Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 15. (4/11/1907)

Review and Herald

Apr 11, 1907

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1907

“I Shall Be Satisfied”

By R. A. Rhees

Far out of sight, while yet the flesh enfolds us, Lies that fair country where our hearts abide; And of its bliss is naught more wondrous told us Than these few words, “I shall be satisfied.”

Satisfied? Satisfied? The spirit’s yearning For sweet companionship of kindred minds— The silent love that here meets no returning, The inspiration which no language finds—

Shall they be satisfied? The soul’s vague longing, The aching mind which nothing earthly fills? O, what desires upon my soul are thronging, As I look upward to the heavenly hills!

Thither my weak and weary feet are tending— Saviour and Lord, with Thy frail child abide. Guide me toward home, where, all my wanderings ending, I shall see Thee, and shall be satisfied.

—R. A. Rhees.

The Church

ITS ORGANIZATION

ORDER, and DISCIPLINE

By J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C.

PRICE. 25 CENTS

JUST OUT!

ALL REVIEW readers will appreciate this new and vitally important pamphlet. Its author is eminently qualified to prepare a work on church organization. He has been actively associated with our denominational work from its beginning. He has always been a close observer, and has made a special study of church organization. His manuscript was heartily approved before it was printed. This new pamphlet, therefore, comes from the press thoroughly sanctioned by those who are expected to pass upon a publication that deals so vitally with the affairs of the denomination.

It Contains Much Valuable Information

on subjects pertaining to church and denominational affairs. It will answer many questions that may have been perplexing to some in the past upon the following general subjects, which are treated minutely under natural subdivisions: The Church; The Foundation of the Church; The Church as a Building; The Head and the Body; The Shepherd and His Flock; The Under-shepherd and the Flock; The Vine and Its Branches; The Light of the World; Rulers; Rebuking Sin; Authority in the Church; Christ's Ambassadors; Unity of the Church; Order in the Ancient Church; Order in the Episcopal Church; Submission versus Creed; Power and Force; Calling out of the Last Church; Anarchy or Order: Which? Development of Order; Support of the Ministry; State Conferences; Delegate Conference and Church Organization; Numerical Representation and Committees; Caution to the Church; Timely Advice to the Church; Reorganization; Answers to Questions, etc.

The subject-matter of this pamphlet is no new man-made theory, but it is the condensed, formulated instruction given to the denomination in its development, arranged in convenient form for reference and study. It has been in preparation for several years, being first printed in the REVIEW during the years 1899 and 1900, and thoroughly criticized by the workers and leaders in the denomination, and by them approved in its perfected form. The following testimonial from the Treasurer of the Oklahoma Conference is a fair sample of many we might produce: “I remember several years ago our conference presidents carried a file of the REVIEW containing the articles on organization, that they might have the information given to impart to the churches. I think every family of Seventh-day Adventists should have this pamphlet. It ought to be the A B C book for all the churches.”

The work is rendered convenient and practical by a thorough index, which will enable one to turn at once to any portion of a subject. The pamphlet is of the ordinary size, 5 x 7¼ inches, and contains 184 pages, printed in clear type. Price, 25 cents, post-paid. A stock of the pamphlet will be kept by all State tract societies and all our publishing houses. Order through the regular channels.

Review & Herald Publishing Association

Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.

Editorial Letter

By William W. Prescott

Jottings from the Editor’s Note-Book

The next morning after our arrival in Kobe we went out to see how the Japanese celebrate New-year’s day. The whole town presented a gala appearance. There were many people in the streets, and they were attired in their finest garments. Even the ’rickasha men were decked out with gay sashes, and the children outdid Joseph with their garments of many colors. Well-dressed men and women were riding from place to place in ’rickashas, making New-year’s calls, and I regret to say that in some cases they were showing the effects of taking wine at each place. Thus does the East learn of the West.

There are two principal temples in Kobe, and we visited them both. The large temple yards were crowded, but not with devout worshipers, although some were casting their money into the collection boxes, and repeating their prayers at the shrines.

The great crowds were found around the stands where toys, candies, and images of the gods were offered for sale, and about the side-shows. The most attractive of these was a Japanese fakir, or hypnotist, whose performances were eagerly watched by a large company. This man gave the clearest evidence that he exercised a remarkable power over the boys under his direction, by holding their hands in the fire without causing them suffering, by so fixing the arm or hand in certain positions that the boy could not change it, and by placing a bamboo pole against the flat hand so that the boy could be pulled around the ring by the pole. It was evident that the boys felt the effects of the uncanny influence even after they were out from under the spell, and we could but feel sorry for them.

The greatest crowds of all, however, were around the stands of the gamblers. Even within the sound of the voice of an old priest who was intoning a consecration service for a little child in the arms of its nurse, men and women, and even children, were trying to get something for nothing by taking their chances with the gamblers. I was impressed with the thought that heathenism is the same in all ages and in all countries. In the olden time, when the professed people of God had lost the reality of their religion and had lapsed into heathenism, they bought and sold and changed money in the temple, and by their extortion robbed those who frequented the place. In many of the so-called Christian countries of the present day they have bazaars and fairs in the churches; and by various drawings and opportunities for winning where the chances are altogether against the purchaser of a ticket, they withdraw money from the pockets of those in attendance. What is the difference between gambling in the temple yards in Japan and gambling in a church building where they take collections for the purpose of sending the gospel to the heathen in Japan? There is great need of preaching the genuine gospel of Christ in both places.

I will take the opportunity here to make brief mention of our sanitarium work in Kobe. Drs. S. A. and Myrtle Lockwood have conducted a sanitarium for foreigners during the past three years, and have thus been brought in contact with many people of influence, and have witnessed for the true principles of the gospel. The most unsatisfactory part of their experience, however, has been that while missionaries and others have been friendly and have availed themselves of the opportunity afforded to recover physical health, yet they have carefully held aloof from any close touch with the message which our workers have gone to Japan to declare. So far as I remember not one of all who have been patients has accepted them the third angel’s message. This has led the Drs. Lockwood and some who have been associated with them to feel that they were not accomplishing the primary object for which they went to Japan—to assist in proclaiming the closing message in that needy field. In view of their past experience and their feeling concerning it, some changes were recommended in the plans for sanitarium work, of which more particular mention will be made at some other time.

A sanitarium and dispensary for the Japanese was opened a year or more ago not far from the house occupied by the Drs. Lockwood, and the work is now being carried forward by Dr. Noma, a Japanese sister who received the truth a few years ago. Although the Japan Mission took no financial responsibility in the management of this institution, yet it showed an active interest in its work, and the Drs. Lockwood rendered such assistance as their other duties would permit. The results of this effort in behalf of the Japanese have been most encouraging. Dr. Noma and her workers have been greatly blessed in presenting the truth to the patients, and others have united with them in this good work. As a result of these efforts, between twenty and thirty have accepted the message, some of whom were converted directly from heathenism. The fruits of sanitarium work for the Japanese justified larger plans for this

method of proclaiming the message to this people, and such plans were considered and adopted at our general meeting. These will be reported later. Pictures of both the sanitariums in Kobe have appeared in a recent issue of the REVIEW, and can doubtless be readily recalled by the readers of this letter. The influence of these two institutions has extended a long distance from Kobe, and patients have come to them from towns many miles away. Just as I was leaving, Dr. Lockwood received word of the early arrival of a wealthy Chinese prince with his whole retinue. Since then I have learned of his improvement in health under the doctor’s care, and of his desire to have others come to the institution. Let us hope that this may prove to be an open door to a great opportunity for making known the truth.

The next evening after I arrived in Kobe, the general meeting for Japan opened. All the workers in both Japan and Korea had been invited to attend this meeting, and all were present. The meetings were held in the neat chapel owned and used by the Kobe church, our only meeting-house in Japan, and the room was well filled, as in addition to the local members some were in attendance from other places. When Dr. Myrtle Lockwood, in a talk before a council of the General Conference Committee at College View, Neb., in 1904, spoke of the plan to build a chapel in Kobe, and took a collection in behalf of this undertaking, I little thought that I should so soon have the privilege of speaking in that chapel. At our first meeting Brother F. W. Field, the superintendent of the Japan Mission, spoke for a short time, after which I occupied a few moments, and others followed. It was a good introduction to the series of meetings of which I will speak in my next letter.

W. W. P.

The Key-note

By Editor

Editorial

The Key-note

We have no hesitancy in saying that the key-note of this message must be, “The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” And it is time that the key-note should sound with positiveness and strength. Let this cry ring out through all the lands. Let the evidences of the second advent of our Lord as an imminent event be clearly presented. Let the prophecies be studied with a fresh interest, and with the expectation that a new light will shine forth from them; and with a mighty faith in the fulfilment of God’s word let the messengers declare to the people, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel.” The Spirit of God will witness to his truth, and we shall hear the multitude asking, “What must I do to be saved?” The call of the hour is for every one who believes that this people has been raised up to give the advent message to the world in this generation, to rally with a loyal heart to do this work quickly. “The return of Christ to our world will not be long delayed. Let this be the keynote of every message.”

Apostolic Example on the Sabbath Question

By C. M. S.

One of the first reasons given for Sunday observance is “the authority of apostolic example” in that direction. The inquirer is given to understand that the apostles were Sunday-keepers, and by their example, approved at least by the Saviour himself, changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. When pressed for specific proof, of course, they are unable to give it.

Paul’s directions concerning the gathering of a fund for the poor at Jerusalem are made to teach the inauguration of a plan which the very directions themselves discountenance—the taking of a collection while he was among them. The fact that the laying aside of the money was to take place on the first day is supposed to show that the first day was the Sabbath. The holding of a meeting on the first day of the week is made to do duty also to the same end; and the declaration of the apostle that the types, shadows, and “days” of the ceremonial dispensation were nailed to the cross, is taken as a declaration that the Sabbath of Jehovah, instituted in Eden, commanded in the great Ten Words, and set for a Sabbath in the earth made new, ended at the cross.

Paul answers all such arguments and statements, and answers them so emphatically that none need ever have put them forth if they had studied his teachings. When Paul, bound as a Roman prisoner, pleaded before the Jews of Rome the cause for which he and so many others were suffering, he said: “I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.” Acts 28: 17.

After reading that statement of the apostle Paul, no one can have just ground for accusing him of being a Sunday-keeper or teaching any one else to keep that day in preference to the seventh-day Sabbath. Paul never could have spoken those words truthfully if his “apostolic example” had leaned toward a disregard of the Sabbath and the setting up of Sunday as a sabbath in its place. One of the most marked of the “customs of our fathers” to which Paul referred was the custom of keeping the Sabbath commanded on Sinai and written in the decalogue. The heathen world was at that very time keeping Sunday—worshiping the sun upon that day. Had Paul changed from the seventh day to Sunday, that act would have constituted the Jews’ first accusation against him. Nothing was more obnoxious to the true Jew than sun-worship. Therefore it is beyond all reason that Paul or any of the other apostles would adopt as a sabbath a day so long dedicated by their enemies to the worship of the sun. Especially is it unthinkable when the Lord had given no direction for such an alteration in his holy law as would make such a substitution possible.

The Jews vehemently accused Paul on a number of occasions, and persecuted him. They accused him of doing things he did not do and teaching things he did not teach; but the idea of Paul’s being a teacher or practiser of Sunday-keeping was so far from anything that any one would believe him guilty of doing that the remotest possibility of it never seems to have entered their minds.

They who look to Paul’s example in the matter, and take these facts in connection with his emphatic declaration that he had done nothing against the customs of their fathers, must conclude that Paul was a strict observer of the Sabbath of Jehovah. We can not accuse Paul of throwing his “apostolic example” on the side of Sunday-keeping without accusing him of falsehood in his statement to the Jews of Rome.

C. M. S.

The Great Seed Sower

By C. M. S.

JESUS CHRIST came to this world to do just what the sower did in the parable which the Saviour put forth; that is, to sow seed. In all his work for man, from the baptism in Jordan to the death on the cross, it is simply a record of the sowing of seed.

There were flourishing kingdoms in the world at the time of Christ’s personal ministry here; but Christ made no attempt to overturn them or interfere with their functions. There were many heads wearing crowns whose possessors

coveted the crowns on the heads of others, and schemed for their possession; but the crowns of earthly potentates were not the object of Christ’s mission in the world. There were civil laws in vogue at the time, some good, and some inexpressibly oppressive; but Christ did not consider it his mission to overthrow or interfere with these. There were rulers of many and rulers of few; but Christ declared that he came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and taught his followers that they should imitate his example, and be servants rather than masters or rulers.

He did not do any of those things which the ambitious members of the Jewish hierarchy expected to see done by the One who should come to liberate Israel. Instead of the crash of overturned kingdoms, the world heard: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Instead of a command for the marshaling of the nation, the people heard the voice: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Instead of a call for the subjugation of the world, the people heard: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Instead of placing his followers on earthly thrones, and surrounding them with fawning courtiers and overflowing luxury, he commanded them: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature;” “go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”

The nation was disappointed in him; but it was because the nation was not walking in the light of God. They were looking for a Saviour who could not have saved them if he had come as they had pictured him.

But he came—came sowing seed; and appointed every one who would be his to the work which he had made sacred by his life-work. It was not done with outward show, pomp, and worldly glory; but look at what the fruit of that peaceful seed sowing will be.

He would not uproot with violence the kingdoms existing while he was upon the earth; but from the seed sowing which he did a kingdom shall come that will fill the whole earth, and “it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” Dan. 2:44. He did not covet the crowns of earthly rulers, yet in derision was crowned with cruel thorns; but as a result of the work which he did here, we find him finally crowned with many crowns—symbols of his everlasting victory (Rev. 19:12), and crowns of victory also on the heads of his faithful followers. Rev. 4:4; 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:8.

He did not displace, or interfere with, the civil laws then in existence; but as the result of the seed sowing of the gospel, all the laws that human minds have framed will one day be swept out of existence, and then the laws of the all-wise God will be the only code as far as the works of God extend, and as long as eternity shall last. With God’s eternal law the rule in all his realm, there will be no place for the ponderous, confusing legislative inventions of puny man. Righteousness will take the place of sin, and he who would not overthrow the kingdoms of this world with carnal weapons will sit then as the ruler of the universe. Instead of laws engraved on stone, or pressed into tablets of clay, or printed on perishing parchment or paper, God’s one universal law will be written in the heart of every creature in his kingdom. Heb. 8:10; 10:16, 17.

That is the triumph of the seed sowing of the gospel; that is the triumph of Divinity’s plan for removing from the universe the incubus of sin; it is the triumph of God’s way over man’s way; of righteousness over sin. And that work will be done, no matter how we as individuals may relate ourselves to it. It is our blessed privilege—each son and daughter of Adam—to triumph with that work; but the wrecking of our glorious opportunity does not mean that God’s work will come to naught. It will triumph, and we may triumph with it if we will to do his will.

Everything else to which God has spoken has heard his voice and obeyed. When God said, “Let there be light,” nature obeyed him, and light sprang into being. When he commanded the waters to divide and the dry land to appear, they obeyed him, and have never yet disobeyed. When he said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind,” they obeyed, and are obeying still. Every tree that grows upon the earth, every blade of grass that comes up out of the earth, every herb that grows, is a living, growing example of obedience to the Word of God. And so while men have disobeyed through all the ages, nature puts forth in her blades and buds, her flowers and fruits, a continual testimony of obedience to our common Maker. In the growth of plant life from seeds scattered over the earth, we have a perpetual symbol of what is being done, and will be done, by the seed sowing of the gospel; and in the obedience which these things manifest, we have a symbol of that universal obedience which will come as the final result of the seed sowing of the Prince of Peace in a world that had well-nigh forgotten God. There is power in the tiny seed to break the hardest rocks, and burst through the hardest soil; likewise there is power in the seed of God’s word to soften the hardest hearts and break the strongest bands of selfishness. Out of soil thus transformed God can bring forth the eternal fruitage of a righteous character.

C. M. S.

How the Lord Helps

By W. A. S.

We are never to forget, as we look over the vast work to be done, that there is infinite power and resource to do the work.

There may appear to human vision and insight no way to accomplish a task. But when the Lord commands, he can make ways where there are none, as he “made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over.” Just where the keenest human wisdom sees only failure, God can see success. “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isa. 41: 17.

Where there is no water, how can thirst be satisfied? “I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Verse 18. We would naturally look for rivers in the valleys, but the Lord can reverse the natural course.

It matters not to the Lord what the obstacles may be. ‘The Lord loves to cause his children to triumph over natural conditions. It is to the more signal glory of his grace and power. When there seems no way to follow the word and commandment of the Lord, we are to remember that the soul that yields unreservedly to him lays the responsibility upon one who is able to bear it. As a child places its little hand in a father’s strong hand, so we may lay our hand in that of our Father in heaven and go forward, no matter how impassable the way may appear.

“I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee.” Isa. 41: 13.

W. A. S.

Organization—No. 11

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

A Brief Account of Its History in the Development of the Cause of the Third Angel’s Message

THE first message that came to our people through the spirit of prophecy regarding organization declared plainly that disorganization was Satan’s method of distracting and tearing down that which God designed to build up, and that if our people would unite on God’s plan of organization as they should, “separating bars would be broken into fragments,” “hearts would flow together,” and that “there would be power and strength in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers far exceeding anything” they had “yet witnessed.”

This message closed the controversy with many. They believed that through this message God set the seal of his approval upon thorough organization among the remnant people. Elder J. N. Andrews, who had exercised great caution regarding a step that involved such far-reaching consequences, wrote as follows:—

I am sensible that I have not wisdom to propose a plan of action, and it has been my hope that the brethren chosen for this purpose at the last conference at Battle Creek would present through the REVIEW a well-matured plan for the action of the church. So far as I know, in this Western country the brethren are waiting for such a plan. For myself I would say that it is doubtless essential to the well-being of every church that they be set in order by the selection of such officers as the New Testament brings to view; and wherever meeting-houses are owned, that there such legal organization should exist as will enable the brethren to hold their places of worship. I am also decidedly in favor of concerted action, and hence would heartily approve of the regular monthly meetings of as many churches as can thus come together; and of State conferences to assemble annually or semiannually, that the united strength of the people of God may be brought to bear upon the work that is to be done. I have confidence to believe that this work is under the superintendence of the Most High, and that in answer to the united prayer of his people he will guide it in the right channel.—Review and Herald, Vol. XVIII, page 124.

This article was followed by one from Elder B. F. Snook, in which he said:—

That there is need of more strict and systematic organization, none who are alive to the interests and wants of the cause can deny. God’s people, above all others, need the strictest organization. This, too, he has provided them with. Then why should we not avail ourselves of it? . . . Good organization is an effectual shield against confusion, while disorganization is the very means which engenders it. Dear brethren, let us be a unit on this great and important question. It is one on which the success of

the cause much depends; and it seems to me that an action in this direction should be made immediately. Then let us not stand back and throw all this burden upon Brother White, as we have done too much heretofore.—Id., page 132.

Elder Rufus Baker came to the front with the following counsel:—

The necessity of order in the church must be apparent to all who have given the subject an impartial investigation, from the fact that we have entered the perils of the last days, and are living in a time when Satan is trying with all his power to overthrow the message of the third angel, by bringing confusion and distraction among the people of God. . . .

Past experience also justifies us in this position; for it is a fact that those churches prosper best which have organized under the order of the New Testament. The fanatical spirit which arose in Wisconsin last winter, originated, and did its greatest work, among those who were opposed to order. If we may be permitted to learn from experience, it truly seems as if we should try to close this door of the enemy. Wisdom is justified of her children.

I sincerely hope that the time may soon come when the subject of organization will be more fully entered into, and carried out through all the various branches of the church of Christ. A stormy future is before us. Satan is mustering his forces for the great battle. Therefore we do well to prepare ourselves for the attack. I confidently believe that the Lord is stirring up his faithful children to the subject of more thorough organization.—Id., page 142.

Next came definite action. A council was called at Battle Creek, Oct. 5, 1861. The brethren who attended this council boldly launched both church and conference organization. In the published proceedings we find the following:—

1. The first business presented was the organization of churches. Brother Loughborough said: I consider it proper and necessary to consider here the organization of churches, as the subject has been agitated among us, especially for the last six months; and in order to bring the matter before the meeting, I move that we consider the proper manner of organizing churches. Seconded by Brother White. Carried. Brother White then presented the following resolution:—

Resolved, That this Conference recommend the following church covenant: We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Seconded by Brother Hull. Adopted. . . .

2. The next question being in regard to the proper manner of organizing churches, after some remarks by different individuals, the following resolution was presented by Brother White:—

Resolved, That we refer this subject to the ministers present, instructing them to hold a Bible class on it, and write an address to the brethren, to be published in the REVIEW. Unanimously adopted.—Id., page 148.

The ministers to whom the second resolution referred the question of “the proper manner of organizing churches,” immediately issued an address of instruction to the believers, on the following points: “First, manner of organizing a church; second, officers and their duties; third, the reception of members; and fourth, letters of commendation.”

The resolutions given above were never rescinded. They, with the address on organization that followed, settled the question with this people as to whether they would organize themselves into churches. And they also clearly enunciated the principles underlying the New Testament church organization, and definitely outlined the form, methods of procedure, etc.

The Council of Oct. 5, 1861, did more than to settle the question of organizing the believers into churches; it settled the question of organizing the churches into conferences. Here is the record:—

3. Organization of Conferences: On this subject the following resolutions were presented by Brother White:—

Resolved, That we recommend to the churches in the State of Michigan to unite in one conference, with the name of The Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Adopted.

Resolved, That the conference be composed of ministers and delegates from the churches. Adopted.

By Brother Loughborough:—

Resolved, That the officers of this conference consist of a Chairman, Clerk, and a standing committee of three. Adopted.

Resolved, That our present Chairman and Clerk act as officers of this conference for the coming year. Adopted.

By Brother White:—

Resolved, That John N. Loughborough, Moses Hull, and M. E. Cornell be the Conference Committee. Adopted.

Resolved, That the first session of the Michigan State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists be held at Monterey, Mich., Oct. 5-8, 1862. Adopted.

4. Ministers’ papers: On this subject the following was presented by Brother Cornell:—

Resolved, That our ministers’ papers consist of a certificate of ordination, also credentials to be signed by the Chairman and Clerk of the conference, which credentials shall be renewed annually. Adopted.

By Brother Hull:—

Resolved, That this conference give credentials to the ministers of this State who are in good standing. Adopted.—Id., page 148.

This was the first conference ever organized by Seventh-day Adventists. As will be seen by a glance at the resolutions, they define the territory, name the organization, locate the source of responsibility, authority, and power of the organization, provide for the administrative officers, and arrange for the selection of its accredited ministers. The resolution which locates the source of the responsibility, authority, and power of the conference places it in the church, or, more properly, the people. This is directly the opposite of the organization of the papacy, which places these prerogatives in the officials.

A. G. DANIELLS.

Note and Comment

GEORGE W. GLOVER, son of Mrs. Eddy, founder of Christian Science, who has instituted proceedings to secure an accounting of his mother’s business affairs from the men surrounding her, is reported to have said: that “she [Mrs. Eddy] told me that the secrets of Christian Science, when put to evil uses by designing men, were terrible in their power.” He thinks such men are using their “black arts” against her now, and expects in this suit to encounter “all the powers of hypnotism, mesmerism, and every other ism linked with the devil.”

What Shall We Do with King Jesus?

The United Christian, of Davenport, Iowa, organ of “The Christian Party,” in its issue for March asks:—

What shall we do with King Jesus? Is there no room for God’s law or kingdom in the churches, parties, or governments of our day? When Jesus was born, there was no room for him in the inn; a barn was his reception room, and he was cradled on straw in a manger.

Jesus “came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.” That was true of him from the night of his birth till the day of his death. That is why he was born in a manger.

But when it comes to making him a king, we find that Jesus Christ asserts his own purpose. When they would take him and make him a king—just as the Christian Party is seeking to do now—Jesus “withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.” On the very day of his crucifixion, we hear him declaring to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” He never permitted men to place any crown upon his head save the crown of thorns; and he is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” We have no reason to believe he would accept to-day at the hands of the Christian Party the crown which he refused at the hands of his own disciples. Jesus could submit to the manger birth, to the persecutions, the mockings, the scourgings, the pitiless crown of thorns, the ignominious death on the cross, but the kingship of this world at the hands of men—never! He will receive it one day at the hands of the Father, but that will be when the kingdoms of this world have been smitten by the stone “cut out of the mountain without hands,” and they have been scattered as “the chaff of the summer thrashing-floor,” broken “in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” We have no reason to think that what Jesus spurned yesterday he will accept to-day. The scheme is no more in harmony with God’s purpose than would have been Jesus’ acceptance of Satan’s offer to give him the kingdoms of this world. Then, too, Satan had the kingdoms to give, and the Christian Party has not.

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