Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 6.

The Assurance of Power

Review and Herald

Feb 9, 1911

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 9, 1911

The Assurance of Power

To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.—Isa 40:25-31.

“GOD’S TWO BOOKS”

By George Mc Cready Price

By George Mc Cready Price
This is the title of a new book which we believe fills a great need at this time. We are living in a time when Theosophy, New Thought, and various isms are rapidly sweeping the world, and taking in their coils men of education and learning,—men who stand high in the professions. These things appear to be the “strong delusions” which will deceive the world in these last days.
Up to this time we have had nothing adequately to combat these false theories with the truths of true scientific research. “God’s Two Books,” therefore, meets a great need. We quote the following from the Introduction:—
“It seems high time that the church of Christ got her bearings amid the many conflicting claims put forth in the name of modern science. It is time that she caught the inspiration there is for her in the fact that all the more recent discoveries, and a more sane, a more truly scientific estimate of the older discoveries, are reaffirming, in a manner as unexpected as it is conclusive, the divine harmony shown in the two great revelations which the Creator has given to us of himself.”
Numerous illustrations help to make clear and forcible the arguments presented. The matter is written in a pleasing and entertaining style, and will be found of more than ordinary interest and profit to every reader, young as well as old. The book contains 178 pages, is substantially bound in cloth, with an artistic cover design, and the price is only $1.
Order of Your State Tract Society, or of the Review and Herald Publishing Assn. Takoma Park Station :: :: :: WASHINGTON, D. C.

Special Tract List

The following tracts are offered at a special price of forty per cent discount from the list prices as long as the supply lasts. They will not be republished, and we can not promise to fill orders received after present stock is sold. ORDER BY NUMBER.

Apples of Gold Library

No. Name of Tract List Price Per 100 Special Price Per 100
4. How to Get Knowledge $.25 $.15
6. The Elect of God .50 .30
12. Power of Forgiveness .50 .30
15. The Cross of Christ .50 .30
20. Your Life Work—Is It of Men or of God? .50 .30
21. Acceptable Service .50 .30
23. The Riches of His Grace .50 .30
29. Law of Love .50 .30
32. Trine Immersion .50 .30
35. The Hope Set Before Us .50 .30
38. Who Are the Saints? .50 .30
42. Jesus and the Resurrection .50 .30
49. Kept by the Power of God $.25 $.15
55. Twelve Principles of Holy Living .50 .30
56. There Is Help in God .50 .30
57. The Divine Law 1.00 .60
59. The Earnest of Our Inheritance .50 .30
64. Salvation Through Christ .50 .30
73. “Unanswerable” Propositions .50 .30

Bible Students’ Library

No. Name of Tract List Price Per 100 Special Price Per 100
16. Christ in the Old Testament $1.00 $.60
21. The Seventh Part of Time 2.00 1.20
27. The Bible: Its Inspiration and Importance 1.00 .60
32. The Present Truth 2.00 1.20
64. Full Assurance of Faith 1.00 .60
74. The Counterfeit and the Genuine 1.00 .60
77. The Talents 1.00 .60
90. The Bible Doctrine of the Trinity 1.00 .60
97. The Sun of Righteousness 10.00 6.00
108. Life: Its Source and Purpose 10.00 6.00
118. Christ Tempted as We Are 1.00 .60
122. Perfection of the Law of God 1.50 .90
125. The Privilege of Prayer 1.00 .60
133. Righteousness 1.00 .60
135. Honor Due to God 10.00 6.00
138. America’s Crisis. Illustrated 2.00 1.20
143. Truth for the Times 1.00 .60
190. Future Probation 2.00 1.20
193. The Bible or Tradition? 2.00 1.20
Order of the Review and Herald Publishing Association Takoma Park Station :: :: :: WASHINGTON, D. C.

A Sympathizing High Priest

By D. H. Kress

D. H. KRESS, M. D.
“We have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.”
Jesus came to this world as a helpless babe. He was born in poverty, and reared in a town proverbial for its wickedness. On all points he was tempted as we are, in order that he might become a high priest in whom we can have confidence when in trial,—a high priest who understands all we are called to pass through.
When, as the result of failure on our part, we feel discouraged, and are on the point of despair, we may remember that we have a high priest who does not censure nor condemn, but who is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Because we have such a high priest, we are admonished to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain needed grace.
What is it to be “touched with the feeling of our infirmities”? The one who is conscious of possessing a defective character feels his infirmity. There are those who may see and censure, or who may feel a burden to constantly keep before him his defects, and thus drive to despair. They may think that by calling attention to these defects, they are doing missionary work. This is not what it means to be touched with the feeling of another’s infirmities. The meaning of the term may best be explained by an illustration from the life of Christ in his dealings with one of his disciples.

Peter’s Failure

Peter had been informed by Christ that he possessed a weakness which, if not recognized, would result in his overthrow. Peter did not appreciate that he had such an infirmity, and he said, “Though all men should be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” When the test came, Peter’s weakness was fully revealed. After he had thrice denied his Lord, even with an oath, Peter looked at Christ, no doubt expecting that he would at least shake his head, intimating, “It’s just as I expected; I told you so.” But instead of seeing in the eyes or countenance of Jesus any evidence of censure, he saw there an expression of the deepest pity, love, and compassion. Peter was conscious of having done wrong, of having been overcome. He felt deeply about it; but at the critical moment the face of Jesus revealed to him that he was touched with the feeling of his infirmity. That look of love and pity broke Peter’s heart, and led him to go out and weep bitterly. Into Peter’s life came a change which shaped the entire future of his career. Had he been censured, he might have been driven to do some desperate thing.
How many souls, conscious of their faults, have been driven from the truth because in the face of those who should, like their Master, have been touched with the feeling of their infirmities, they have seen only censure and rebuke! How many a child has become discouraged because of continuous criticism and nagging on the part of parents or friends!

The Need of the Church

What a change would come into the Christian church should its members be touched with the feelings of one another’s infirmities! Christianity would again win its way in the world, in spite of obstacles; and converts would be daily added to the church. Love wins where other efforts fail. Since there is so little of this love to be found in human nature, it is the privilege of every one who, like Peter, is conscious of his weaknesses, to look up into the face of him who is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and who is still “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.”
“If a brother be overtaken in a fault,” says the apostle, “ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” “If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tender-hearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one.”
Takoma Park, D. C.

Before the Sanhedrin Once More

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
The cross, that instrument of shame and torture, brought hope and salvation to the world. After the ascension of Christ, the disciples rallied. Their hopelessness and helplessness left them. They were but humble men, without wealth, and with no weapon but the Word of God; yet in Christ’s strength they went forth to tell the wonderful story of the manger and the cross, and to triumph over all opposition. Without earthly honor or recognition, they were heroes of faith. From their lips came words of divine eloquence that shook the world.
In Jerusalem, where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to him who had been crucified as a malefactor, they continued to speak with boldness the words of life, setting before the Jews the work and mission of Christ, and his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Those who had crucified the Saviour had expected to find the disciples discouraged and crestfallen, ready to disown their Lord. They heard with amazement the clear, bold testimony of the apostles. The power of the risen Saviour had indeed fallen on the disciples, and they worked signs and miracles that daily increased the number of believers. The people brought their sick, and those vexed with unclean spirits, into the streets, crowds collected round them, and those who had been healed shouted the praises of God, and glorified the name of the One whom the Jews had condemned, crowned with thorns, and crucified.
The priests and rulers saw that Christ was being extolled above them. They saw that there was danger of their doctrines being brought into disrepute, because the apostles were proclaiming that Christ had risen from the dead. The priests were greatly perplexed, especially those among them who were Sadducees. These saw that if the apostles were allowed to preach a risen Saviour, and to work miracles in his name, the doctrine that there was no resurrection of the dead would be rejected by all, and the sect of the Sadducees would soon become extinct. The Pharisees saw that the tendency of the teaching of the disciples would be to undermine the Jewish ceremonies, and make the sacrificial offerings of no effect.
Former efforts to suppress this new teaching had been in vain, but both Sadducees and Pharisees now determined that the work of the disciples must and should be stopped; for it was proving them guilty of the death of Jesus. They saw, too, that converts to the faith were multiplying. Filled with indignation, the priests laid violent hands upon Peter andJohn, and put them in the common prison.
The leaders in the Jewish nation had signally failed of fulfilling God’s purpose for his chosen people. Those whom the Lord had made the depositaries of truth had proved unfaithful to their trust, and God chose others to do his work. In their blindness, these leaders gave full sway to what they called righteous indignation against the ones who were setting aside cherished fables. They would not admit that there was a possibility that they themselves did not rightly understand the Word, or that they had misinterpreted or misapplied the Scriptures. They acted like men who had lost their reason. “What right have these men,” they said, “some of them mere fishermen, to present ideas contrary to the doctrines which we teach the people?” Determined to suppress the teaching of these ideas, they imprisoned those who were presenting them.
The disciples were not intimidated nor cast down by this treatment. The words of Christ in his last lesson to them were brought to their minds by the Holy Spirit: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father; and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” “When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. . . . These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.”
The God of heaven, the mighty Ruler of the universe, took the matter of the imprisonment of his servants into his own hands; for men were warring against his work. By night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and said to the disciples, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” This command was directly contrary to the order given by the Jewish rulers, but did the apostles say, “We can not do this until we have consulted the magistrates, and received permission from them”?—No; God said, “Go,” and they obeyed. “They entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught.”
When Peter and John appeared among the believers, and recounted how the angel had led them directly through the band of soldiers guarding the prison, bidding them resume the work that had been interrupted, the brethren were filled with amazement and joy.
In the meantime, “the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel.” The priests and rulers had decided to fix upon the disciples the charge of insurrection, and to accuse them of murdering Ananias and Sapphira, and of conspiring to deprive the priests of their authority, and put them to death. They hoped so to excite the mob that it would take the matter in hand, and deal with the disciples as it had dealt with Jesus. They were aware that many who did not accept the teachings of Christ were weary of the arbitrary rule of the Jewish authorities, and anxious for some decided change. The priests feared that if these dissatisfied ones were to accept the truths proclaimed by the apostles, and were to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the anger of the entire people would be raised against the religious authorities, who would then be made to answer for the murder of Christ. They decided to take strong measures to prevent this.
They sent for the prisoners to be brought before them. Great was their amazement when the report was brought back that the prison doors were found to be securely bolted, and the guard stationed before them, but that the prisoners were nowhere to be found.
Soon the report came, “Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.”
Although the apostles were miraculously delivered from prison, they were not saved from examination and punishment. Christ had said, when he was with them, “Take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils.” God had given them a token of his care, and an assurance of his presence, by sending the angel to them. It was now their part to suffer for the sake of that Jesus whom they preached.
We have many noble examples of loyalty to the law of God in the history of the prophets and apostles, who endured imprisonment, torture, and death itself, rather than break one of God’s commands. Peter and John have left a record as heroic as any in the gospel dispensation. As they stood for the second time before the men who seemed bent on their destruction, no fear nor hesitation could be seen in their words or attitude. When the high priest said, “Did we not straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us,” Peter answered, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” It was an angel sent by God who delivered them from prison, and who commanded them to teach in the temple. In following his directions they were obeying the divine command, as they must continue to do at any cost to themselves.
The spirit of inspiration came upon the disciples, and the accused became the accusers, charging the murder of Christ upon those who composed the council. “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,” Peter declared, “whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”
So enraged were the Jews at these words that they decided that without any further trial, and without authority from the Roman officers, they would take the law into their own hands, and put the prisoners to death. Already guilty of the blood of Christ, they were now eager to stain their hands with the blood of his disciples.
But in the council there was one man whose clear intellect saw that this violent step would lead to terrible consequences. This was Gamaliel, a Pharisee of high reputation and a man of learning and high position. A man of extreme caution, he requested the prisoners to be removed before he spoke in their behalf. He then spoke with great deliberation and calmness, saying: “Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who were slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this council or this work be of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God, ye can not overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
The priests, seeing the reasonableness of this view, were obliged to agree with Gamaliel. Yet their prejudice and hatred could hardly be restrained. Very reluctantly, after beating the disciples, and charging them again and again, at the peril of their lives, to preach no more in the name of Jesus, they released them.
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
Shortly before his crucifixion, Christ bequeathed to his disciples a legacy of peace. “Peace I leave with you,” he said; “my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This peace is not the peace that comes through conformity with the world. It is an internal rather than an external peace. Without will be wars and fightings, through the opposition of avowed enemies and the coldness and suspicion of those who claim to be friends. The peace of Christ was not to banish division; but it is to remain amid strife and division.
Though he bore the title of the Prince of Peace, Christ said of himself, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but asword.” By these words he did not mean that his coming was to produce discord and contention among his followers. He desired to show the effect that his teaching would have on different minds. One portion of the human family would receive him; the other portion would take sides with Satan, and would oppose Christ and his followers. The Prince of Peace, he was yet the cause of division. He who came to proclaim glad tidings and to create hope and joy in the hearts of the children of men, opened a controversy that burns deep and arouses intense passion in the human heart. And he warns his followers, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” “They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. . . . Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.”
This prophecy has been fulfilled in a marked manner, and it will be fulfilled in a yet more marked manner; for the carnal mind is still at enmity with the law of God, and will not be subject to its commands. Every indignity, reproach, and cruelty that Satan can instigate human hearts to devise has been visited upon the followers of Jesus; and the world is no more in harmony with the principles of Christ to-day than it was in ages past. The same hatred that prompted the cry, “Crucify him! crucify him!” the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still works in the children of disobedience. The same spirit that in the Dark Ages consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to the stake, that conceived the exquisite tortures of the Inquisition, produced the massacre of St. Bartholomew, and kindled the fires of Smithfield, is still at work with malignant energy in unregenerate hearts.
What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered persecution for Christ’s sake? It was union with God, union with the Holy Spirit, union with Christ. It is this fellowship with the Saviour that will enable God’s people to endure to the end in the time of trial before us. All heaven is interested in our warfare with evil, and awaits our demand upon its power. Neither wicked men nor evil spirits can hinder the work of God, or shut out Christ’s presence from us if with contrite hearts we put away our sins, and in faith claim the Saviour’s promises. Every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
God is just as willing now as anciently to work through human efforts, and to accomplish great things through humble instruments. We shall not gain the victory through numbers, but through full surrender of the soul to Jesus. We are to go forward in his strength, trusting in the mighty God of Israel. “If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things. . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

A Missionary Study From “Ministry of Healing”

By G. B. Starr

G. B. STARR
1. WHAT kind of workers can do the most extensive work for God?
“Educated workers who are consecrated to God can do service in a greater variety of ways and can accomplish more extensive work than can those who are uneducated.”
2. What enables them to do more?
“Their discipline of mind places them on vantage-ground.”
3. Can the uneducated accomplish anything?
“But those who have neither great talents nor extensive education may minister acceptably to others.”
4. Whom will God use?
“God will use men who are willing to be used.”
5. Will the possession of brilliant minds and talents insure success?
“It is not the most brilliant or the most talented persons whose work produces the greatest and most lasting results.”
6. What class are needed in the work?
“Men and women are needed who have heard a message from heaven.”
7. Who are the most effective workers?
“The most effective workers are those who respond to the invitation, ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.’”
8. What kind of missionaries are needed?
“It is heart missionaries that are needed.”
9. With what are heart missionaries filled?
“He whose heart God touches is filled with a great longing for those who have never known his love.”
10. What is it affects him so?
“Their condition impresses him with a sense of personal woe.”
11. What does this lead him to do?
“Taking his life in his hand, he goes forth, a heaven-sent, heaven-inspired messenger, to do a work in which angels can co-operate.”
12. If talents are wrongly used, what will happen to the possessors?
“If those to whom God has entrusted great talents of intellect put these gifts to a selfish use, they will be left after a period of trial to follow their own way.”
13. Whom will God select in their stead?
“God will take men who do not appear to be so richly endowed, who have not large self-confidence, and he will make the weak strong, because they trust him to do for them that which they can not do for themselves. God will accept the whole-hearted service, and will himself make up the deficiencies.”
14. Whom has the Lord often chosen?
“The Lord has often chosen for his colaborers men who have had opportunity to obtain but limited school education.”
15. What have this class done in response to God’s call?
“These men have applied their powers most diligently, and the Lord has rewarded their fidelity to his work, their industry, their thirst for knowledge.”
16. What has God seen and heard?
“He has seen their tears, and heard their prayers.”
17. To such workers, what does God give?
“As his blessing came to the captives in the courts of Babylon, so does he give wisdom and knowledge to his workers to-day.”
18. What special work has the Lord for these workers?
“The Lord brings them into connection with those of more marked ability, to fill up the gaps that others leave.” We can all be “gap fillers.”
19. What effect has personal missionary work upon the character?
Nothing will so arouse a self-sacrificing zeal and broaden and strengthen the character as to engage in work for others.
Melrose, Mass.

The Heavenly Sanctuary

By M. E. Steward

M. E. STEWARD
“It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Heb. 10:4. But “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.
THE earthly and heavenly sanctuaries alike:—
1. God gave Moses a pattern with explicit directions about making the earthly sanctuary. Ex. 25:40. We know that Moses performed his commission faithfully, because the Lord accepted the work when it was completed. Ex. 40:33, 34.
2. The service in the earthly was a shadow of that in the heavenly. Heb. 8:5.
3. The earthly was the ministration of the blood of animals, and “carnal ordinances.” In the heavenly sanctuary is ministered the blood of Christ. Heb. 9:10, 11.
Things in the heavenly which correspond with the earthly: Seven lamps of fire (Rev. 4:5); the altar of incense (Rev. 8:3, 4); and the ark. Rev. 11:19.The lamps (the candlestick with seven lamps) and the altar were in the holy place; the ark belonged in the most holy place. Since the two sanctuaries are alike, there are two places in the heavenly sanctuary.

Office of Christ:—

1. He is our high priest.
2. He is the head of all the work and workers in saving man. Eph. 1:22.
3. Christ is the final judge. John 5:22. Having lived this earthly life, he will be a just and merciful judge. Heb. 4:15.

Kinds of offerings:—

1. By Christ, our sin-offering, we are justified. Rom. 5:9.
2. He is our burnt offering, by which we are sanctified. Heb. 10:14.
3. We may make three kinds of offerings: (1) Offerings to God (Heb. 13:15); (2) offerings for vows and tithes (Mal. 3:8-10); (3) free-will offerings to the needy. Heb. 13:16.

Important considerations:—

1. All the sins which were taken into the earthly sanctuary by the sacrifices, went beyond into the heavenly. Heb. 10:4. All the sins confessed since the fall of Adam have gone to the sanctuary on high.
2. As the earthly had to be cleansed from this ceremonial defilement, so the heavenly must be freed from imputed sins. Heb. 9:23.
3. A year’s round of service on earth typified the ministration of Christ, from his ascension to his second coming, first in the holy, and then in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary.

The antitypical day of atonement:—

1. With his blood Christ enters into the most holy place, at the close of his ministry in the holy place.
2. An investigative judgment takes place. Dan. 7:10. Beginning at Adam, the case of every one who has ever begun to serve the Lord, and whose name is consequently in the Lamb’s book of life, is critically examined. Names are accepted, names rejected. The sins of those whose names are accepted are blotted out of the book. Acts 3:19. The names of all who are rejected are blotted out of the book of life. Rev. 3:5. This draws the final dividing line between the righteous and the wicked.
3. God’s people “are not in darkness” that they will not know when Christ is coming in the clouds of heaven. 1 Thess. 5:4. But no one will know when his name will be called in the investigative judgment, and his case decided for eternity.

The closing work:—

1. After the last case has been decided, and Christ has finished the work of atonement, he comes out of the temple, the heavenly sanctuary, which is “filled with smoke,” signifying that probation is passed. He then places the sins of his people, which he has taken from the sanctuary, on the head of Satan, who is the antitypical scapegoat, because he was the cause of these sins.
2. This closes the sanctuary work. There is no further need of its ministry, since all who will accept salvation are eternally saved. Therefore, the temple no longer exists. Rev. 21:22. Henceforth, “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple;” they are the center of worship, which the sanctuary had been.
3. During the thousand years, as the scapegoat, Satan suffers intensely, in his confinement in the bottomless pit. Rev. 20:3. At the end of this period the fate of our fearful enemy is forever sealed in the lake of fire.
Sanitarium, Cal.

O. B. KUHN

By O. B. Kuhn

Discouragement

O. B. KUHN

“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Jer. 12: 5. If we fail and become discouraged in these times, when all things are so favorable to success, what shall we do bring the stormy days of the “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation”?
The word discouragement is defined as being a state of lost confidence, lack of courage, and depression of spirit in regard to effort or action. If it is experienced in our business life, these definitions express our attitude toward our work and business associates; if in our Christian experience, then they apply to our relation to God, and express our attitude toward his work and workers.
What a pitiable condition for a Christian to be in!—confidence in God lost, courage in battling against evil and for righteousness lacking; Christian endeavor, if attempted at all, but a feeble effort, because of the depressed spirit! Surely such a condition is almost as bad as that of the Christian with nothing to do. In evangelical enterprises, as in all other activities where men are needed, the discouraged are necessarily relegated to the rear.

The Fruit of Unbelief

The Bible defines this condition as being a fruit of unbelief. It was this sin that made necessary the forty years’ wandering of the Israelites, and because of it their carcasses fell in the wilderness. It kept them out of the promised land, and will keep many of them out of the kingdom of God. “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” “Be not faithless, but believing.”

The Great Cause of Unbelief

is ignorance of God’s Word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Many have but an imperfect knowledge and understanding of even the most simple teachings of the Scriptures, and as a result, their faith is ignorant and imperfect; it can not be directed by intelligence. Thus, being defectively armored, they can not stand in the evil day. Paul says: “I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”
All need an intelligent faith, based upon an understanding of the plan of salvation. All may obtain this who are not too indolent to make the required effort. If we would have the mind fortified with saving truths, we must daily study the Bible with interest and perseverance. We should understand the relation that exists between God and his children. We have no independent existence, no resources from which to supply the things necessary to our physical being. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being,” “seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” for “all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” We are not only his by right of creation and maintenance, but by redemption also; for we have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. We are not our own; we have been bought with a price.

The Expected End

God paid this price that we by believing might have everlasting life and a home with him. But before we are fit to be received into his house, it is necessary to form righteous characters. The trials of life are God’s workmen in this preparation process. He says to us: “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, . . . thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” In every trial and temptation that he permits to come upon us, he sees that “expected end,” and thus it is that “all things are for your sakes,” “and all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” O, that we would once for all define our relation with God by actual acquaintance and experience! Then unbelief would forever flee.

Growth in Grace

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness; but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Jesus said, “I am the . . . truth.” He was “the Word . . . made flesh.” If we would grow in knowledge of him, we must study the Word, and with diligence add to our faith strength, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness,and love. “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
A knowledge of God and of his Word, if received in the love of the truth, will sanctify our lives, and develop in them the Christian graces necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God. With such a knowledge we shall have a faith that will intelligently control our lives, and direct our efforts in Christian endeavor. Then we shall “lay aside every weight, and the sin [unbelief] that doth so easily beset us,” and run with patience the race that is set before us. Discouragement will no longer harass the soul, worry the mind, and weaken the body; and its mother, unbelief, will not keep us out of the kingdom of heaven.
Takoma Park, D. C.
Continue reading: Call to the Ministry