Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 44. (11/20/1884)

Signs of the Times

Nov 20, 1884

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1884

The Right Use of Talents.

By Ellen G. White

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

A SHORT time before Jesus entered Gethsemane to bear the sins of the world, he gave the memorable discourse recorded in the 24th and 25th chapters of Matthew, including the parable of the talents, given in chap. 25:14-30. He was a partaker of our human nature, and was wearied with the work of the day. The Pharisees had pressed him into speaking on various subjects, while they watched his words, hoping to seize upon something whereby they might condemn him and vindicate themselves in their cruel purpose toward him; and he had exhausted his strength by prolonging his words of prediction and warning. His own words were, "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work."

The parable of the talents has a relation to that of the ten virgins, which preceded it. In the parable of the virgins, Jesus had presented events connected with his second coming, showing the duty of being in readiness, and waiting and watching for that great event; and in the parable of the talents he brought before his disciples in the most impressive manner the solemn, sacred duty of unselfish, vigilant labor in the cause of God. Jesus would teach us that it is not by a life of quiet, prayerful meditation alone that Christian character is perfected; something more is needed to give us a fitness for his second appearing. Neither does religion consist altogether in work; it is not necessary to be always busy, loaded down with cares and responsibilities, so that the cultivation of personal piety is neglected. Paul's exhortation to Timothy was to the point: "Take heed to thyself," and then "to the doctrine." Keep thyself in the love and fear of God, and then preach the word with all diligence. We are to be, "not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

There are many whose religion consists in activities. They want to be engaged in, and have the credit of doing, some great work while the little graces that go to make up a lovely Christian character are entirely overlooked. The busy, bustling service, which gives the impression that one is doing some wonderful work, is not acceptable to God. It is a Jehu spirit, which says, "Come, see my zeal for the Lord." It is gratifying to self; it feeds a self-complacent feeling; but all the while the soul may be defiled with the plague-spot of unsubdued, uncontrolled selfishness.

Jesus says, "I know thy works." It is indeed true that all our works are passing in review before God; then how careful should we be to have them such as will bear inspection,—honest, pure, and holy. We should be particular in self-examination, making sure that we have the oil of grace in our vessel with our lamps. We should maintain a living connection with God, that no Satanic spirit may be allowed to have a moulding influence upon our experience and mar our work. The Christian must represent Jesus by both being good and doing good. Then there will be a fragrance about the life, a loveliness of character, which will reveal the fact that he is a child of God, an heir of Heaven.

The soul must be surrendered to God, submitted to be purified and made fit for the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. Unless the fountain be cleansed, the stream which issues from it will be impure; but if the fountain be pure, it cannot send forth bitter water. It is by cultivating meekness and lowliness, by performing kindly, thoughtful acts for others when no human eye can see and no human praise stimulate, by hiding self in Jesus, and letting his gentleness appear in the home-life, by exercising patience when provoked, giving a soft answer when tempted to be harsh, overbearing, and vindictive, that we leave the unmistakable impression on the minds of our children that father and mother are Christians. To be a Christian is to be Christlike,—to learn of him daily, to work as he worked, to deny self as he denied himself. Jesus lived not to please himself, and his disciples must follow his example.

To every one Jesus has left a work to do, there is no one who can plead that he is excused. Every Christian is to be a worker with Christ; but those to whom he has intrusted large means and abilities have the greater responsibilities, and Satan will tempt these in various ways to neglect their sacred trust. In the parable, Jesus carries his hearers forward to the general Judgment, when every man's case will be decided according to his faithfulness in the work left for him to do. Men are justified by faith, but judged and rewarded according to their works.

The Master bestows his gifts according to the varied capacities of his servants. In the parable we read: "Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability, and straightway took his journey." To every one of us is committed some talent to be improved by use. The goods of Heaven are intrusted to our keeping, not to be hoarded or idolized, but to be wisely employed in the service of Christ. We are to place the highest value upon the talents committed to our trust, and to trade even with pence and farthings. Our opportunities may seem small; but if we are diligent, the blessing of God will rest on our efforts. He admits no idlers in his vineyard. All will be held responsible, from those in the highest positions to those in the most lowly; and of all he expects returns corresponding to the gifts bestowed.

Every man is responsible for the use he makes of his time, his talents, and his possessions; for they are not his own. In the parable we are represented as trading on borrowed capital. Our relation to God is that of borrowers; to our fellow-men, that of owners. God is the giver of all our benefits. Not only has he the right of ownership in ourselves and all that we have, but he alone can give wisdom to so guide us that we shall make no mistake in using our powers according to his purposes. Yet how few there are who consider that they must render an account to God for the use they make of every faculty. How often men act as though their time and their possessions were their own, to be used as best pleased themselves.

No honest, faithful laborer will rest content while neglecting to use his tact, skill, and inventive powers to advance the interests of his employer. If to successfully carry on the various enterprises connected with worldly business, aptness, careful thought, education, and discipline are required, how much more essential that these qualities be used in the service of the Lord, in advancing his cause in the earth; and as the faculties are exercised in this direction, their power is increased, so that each succeeding day we shall be able to do better work for God and humanity.

The power of speech is one of God's good gifts to man. In the day of final accounts, we shall find that the tongue was a power for good or a power for evil. It is often used in making hard speeches, in speaking words that descend like a desolating hail upon tender plants. There is much dishonesty, much exaggeration, in the use of the tongue. All these things come under the head of idle words; and for every idle word that men utter, they must give an account at the bar of God.

There are many whose conversation is apt and appropriate where their own interests are concerned, who never think of their obligation to use this precious talent in winning souls to Christ. But the power of speech is a sacred trust to be improved to exalt the plan of redemption and magnify its Author, to speak words of comfort to the discouraged and desponding, to speak kind and pleasant words that shall be as a refreshing draught to those who are thirsting for sympathy and love. Our conversation should not be upon our own disappointments and trials, but upon the love of Jesus and the better home in Heaven. Dear reader, let your conversation be honest. Use sound speech which cannot be condemned, that it may minister grace and knowledge to the hearer.

The gift of writing is a talent from God; but in many cases this too has been perverted so that it has become an active agent in promoting evil. Many who profess to be children of God write to their friends in an extravagant, jesting strain, perhaps even turning serious subjects into sport and ridicule. Every communication is registered in Heaven; a copy is

imprinted on the books above, with the result of these productions; and in the day of Judgment, what shame will cover those who have written or spoken idle, mischievous words. But if the love of Jesus is in the heart, the letters will breathe his spirit. Out of the treasure-house of such a heart will be brought forth good, precious things, edifying the one with whom you communicate.

The Master has given directions, "Occupy till I come." He is the great proprietor, and has a right to investigate every transaction, and approve or condemn; he has a right to rebuke, to encourage, to counsel, or to expel. The Lord's work requires careful thought and the highest intellect. He will not inquire how successful you have been in gathering means to hoard, or that you may excel your neighbors in property, and gather attention to yourself while excluding God from your hearts and homes. He will inquire, What have you done to advance my cause with the talents I lent you? What have you done for me in the person of the poor, the afflicted, the orphan, and the fatherless? I was sick, poor, hungry, and destitute of clothing; what did you do for me with my intrusted means? How was the time I lent you employed? How did you use your pen, your voice, your money, your influence? I made you the depositary of a precious trust by opening before you the thrilling truths heralding my second coming. What have you done with the light and knowledge I gave you to make men wise unto salvation?

Our Lord has gone away to receive his kingdom; but he will prepare mansions for us, and then will come to take us to himself. In his absence he has given us the privilege of being co-laborers with him in the work of preparing souls to enter those mansions of light and glory. It was not that we might lead a life of worldly pleasure and extravagance that he left the royal courts of Heaven, clothing his divinity with humanity, and becoming poor that we through his poverty might be made rich. He did this that we might follow his example of self-denial for others.

Each one of us is building upon the true foundation, wood, hay, and stubble, to be consumed in the last great conflagration, and our life-work be lost, or we are building upon that foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones, which will never perish, but shine the brighter amid the devouring elements that will try every man's work. Any un faithfulness in spiritual and eternal things here will result in loss throughout endless ages. Those who lead a Christless life, who exclude Jesus from heart, home, and business, who leave him out of their counsels, and trust to their own heart, and rely on their own judgment, are unfaithful servants, and will receive the reward which their works have merited.

At his coming the Master will call his servants, and reckon with them. The parable certainly teaches that good works will be rewarded according to the motive that prompted them; that skill and intellect used in the service of God will prove a success, and will be rewarded according to the fidelity of the worker. Those who have had an eye single to the glory of God will have the richest reward. Selfishness, indolence, worldliness, pride, covetousness, and human ambition will appear in their true and hateful character, as the works of Satan; while every work done from love to Jesus, with a sincere desire to glorify him, will appear as the height of human excellence and wisdom.

With the consciousness that they have done only their duty, and merit no reward, the faithful stewards will present the talents they have gained through use. They bring sheaves. With their money and talents they have been instrumental in bringing honor to Jesus; through his blessing attending their efforts, they have been able to benefit others. They present to their Lord both principal and interest; but it is with a sense of humility. An eternal weight of glory is awarded them; but they receive it as a free gift.

But to those who hide their Lord's talents in the earth, Jesus will say, "Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Wherefore gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds."

Take from him the opportunities for usefulness which he has failed to improve. I have no confidence in him; he will not do faithful work for me. He has misused my gifts, perverted my talents. Had he traded in my interest upon the capital I intrusted to him, he would now reap eternal life; but he has lived selfishly; his life-work has been a failure. And now he comes unrolling a napkin, and telling me I have my own. He brings no interest. Take the talent from him, for he is no longer worthy of it, and give it to him that has ten talents; for to him that hath shall be given, and from him that has no returns to make, even that which I intrusted to him shall be taken away. And he shall suffer eternal loss. "Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

I present these thoughts before the laymen in the church, that they may awaken to a sense of their responsibility. What are you doing, dear reader, with your intrusted talents? If you are burying them in the world, do so no longer. Work for Jesus; put your entire interest into his cause. Self-flattery and self-deception would make you believe that you are doing about right; but how does your life compare with that of Jesus when he was in this world? Jesus has done everything for you; he withheld not even himself. Now show zeal and earnestness in putting all your powers to work for him, and you will receive as your reward the gift of eternal life.

GLORYING IN THE CROSS.

By Mrs. M. Stratton Beers

"In the cross of Christ I glory," Knowing naught but his dear will; Praying ever, "Count me worthy Thy behests to swift fulfill."

"In the cross of Christ I glory," Daily bending 'neath my own, Toiling on in glad submission, For he leaves me not alone.

"In the cross of Christ I glory," Though the world looks on in scorn; What care I for "light afflictions"? Soon will dawn redemption's morn.

If in Christ's dear cross we glory, His appearing we will love, Longing for the trumpet's sounding, That shall call us up above. —Mrs. M. Stratton Beers.

Business.

By W. N. Glenn

By the term business is usually meant one's principal occupation, especially that which he does for pecuniary gain. An individual may, if he can afford it, busy himself personally in traveling, in amusement, or study, or industrial experiments, while that by which he is principally maintained may be conducted by others. Yet that upon which he depends for support or increase of wealth is called his business. In common parlance, when a person does anything particularly shrewd, by which it is clear that he is to be gainer in any way, it is said, "That's business."

Again, when one neglects a good opportunity for legitimate gain, especially when the matter has been deliberately considered and understood, he is unhesitatingly declared to be lacking in business qualifications. Nor is he supposed to possess a keen business foresight, who only sees results from day to day. The largest fortunes have been secured by investments that were not expected to pay returns for a considerable length of time; investments, too, that would need to be supplemented by hard toil and the sacrifice of even necessary comforts. Almost every one who has built up a fortune from a small beginning can recall more or less of this kind of experience. Those who have grown up to affluence in new countries, will especially recognize this truth.

Then, from the world's standpoint—a position from which even the natural eye can behold—arises the conclusion that the shrewd business man is he who invests in that legitimate enterprise which insures the largest and most durable return. All will agree that a man's most important interest is that which will serve him longest and best; therefore that interest, whatever it might be, would engage the attention and means of the really shrewd business man. And this brings before us the subject of religion as a business.

The world has always made a great mistake in supposing that business is one thing and religion another. If such be the case, there must necessarily be a conflict, and no man can maintain two conflicting interests any more than he can serve two masters. Remember that legitimate business is not a service of mammon; it is labor for gain. Outwardly at least, the world has subscribed to the business motto, "Honesty is the best policy;" as a matter of fact, no man can be deemed truly honest who does not begin with honesty to his Creator—his heavenly Father, from whom cometh "every good and perfect gift."

The Saviour of the world was a business man. He came as a special agent of his Father, and was found attending to his business at the early age of twelve years. See Luke 2:49. The Father had planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen who had refused to make returns when called upon by authorized collectors, and finally the Son came to attend to the business. See Matt. 21. He did a trading business also, and when he went away to get for himself a kingdom, he left this business in the hands of his servants; furthermore, when he returns he will demand a strict account from every one. See Luke 19. And he inaugurated a building enterprise—a great church building—which was left in the hands of his workmen. In this also he requires scrupulous exactness in every detail.

The great Teacher introduced business policy as a part of the course of study of his pupils. In setting forth the advantages of his kingdom, and how to secure wealth therein, he did it in a business manner. He gave advice how to invest here to that end, showing that our standing there would depend upon our business policy here. We must lay up in this life the treasure we would enjoy in the kingdom of Heaven. The laying up, means investment in the things that will pass over into that kingdom, for moth,

and rust, and thieves will destroy all temporal accumulations.

A parable has been left on record which aptly illustrates the business policy inculcated by the Master. "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do; I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?" Matt. 12:16-20. "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Verse 21.

Then in the end it will be demonstrated that he who has ignored religion (the Lord's financial policy) in this life, has simply been a fool. This is not a very high compliment to the business sagacity of one who might suppose himself eminently successful; but it is the estimate placed upon such a course by the wisdom of Heaven. But what is there within the proper desire of man that Christianity will not furnish? Do you want land? Be a Christian. True you will be only a sojourning emigrant now, while for a short time you pass over desert wastes en route to the better land, where "They shall not build and another inhabit," "and the inhabitant shall not say I am sick," for "the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Do you seek a fine residence? Be a Christian. There is a mansion prepared for you in the New Jerusalem, a city of pure gold. Do you seek honor? Be a Christian. The Lord of all the earth has promised (and his promises never fail) that "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne." Rev. 3:21. Do you desire wealth? Be a Christian. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." There were great and precious promises made to Abraham which he is yet to realize, and "they that are Christ's, are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal. 3:29. Do you seek wisdom? "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments." Ps. 111:10. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." Jas. 1:5,6. Seek wisdom in "the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15. Do you seek long life? Be a Christian. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matt. 19:17. On every account, the religion of Jesus Christ is the only true business policy.

"Religion is the chief concern Of mortals here below." W. N. GLENN.

An Epidemic of Crime.

IN spite of statistics proving the general moral improvement of the race—and especially in our own country—it is unquestionable that crime is just now assuming alarming proportions. In England, out of every 10,000 deaths, about seven are the results of violence; in Ireland and France the ratio is a little more than eight out of 10,000; while just now in the United States the figures are increased to 21—a proportion more terrible than that of any civilized country, with the exception of Italy and Spain. In the State of New Jersey within the last two years the number of criminals increased 300 per cent. Increase of crime can only be occasioned by a lowering of the standard of morality.

In the popular admiration of colossal criminals, in the mawkish sentimentality of the kindly simpletons who do all that can be done to dull the edge of the law in the case of almost every desperate criminal, in the rash use of the pardoning power, in the ostracism of discharged convicts, and the trashy literature of the day, we find the most direct causes. This last point especially should have the attention of every lover of his race. Epidemics of crime follow vivid descriptions of brutality.—N. Y. Christian Advocate.

Strengthening Faith

We cast not water on the branches of a tree, but on the root. So strengthen faith. We strengthen love, and hope, and all, if we strengthen faith and assurance of God's love in Christ.

Humility and True Greatness

HUMILITY is the source of all true greatness; pride is ever impatient, ready to be offended. He who thinks nothing is due to him never thinks himself ill-treated.

Popery and Death.

NAPLES is the see of a Roman Catholic archbishop, who is always a cardinal. It has forty-seven parishes, with 257 Romanist churches, and fifty-seven Romanist chapels. In the Cathedral of St. Januarius, in a silver tabernacle behind the high altar of its chapel, del Tesoro, are preserved two phials said to be partly filled with the blood of that saint. His heart is also said to be preserved there. Twice each year, on May 1, and September 19, the dry blood in those phials, being placed within sight of that heart, is said to liquify, bubble, and boil—in connection with festivities which extend over a whole week. Of the monasteries, nunneries, and the like, which used to abound, as many as thirteen survived the suppression of 1868, and are in full operation still. From the days of its very beginning, Romanism has had everything its own way here; and if it contain within itself the power of educating, uplifting, civilizing, enriching, and making a nation clean, pure, industrious, intelligent, devout, with equal rights and abundant privileges, the papacy has no excuse for not having made Naples all this; Naples has no excuse for not having been made all this, and more, by the papacy. Upon its 411 square miles Naples now contains nearly or quite a million of people. Hundreds of thousands of that number can neither read nor write. The Bassi, where the poorer classes reside, is in a dirty—in fact an absolutely fetid—state; the hovels have neither windows nor water-closets, and are without means of ingress or ventilation except the hole known as the door. And the number of incorrigible mendicants, in all stages of filth—vermin-swarming, blear-eyed, noisome, and disgusting—seems to be innumerable, and, to one who has never before seen what Romanism can do in these respects for its populace in this life, incredible.

To this prepared, congenial, and welcoming spot the cholera has come, as it came in 1837 and 1854 and 1865 and 1866 and 1867; as the plague came in 1340 and 1348 and 1537, and we do not remember how many times since, down to the first quarter even of the present century. Having learned nothing from the past, there has been little intelligence for the present, and while priests, physicians, and nurses have abounded, the beau monde has fled, and the ignorant multitude have become almost delirious with fright; and have refused to take the prescribed medicines, under the wild notion that the doctors were in league to poison them; while the church, instead of heading a movement for the cleaning out of those human stables, for disinfecting the city, intelligently caring for the living and burying the dead, devotes itself to processions, misereres, and mummeries, while corpses are hustled into sacks—no time for coffins—and pitched into yawning pits.

The king has done nobly, but what is he among so many. A lady writes, but a few days ago: "I went out to buy a dress. Met six processions of women (I have since heard that they were of the worst class) with their hair hanging down their backs, chanting in hoarse and tuneless voices horrible dirges for the dead. Men accompanied them with plates, asking alms and insulting those who refused to give."

And this is the civilization and the humanity and the refinement, resulting under the most favorable circumstances from the labor and influence of what is claimed to have been an uninterrupted succession of popes, to the number of 283 from the time of Linus to that of Leo XIII.; in a place where for from fifteen to eighteen centuries it has had full scope to illustrate its beneficence for man.—Congregationalist.

The Wisdom of Solomon.

By Francis Nicoll Zabriskie

Solomon showed his wisdom in the methods of instruction which he adopted. We are so constituted that the reception of the truth depends very much upon its presentation. The wise teacher will seek out "acceptable words," that is, the most apt and, as we say, the most telling words. In Solomon's case, this was the form of proverbs. He studied the form as well as the substance of his teachings. He "gave good heed." He "sought out and set in order many proverbs." By this I understand that he brought out of his treasure things both new and old. He drew upon the wisdom of the ancients for their most vital and pithy sayings, and he strove to give snap and exactness to his own.

I would that we were more like Asiatics in one respect—more silent and thoughtful in our ordinary life, and more concise and to the point when we speak. It was this that made them love proverbs, which are the current coin of wisdom, compact and portable, and bearing their value on their face. Men still, and everywhere, love condensed and comprehensive language. Our literature grows richer every day in words and phrases which are lightning gleams, as brief and as luminous. We have still Luther-words, which are "half-battles."

And herein Solomon was a model for all teachers who would be wise to win souls. They will "still teach the people knowledge." They will instruct them in the great principles of truth, as well as exhort them to duty. They will be anxious to have them grow in knowledge as well as in grace. The preacher will recognize it as his paramount commission to "teach" the nations. His word is to be profitable not only for "correction and reproof," but for "doctrine and instruction." It is the "wisdom" of God, before it becomes the "power of God unto salvation."—Rev. F. N. Zabriskie.

The Object of a Sermon

“The object of a sermon, it has been said, is to inform and inflame. It should in every instance afford help to a better knowledge of the Bible—it should furnish abundant matter for purifying and elevating the hearer's conception of Christian life—it should feed the thought, as well as win the hearts of the people.”

Christianity in Daily Work

CHRISTIANITY means to the merchant that he should be honest; to the judge it means that he should be just; to the servant, that he should be faithful; to the school-boy, that he should be diligent; to the street-sweeper, that he should sweep clean; to every worker, that his work shall be well done.—Sel.

Memorizing Scripture.

By Evangelical Messenger

It is to be deplored that in the modern methods of work in the church, and particularly in the Sunday-school department, so little stress is laid upon the old-time custom of memorizing the Scripture verses. After all the explanation and teaching of the Scripture in our times, afforded by the numerous "lesson helps," there is still a sad lack of familiarity with some of the plainest, most common, and yet most important Scripture passages. In our hasty adoption of new methods in preference to the old, with a view to more rapid improvement, and more practical efficiency in the Lord's service, we sometimes improve backward. I have great praise for our modern "lesson system," if only it included some plan or inducement by which more of the precious word itself would be actually memorized. The modern idea is: Get the thought-meaning of the Bible; not so much the "letter" as the "spirit." But we must not forget that a non-acquaintance with the "letter" often leads to a misinterpretation of the "spirit." And further, we must not forget that nothing is so potent to meet the scoffs of infidelity, blunt the sword of unbelief, or "ward off the fiery darts of the wicked one," as the simple word itself. We may even be unable to sound the full meaning of a passage, and if we are able to repeat it in the right place and time, yet be able to do great execution with it. We cannot become too familiar with Scripture phrase. If we are to be "mighty in the Scriptures," the thousand warnings and the "exceeding great and precious promises" should be at the very tongue's end, ready at any moment to become a sword in the hand of the Christian, by which to slay sin. Scripture verses should become the language of the heart, so that "out of its fullness the mouth" might declare the word of the Lord.—Evangelical Messenger.

The Gift of God Is Eternal Life

"THE gift of God is eternal life." Rom. 6:23.

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