Earlier text: Publishers' PageA Despotic Principle
By L. A. S.
The Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor has published a statement saying that in view of the publicity of the government’s attitude toward the “open shop,” as announced by President Roosevelt, it “takes this opportunity to say that the trades union movement stands for a strictly union shop, experience having proved that where the ‘open shop’ system has been tried, reduction in wages and profits have ensued, with general disaster to the industry practising that system; and therefore declares that the best interests of the labor movement call for the employment of union workers, and discourage in every way, shape, and form the deteriorating effects which follow the recognition of the ‘open shop.’” This declaration is in strict harmony with trades union practise wherever the union has dealt with the question of allowing employment to non-union workmen. The effort of the labor trust has always been to prohibit non-union men from working, and in many places it has become an established rule that no person shall be employed who is not a union member. The union dictates to the employer and to the non-union laborer, telling the former whom he may employ, and forbidding the latter to work at all, so long as he remains outside the union ranks. This practise the unions have enforced by strikes and intimidation and violence. If this announced policy of the labor federation shall prevail and become an established fact in this country, it will amount to the institution of a new system of government—a government by trades unions. For it must be evident that whatever can control the industries of the country has become the paramount thing in the country. Every other right or privilege must necessarily be involved in the right to transact business. Of what use to a man are the guarantees of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” accorded by this republican government, so long as he is everywhere feels confronted by a power which forbids him the right to work? What benefit can a man derive from contemplating the personal liberty provided for by the Constitution and principles of this republic, when his family is starving, and he is cut off from all means of providing himself or them with the necessaries of life? Such a system of things as the American Federation of Labor has announced that it stands for, nullifies entirely all the provisions for free government that exist in this country to-day. Free government means nothing without freedom to do and obtain those things upon which individual welfare, and even life itself, depend. There is no freedom where a power exists which can dictate to the individual in such matters. Almost any form of monarchy in the world offers better opportunities for the enjoyment of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” than would be offered by a theoretically free republican government where industry is dominated by trades unions. No government ever becomes so despotic as to undertake to dictate to an individual in the matter of obtaining work. But the Federation of Labor says that the man who does not belong to the union must not be allowed to work at all. It is now attempting to force the government to sanction this despotic principle. By and by another period of industrial depression will be reached in this country. The present methods of trades unionism are hastening its coming. At that time many establishments now running will be closed, and many laborers will be thrown out of work. Then membership in a labor union will not secure work for an individual, while non-membership will bar him from obtaining work. The great mass of the unemployed will become desperate, and a struggle between them and the labor unions will be the result, attended by terrible rioting and destruction of property and life. The labor federation will be unable to provide many of its members with work, and then by its principles it will be bound to prevent these very ones from obtaining work; and many who are supporting it now will find it their chief enemy later on. And while the executive council of this federation thus announces that it aims to dictate to every person in this country how he shall exercise the right to work, or whether he shall exercise it at all or not, almost in the same breath it asserts that “the hope for right and justice hereafter, as well as the perpetuation of liberty and our republican institutions, lies in organized labor.” What is to be expected as regards the preservation of liberty and justice, from such conceptions of them? And how much longer is liberty to remain anything more than a theory in this republic? L. A. S. PREDICTIONS of the impending division of the Turk’s European possessions are beginning to be heard. Canon Malcolm MacColl, a well-known writer on the Eastern question, and ex-chaplain to the British ambassador at St. Petersburg, also an authority on Mohammedanism as a theocratic system of government, declares that Germany, Austria, and Russia “are giving a free hand to the sultan because they have agreed to the partition of Turkey in Europe. Austria is to have a protectorate over Servia, with half of Macedonia down to Salonika. Russia will get the other half of Macedonia, with a protectorate over Bulgaria, while Germany will get a slice of Asiatic Turkey and the port of Salonika.” Whether Turkey is to be divided in this or in some other way is not an important question to us; but the fact that students of the Eastern question realize the impending nearness of the event which is to mark the termination of Turkish power in Europe, is a reminder that the day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly. The Display of God’s Power
By L. A. S.
The present age is especially characterized by the display of power. Never before was power so dominant as it is to-day. Never before was the power of wealth so gigantic as we now see it; never before were there such armies mustered, never was there such a display of military power by land and sea. Never before were men able to draw power from the forces of nature as they do to-day. Never before were there such industrial confederacies. All this power is of the world, and is wielded by the world for the accomplishment of its purposes. It is power that may be used to oppose the advancement of the work of God in the earth, power that may be and surely will be wielded by the world's great confederacy of evil in the climax of the spiritual contest that is just before us. The confederacies of the world will glory in their strength, and boast of their power to crush the little company who own allegiance to the true God rather than to the god of this world, and blot out their work. But when they shall magnify themselves to do great things, then behold, another power will be manifested in the earth, even the power of God which he will pour out upon his people, and the display of that power will put all the power of the world to shame. The mightiest thing in the earth is the truth of God, and in the onward march of that truth will be displayed a power that is infinitely mightier than all the power of the world. It is the day of worldly power, but it is also the day of his power whose kingdom ruleth over all. The triumph will be with those who make themselves channels of the power of God. L. A. S. The Work of Our Training Schools
By Ellen G. White
The work of our colleges and training schools should be strengthened year by year. Time is short. Workers for Christ are needed everywhere. There should be one hundred earnest, faithful laborers in home and foreign mission fields where now there is one. The highways and the byways are yet unworked. Urgent inducements should be held out to those who ought now to be engaged in missionary work for the Master. The signs which show that Christ’s coming is near are fast fulfilling. The Lord calls upon our youth to labor as canvassers and evangelists, to do house-to-house work in places that have not yet heard the truth. He speaks to our young men, saying, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Those who will go forth to the work under God’s direction will be wonderfully blessed. Those who in this life do their best will obtain a fitness for the future, immortal life. The Lord calls for volunteers who will take their stand firmly on his side, and will pledge themselves to unite with Jesus of Nazareth in doing the very work that needs to be done now, just now. There are among us many young men and women who, if inducements are held out, would naturally be inclined to take several years’ course of study at Battle Creek. But will it pay? The talents of God’s people are to be employed in giving the last message of mercy to the world. The Lord calls upon those connected with our sanitariums, publishing houses, and other institutions to teach the youth to do evangelistic work. Our time and money must not be so largely employed in establishing sanitariums, food factories, food stores, and restaurants, that other lines of work shall be neglected. Young men and young women who should be engaged in the ministry, in Bible work, and in the canvassing work, should not be bound down to mechanical employment. The youth are to be encouraged to attend our schools, which should become more and more like the schools of the prophets. Our schools have been established by the Lord; and if they are conducted in harmony with his purpose, the youth sent to them will quickly be prepared to engage in various branches of missionary work. Some will be trained to enter the field as missionary nurses, some as canvassers, some as evangelists, some as teachers, and some as gospel ministers. The Lord has plainly instructed me that our young people should not be encouraged to devote so much of their time and strength to medical missionary work as it has been carried forward of late. The instruction they receive regarding Bible doctrines is not such as to fit them to perform properly the work that God has entrusted to his people. Satan is earnestly striving to lead souls away from right principles. Multitudes who profess to belong to God’s true church are falling under the enemy’s deceptions. They are being led to swerve from their allegiance to the blessed and only Potentate. All our denominational colleges and training schools should make provision to give their students the education essential for evangelists and for Christian business men. The youth and those more advanced in years who feel it their duty to fit themselves for work requiring the passing of certain legal tests should be able to secure at our union conference training schools all that is essential, without having to go to Battle Creek for their preparatory education. Prayer will accomplish wonders for those who give themselves to prayer, watching thereunto. God desires us all to be in a waiting, hopeful position. What he has promised, he will do; and if there are legal requirements making it necessary that medical students shall take a certain preparatory course of study, let our colleges teach the required additional studies in a manner consistent with Christian education. The Lord has signified his displeasure that so many of our people are drifting into Battle Creek; and since he does not want so many to go there, we should understand that he wants our schools in other places to have efficient teachers, and to do well the work that must be done. They should arrange to carry their students to the point of literary and scientific training that is necessary. Many of these requirements have been made because so much of the preparatory work done in ordinary schools is superficial. Let all our work be thorough, faithful, and true. In our training schools, the Bible is to be made the basis of all education. And in the required studies, it is not necessary for our teachers to bring in the objectionable books that the Lord has instructed us not to use in our schools. From the light that the Lord has given me, I know that our training schools in various parts of the field should be placed in the most favorable position possible for qualifying our youth to meet the tests specified by State laws regarding medical students. To this end the very best teaching talent should be secured, that our schools may be brought up to the required standard. But let not the young men and young women in our churches be advised to go to Battle Creek in order to obtain a preparatory education. There is a congested state of things at Battle Creek that makes it an unfavorable place for the proper education of Christian workers. Because the warnings in regard to the work in that congested center have not been heeded, the Lord permitted two of our institutions to be consumed by fire. Even after this revealing of his signal displeasure, his warnings were not heeded. The Sanitarium is still there. If it had been divided into several plants, and its work and influence given to several different places, how much more God would have been glorified! But now that the Sanitarium has been rebuilt, we must do our very best to help those who are there struggling with many difficulties. Let me repeat: It is not necessary for so many of our youth to study medicine. But for those who should take medical studies our union conference training schools should make ample provision in facilities for preparatory education. Thus the youth of each union conference can be trained nearer home, and be spared the special temptations that attend the work in Battle Creek. Our Duties and Privileges in This Judgment Hour
By John M. Hopkins
“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul9it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.” Lev. 23: 26-32. For a more perfect understanding of this scripture the reader will do well prayerfully to study the sixteenth chapter of Leviticus, where the character of the service of this atonement work is more fully dwelt upon. From verses 29-34, it will be seen that chapters 23: 26-32, and 16 refer to the same service, which was performed only “once a year” (verse 34), making it the closing work for that year. And this constituted the work of “atonement for the people,” and whoever among all the tribes of Israel was indifferent and careless, and did not heartily enter into this work by repentance and confession and by earnestly seeking God, was “cut off from among his people.” Nothing could be more sad, more terrible, than to become an outcast, to be separated from the Lord and his people. And as this atonement work was one of those services which Paul says “are a shadow of things to come” (Col. 2: 17), “which was a figure for the time then present” (Heb. 9: 9), as this work of atonement for ancient Israel was a “shadow,” “a figure,” or type, of the great atonement work begun by our great High Priest on the “tenth day of the seventh month,” in 1844, at the expiration of the twenty-three hundred days of Dan. 8: 14 and 9: 24-27, we may be able to see, somewhat, the importance we should attach to the present time. The solemn work of atonement is now being carried forward by our Lord in the “true tabernacle” in heaven. It, too, is the closing work, not for one year only, but forever. The “mystery of God,” the gospel work, is being “finished;” and if it was important for ancient Israel to “afflict their souls,” how much more imperative the necessity for us to-day, by earnest prayer and supplication, not by “vain repetitions,” not by noisy demonstration, but by a careful study of his Word, by a careful study of our own hearts and lives, the motives and the principles that govern us. The Lord has said, “Be ye holy; for I am holy,” and without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12: 14. Holiness means wholeness to God,—our very hearts and characters like the heart and character of God; pure, clean, not defiled by sin; no sin in us or about us; Christ dwelling in us by his Holy Spirit, so that mentally and physically and morally we shall be wholly like him; not simply by profession, but in fact “born again,” a new creature in Christ Jesus. We love God, and we love just what he loves. We love justice; it is a part of our being, as it is of the Lord’s. We love righteousness, and truth, and kindness, and gentleness, and patience, and meekness, and long-suffering, and all those beautiful graces of the Spirit. By our “newness of life” we are the living examples of those graces. They constitute the Christian character, and shine out in the every-day life. They are the reflection, the outward evidence, of an indwelling Christ. Then there will be no impure thoughts cherished in the heart. There will be no impure words escape our lips. There will be no unkindness expressed in our words or actions. There will be no unfair or dishonorable methods employed in our business transactions. In everything we shall be and do just what Jesus, our indwelling Guide and Keeper, would be and do. Then his cause will be our cause; for we are one, in unison with him. Our work will be his; for he is one with us. Whether on the farm, in the home, or at the anvil, or working with the square and plane, or in the mission field, we shall be holy unto the Lord—wholly for the Lord. And as he is interested in all our undertakings, so shall we be in all his work. It, too, will lie nearest the heart; for it is our dear Lord’s work. We shall love the proclamation of the gospel; for it brings dear souls to Jesus for salvation. Every enterprise for the advancement of his cause, every call for help, will find a listening ear, a ready hand, a warm heart, a cheerful response. We shall plow, and sow, and reap for Jesus, to supply our own needs and the needs of his precious cause. That will be a “new life,” a blessed, happy life, a holy life. That will be a character and a life that will be accepted by our High Priest, and by our Father in this atonement hour. My brother, my sister, be true to God and to principle. You may be misjudged. But know that “the Lord looketh on the heart.” He knows what your motives are, what you are, and what you desire to be. He knows just what traits of character, either good or evil, you inherited. He knows just how hard you have struggled to overcome those traits. He knows, too, that for long years you may have cultivated those unholy appetites and passions, until they became like a chain of steel forged around you. He knows all the mistakes you have made, and how, perhaps, those whom you love, and whose love your inmost soul is crying, yes, starving, for, regard you with distrust or suspicion. And he knows also your repentance, and your heart-longing for holiness. And now, brother, sister, let me say, Just tell him all about it, believing his sure word that all those unlovely things are forgiven—made “whiter than snow.” Commit it all to him. Ask, and believe that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. And then, however hard the conflict may be, however long the days, however lonely the hours, however heavy the burdens, in Jesus’ name, in Jesus’ strength, be true to principle. Be true to your high sense of Christian manhood and womanhood. Every day seek that help which alone will sustain you and enable you to overcome. Know that God loves you. Know that Christ pleads for you. Know that heaven is interested in your best interests. And then go steadily, carefully, prayerfully, faithfully forward in the work God gives you to do. Come, Lord Jesus
By L. D. Harrington
COME, for creation’s sake,
This world so beautiful and grand,
So good when from its Maker’s hand,
Now marred and scarred through all the land,
Still waits thy word to quick obey,
And greet the light of perfect day.
Come! Take its fall, its curse away;
Come, for creation’s sake. Come, for thy loved ones’ sake!
Sad tears still blind each watchful eye;
We droop, we mourn, we fail, we die,
How long, O Lord, how long? we cry.
Come, wipe from every eye the tear,
And still in every heart all fear,
And make the future glad and clear.
Come, for thy loved ones’ sake. O, come, for thine own sake!
’Twas here thou counted all but dross,
And here for us thou suffered loss,
On Calvary’s mount there stood thy cross.
O, come, and turn that loss to gain,
That cross to crown, and banish pain,
A King of kings always to reign.
O, come, for thine own sake. Come, for thy Father’s sake!
He gave the world to thee, his Son,
Through thee the world to him be won;
And then, on earth, his will be done.
Come, Lord, unto thy faithful few,
O, come, and prove the “promise true!”
Come soon, and make the “all things new.”
Come, for thy Father’s sake. — L. D. Harrington, in The World’s Crisis. The Nearness of Christ’s Coming as a Practical Doctrine
By Geo. I. Butler
By the term “a practical doctrine” we mean one which affects the life and character of the person favorably, increasing his chances for salvation. No doubt all truth is in a measure practical in its effects; but some truths are far more so than others. There are multitudes who profess to be Christians who give no evidence of really being such. They bear not the fruits of the Spirit,—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance. But they do bear fruits of an opposite nature,—covetousness, selfishness, hatred, envy, wrath, evil-speaking, et al. “Without the Spirit of Christ, we are none of his.” That which will lead us to repentance of sin, humiliation of soul, restitution where we have wronged others, earnest prayer, devotion to the calls of duty,10meekness, kindness, a spirit of sacrifice for the good of others, a giving up of the world and its frivolous pleasures, and finally taking Christ for our all in all in life, is a practical truth of vast importance. We claim that a firm belief in the special nearness of Christ’s coming back to this earth is one of the most intensely practical truths to be possibly found in this world. It must be self-evident that in order to be a practical truth, to inspire a practical godliness, it must be a truth, and not a falsehood. If it were found to be the latter, of course God’s Spirit could not indorse it, and again it would end in a disappointment that would be deleterious in its effects. Its victim would be liable to lose all faith in the event ever coming. The writer, after a long experience, could present a multitude of practical evidences from the experience of many of the truthfulness of this claim. In the nature of things it must be that a person will be most forcibly impressed to serve God faithfully when he firmly believes his probation is rapidly hastening to its close. Putting off the day of making strenuous efforts to please God and prepare for eternity, is the prevailing sin of the age. Multitudes to-day are like wicked Felix of old, who said to the apostle, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” There is not the slightest reason to suppose he ever called for Paul again. It was doubtless his last chance for salvation. Hosts of men and women are, by the same procrastination, putting off their day for seeking God, and will at last have to say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” O, sad and awful thought! But when the signs are fulfilled, and the evidences are overwhelming that Christ’s coming is near, even at the door, and the soul accepts this great truth, it serves as a spur of great force and power to make that person earnest and energetic in saving his soul from death. No one in his senses can dispute this fact. We know this by any amount of valuable experience. If ever there was a people in all the history of the world who were careful in their preparation to meet Christ in peace, it was the Adventist body in the fall of 1844. They were fully given up to God and consecrated to his service. O, that we as a people would study the history of that work, and get hold of the same spirit! Such power and earnestness are needed to-day above everything else. There must be a revival of that old-time advent spirit. The coldness and apathy of our people are truly appalling. But great encouragement has been the result of some recent experiences in impressing upon them the importance of a revival of the old-time spirit. “The Lord is coming: let this be
The herald note of jubilee,
And when we meet, and when we part,
The salutation from each heart.”
How that thought will thrill every true believer’s heart. How little will this poor world charm away from God the earnest believer in Christ’s soon coming. That glad and joyful thought is too precious to the firm believer to allow him to be drawn away to the weak and beggarly things of this poor world of sin and sorrow. A better world opens to our view, where death will never come, pain will never be felt, tears will never be shed, evil in any form can never enter. Jesus, our love, will be there, leading his people beside the still waters, in endless joy and blessed reality. O Lord, speed that glad day. We long for thine appearing. Broken families will then unite, never to be separated. All the blest will come “from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another,” to worship God, partake of life’s fair tree, and see Jesus’ blessed face. Not one joy will be lacking. This old earth, with its sin and the curse, will never, for all eternity, come to any saved heart with the slightest desire.—Geo. I. Butler, in The Southern Watchman. The Lord Our Refuge
By William Brickey
WHEN my heart, like a bulrush, is bowed down with grief, Whither, Lord, should I go but to thee for relief? Thou hast portioned my lot, but my load is so great, That my soul seems to faint, as I carry its weight! When friends turn away with disdain from my door, And seek not my presence because I am poor, When brethren and sisters are deaf to my plea, Whither, Lord, can I go for relief but to thee? When the rod of chastisement falls heavily down, And I’m bruised from the sole of my foot to my crown, When the earth seems like iron, and heaven seems like brass, O, where else could I go when this cometh to pass? For the powers of the universe move at thy will, And thy mandates the angels are quick to fulfil; Lord, send them with comfort and peace unto me, As with heart-rending anguish I turn unto thee. When my heart strings are wrenched till the sobs choke my breath, When I walk through the valley and shadow of death, When dark clouds overshade all the sun in my skies, Let me turn to my God with my heart-rending sighs. When Satan’s foul touch blights my soul with decay, Till my form has grown bent, and my hair turneth gray; As I lean on my staff, Lord, my prayer still shall be, Let my last tottering step bring me nearer to thee.