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Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 49.

THE DEATH OF THE FLOWERS

Review and Herald

Dec 5, 1912

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 5, 1912

THE DEATH OF THE FLOWERS

By William Cullen Bryant

The melancholy days are come, the saddest of the year, Of wailing winds, and naked woods, and meadows brown and sear. Heaped in the hollows of the grove, the autumn leaves lie dead; They rustle to the eddying gust, and to the rabbit's tread. The robin and the wren are flown, and from the shrubs the jay, And from the wood-top calls the crow through all the gloomy day.
Where are the flowers, the fair young flowers, that lately sprang and stood In brighter light and softer airs, a beauteous sisterhood? Alas! they all are in their graves; the gentle race of flowers Are lying in their lowly beds with the fair and good of ours. The rain is falling where they lie; but the cold November rain Calls not from out the gloomy earth the lovely ones again.
The windflower and the violet, they perished long ago, And the brier-rose and the orchis died amid the summer glow; But on the hill the goldenrod, and the aster in the wood, And the yellow sunflower by the brook, in autumn beauty stood, Till fell the frost from the clear cold heaven, as falls the plague on men, And the brightness of their smile was gone from upland, glade, and glen.
And now, when comes the calm mild day, as still such days will come, To call the squirrel and the bee from out their winter home; When the sound of dropping nuts is heard though all the trees are still, And twinkle in the smoky light the waters of the rill, The South Wind searches for the flowers whose fragrance late he bore, And sighs to find them in the wood and by the stream no more. —Selected.

NOW READY FOR YOU!

By Editor

The Beautiful January or "Open Air," "Insomnia," and "Tuberculosis" Number

Just the Number to Sell During the Holidays!

It will start your neighbors in the right direction for the New Year health-wise, mentally, and spiritually.
Send $2.00 to your conference tract society for a trial order of 50 copies; or $1.00 for 20 copies, we to pay the postage.
Every parent having tuberculosis-inclined children will want it. Every school-teacher will enjoy reading it.

Two December Editions

So insistent was the demand for our beautiful December number that we were obliged to print two editions. In fact, a number of December orders will have to be filled with the January issue.

January Features

Open-Air Schools for Consumptives The Divorce Problem Insomnia — Cause and Cure Baby's Sleep, Air, and Exercise The Athletic Girl and Motherhood Alcoholic Drinks — How Made How to Cook Eggs Colds — Causes and Cure Growing Old Gracefully Some Problems of Tuberculosis Hay-Fever Copper Cooking Utensils Questions and Answers

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A Prominent Editor's Opinion

"You are putting forth a strong, fearless journal, and one that does not hesitate to take a positive stand on important questions.
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"Cordially yours, "(Signed) H. Edwin Lewis," Editor "American Medicine."

JUST OFF THE PRESS!

By Editor

The Striking January or "Rome Versus the Bible" and "Papacy in Politics" Number

Five times in succession we have been obliged to print two editions of the recent issues of this magazine in order to supply the demand.
"They" said: "Your December number is the best I have ever read." We thought so, too. But we are compelled to admit that the January number goes far ahead of even that issue.

Rome Watching the "Protestant"

Nearly every week from one to six of the leading Catholic weeklies make mention of either the "Protestant Magazine" or "Liberty."
Perhaps the most interesting of these items was a paragraph taken from our November campaign page, telling of the sale of 1,500 copies by our Pittsburgh agency following the stirring address by General Miles to the "Guardians of Liberty" in that city.

January Contents

Double Frontispiece: Photograph of Apostolic Delegate Bonzano's letter to a Catholic advising political submission. Also photograph of Cardinal O'Connell's procession in Lowell, Mass. Rome Versus the Bible The Life-Giving Word Rome and the Bible Societies Bishop Wordsworth on Rome the Apocalyptic Babylon Rome and the Reading of the Bible United States Troops in Cardinal Farley's Parade The Pope and the Recent Election The Mediation of Christ — an exposition of Daniel 8. Religion in Politics Romanism in South America Catholic Notice Served on President-Elect Wilson

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A GOOD BIBLE

By Editor

And the Instructor

For $2.50 We will send to any address the INSTRUCTOR for ONE YEAR, and a GOOD BIBLE, 1 x 5½ x 7½ inches in size, self-pronouncing, references, maps, large minion, CLEAR-TYPE EDITION, divinity circuit, red under gold edges, in every way good, serviceable, and attractive.
For $3.00 We will send to any address, the INSTRUCTOR for one year, and a Bible like the one described above, excepting it has larger type (long primer), and is 1¼ x 6 x 8 inches in size, just the Bible for the aged or those having impaired vision.

Instructor Bible Offer

By Editor

The $2.50 Bible is appropriate in size and type for the young people, or those having ordinary eyesight. The $3.00 Bible is of desirable size, yet the type is clear enough for defective vision. The print is very clear and restful. Each Bible is well bound in good material, as good as can be secured for the price in the most favorable market. It will be sent post-paid, neatly incased in a box, immediately upon the receipt of the order for the Instructor.
The Instructor for one year and a nice Bible will make a good and very practical Christmas or birthday present for a boy or girl; or the Instructor to a youth, and a Bible to his father or mother, may be desirable. The Instructor may be sent to one address, and the Bible to another.
This offer is not limited to any class of subscribers, or to any period of time. It will be continued as long as the publishers can afford the Bibles at these prices.
When you want a good Bible at the price of the poor, and an excellent paper fit for people of quality, subscribe for the INSTRUCTOR, and get both.

Surprises Then

By J. S. James

Not until the final balances are made in the books of record will the value of this great last-day missionary movement be fully realized. There will be many surprises then. If we could know how far the little which we give of our talents is made to reach in the saving of the perishing of earth, we should be better prepared to understand the following statements:—
"The poor widow who cast her two mites into the Lord's treasury little knew what she was doing. Her example of self-sacrifice has acted and reacted upon thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. It has brought to the treasury of God gifts from the high and the low, the rich and the poor. It has helped to sustain missions, to establish hospitals, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and preach the gospel to the poor. Multitudes have been blessed through her unselfish deed. And the outworking of all these lines of influence she, in the day of God, will be permitted to see. . . . What will be the gratitude of souls that will meet us in the heavenly courts, as they understand the sympathetic, loving interest which has been taken in their salvation! All praise, honor, and glory will be given to God and to the Lamb for our redemption; but it will not detract from the glory of God to express gratitude to the instrumentality he has employed in the salvation of souls ready to perish. . . ."
"'I was a sinner,' it will be said, 'without God and without hope in the world, and you came to me, and drew my attention to the precious Saviour as my only hope. And I believed in him, I repented of my sins, and was made to sit together with his saints in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' Others will say: 'I was a heathen in a heathen land. You left your friends and comfortable home, and came to teach me how to find Jesus, and believe in him as the only true God. I demolished my idols, and worshiped God, and now I see him face to face. I am saved, eternally saved, ever to behold him whom I love. I then saw him only with the eye of faith, but now I see him as he is. I can now express my gratitude for his redeeming mercy to him who loved me, and washed me from my sins in his own blood.'"—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VI, pages 310, 311.
Beloved friends in the home land, in the day of final reckoning India will come forward with praise and thanksgiving on your behalf for that unselfish sacrifice which you have made and are yet to make for his children in this land.
Nazareth, Tinnevelli.

Changed Into His Image

By MRS. E. G. WHITE

MRS. E. G. WHITE
SIN-BURDENED, struggling souls, Jesus in his glorified humanity has ascended into the heavens to make intercession for us. "For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace." We should be continually looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; for by beholding him we shall be changed into his image, our character will be made like his. We should rejoice that all judgment is given to the Son, because in his humanity he has become acquainted with all the difficulties that beset humanity.
To be sanctified is to become a partaker of the divine nature, catching the spirit and mind of Jesus, ever learning in the school of Christ. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." It is impossible for any of us by our own power or our own efforts to work this change in ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said he would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. That is, the character of the one who thus beholds Christ is so like his, that one looking at him sees Christ's own character shining out as from a mirror. Imperceptibly to ourselves, we are changed day by day from our ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of his character. Thus we grow up into Christ, and unconsciously reflect his image.
Professed Christians keep altogether too near the lowlands of earth. Their eyes are trained to see only commonplace things, and their minds dwell upon the things their eyes behold. Their religious experience is often shallow and unsatisfying, and their words are light and valueless. How can such reflect the image of Christ? How can they send forth the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness into all the dark places of the earth? To be a Christian is to be Christlike.
Enoch kept the Lord ever before him, and the inspired Word says that he "walked with God." He made Christ his constant companion. He was in the world, and performed his duties to the world; but he was ever under the influence of Jesus. He reflected Christ's character, exhibiting the same qualities in goodness, mercy, tender compassion, sympathy, forbearance, meekness, humility and love. His association with Christ day by day transformed him into the image of him with whom he was so intimately connected. Day by day he was growing away from his own way into Christ's way, the heavenly, the divine, in his thoughts and feelings. He was constantly inquiring, "Is this the way of the Lord?" His was a constant growth, and he had fellowship with the Father and the Son. This is genuine sanctification.
Many who claim to be sanctified become boisterous, passionate, and wholly unlike Christ in words and deportment, if their wills are crossed. These show that they are not what they claim to be. The more closely one views Christ, the less disposed will he be to make high claims to holiness. He will have a humble opinion of himself and of his own goodness, but Christ will be revealed in his character.
Christ said, "It is expedient for you that I go away." No one could then have any preference because of his location or personal contact with Christ. The Saviour would be accessible to all alike, spiritually, and in this sense he would be nearer to us all than if he had not ascended on high. Now all may be equally favored by beholding him and reflecting his character. The eye of faith sees him ever present, in all his goodness, grace, forbearance, courtesy, and love, those spiritual and divine attributes. And as we behold, we are changed into his likeness.
Christ is soon coming in the clouds of heaven, and we must be prepared to meet him, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. We are now to accept the invitation of Christ. He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.' The words of Christ to Nicodemus are of practical value to us to-day: 'Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.'
The converting power of God must be upon our hearts. We must study the life of Christ, and imitate the divine Pattern. We must dwell upon the perfection of his character, and be changed into his image. No one will enter the kingdom of God unless his will is brought into captivity to the will of Christ.
Heaven is free from all sin, from all defilement and impurity; and if we would live in its atmosphere, if we would behold the glory of Christ, we must be pure in heart, perfect in character through his grace and righteousness. We must not be taken up with pleasure and amusement, but be fitting up for the glorious mansions Christ has gone to prepare for us. If we are faithful, seeking to bless others, patient in well-doing, at his coming Christ will crown us with glory, honor, and immortality.
Prophecy reveals the fact that we are nearing the end of all things, and the people of God are to be the light of the world. In character and life we are to make manifest the requirement of God in humanity; and in order to do this, we must gather up the rays of divine light from the Bible, and let them shine forth to those who are in darkness. Christ must abide in our hearts by faith, that we may know and teach the way to heaven. 'And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.'
Christ is soon coming in glory; and when his majesty is revealed, the world will wish that they had his favor. At that time we shall all desire a place in the mansions of heaven; but those who do not confess Christ now in word, in life, in character, can not expect that he will confess them then before his Father and the holy angels. By those who have denied him, the cry will be raised, even to the mountains, 'Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?' O, how happy will those be who have made themselves ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb, who are robed in the righteousness of Christ, and reflect his lovely image! They will have on the pure white linen which is the righteousness of the saints, and Christ will lead them by the side of living waters; God will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and they will have the life that runs parallel with the life of God.

A Study of the Lord's Prayer

By R. A. Underwood

Prayer — No. 3

A Study of the Lord's Prayer

R. A. UNDERWOOD
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."
No other part of the Scripture is so often repeated as the Lord's prayer; however, very few have a full comprehension of its meaning. The whole Bible is packed into the Lord's prayer, the golden rule, and the ten commandments. There is no blessing that can be desired or sought in the present life or in the world to come, but that is comprehended in this wonderful prayer.
The fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Christ is the opening key-note of this, the greatest of all prayers: "Our Father," Christ's Father, your Father, and my Father. "As many as received him, to them gave he power ["right, or privilege," margin] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12. Again, "Ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6:18. The first message Christ sent to his disciples after his resurrection, was to emphasize the great truth that Christ and his followers are all of one family. This was the message, "Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:17. It will ever be the marvel of the universe, as all created intelligences contemplate the great fact, that Christ bound heaven to earth forever by the act of the Son of God becoming the Son of man, that the sons of men might become the sons of God.
To make more emphatic the momentous consequences of Christ's taking man's nature and name, the greatest of all miracles of grace, Christ is exalted to be the judge in the great assize of rewards. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: . . . and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, [why?] because he is the Son of man." John 5:22, 27.
It will be the wonder of the ages that the Word was made sinful flesh, to be tempted in all points like as we are (John 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Heb. 4:15), to make it possible that sinful flesh might become a living translation of the word of God. 2 Cor. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23. Yea, the whole universe will ever be drawn to Christ in the consideration of the great fact that he "counted it not a prize ["a thing to be grasped," margin] to be on an equality with God" (Phil. 2:5-8); but, rather, chose to clothe his divinity with humanity and take his place as the second Adam of the human race (1 Cor. 15:45), to suffer, and to bear Adam's sin, shame, and death that he might lift the sons of Adam to a plane of being where they could receive the divine nature, and bear to all eternity the character and name of his Father. Rev. 14:1; 3:12; 1 Cor. 15:49.
Listen to Christ's words as the judge at the final day of recompense: "Inasmuch as ye did so, to one of these my little brothers, ye did so to me." See Matt. 25:34-40, Syriac Version. John, enraptured by the Spirit, could only exclaim, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1. "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee," is the pledge of the Almighty. "Our Father" will place his hand upon the brow of every redeemed soul, and say, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." In Christ we have the gift of riches, power, and immortality "bestowed" upon the sons of God. Also all the riches of his grace are ours when we pray (not simply say), "Our Father which art in heaven."

A Personal God

This prayer presents our Father as a personal God, having his dwelling-place in heaven.
Solomon and all the prophets and apostles believed in a personal God in heaven. "Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place: and when thou hearest, forgive." 1 Kings 8:30. Of the congregation it is recorded, "Their prayer came up to his holy dwelling-place, even unto heaven." 2 Chron. 30:27.

Hallowed Be Thy Name

The holiness of God belongs to, and is inseparable from, his name; therefore whatsoever and whosoever bears his name must be holy. Here we tread upon sacred and hallowed ground; for we remember that in our baptismal vows the man of God commissioned to stand in Christ's stead to teach, and to baptize believers, said, as he administered that sacred rite, "I baptize thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
In this sacred act we have taken the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and professed holiness. "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16. The apostle says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12:14. The gospel of Christ has made provision that this attribute of God shall be vicariously placed to our account, or be imputed to us. Thank God for this provision; but this is not enough. Holiness must not only be imputed to the believer, but it must be imparted to all who receive the seal and name of the Father. Rev. 14:1. The church will be presented by Christ to the Father "holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:27. Of these Christ, the Judge, will give the final word, "He that is holy, let him be holy still."
How poorly we have represented that precious name we took in our baptismal vows! If it were not for the memory of Our Father, and the intercession of Christ, our brother and Saviour, who covers our faults with his own righteousness and cleanses our sin with his own blood, we should all be without hope. Christ sends to us the cheering word of this work: "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth." Helpless, poor, and sinful, we may come to Christ with the prayer:—
"One thing I of the Lord desire, For all my paths have miry been: Be it by water or by fire, O make me clean! O make me clean!
"So wash me thou, without, within, Or purge with fire, if that must be, No matter how, if only sin die out in me, die out in me."
Mesopotamia, Ohio.

Kept by Divine Power

By George O. States

GEO. O. STATES
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
THIS third angel's message is going to accomplish its work and gather out a people that "are without fault before the throne of God."
Evil influences are also at work. Never in the history of this world were the lodges so in earnest in gathering in members. Satan is awake and active in this particular department of his campaign. There is a greater variety of lodges from which people can choose than ever before. Men of ability are employed to travel from place to place and organize lodges. Through the newspapers these men advertise public meetings, and make their lodges so enticing that nothing but a living connection with the Lord will keep men and women from being drawn into these nets. Special terms are offered to those who will come in as charter members. Then after the organization is completed, a public dance and card party is advertised, to which every one who wishes to have a good time is invited.
I do not wonder that those "not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God," are led into these things; but those who "have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come," certainly will have no time nor desire for such things. "We are living in a time of special peril to the youth. Satan knows that the end of the world is soon to come, and he is determined to improve every opportunity for pressing young men and women into his service. He will devise many specious deceptions to lead them astray." "We are living amid the perils of the last days. Something decisive must be said to warn our people against the danger of permitting children who need parental care and instruction, to leave their homes to go to places where they will be brought in contact with pleasure-loving, irreligious worldlings."
Cedaredge, Colo.

"Camp Followers"

By Clarence E. Moon

CLARENCE E. MOON
THERE have always been times during the history of God's people, when those have joined the ranks of his followers who were not imbued with the spirit of their leader, and hence had no whole-hearted interest in his cause.
When God, with a mighty hand, brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, a mixed multitude followed them. Some went for mercenary advantages, some perhaps followed in search of adventure or for love of excitement, and others had married into the families of Israel. The margin of Ex. 12:38 says they were a "great mixture." By divine provision these "camp followers" were not numbered with God's chosen people, loyal to God as the rest of the camp; and were not allowed to be counted with any of the tribes until after the third generation. They were a source of continual hindrance to Israel, and were the active agents in the hands of Satan to stir up murmurings, faultfindings, and actual revolt during the sojourn in the wilderness. At times they seemed as loyal to God as the rest of the camp; but when adversity came, when faith was tried, they soon manifested a spirit which plainly showed that their interest was in material things, and that they were not trusting in the unseen Presence within the veil where God spoke to his people.
This experience was not peculiar to the children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings. Among the multitudes who thronged the Saviour were many who came not to see the miracles, nor hear his gracious words, but because of the loaves and fishes. "They did not seek him from any worthy motive; but as they had been fed with the loaves, they hoped still to receive temporal benefit by attaching themselves to him."—"Desire of Ages."
Thus we see that in all ages men and women have been attracted to the Lord's work who did not give final proof that they had been in deed and truth drawing their spiritual life from the living fountain. We should not be surprised to find this spirit in God's closing work in the earth. And after heart searching and true repentance to God, we may even find some of it in our own lives. "Search me, O God, and know my heart" (Ps. 139:23), should be our daily prayer to God.
One of the saddest stories I ever heard was that of a man who followed the United States army during the Mexican war. He did not take the trouble or time to register his name with the army officers, to enlist under his country's flag, but went, as did many other boys, as a camp follower. He endured all the privations that fell to the lot of the regular soldier. He took the long marches under the tropical sun, fought bravely for his country, and when the soldiers came home victorious, received with the battle-scarred veterans the plaudits of friends and relatives. But in later years when he applied for a much-needed pension, the clerk searched in vain for his name. He had never enlisted, and therefore was denied government support, even though he had rendered valuable service.
Brethren, should we not ask ourselves, Am I sure that my name is written in the book of life? Am I an enlisted soldier under the banner of Prince Immanuel, or just a camp follower, enjoying from day to day the blessing of being connected with his people, but not having made my calling and election sure? May God bring this lesson home to all our hearts, and cause such a heart searching as will make formal Christians active members in the church militant. Jesus said, "Rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
Geyserville, Cal.

Helping One Another Step by Step

By Bishop Simpson

I SHALL never forget the feelings I had once when climbing one of the pyramids of Egypt. When half-way up, my strength failing, I feared I should never be able to reach the summit or get back again. I well remember the help given by Arab hands, drawing me on farther: and the step I could not quite make myself, because too great for my wearied frame, the little help given me—sometimes more and sometimes less—enabled me to go up, step by step, step by step, until at last I reached the top, and breathed the pure air, and had a grand lookout from that lofty height. And so, in life's journey, we are climbing. We are feeble. Every one of us, now and then, needs a little help; and if we have risen a step higher than some other, let us reach down for our brother's hand, and help him to stand beside us. And thus, joined hand in hand, we shall go on conquering, step by step, until the glorious eminence shall be gained.—Bishop Simpson.

Resisting Temptation

"ONE can not resist temptation with mere stubbornness."

Editorial

By Editor

The True Viewpoint

Our viewpoint determines in a large measure our conclusions in the consideration we give to every question. There is always danger that our judgment will be biased by preconceived opinions, or molded by personal prejudice.
The psalmist recognizes this when, in addressing the Lord, he says: "With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright; with the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward." There is no frowardness in God's dealings with the human family, but the froward man, viewing God from his own froward viewpoint, believes he sees frowardness in the Most High.
We find in a large measure that for which we seek. In our fellows we may see something to admire or to condemn. Even in the work of God among men we may see the evil or the good, as we look at the human or divine element in operation, and may become depressed and discouraged by the one, or inspired and cheered by the other.
To the infidel critic the Bible is full of evil. The mistakes of Moses appear the prominent facts recorded in the Sacred Record. The Christian viewpoint looks beyond the mistakes of judgment by this man of God, and recognizes the patient, plodding disciple, the brave and fearless leader, the wise and sagacious statesman, the meek and humble teacher, who in spite of natural besetments, such as we all have to cope with in our own experiences, was fighting the good fight of faith, and with whom God was pleased to talk face to face, as a man talketh with his friend.
In the consideration of Bible doctrine there is danger that our viewpoint will determine the weight and value of evidence. It is one thing to study to build up, but quite another thing to study to tear down. In these days of changing emphasis, particularly in the presentation of Bible truth, we need to keep sober-minded. Satan will ever seek to switch us off from the great main track. He will seek to lead us to view questions out of the natural perspective, as things apart from their great setting in the system of truth as a whole; to emphasize details to the neglect of principles. He will seek to lead us to mistake impression and impulse for the teachings of the Spirit.
Our great need to-day is for more earnest, faithful Bible study. We need to keep our minds open and receptive to evidence, to the leadings of the great Spirit of truth. Let us walk humbly, speak moderately, think calmly, act conservatively, but study deeply and faithfully, and seek God for guidance at every step. If we do this, we shall not lose our bearings, nor be left to walk in darkness.

"The Foundation of God Standeth Sure"

By Editor

In these days of great unrest, of doubt and darkness, of denial and readjustment of viewpoint and position in the religious world, how restful to feel that the foundation of God stands sure, that underneath are the everlasting arms, and that the great all-wise God is over all, keeping watch above his own. Man may reject Heaven's counsels; the Word of Truth may be ridiculed and derided, calumny and scorning heaped upon its most precious doctrines; human reasoning and philosophy may profess to be wise above that which is written; the heathen may rage, and the people imagine a vain thing; but the record is that "he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." All the opposition of evil men and demons can not change God's unalterable designs, nor affect the outcome of his plans and purposes.
In the midst of the turmoil and strife, the contention of opposing principles, it may seem to us sometimes that everything will be moved out of place, and that even the work of God itself will go to pieces. Let us remember that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." We need to be still and know that God is God. His care is over all his works, and he regards his children even as the apple of his eye.
We may commit to him the keeping of our souls as unto a wise and loving friend. He will not leave us to walk in darkness if we but believe his Word and follow its teachings. Let us not go forward tremblingly and fearfully. Let us be strong in his strength, brave in his service. Every loyal soldier will bear the banner of truth to final victory. Only the disloyal will desert the standard, and go down to final defeat.
Continue reading: The Hand of God in History — No. 27