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Review and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 32.

Our Dependence on Christ
Earlier text: Our Dependence on Christ

Sunday Laws Contrary to Justice

IN an editorial upon the so-called “Lord’s Day Bill” recently passed by the Canadian Parliament, the Christian Guardian says:—
In the very nature of the case it was not possible that legislation could be devised to suit the demands of all the people, even of the better class. The divergencies of beliefs and customs existing between peoples of different races, religions, and social conditions made the problem of adequate and satisfactory legislation an exceedingly difficult one.
It is strange that the conditions thus described do not suggest to thinking people that Sunday laws are not simply inexpedient, but contrary to the principles of justice. The Lord of the Sabbath did not himself compel, neither has he instructed his followers to compel, any one to conform to any religious observance. This is the way of heathenism.

The World Converted to Infidelity

It is admitted on all sides that there has been a wide departure from the doctrines taught in the churches half a century ago. Even the secular papers recognize this fact. An illustration of this is found in the statement of a New England daily that if Thomas Paine could return with the same views he held when hunted like a mad dog, he could easily become “one of the adored pastors of one of our most select churches.” Thomas Paine’s teachings are just as far from the truth now as when he first uttered them, but the times and the people have changed. The world is fast being converted, but it is being converted to infidelity instead of to Christianity. The only hope of the situation is found in the assurance that the coming of the Lord is near.

The Importance of Sabbath Observance

The importance of the observance of the Sabbath is thus set forth by the Herald and Presbyter:—
We know that eternal vigilance is the price of the Sabbath. Men who would fight for it to the death may lose it through neglect. Is the Sabbath worth this perpetual conflict?—It certainly is. Suppose there were no Sabbath. What hope would the church have of winning the world for Christ? God has ordained that salvation is to be through preaching; but with no let-up in the rush of business and pleasure, what time would men have to hear? The Bible, the church, and the Sabbath stand together. The church is God's messenger, the Bible is its message, and the Sabbath is its opportunity. Divine wisdom has joined the three together, and man can not put them asunder.

The Real Design of Sunday Laws

When the Herald and Presbyter mentions the Sabbath, it of course means the Sunday sabbath, and a part of “this perpetual conflict” in behalf of the Sunday sabbath is the effort to secure more, and more rigidly enforced, Sunday laws. It is plain enough from the principles laid down in this quotation that the real purpose of Sunday laws will not be fully met until the people are brought into the churches to hear the gospel so that they may be saved. The logic of all Sunday laws leads to this inevitable conclusion. Their real design, however carefully it may be concealed, is to make men religious by law. We believe in the observance of the Sabbath, but let it be the Sabbath of the Lord, and leave every man free to observe the Sabbath because he loves the Lord of the Sabbath. Compulsory religion is no religion at all.

Sunday Laws and Politics

By Editor

The Sunday question is commanding more and more attention, and is certain to be a leading issue in the near future. As an illustration of this fact we note that a special committee of the Massachusetts Legislature has been appointed for the purpose of making an investigation and reporting to the next legislature a revision of the Sunday laws, with such amendments and additions as the committee may deem advisable. In an editorial upon this subject The Congregationalist makes the following significant comment upon the situation thus created:—
The issue will enter into the autumn campaign and into the election of every senator and representative, and religious organizations can make themselves felt directly by demanding, before the nominations are made, that only such candidates be placed before the people as will support a rational Sunday law which will result in the correction of present gross evils.
This is the church in politics in dead earnest. Religious organizations as such are advised to demand a pledge of every candidate for the legislature that he will vote for what is designated as “a rational Sunday law,” although such an expression is a contradiction of terms, inasmuch as any Sunday law is an irrational thing. A Sunday law is religious legislation, and no religious legislation is “rational.” The suggestion made by The Congregationalist will doubtless be adopted in due time, and the Sunday sabbath will become a principal plank in political platforms. The churches will then become religio-political organizations whose influence will be sought and exerted in behalf of some political party and against the others. What a departure is this from the mission of the church as established by the Author of Christianity! “Babylon the great is fallen.”

The Heavenly Presence

By O. E. Hunt

O! He wakes me from my dreaming To behold him face to face; And he saves and keeps me ever With the fulness of his grace. And he does not keep me waiting Till I reach the home above, But he satisfies me daily With the sweetness of his love.
Though my way leads o’er the hilltops, With the sunshine beaming fair, And the rarest flowers, nodding, Breathe a welcome everywhere; Or a-down the lonely valley, With the shadows falling drear.— Still he satisfies me fully, For I feel his presence near.
— O. E. Hunt.

Hold Fast the Beginning of Your Confidence

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
For many months I have been troubled as I have seen that some of our brethren whom God has used in his cause are now perplexed over the scientific theology which has come in to lead men away from a true faith in God. Sabbath night, a week ago, after I had been prayerfully studying over these things, I had a vision, in which I was speaking before a large company, where many questions were asked concerning my work and writings.
I was directed by a messenger from heaven not to take the burden of picking up and answering all the sayings and doubts that are being put into many minds. “Stand as the messenger of God anywhere, in any place,” I was bidden, “and bear the testimony I shall give you. Be free. Bear the testimonies that the Lord has for you to bear in reproof, in rebuke, in the work of encouraging and lifting up the soul; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
After the vision I prayed aloud with great fervor and earnestness. My soul was strengthened; for the words had been spoken: “Be strong, yea, be strong. Let none of the misleading words of ministers or physicians distress your mind. Tell them to take the light given them in publications. Truth will always bear away the victory. Go straight forward with your work.”
“If the Holy Spirit is rejected, all my words will not help to remove, even for the time being, the false representations that have been made, and Satan stands ready to invent more. If the evidence already given is rejected, all other evidence will be useless until there is seen the converting power of God upon minds. If the convincing impressions of the Holy Spirit made in the past will not be accepted as trustworthy evidence, nothing that can be presented hereafter will reach them, because the bewitching guile of Satan has perverted their discernment.”
To those who have been convinced again and again as the Holy Spirit has borne witness, all the words that can now be said can not be as forcible as the impression made by the Holy Spirit of God.
To my brethren I say, Go forward. Be of good courage. Whenever the Spirit of God is entertained in the place of the underworking of evil influences on mind and heart, those who have been working against God will come to their right bearings. A great work is to be done now in convicting souls. The message must in no case be changed from what it has been. As has been foretold in the Scriptures, there will be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils in the midst of the church, and these evil influences will increase; but hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.
Let not souls be drawn into Battle Creek. Warnings are to be given. A message similar to that borne by John the Baptist is to be heard. But beware of men; for they will seek to divert the mind from the necessity of heeding the true issues for this time. Carry on the work now for those who need the truth, and who have not resisted evidences of the truth for fallacies and scientific imaginations.
The time is at hand when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is God. All the people of God are now to stand on the platform of truth as it has been given in the third angel's message. All the pleasant pictures, all the miracles wrought, will be presented in order that, if possible, the very elect shall be deceived. The only hope for any one is to hold fast the evidences that have confirmed the truth in righteousness. Let these be proclaimed over and over again, until the close of this earth's history.
The perils of the last days are upon us. Devote not precious time in trying to convince those who would change the truth of God into a lie. Proclaim the third angel's message. Bear a straight-forward, clear-cut message.
Thus I was speaking before a perplexed company just before I called them to take their stand on the right side. If some choose another position, let them alone. Labor for those who have never had the evidence of truth. So long as men hold fast to men, and believe men in the place of the word of God, you can do little to help them. You are working against principalities and powers, as is represented in Eph. 6:12.
We are to revive the truth; to stand in the truth. Whoever is determined to depart from the faith can not be helped by you. All your reasoning will be as idle tales.
Take the banner of truth and hold it aloft, higher and still higher. The Lord calls for faithful minutemen. Go into the cities that need the message of a soon-coming Saviour. Thousands of unbelievers in our cities need to hear the last message of warning.
It is Satan's plan to produce these variances, to keep our minds on dissensions and unprofitable problems until the last woe shall come upon the world. Time now is too precious to be lost through confusion. Proclaim to the world that Christ is soon coming.
Gather not at Battle Creek; spoil not the minds of youth, physicians, and ministers. Set at work in the cause of God every soul who has heeded the words of warning given.
I have been instructed that it is not extravagant display which is now required in giving the last message of mercy to our world. We must go forth in the simplicity of true godliness. Our sanitariums, our schools, our publishing houses, are to be God's instrumentalities to represent the humble manner of Christ's teaching. In a marked manner the Lord will be the strength and power of his people. Maintain simplicity; and pray in faith, constantly. Wherever you are, your only safety is in prayer. Hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end.
Beware of the leaven of evil. Talk less; criticize less. Let every one remember that he is now on test and trial for life, eternal life.
God now calls for all who choose to serve him, to stand firmly on the platform of eternal truth. Let those who have brought about the present state of confusion by making the division that exists, stop to consider seriously before going any further. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”
June 3, 1906.

A Steadfast Faith

By H. F. PHELPS

H. F. PHELPS
There are some things in the Bible that I do not understand. Is this a thing to cause wonder? The Bible is the product of an infinite mind, thoughts of an infinite God? Is it to be expected that a finite man shall comprehend and readily grasp all that is revealed in the Bible? Shall I accept the tenets of the Higher Critics, and sit in judgment upon such portions as, to my mind, seem incomprehensible? To this we present a most emphatic, No! while faith says, I will believe all that I do understand, and feast my soul upon it; and I will believe all that I am not able to understand, and patiently wait until my Saviour shall make everything plain. He will do this in the future life, if not in this.
Some fifty or more years ago, the writer had the privilege of reading “Early Writings,” the first production of the spirit of prophecy among us as a people. I believed it. It was a feast to my soul. In after years I was thrown under an influence that led me into doubting castle. I did not mention my doubts to any soul, but waited patientlytill God led me into the light again. This was mainly through reading the “Spirit of Prophecy” and “Testimonies for the Church.”
Time passed on. Added pages, communications, and volumes have come from the same source. But the very same Spirit of God permeates the whole. To say that I can explain every utterance, that I perfectly understand the whole, would be saying too much. There are some things that I do not understand. Shall I accept the principle of higher criticism and sit in judgment and dissect that which breathes the Spirit of God?—Once more a most emphatic, No! I have been in doubting castle once, and that will do. My faith says, I will believe what I do understand, and will rejoice in it and feast upon it; and I will also believe what I do not understand, and will wait until Christ my Redeemer shall make plain to his sanctified, glorified saints all that seemed dark to them here in this land of mist and darkness. Thus living, I expect to meet him, when he comes, with rejoicing.
Minneapolis, Minn.

GEO. O. STATES

By GEO. O. STATES

Lessons From Past Experiences — No. 2

GEO. O. STATES

Soon after that meeting in Sylvan a meeting was called by H. S. Case to learn how many were disposed to stand by him in his work of opposing the visions of Sister White. When the test came, about one half the believers took their stand with him. They all declared how firmly they believed the Sabbath and other parts of the message; that every part was right except the visions; and that they would always keep the Sabbath and firmly stand for the truth.
They soon started a paper called the Messenger of Truth, which was filled with misrepresentations of our work, and set forth the great things they expected to accomplish when those who were led by a woman had gone down. This was indeed a trying time for the believers, as we were ridiculed for standing by the Testimonies.
For a time it looked very discouraging, and the time of our loyal ministers was occupied in exposing the falsehoods which were uttered by the Messenger party. As fast as one falsehood was exposed, another was invented, and we thought surely that must be exposed. About this time Sister White was shown that if we would keep at our work, preaching the truth regardless of any such people as the Messenger party, they would yet go to war among themselves, and soon our numbers would be doubled. Following this instruction from the Lord, our work advanced as never before, and the leaders in the opposition began quarreling among themselves. The leader, H. S. Case, soon gave up the Sabbath, and for years lived in northern Michigan, working at fishing. He became a very profane man, and died in that condition.
When his paper ceased, his followers either gave up the Sabbath or took their stand for the whole message. Thus ended the first open opposition, proving the truthfulness of 2 Chron. 20: 20: “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” In following later oppositions we shall see that they have all been of the same character as the first.
Cedaredge, Colo.

The Christian Nurse

This hour marks the end of one epoch in the history of this class and the beginning of another. It closes the period of toil and trial incident to acquiring the technical education of their profession and the training essential to its profitable application. It introduces the period of eternal service for God and humanity, proficiency in which is the noble object they have striven to attain. This motive has nerved them to endure the hardship and privation of preparation, and it alone can inspire and sustain them during a career of self-sacrifice and ardent toil. In a certain sense these two epochs are as one, because to an almost vital degree the achievements of the latter must be written in the light of the history of the former.
The source of their power, the sterling character and the gentle firmness of the truly representative trained Christian nurse, was well voiced by the Psalmist David when he wrote,—
“For who is God, save the Lord? And who is a rock, beside our God? The God that girdeth me with strength, And maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: And setteth me upon high places. He teacheth my hands to war; So that mine arms do bend a bow of brass. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: And thy right hand hath holden me up, And thy gentleness hath made me great.”
Likewise, King Solomon announced that great principle which is the foundation of the high esteem in which those of this profession are held, when he wrote, “That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness.”
The demand for your work is inherent in that great basic principle of all honorable avocations,—the needs of the human race. The remarkable increase of disease, both in variety and virility, requires that it be intelligently and persistently combated. Without this, modern civilization must soon perish from the earth. The correspondingly great increase in the knowledge of medical science makes necessary a skill in application of which the patient and his friends who do not possess professional training are utterly incapable. Under such conditions the most learned physi-
cian often finds that his skill acquired by many years of diligent research is utterly valueless without your aid. On the other hand, you, likewise, are helpless without the physician’s direction. This suggests a principle, and it would be well indeed for all the world were it more universally recognized and respected; namely, that all honorable professions and avocations are to a vital degree interdependent and co-operative.
The most enlightened and useful among all classes of men have come to realize that the high standard of morals and the self-control characteristic of those who yield obedience to the requirements of the gospel, result in the prevention of crime, disease, idleness, dishonesty, and distress. They therefore accord to the gospel ministry their most earnest approval and hearty co-operation.
Also, such men recognize that normal physical health is essential to the highest development of spiritual life, is invaluable in preventing crime, in enabling men to endure the strain incident to thorough preparation for life’s work and its proper execution during after-years. They therefore co-operate most earnestly with the medical profession in their efforts to combat disease and secure more intelligent conformity to the laws of health.
They likewise appreciate the inestimable value of an education that makes possible the more noble and effective use of inherent ability. They therefore most heartily co-operate with educators in an endeavor to stimulate the increase of knowledge, and secure to all men the blessings of modern science and invention.
They highly value the blessings that are the result of honorable industry; they deprecate the curse that accompanies idleness; they appreciate the greater security to life, honor, property, and all that is most dear to Christian civilization, resulting from a proper regulation of the industrial, commercial, and social relations of men, and the restraint of those who are viciously inclined. They therefore co-operate most earnestly with civil rulers, legislators, judges, and attorneys in the honest and intelligent maintenance of civil government.
Not the least among the many rewards of your profession is the privilege of commanding the approbation and co-operation of such men, and of spending your lives amid such associations in the most noble of occupations.
The diplomas you receive afford such favorable introduction. They are in a certain sense a testimonial to your good moral character. Also they are an evidence that you have been tried and have proved your patience, fortitude, and skill under severe practical test, and are competent and worthy to be entrusted with the responsibilities of your profession.
The privileges of your calling will be many and gratifying. I will first mention that of saving human life. Besides the great boon thus conferred upon him whose days are lengthened, you will oftenthus preserve to helpless children, aged pilgrims, and others who for various reasons are dependent, the support and protection which alone can exclude untold hardship, danger, and misery from their lives. You will thus secure for yourself a place in their esteem, a wealth of gratitude and affection that no amount of gold or influence can command. Nowhere in all the world is the true value of human life appreciated save where it is estimated in the light of the cross of Calvary. Mr. Ingersoll taught that the Bible degraded woman. I heard a very learned man ask, in reply, why Mr. Ingersoll and those who thought thus did not make their homes and rear their daughters in the heart of Africa, in the South Seas, or even in China with its civilization long antedating our own, where the influence of the Bible is practically unknown. He cited the truth that in such places “life is cheap.” Infants are destroyed because of their mothers’ death. The aged and enfeebled are slain to avoid the task of their care. Wives are buried alive in the graves of their husbands, or bound and left to perish upon their tombs. In China woman is regarded as without individual responsibility, the property of her father or her husband. Her life often pays the forfeit of his displeasure without a public sentiment or civil enactment to punish him for the deed. Europeans who have settled there and built for themselves modern homes and pleasure-grounds have found it necessary to place upon the embankments of their artificial lakes and fish ponds signs reading, “Please do not drown any girls in this pond.” Nothing but the mighty power of Christianity is capable of overcoming these conditions, granting to woman her proper sphere, or teaching any people the true value of life. In this noble work you are to bear an active part.
It is also your privilege to instruct and comfort the sick and dying. In the hour of severe affliction, when men discover the need of assistance far greater than can be supplied by any human power, the Christian nurse who knows her God and how to obtain his aid, can bring to her suffering patient the untold comfort of the mighty Redeemer who has carried our sorrows and borne our griefs.
You will also have occasion to perform your duties faithfully while suffering ingratitude and injustice caused by prejudice or ignorance, and to patiently ignore this with that grace and fortitude born of Christian character.
Even the period of your training has compensated you with imperishable rewards. It will be long indeed before you forget the admirable labors of your instructors, their kind assistance in time of need, their patient forbearance with your imperfect efforts, their words of wise counsel, and their perseverance even when pressed almost beyond endurance by their regular professional work. Neither can you forget the many and varied acts of kindness on the part of your classmates and friends. Then, the intimate and endearing relations you have formed should be of lifelong value.
Also, your training has supplied a discipline which, even should you eventually follow some other avocation in life, will ever be of great value, and should enable you to be a far greater blessing in your home and to your friends and others in their hours of need. In this respect you have been very fortunate, because, in addition to the instruction usually given to the graduate nurse, you have received special training in those auxiliaries so well known and effectively employed in this institution.
Training is a very important matter. People are no longer willing to entrust the well-being and the lives of their loved ones to those who are either incapable of acquiring the skill required for efficient work or are too indolent to do so. There is a rapidly awakening public sentiment demanding the very best nursing possible, and a fixed purpose to protect those who will qualify themselves to perform it. Public men and legislators are giving this subject serious attention. The State of Maryland has enacted legislation providing that persons twenty-three years of age, possessing what is equivalent to a high school education, who have had three years’ training in an accredited medical institution, passed the examinations required, and received a diploma, may wear a badge, or insignia, of their profession. The law also provides heavy penalties for those who shall wear this badge without the required qualifications.
In conclusion, I bespeak for this institution and those associated with it an extended career of great usefulness, during which it shall be a source of untold blessing to those sufferers who are so fortunate as to receive of the benefits it has to confer. I bespeak the sincere and active sympathy of an ever-enlarging circle of friends. We can be a real help to the afflicted by making known to them that here they can obtain the assistance so often required. Yes, we should, and I do, consider it a real privilege to become nothing less than a living advertising agency to make known the virtues of this institution and the principles here maintained.
For the graduating class I sincerely wish an abiding trust in the Almighty, a life of unswerving constancy in the maintenance of the principles of right, genuine success in their chosen profession, and that final reward which crowns the efforts of all those who earnestly strive for the uplifting of humanity in the name of Christ.

A Poor Memory

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON
Many complain of a defective memory. Church-members give as an excuse for not having a good Sabbath-school lesson on the Sabbath, and for a general ignorance of the real teaching of the Scriptures on many subjects, that they can not remember the texts. While they can remember with considerable accuracy the market reports concerning the price of corn, butter, and cattle, or the details of some scandal gleaned from a daily paper, the words of the most high God who spoke the universe into existence seem to leak out of the mind. Their memory retains the chaff better than the wheat. Though earnestly exhorted to give heed to the words of God, they somehow let them slip.
To all such Christians, the late H. L. Hastings offers the following advice:—
“How many of these leaking vessels there are! Like an old vinegar barrel, as empty as air! Nobody has pulled the bung out, it looks all right, but it won’t hold anything. There are lots of church-members just like those old vinegar casks—they count all right; they show off all right; but O how dry they are inside! You know what to do with such an old cask. Wait until there are signs of a good, long rain-storm, get out the old barrel and put it under the spout, and let it rain into it about four days, and it will swell and soak; and it will hold water all right when it gets thoroughly soaked. And this is the way to treat a memory that can not hold the Word of God. Shove it under the spout and let the word of God come into your heart, and you will find that though heaven and earth pass away, his word will not pass away.”
What is frequently termed a defective memory, is more often mental laziness. What is needed is a vigorous and persistent application of the mind to the study of the Scriptures, and our memory will be perceptibly improved. When the things of the world to come rest with greater weight on our minds than the ephemeral things of this earth, we shall find less trouble in memorizing the words of the Guide-book which is given by the Lord of the place to direct the pilgrims who are sojourning thither. In this time, when every wind of doctrine is blowing, and when every delusion and trap which the enemy can use to deceive and ensnare souls is found on every hand, the words of the Master to us are, “Search the Scriptures.”
Takoma Park, D. C.

Christ’s Representatives

CHRISTIANITY is on trial in the world, and Christ has only human beings to represent him. Upon the lives of those who bear his name depends the world’s opinion of Christ and of his religion. If those who assume the name “Christian” are not more lovable and admirable and joyous and serviceable in this world than are others, why should any one follow Christ? For Christ offers to accomplish all this in the lives of his followers; and his followers show whether his claims are false or true. This is a staggering responsibility for Christians to face: it would be a hopeless and an overwhelming responsibility if there were not a personal, present Saviour in the world to assume the whole burden. The fight is his, not ours; yet battles that he is fighting for us may be lost if we so choose, and for every such defeat his influence on others, through us, has suffered. Our highest privilege is our gravest danger. May God help us not to bear his name in vain to-day.—Selected.

T. E. BOWEN

By T. E. Bowen

Lessons From the Life of Judas — No. 4

T. E. BOWEN

FAITHFULLY had Jesus forewarned Judas of the consequences involved to that man who should stain his soul with the terrible sin of betraying the Redeemer of the world into the hands of those who sought his life. He had said, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” Matt. 26: 24.
As Judas saw the rough, cruel soldiers follow his directions to “bind him fast,” and lead him away captive, “anxiously he followed him from the garden to the trial before the Jewish rulers. At every movement he looked for him to surprise his enemies by appearing before them as the Son of God, and setting at naught all their plots and power. But as hour after hour went by, and Jesus submitted to all the abuse heaped upon him, a terrible fear came to the traitor that he had sold his Master to his death.” These warnings of Christ began to come to mind: “The Son of man goeth as it is written, but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!” He realizes now that he is the man. His guilty conscience begins to torture his soul. He sees what he has done, yet does not fully appreciate the enormity of his crime. He is so supremely self-confident that he even now thinks he can undo the terrible deed. His face gathers paleness as it dawns on him more and more. He trembles at the approaching doom.
Forgetting everything, he determines to release Jesus. He knows him innocent of all the crimes they are accusing him of in this mock trial. O that he had believed what Jesus had foretold!
“Suddenly a hoarse voice rang through the hall, sending a thrill of terror to all hearts: ‘He is innocent; spare him, O Caiaphas.’ The tall form of Judas was now seen passing through the startled throng. His face was pale and haggard, and great drops of sweat stood on his forehead. Rushing to the throne of judgment, he threw down before the high priest the pieces of silver that had been the price of his Lord’s betrayal. Eagerly grasping the robe of Caiaphas, he implored him to release Jesus, declaring that he had done nothing worthy of death. Caiaphas angrily shook him off, but was confused, and knew not what to say. The perfidy of the priests was revealed. It was evident that they had bribed the disciple to betray his Master. ‘I have sinned,’ again cried Judas, ‘in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.’
Judas now cast himself at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging him to be the Son of God, and entreating him to deliver himself. The Saviour did not reproach his betrayer. He knew that Judas did not repent; his confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemnation and a looking for of judgment, but he felt no deep, heart-breaking grief that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, and denied the Holy One of Israel. . . .
“Judas saw that his entreaties were in vain, and he rushed from the hall exclaiming, ‘It is too late! It is too late!’ He felt that he could not live to see Jesus crucified, and in despair went out and hanged himself.”—Desire of Ages, pages 721, 722.
From all this record valuable lessons are to be drawn to-day. The principles which governed the work of God during Christ’s sojourn on earth are the same that are to be recognized to-day. Christ’s methods then were widely separated from worldly methods. So it is to-day. Many of Christ’s most important acts seemed to the men of the world very foolish and unimportant. It will seem thus to worldly minded men to-day. Success depended then upon strictly following the directions of the Lord. The same will result to-day. Disaster came to Judas’s schemes because they were not according to the mind and will of God nor of Christ. Every man-made scheme to-day that has not the seal of Christ’s approval, and which does not tend to glorify his name, will likewise come to grief.
Judas thought himself capable to instruct the Lord. He would not yield implicit obedience. There are those to-day doing the very same thing, still priding themselves as being among the Lord’s closest followers. Putting aside as of little moment, the solemn entreaties and warnings of the Testimonies, they go on, as did Judas, following their own unconsecrated judgment, flattering themselves that Christ will accept them and their work in the end. We have the record of his life as a terrible warning. We are dealing with One who makes no mistakes.
In a Testimony written Oct. 8, 1903, entitled “A Solemn Warning,” are found these words: “Impenitence has taken hold of some who once acted a prominent part in the work of God. . . . I am in great distress and agony as I see how determined are some who have often been warned, in their refusal to hear the words of entreaty. They have linked their arms in the arm of the deceiver, and are led captive by him at his will. I heard the words spoken, ‘So long have they been impregnated with the life and customs of the enemy, that they have no desire to break away from his companionship.’” “From the quivering lips of Christ come the mournful words of regret, ‘I loved them; I gave my life for them; but they persisted in rejecting my pleadings and continued in sin. O that thou hadst known in this thy day the things which belong to thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes.’”
“To-day Christ is looking with sadness upon those whose characters he must at last refuse to acknowledge. Inflated with self-efficiency, they hope it will be well with their souls.” “Every effort has been made to bring them to repentance. But they refused to humble their hearts. Now the bitter lamentation is heard, ‘The harvest is past, the summer ended, and my soul is not saved.’”
“The precious invitation was often given, ‘Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.’ But you would none of my counsel. You have despised all of my entreaties and scorned my invitations. You have caused many to follow your sinful ways, and now your punishment has come. You will receive as your works have been. You must lose everlasting life. You have chosen your own ways, and with such ways, such characters, such sentiments, you could not enter the gates of the holy city.”
Unless we humbly repent and forsake sin and our own ways, the vivid portrayal of these scenes will soon be our actual experience. May God grant that we shall improve the gracious moments of probation now lent us, this day of our visitation, and prepare our hearts for the final victory just ahead for the “remnant” people of God.
Rome, N. Y.

The Power of God's Word

THE Rev. Dr. Henry Otis Dwight, of the American Bible Society, relates this personal experience which shows that God's Word alone is mightily powerful to convince and convert the soul. He says:—
“I once knew intimately an educated Mohammedan Kurd who believed in Jesus Christ, who earnestly worked for him among Mohammedans, and who died in childlike trust that he would live again with his Lord. This Kurd had his attention called to Christianity while he was studying astronomy in Persia. It was about thirty years ago. The teacher was a fire-worshiper, eminent in all the region as a student of the stars, and master of the old Ptolemaic theories. His beautiful diagrams drawn by hand to illustrate the Ptolemaic astronomy I have in my library. One day the Kurd urged his teacher to break through his pagan blindness and try to see the truth as taught by Mohammed. ‘You call me a pagan,’ said the Parsee with a sad smile, ‘you Mohammedans are the real pagans, for you all worship that black stone down at Mecca. But now that you ask it, let me show you what religion is.’ Then the Parsee took down from a high shelf a ponderous volume. It was Henry Martyn’s Persian translation of the Bible. Opening it, the fire-worshiper, hidden in that distant Persian city and never known by any Christian missionary, taught the Mohammedan what is pure religion. He taught to such effect that the Kurd could not throw off the impression, but followed his strange teacher’s advice and sought out the American missionaries, first at Urumia and afterward at Mosul, and so found the way to believe in Jesus.”—Exchange.

Small Sins Lead to Greater Bondage

“HE who shields little sins will soon be the slave of large ones.”

“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

By Mrs. Martha A. Irish Burdick

Let not your heart be troubled; The Heavenly Father knows     Your tangled road,     Your heavy load,— He pities all your woes.
Let not your heart be troubled; The blessed Saviour hears     Your feeblest prayers,     And pitying, shares Your heartaches and your tears.
Let not your heart be troubled; God knows and understands     How every ill     Works out his will; He holds you in his hands.
Let not your heart be troubled; Life’s day is short at best;     Toil will be done     At set of sun, And night will bring sweet rest.
Let not your heart be troubled; Beyond the sunset gate     Heaven’s new glad day     Will dawn for aye, And there our treasures wait.
Let not your heart be troubled; The heavenly Pilot guides     Your tossing bark     Through tempests dark, And still with you abides.
Let not your heart be troubled; None may God’s plans foretell;     Bend to his will,     Trust and be still, God rules, and all is well.
—Mrs. Martha A. Irish Burdick.
Continue reading: The Charm of Gentle Manners