work in his vineyard. Still helpless in my room, I can only plead with others to do what is in their power.

It has long been the burden of my prayer that God would convert some millionaire to come to the help of this sin-suffering world, to rescue souls pleading for light and salvation. But alas! the most of these hoarded millions are heaped up for the last days, to be thrown to the moles and to the bats by the hands of despair; and we must look to God's humble servants to do the work in his vineyard.

Dear brethren and sisters, let us arouse to a new sense of the urgent demand for money and workers in this world-wide field. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Dear brother, have you some hundreds or thousands out at mere nominal interest? O, think how that money, placed in the Lord's treasury, would yield a thousandfold, perhaps save a thousand souls! O, do not delay to place a generous gift on God's altar, whence it will finally appear as treasure laid up in heaven to your account, waiting the day of reward!

Dear sister, are you attracted by the riches and gaities in fashion's throng? Do you envy the shining robes and glittering gems on the altar of pride? O, do not bow before that vain altar, sacrificing precious time and money so much needed in the Lord's vineyard. Remember that modest apparel is pleasing to the Lord, and only the robe of righteousness can give an entrance to the holy city.

Dear children, are you charmed by the endless array of toys that greet your dazzled eyes? Are you tempted by the multitude of sweets and other delicacies appealing to your pampered taste, so often indulged even to the injury of health, and to great waste of money? Think how "only a penny" multiplies so quickly into dimes and dollars. Sad loss! Think how the widow's mites cast into the Lord's treasury was counted more than all the gifts of the rich. How blessed, if by restraining appetite, you can contribute money to save perishing souls! How cheering and commendable are the reports from many Sabbath-schools that have contributed large sums to the mission treasury! May all the children thus lay up treasure in heaven, where the blessed Master waits to receive and bless.

Dear friends, one and all, let us consecrate anew our hearts, our time and labors, with means, to help in the Lord's work, sending help to the dark lands whence come the Macedonian calls. "O, send us a minister!" "Send us a teacher;" "Send us some one to tell us about Jesus," are the earnest entreaties coming to us. May God help us all to do all in our power in his vineyard.

Paul in Rome

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

With the opening of navigation, the centurion and his prisoners set out on their journey to Rome. An Alexandrian ship, the “Castor and Pollux,” had wintered at Melita, on her way westward, and in this the travelers embarked. Though somewhat delayed by contrary winds, the voyage was safely accomplished, and the ship cast anchor in the beautiful harbor of Puteoli, on the coast of Italy.

In this place there were a few Christians, and they entreated the apostle to remain with them for seven days, a privilege kindly granted by the centurion. Since receiving Paul’s epistle to the Romans

the Christians of Italy had eagerly looked forward to a visit from the apostle. They had not thought to see him come as a prisoner, but his sufferings only endeared him the more to them. The distance from Puteoli to Rome being but a hundred forty miles, and the seaport being in constant communication with the metropolis, the Roman Christians were informed of Paul’s approach, and some of them started to meet and welcome him.

On the eighth day after landing, the centurion and his prisoners set out for Rome. Julius willingly granted the apostle every favor which it was in his power to bestow; but he could not change his condition as a prisoner, nor release him from the chain that bound him to his soldier guard. It was with a heavy heart that Paul went forward to his long-expected visit to the world’s metropolis. How different the circumstances from those he had anticipated! How was he, fettered and stigmatized, to proclaim the gospel? His hopes of winning many souls to the truth in Rome, seemed destined to disappointment.

At last the travelers reach Appii Forum, forty miles from Rome. As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great thoroughfare, the gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hardened-looking criminals, receives many a glance of scorn, and is made the subject of many a rude, mocking jest.

Suddenly a cry of joy is heard, and a man springs from the passing throng and falls upon the prisoner’s neck, embracing him with tears and rejoicing, as a son would welcome a long-absent father. Again and again is the scene repeated, as, with eyes made keen by loving expectation, many discern in the chained captive the one who at Corinth, at Philippi, at Ephesus, had spoken to them the words of life.

As the warm-hearted disciples eagerly flock around their father in the gospel, the whole company is brought to a standstill. The soldiers are impatient of delay, yet they have not the heart to interrupt this happy meeting; for they too have learned to respect and esteem their prisoner. In that worn, pain-stricken face, the disciples see reflected the image of Christ. They assure Paul that they have not forgotten him nor ceased to love him; that they are indebted to him for the joyful hope which animates their lives, and gives them peace toward God. In the ardor of their love they would bear him upon their shoulders the whole way to the city, could they but have the privilege.

Few realize the significance of Luke’s words that when Paul saw his brethren, “he thanked God, and took courage.” In the midst of the weeping, sympathizing company of believers, who were not ashamed of his bonds, the apostle praised God aloud. The cloud of sadness that had rested upon his spirit was swept away. His Christian life had been a succession of trials, sufferings, and disappointments, but in that hour he felt abundantly repaid. With firmer step and joyful heart he continued on his way. He would not complain of the past, nor fear for the future. Bonds and afflictions awaited him, he knew; but he knew also that it had been his to deliver souls from a bondage infinitely more terrible, and he rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ’s sake.

At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners to the captain of the emperor’s guard. The good account which he gave of Paul, together with the letter from Festus, caused the apostle to be favorably regarded by the chief captain, and instead of being thrown into prison, he was permitted to live in his own hired house. Although still constantly chained to a soldier, he was at liberty to receive his friends, and to labor for the advancement of the cause of Christ.

Many of the Jews who had been banished from Rome some years previously, had been allowed to return, so that large numbers were now to be found there. To these, first of all, Paul determined to present the facts concerning himself and his work, before his enemies should have opportunity to embitter them against him. Three days after his arrival in Rome, therefore, he called together their leading men, and in a simple, direct manner stated why he had come to Rome as a prisoner.

‘Men and brethren,’ he said, ‘though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.’

He said nothing of the abuse which he had suffered at the hands of the Jews, or of their repeated plots to assassinate him. His words were marked with caution and kindness. He was not seeking to win personal attention or sympathy, but to defend the truth and to maintain the honor of the gospel.

In reply, his hearers stated that they had received no charges against him by letters public or private, and that none of the Jews who had come to Rome had accused him of any crime. They also expressed a strong desire to hear for themselves the reasons of his faith in Christ. ‘As concerning this sect,’ they said, ‘we know that everywhere it is spoken against.’

Since they themselves desired it, Paul bade them set a day when he could present to them the truths of the gospel. At the time appointed, many came together, ‘to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.’ He related his own experience, and presented arguments from the Old Testament Scriptures with simplicity, sincerity, and power.

The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God’s renewing power upon the soul.

He showed how Moses had pointed Israel forward to Christ as that Prophet whom they were to hear; how all the prophets had testified of him as God’s great remedy for sin, the guiltless One who was to bear the sins of the guilty. He did not find fault with their observance of forms and ceremonies, but showed that while they maintained the ritual service with great exactness, they were rejecting him who was the anti-type of all that system.

Paul declared that in his unconverted state he had known Christ, not by personal acquaintance, but merely by the conception which he, in common with others, cherished concerning the character and work of the Messiah to come. He had rejected Jesus of Nazareth as an impostor because he did not fulfil this conception. But now Paul’s views of Christ and his mission were far more spiritual and exalted; for he had been converted. The apostle asserted that he did not present to them Christ after the flesh. Herod had seen Christ in the days of his humanity; Annas had seen him; Pilate and the priests and rulers had seen him; the Roman soldiers had seen him. But they had not seen him with the eye of faith; they had not seen him as the glorified Redeemer. To apprehend Christ by faith, to have a spiritual knowledge of him, was more to be desired than a personal acquaintance with him as he appeared on the earth. The communion with Christ which Paul now enjoyed was more intimate, more enduring, than a mere earthly and human companionship.

As Paul spoke of what he knew, and testified of what he had seen, concerning Jesus of Nazareth as the hope of Israel, those who were honestly seeking for truth were convinced. Upon some minds, at least, his words made an impression that was never effaced. But others stubbornly refused to accept the plain testimony of the Scriptures, even when presented to them by one who had the special illumination of the Holy Spirit. They could not refute his arguments, but they refused to accept his conclusions.

(To be concluded)

Australasia

By J. E. FULTON

AUSTRALASIA. — The Australasian Union sends greetings to our brethren throughout the world who are about to engage in a special season of prayer, that God may abundantly bless all, and make it to the great world-wide field a season of special refreshing. The demands of God's cause are so great! We must have his help. The Australasian Union is sending out missionaries to the New Hebrides and other unentered islands, and they wish to join you in pleading with the Lord of the harvest to help us carry forward his work. Pray for us, while we pray for you. J. E. FULTON.

Sabbath Truth in Rome

ROME.— From this ancient city, Brother I. C. Schmidt, formerly of Union College, now studying in Europe, sends a post-card: “Have been out to-day looking at the city and distributing tracts (Italian). Have seen dozens of priests, and had an interview with one. I find, however, but one person in Rome obeying this Sabbath truth, a sister. How sad to think of the masses of people throughout Italy living with no knowledge of a Saviour’s power! This thought has many times broken my heart since being in Italy. I hope and pray that soon the Lord will send more laborers into this needy field. I shall return to Germany after a few weeks.”

The Work in North India

By L. J. BURGESS

NORTH INDIA.—The work here in Garhwal is prospering by the blessing of the Lord. We have all the boys we can accommodate in our limited room. We are sowing the good seed in their hearts, and hope for a harvest in due season, if we faint not. North India needs your prayers and cooperation. One hundred twenty million intelligent and promising people, with not an ordained minister among them giving the message! Who will come over and help us? L. J. BURGESS.

Present-Day Ideals in City Missionary Work

By David Paulson

DAVID PAULSON, M. D.

The evangelization of our large cities is the missionary problem before us that overshadows all others. Hence it is of the greatest importance that we should study earnestly and prayerfully every ray of light that has been shed upon this question, so that, if necessary, we may

meet new situations by new methods. We are admonished that in God's work there is to be no fixed scheme, but that it is to be progressive.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 127, 128.

The personal example of Christ teaches us what message to give, and what work to carry on in our large cities. He “went from city to city, and from village to village, teaching the truth and healing the sick.”—Review and Herald, April 7, 1910.

Evidently we should not aim to have converts complacently remain in our large cities, for we are told that the inhabitants must be startled by this message, “Haste thee, flee for thy life.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VIII, page 36. The immediate importance of this is emphasized in the statement, “What is done to warn and prepare men for the day of judgment must be done quickly.”

Since the Christian physician studies his Bible and deals with suffering humanity, he will, if a faithful and conscientious student of nature and her laws, become prepared to respond to this instruction: “Let the medical workers present the important truths of the third angel’s message from the physician’s view-point.”—Review and Herald, April 7, 1910. That no tame and ordinary presentation will accomplish this work is suggested by the following quotation: “Ministers of God’s appointment . . . must bear messages of a character so out of the usual order that the people will be aroused and warned.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 109.

Suggestive Methods

If we ever warn the inhabitants of our large cities, the Spirit of God must in a special manner lead and direct; but that does not relieve us from the responsibility of adopting the most sensible plans and methods. “Those in responsibility must plan for the carrying forward of a broad, well-organized work. . . . Every agency must be set in operation, that present opportunities may be wisely improved.”—Review and Herald, April 7, 1910. The following statements present this more in detail: “God is calling not only upon the ministers, but also upon physicians, nurses, canvassers, Bible workers, and other consecrated laymen of varied talent who have a knowledge of present truth, to consider the needs of the unwarned cities. . . . As physicians unite with ministers in proclaiming the gospel in the great cities of the land, their combined labors will result in influencing many minds in favor of the truth for this time.”—Ibid.

The importance of the establishment of a training-school is brought out in the following statement: “City missions must be established where colporteurs, Bible workers, and practical medical missionaries may be trained to reach certain classes.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 137. A suggestive hint regarding the organization of the work is thus given: “Let workers be carefully selected, to labor two and two in the cities, in harmony with the counsel of experienced leaders, and under the direction and commission of Jesus Christ.”—Review and Herald, April 7, 1910. It seems much easier to have the workers labor under the direction and commission of the leaders than for these leaders to give the counsel and help that will enable the workers to secure such an experience in divine things that they can successfully labor under the direction and commission of Christ.

The rank and file of the laymen are to be enlisted in this work. Church-members “are to labor quietly and in humility, carrying with them wherever they go the atmosphere of heaven.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 20. “By doing house-to-house work, by giving Bible readings in families, the worker may gain access to many who are seeking for truth.”—Id., page 38.

The following statement gives one cause of the cold and backslidden condition of so many church-members: “It is by neglecting your daily opportunities that you become fruitless and withered.”—Id., Vol. IX, page 129. It is only as the city worker catches the spirit of Caleb and Joshua that he can accomplish anything in these cities that are “walled to heaven;” hence he is admonished not to “be intimidated by outward appearances, however forbidding.”—Id., Vol. VII, page 38. For God will stand by the side of his servants in these difficult places. “Angels from heaven will cooperate with them, and many will be brought to a knowledge of the truth.”—Review and Herald, April 7, 1910.

Public Evangelistic Work

From the foregoing quotations it must be evident that to a large extent our modern cities will not be warned as was Nineveh. But in addition to the house-to-house workers there is a call for “capable men who can present the third angel’s message in a manner so forcible that it will strike home to the heart.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 99, 100. Of such men it is written: “Most startling messages will be borne by men of God’s appointment. . . . We must also have, in our large cities, consecrated evangelists through whom a message is to be borne so decidedly as to startle the hearers.”—Id., page 137.

As to their method of presentation, “the use of charts, symbols, and representations of various kinds” is advised to make the truth stand out clearly and distinctly. But there is to be no “theatrical performance.” There are to be no “preliminaries that are more after the order of the world than after the order of heaven.” In the success of this work the workers are “not to depend on worldly singers and theatrical display to awaken an interest;” for “how can the heavenly choir join in music that is only a form?”—Id., pages 142, 143. In reference to the worldly competition that the city evangelist is called upon to meet, the following is to the point: “In the cities of to-day, where there is so much to attract and please, the people can be interested by no ordinary efforts.” Hence the workers “must make use of every means that can possibly be devised for causing the truth to stand out clearly and distinctly.” “Yet at the same time they must carefully guard against anything that borders on sensationalism.”—Id., pages 109, 110.

As to the financiering of this city work, we are encouraged that “means will flow into the treasury; strong laborers will be raised up.”—Review and Herald, April 7, 1910. “The Lord desires that moneyed men shall be converted, and act as his helping hand in reaching others.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 114.

Hinsdale, Ill.

The Sculptor Divine

By WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

God sees within thy stony heart Some perfect image there; He chisels out the useless part With wondrous skill and care.

Some cherished hope he breaks away, Some sin that veils the face Which, fashioned by the Sculptor, may Reflect the power of grace.

Then hinder not the master-stroke, Though quivering from the blow, A beauteous image to evoke That only God doth know.

O Sculptor, spare no cut severe, However deep it be, So we reveal thy glory here And through eternity!

Portland, Ore.

Smothering Sin

By John N. Quinn

JOHN N. QUINN

Many times have I stood before the open door of a blacksmith’s shop, intently watching the smith while he hammered the “heat” into the desired shape. At times more than one heat was necessary before the correct form could be given to the iron. Then as it met the mind of the smith, he suddenly plunged the iron into a tub of oil placed near the anvil. There was a blaze; but when the proper temper had been given to the iron, with a leather apron the flames were smothered.

We are admonished not to regard as strange things the fiery trials which come upon us. God has a purpose in them all. He is at work forming us, fashioning us into the image of the divine, which image he desires us to retain. He weighs every trial. At times we grow impatient and fretful; occasionally sin blazes out in the life. When we acknowledge our failures, then God covers us with the robe of his righteousness, and sin is smothered. Here is where many fail, in not accepting the righteousness of Christ. The longer we stay away from Christ, the fiercer becomes the conflagration; sin is added to sin, until the life is ruined. One faggot will not make much of a blaze, but faggot added to faggot will result in a bonfire. Sin consumes the character; God’s righteousness preserves.

Editorial

By C. M. S.

The Attitude of Safety

THERE comes a time in the experience of every soul, and to some there come many such times, when he stands in the presence of some great temptation, or, mayhap, some seemingly small temptation that has great consequences. That is the time of all times when every resource of strength and wisdom should be drawn on to its full capacity. Christ passed through such an experience, and, by his course in that experience, taught us the secret of triumph when such temptations come to us. He used the shield of faith, the arsenal of God’s Word, and the power of prayer for his complete defense in that hour of supreme trial. Failure in that time meant to him just what failure in our ultimate trial will mean to us, and to us his failure would have meant what it would have meant to him. The plan for the salvation of man was on test. It stood the test because he stood the test; and because he stood the test, we may stand the test that shall come to us to try us.

In the hour of his supreme test there is no doubt that he did what he instructs us to do. After the assurance that the Lord will hear when he is called upon, Inspiration says, through the psalmist: “Stand in awe, and sin not.” Ps. 4:4. That is the attitude of safety, the only safe attitude under the assaults of the enemy. Consider the terrible results to you in yielding to the temptation placed before you. Set your foot, draw back, look upon it in all its fearful results, “stand in awe” of it, and then do as Christ did,—flee from it straight into the arms that are strong enough to shield you. Seek the strength that will enable you to rise a step higher, instead of stumbling and falling over the rock placed in your way. The temptation may seem unimportant, the yielding to it a trivial matter; but every yielding is the placing of a decayed timber in the span of your character; and when the final test is made, the whole bridge will go down into the raging torrent below. So let us heed the counsel of Inspiration to “stand in awe, and sin not.”

C. M. S.

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