DURING the past few days our hearts have been deeply touched by the liberal responses of our people in donating to the relief of needy institutions on the Pacific Coast, and even more by their great activity in circulating the special literature prepared to let the people know the meaning of these stirring events.
Soon after the earthquake I was sent on a mission to the headquarters of our work in Washington, D. C., and had the privilege of seeing the new home of the REVIEW AND HERALD, which has been recently built.
During the past few days we have also received letters from the Southern Publishing Association, telling of their recent move from the city of Nashville to a suburban locality.
Thus it has been forced upon my mind that although the Pacific Press has recently suffered severely from a great calamity, these other publishing houses are also in need of help; and indeed the Pacific Press needs another kind of help worse than it needs money. All these publishing houses need a larger, stronger force of men and women who are willing to consecrate their lives without reserve to the circulation of the splendid literature which has been prepared to tell the world that Jesus is soon coming, that this old earth is soon to be destroyed, and that now is the time to prepare to meet God.
While the judgments of God are in the land, is not this an opportune time for our people everywhere to inquire diligently as to how they may best spend the few remaining days of probationary time? Are there not hundreds of our people now engaged in the common work and commerce of the world, who should be using their talents more directly for God and his cause?
There are hundreds of agents whom God has blessed in the work of circulating our books. There are hundreds of our sisters who can sell books and papers in their respective neighborhoods. There are hundreds and thousands of our people who have never entered the service, and yet God has given them talents with which they could glorify him. And now that we have given liberally of our means to meet a local need, and as we have consecrated a little time to the distribution of special literature, is it not the opportune moment for us to consider seriously whether there is not a greater help that we can render and a greater consecration that we can make? If God's people would arouse all over this land and consecrate their time and their talents to the spreading of this message as published in the printed page, that would be a gift and a consecration which would bring mighty results.
May the Lord grant that the day will soon dawn when such a consecration will be made.
E. R. PALMER,
Sec. Gen. Conf. Pub. Dept.
The Jewish Work and the Sabbath
How well adapted the third angel’s message is to interest the Jews in Christianity, is shown by questions and answers like the following taken from a report of the progress of the Jewish work at the mission recently opened in Boston:—
Among the first questions asked by them are these: “Well, if you believe the Bible, and that Jesus Christ taught God’s words, then why do you not keep the Sabbath, and why do you eat swine’s flesh?” If the subject were not so serious, it would be almost amusing to see how nonplused they look, how it seems almost to take their breath away, as it were, when told that we do keep the Sabbath, and that we do not eat pork; and often there seems to be “no spirit left in them.”
A Sunday-observing, pork-eating evangelist would be unable to answer these questions, and so would find his progress barred at the very outset. God has a message for the world to-day that will take the props from under every false system of whatever kind in which men trust.
The Increase of Insanity
MUCH has been said of late years regarding the increase of insanity, statistical evidence showing that the proportion of the population afflicted by this malady is in most civilized lands rapidly increasing in size. Some recent figures published by the Philadelphia North American show that since 1892 the proportion of insane has risen in this country from one to every 543 inhabitants, to one to every 420. In the State of New York the proportion is one to every 299 inhabitants. In England and Wales there is one insane person to every 288 of the people, while ten years ago there was but one to every 324.
It is evident that this rate of increase could not continue a great while longer before the burden of caring for the insane would become almost unsupportable, and, if the increase should continue indefinitely, the time would of course be reached when there would not be enough people of sound mind to care for the vast number of the mentally unbalanced, and civilization could be preserved only by heroic and merciless measures to lessen the number of such dependents. This world's future, apart from the soon coming of the Lord, would not present a hopeful picture.
Note and Comment
THERE is a very cogent reason for Rome’s opposition to the separation of church and state in France. France was the principal source of Peter’s pence. The supply from that country, now that the burden of supporting the Catholic Church in France has been shifted from the government to the shoulders of French Catholics, has suffered an enormous decrease. So serious is the falling off in this source of revenue that there is talk of the Vatican’s being reduced to poverty. A policy that depletes the papal treasury is sure to encounter vigorous opposition.
God's word
By George Whitefield D'Vys.
God's Word a wondrous tree I find,
And 'neath it day by day
I take the fruits that give me strength
To bear me on life's way;
A beautiful tree, large and tall,
With shelter, rest, and food for all.
God's Word a telescope I find,
And be skies dark or clear,
This trusty instrument reveals
God, and my Saviour dear;
While mirrored daily on my heart
Are splendors that can ne'er depart.
God's Word a treasure-house I find
With ev'ry treasure free;
I reach and take, I simply say:
“The Lord meant this for me.”
And for my faith what joys are giv'n.
Love, and peace, and life, and heaven!
God's Word a river deep I find,
No ripple, yet a tide;
I launch my bark, and trusting sail,
My Saviour for my guide;
I view the haven of the blest,
And sweet the comfort, sweet the rest!
— George Whitefield D'Vys.
The Scriptures a Safeguard
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
“To the law and to the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every revival of God’s work, the prince of evil is aroused to more intense activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle against Christ and his followers. The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true, that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.
Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in his Word; they can honor him only as they have a right conception of his character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test, Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God’s immutable Word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus?
Before his crucifixion, the Saviour explained to his disciples that he was to be put to death, and to rise again from the tomb; and angels were present to impress his words on minds and hearts. But the disciples were looking for temporal deliverance from the Roman yoke, and they could not tolerate the thought that he in whom all their hopes centered should suffer an ignominious death. The words which they needed to remember were banished from their minds; and when the time of trial came, it found them unprepared. The death of Jesus as fully destroyed their hopes as if he had not forewarned them. So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to the disciples by the words of Christ. The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready.
When God sends to men warnings so important that they are represented as proclaimed by holy angels flying in the midst of heaven, he requires every person endowed with reasoning powers to heed the message. The fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast and his image should lead all to a diligent study of the prophecies to learn what the mark of the beast is, and how they are to avoid receiving it. But the masses of the people turn away their ears from hearing the truth, and are turned unto fables. The apostle Paul declared, looking down to the last days, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” That time has fully come. The multitudes do not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love.
But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines, and the basis of all reforms. The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority, — not one or all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support.
Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the multitudes according to his will.
When Christ came to speak the words of life, the common people heard him gladly; and many, even of the priests and rulers, believed on him. But the chief of the priesthood and the leading men of the nation were determined to condemn and repudiate his teachings. Though they were baffled in all their efforts to find accusations against him, though they could not but feel the influence of the divine power and wisdom attending his words, yet they encased themselves in prejudice; they rejected the clearest evidence of his Messiahship, lest they should be forced to become his disciples. These opponents of Jesus were men whom the people had been taught from infancy to reverence, to whose authority they had been accustomed implicitly to bow. “How is it,” they asked, “that our rulers and learned scribes do not believe on Jesus? Would not these pious men receive him if he were the Christ?” It was the influence of such teachers that led the Jewish nation to reject their Redeemer.
The spirit which actuated those priests and rulers is still manifested by many who make a high profession of piety. They refuse to examine the testimony of the Scriptures concerning the special truths for this time. They point to their own numbers, wealth, and popularity, and look with contempt upon the advocates of truth as few, poor, and unpopular, having a faith that separates them from the world.
Christ foresaw that the undue assumption of authority indulged by the scribes and Pharisees would not cease with the dispersion of the Jews. He had a prophetic view of the work of exalting human authority to rule the conscience, which has been so terrible a curse to the church in all ages. And his fearful denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees, and his warnings to the people not to follow these blind leaders, were placed on record as an admonition to future generations.
(To be continued)
“God Is Love”
E. J. HARVEY
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17: 3. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” “We love him, because he first loved us.” “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 John 4: 7, 8, 19, 21. “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love9of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” Chap. 5: 2, 3. “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” Chap. 3: 23, 24.
God’s love for us is so great “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3: 16. This gift was bestowed when we had no strength to obey God’s holy law, but were yet sinners, trampling under our unholy feet all his sacred requirements. Rom. 5: 6, 8. Ever since we gave our hearts to him, we find that only in Christ’s perfect righteousness can we be overcomers. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. In him we are complete. Christ is all. Like the poor prodigal in the far country we come home to our Father’s house when we remember how great is his love. The love of God to us leads us to be forgiving to others. We love, and therefore do good, and not evil, to our fellow creatures. As many as we can lead to Christ for salvation we gladly lead. Jesus is coming soon. O, may we be enabled to turn many to him now!
San Diego, Cal.
The Battle Creek Schools and the Mission Fields
By A. C. Selmon
A. C. SELMON, M. D.
IN TITUS 2: 12-14 the Lord’s word to us is that, “We should live soberly, that righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” The word “peculiar” means that a thing is emphatically one’s own, and hence dear. The Lord refers to the remnant, who are giving this last message, as his peculiar people. The young man or woman, who allows ambition and love of worldly honor to supplant his love for this truth, soon ceases to be “peculiar;” in fact, he does not wish to be such, but strives in every way possible to identify himself with the world. It is in large part due to this that more of our young people are not pressing into the ranks to do the work that the Lord has to be done in the world at the present time.
We who are here in some of the dark places of the earth, where even the first notes of the last-warning message have never yet been sounded, are earnestly praying that the right kind of young men and women will be raised up to re-enforce us in the work. And because of this any movement, such as that which is being carried on in connection with the medical work in Battle Creek, Mich., claiming to train missionaries for the foreign field, gives us the greatest concern It means that the mission fields, instead of receiving re-enforcements from that center, have been, and are being, robbed of workers; since young people who should be enlisted in the work of giving the message go there and are turned aside into other lines.
Having been connected with the work there, both as a student and as a teacher, my personal experience leads me to earnestly pray, that any who are contemplating securing a preparation for the Lord’s work by attending the Battle Creek schools, will give heed to the recent Testimonies and by no means go there.
Those who have been connected with the work there know that the Testimonies outline the conditions just exactly as they exist. Many who have never come in contact with the inner workings of the institution there have been and are yet greatly deceived as to the true state of affairs. All should secure and carefully read the recently published Testimonies “Series B, No. 7,” regarding dangers connected with the medical missionary work, and “Series B, No. 6,” regarding our youth’s going to Battle Creek to obtain an education.
It reflects very much upon the spirit that pervades a school professing to train missionaries when, among those who enter the school, the great majority enter with a fixed purpose to prepare for work in a foreign mission field, but, by the time the course is finished, the zeal for foreign missions has practically vanished, and its place has been taken by an ambition for scientific work, and a desire to secure a place and position that will be recognized by the world. I have seen fellow students make shipwreck of their faith there by allowing themselves to become engrossed in the scientific work to the neglect of the daily study of the Bible. From personal experience I know that the trend of much of the teaching is to lead one to seek a scientific foundation for his faith in the Bible truths. The influence is subtle in that it leads one to magnify the importance of the so-called physical righteousness, and to lose faith and zeal in regard to the nearness of the Lord’s coming and in the special message that we as a people are called upon to give.
One of the gravest dangers that the young will meet in connection with the work there is that of making light of the spirit of prophecy. Those who have never had an opportunity to know anything of the real spirit pervading the work find it very hard to understand how this can be, because of the oft-repeated avowals made by those connected with that work, that the Testimonies are both highly respected and obeyed. The facts in the case are that any one who have had an opportunity to be in the council meetings with the leaders in the work in Battle Creek know that the Testimonies are not only not regarded, but they are even made light of and scoffed at. I have heard men in these council meetings scoff at the idea that the Lord had anything to do with the burning of the sanitarium and I have heard them express the opinion that the Testimonies were nothing more than man’s opinion and judgment.
As stated in the announcement of the Battle Creek schools, “The real purpose of these schools, one and all, is to help forward the Christian altruistic movement of which the Battle Creek Sanitarium has been for more than a quarter of a century the acknowledged center.”
The young man or woman who is seeking a preparation that will fit him or her for greater usefulness in the work of the third angel’s message will never find such a preparation in a place where the above purpose is carried out as it is in connection with the Battle Creek institutions. The life of this message is not in affiliating with the world to do humanitarian work. In the mission field are to be seen the results, or rather lack of results, of such a line of work—great medical missionary institutions being carried on with very little accomplished outside of the relief of bodily ailments. The mission field needs, first of all, men who are rooted and grounded in this truth, who realize that the Lord is soon coming, and who will give the medical work the place it should occupy; namely, using it as a means to prepare the way for the preaching of the everlasting gospel.
Siang-cheng, China.
The True Test
By W. E. Haskell
W. E. HASKELL
In every trial of faith or of doctrine, the real issue is between the overwhelming or sufficient God-given evidence on the one hand and the conflicting appearance on the other. This appearance may seem exceedingly plausible, and there may be an apparent inconsistency between it and the fact, beyond our power to understand and explain. Our danger will be in giving heed to the appearance and ignoring and forgetting the real evidence. Our only safety, then, lies, with the Lord’s help, in keeping our minds staid upon the God-given evidence in spite of appearances.
Satan is a master—a magician—in the use of appearances, and in the very perfection of heaven itself he led a third of the angels to see a terrible wrong. He made Eve see in what God had forbidden that which was “good,” “pleasant,” and “to be desired to make one wise.” Apparently its virtue had raised a serpent to the wisdom of man, and would it not then raise Eve to the wisdom of God? Then Eve saw in the Lord an enemy, and in the serpent a friend interested in her rights and welfare. On every hand was the overwhelming evidence of God’s wonderful love, but this was ignored and forgotten.
So, also, when the Israelites in the wilderness “forgot God their savior which had done great things in Egypt,” they then saw in Moses only an arbitrary usurper, and in the testimony that they must die in the wilderness only a human testimony, not one from the Lord.10See “Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 379. Thus in the fiery trials which all must meet, Satan will seek to make it appear that God does not love us, has forgotten or cast us off.
In his severe trial even Job finally wavered, fell, and exclaimed, “Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.” Job 30: 21. But such appearances, however pressing and urgent, should never blind us to the many evidences of God’s love, above all to the overwhelming evidence in the gift of his only Son; and if we hold fast to the evidence, “we know that all things work together for good,” in spite of any and every appearance to the contrary.
Thus Abraham in the supreme test of his faith “strengthened his soul by dwelling upon the evidences of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness.”—“Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 151. In regard to every point of doctrine, our strength and safety will be in this same course—holding fast to the evidence, and giving no place to the contrary appearances. But in Satan’s warfare against the spirit of prophecy in the remnant church we should expect that he will array appearances so plausible and difficulties so perplexing that we may not always be able to understand and explain them. In the meantime what should we do?
In requiring us to try and prove the prophets whether they are false or true the Lord gives his own tests by which we are to do this. These must be complete and sufficient in themselves. To make or require other tests of our own is to set aside God’s tests as insufficient, and make our wisdom the judge. By this course Simon decided that Jesus could not be a prophet. Luke 7: 37-39. But when one meets every God-given requirement and specification, this becomes the complete and sufficient evidence of a true prophet, and here as elsewhere we should hold fast the evidence in spite of any and every perplexing difficulty that may arise. If they conflict with the evidence, we may know that objections, however plausible and logical, are only apparent, not real. Whether they quickly meet with a most simple and easy explanation, as they may, or remain unexplained, should matter not. Heed not the seeming unreal appearance, but hold fast to the God-given evidence. “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chron. 20: 20. Beware, not of false testimonies from true prophets, but, “Beware of false prophets.” Try, not the testimonies from his prophets by tests of your own devising, and then believe the true testimonies, but “try the spirits whether they are of God,” by the God-given tests, and then “believe his prophets,” much more after they have stood the true test for long years.
Brayton, Tenn.
Possibilities of Small Tracts of Land
By J. C. Rogers
J. C. ROGERS
“The seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew.” Zech. 8: 12.
“Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous.” Isa. 30: 23.
“Then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.” Deut. 8: 10.
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (types): and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor. 10: 11.
It is the earnest desire of God’s people to-day to see this message go to the world and finish its work. One great cause of slowness is lack of money, as shown by steady appeals from the Mission Board. How to increase our tithes and offerings is the problem.
The land is God’s source of income. Faithfulness on the part of those now cultivating the soil and a turning to the soil with the purpose of advancing the message will accomplish great things. How many among us, now unprofitably employed, might secure a small piece of land by lease or purchase and cultivate it for the Lord? The realization of the promises which I have quoted above will surely follow an intelligent effort along this line.
Select the best ground available, which is conveniently located with reference to a good market. Choose some staple product always in demand, and give this one thing your main study and attention. Get the best seed obtainable without reference to its cost—not some untried novelty, but the best of a proved variety. If you pay a good price for good seed this year, you can sell seed for a good price next year.
Prepare your ground in the very best manner you know or can learn. Tell the Lord you are doing this work for him, and ask him to bless the effort. Thus it will be “A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”
Last year I experienced God’s blessing upon four acres cultivated for the Lord. A handsome income was realized, and I think the abundant harvest was an object-lesson in the neighborhood.
Many conditions to-day serve to turn the attention of this people to the farm as a means of livelihood, and income. The unions are almost forcing our men out of the trades. Few business enterprises offer themselves except those leading to some kind of partnership association with men who disregard God’s law, the observance of which makes us a separate people.
Tilling the soil was the Creator’s original occupation for man, by which the latter should gain a competence, an honorable living, a suitable income. Only disobedience to God’s instructions have led mankind into the abnormal modern conditions where farming is falsely considered beneath other occupations. The word “farm” is modern, occurring but once in the Bible (Matt. 22:5) and meaning “field” as in Luke 15: 15.
But we need not seek to change the word, for farming is already becoming a science, an occupation requiring for successful results, knowledge and skill equal to other vocations. The need of funds to extend this message to all lands quickly points us to God’s original source of income—tillage of the soil.
A moment’s computation will show us the large possibilities of this occupation. Suppose we had ten thousand families occupying farms in the States. An income of one thousand dollars for each family, which is surely not a large estimate, would give us an annual income of ten million dollars. An honest tithe of this, one million dollars, is more than the whole denomination raised in tithes and offerings in a year from all sources throughout the world, according to our latest statistics. If the above tithe were realized, and as much more in offerings, how long would it take to reach the remotest corners of earth with the message? Is the possibility here pointed out not worth the earnest effort of our denomination, and especially of our schools, to realize?
Everett, Wash.
Guard Well Thy Thoughts
GUARD well thy thoughts. Our thoughts are heard in heaven.—Young.
Leisure Moments
WHAT do you do with your leisure moments? This was a question recently asked of young men in a public assembly? It was stated that the use of leisure moments determines what a man is and what he will become. In moments when the strain of outside pressure is taken off the natural bent reveals itself. Some men are idlers at heart and leisure reveals their decided love of the dolce far niente mode of existence. Others turn to special fads that interest and amuse them. Many a man has used his leisure moments to fit himself for superior work. There are those who have made themselves learned by the use of spare portions of time. Busy men who have no time for Bible study can surely find leisure moments, however brief, for a glimpse at the Word of God, and by systematic use of five minutes a day and orderly reading of the Scripture, can become filled with its truth. A man can make himself even an authority on a subject to which he will give a few minutes daily. Woman is noted for her use of spare moments in knitting or sewing. There is a mine of wealth waiting for those who will use the loose bits of time for some profit.—Selected.
Prayer and God’s Will
PRAYER is not conquering God's reluctance, but taking hold of God's willingness.—Phillips Brooks.
The Fresh Spring Flowers
By Everywhere
TUCKED under the sedges and close to the edges
Of fields that are kissed by the winds of the south,
Are the dear little flowers that earth richly dowers
With showers and sunshine, ere summer and drouth.
Shy, pink-tinted blossoms, that wear in their bosoms
A sweetness unknown to the heart of the rose;
Fair violets of spring-time, who come in the wing-time,
And learn all the lore that the first blue bird knows.
There’s sheen on the rivers, where tenderly quivers
On banks greening over the new-budded leaf;
And dear Pussy-Willow has stirred from her pillow,
And jonquils are yellow as wheat in the sheaf.
Soon wakes the pure lily, though mornings are chilly;
And bourgeons the snowdrop so fearlessly bold,
And through dark aisles glooming, the rare dogwood blooming,
Will lavish its splendor in forest and wold.
Sweet flowers that glisten, that wistfully listen,
To hear the faint call of the mother of love,
The dew and the shimmer, the dusk and the glimmer
Of starbeams and moon ray, are yours from above.
Ye dwell like white maidens whom purity ladens
With dreams that come true in the light of the morn,
And ye pledge us the word of the all-keeping Lord,
That the gifts of his hands to our lives shall be borne.