Earlier text: Precious PromisesMRS. E. G. WHITE
By Ellen G. White
On the morning of May 2, we left Loma Linda, and started on our homeward journey. Passing through Los Angeles, we rested an hour or two at the treatment rooms, and took the afternoon north-bound train over the Coast Line. I had planned to spend a day at Fernando, but on account of a severe cold recently contracted, dared not undertake labor there. I did not want to see the ruins of San Francisco, and dreaded to stop at Mountain View. But the next morning, as we neared Mountain View, we decided to stop over for a few hours. The board of managers of the Pacific Press Publishing Company felt the need of counsel, and urged that we remain over the Sabbath. We finally consented to do so. Thursday afternoon we met with the brethren in council. I spoke a short time. The following day I was ill, and very weak. The cold had taken a firm hold on my system. I doubted if I should be able to speak on the morrow. However, I ventured to allow the brethren to make an appointment for me to address the people Sabbath forenoon. I made the Lord my entire dependence; for I knew that unless he should be my helper, I could not speak more than a few words. My throat and head were greatly troubled. I was so hoarse that I could scarcely speak aloud. Sabbath morning I felt no better. At the appointed hour, I went over to the chapel, and found it crowded. I feared I should fail, but began talking. The moment I began to speak, strength was imparted. I was relieved of hoarseness, and spoke without difficulty for nearly an hour. My illness seemed to disappear, and my mind was clear. As soon as I finished speaking, the hoarseness came upon me again, and I began coughing and sneezing as before. To me, this experience was a marked evidence of divine help. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this special miracle of his power, which gave me no chance to entertain any doubt but that he had a message for me to bear to the people. I was very ill in the afternoon, and restless during the night; but Sunday I was able to sit up in bed and write a few pages. Monday, May 7, we returned home, passing through San Francisco en route. The last prayer of Christ, as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, formed the basis of my remarks. Standing in the shadow of the cross, the Saviour here presented principles that lie at the foundation of all true Christian experience. Lifting up his eyes unto heaven, he said: “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Fathers and mothers may find special encouragement in these words. Their greatest desire in behalf of their children should be to train them in the knowledge of “the only true God, and Jesus Christ,” who was sent by the Father to bring to us the gift of life eternal. Of Abraham, the great Searcher of hearts declared, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment.” There will be no betraying of truth, no yielding to the temptation of Satan to allow the children and the household to control. By the influence of decided authority mingled with love, the wise parent will rule his household in the fear of God. In connection with the petition of Christ, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth,” I felt impelled by the Spirit of God to appeal to the youth to study the Word. Let every one covenant with God to study the Word. Dear youth, cease to read the magazines containing stories. Put away every novel. In the days of Paul, those who were converted at Ephesus burned their magical books. We would do well to clear our houses of all the story magazines and the publications containing ridiculous pictures—representations originated by satanic agencies. The youth can not afford to poison their minds with such things. “What is the chaff to the wheat?” Let every one who claims to be a follower of Christ, read only that which is true and of eternal value. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” May the Lord help us to appropriate the instruction that Christ gave his disciples just prior to his crucifixion. We are to build up one another in the most holy faith. A Christian can not mingle with worldlings as one of their number. Though living in the world, we are not to be of the world. He who acts as a worldling, while retaining his name on the church book, greatly dishonors God. In his prayer the Saviour has revealed his desire that our conduct be such that the Father can have the same love for us, and the same interest in our salvation, that he had for his only begotten Son. He desires that we shall partake freely of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world. We must prepare ourselves for most solemn duties. A world is to be saved. The work is advancing in a most marvelous manner in foreign lands; and even within the shadow of our doors there are many, many opportunities for communicating to others the saving truths of the third angel’s message. Publications are to be distributed like the leaves of autumn. This is the message that has been coming to us from the Lord for many years. In view of the great work to be done, how can any one afford to waste precious time and God-given means in doing those things that are not for his best good or for the glory of God? The Scriptures are to be studied diligently, and are to be made the man of our counsel. None can afford to neglect this source of strength and blessing. A Solemn Message to Our Youth
While in Mountain View, I was instructed, as God’s messenger, to appeal to the youth connected with our institutional work. This message is applicable to all young men and young women who claim to be Sabbath-keepers, and especially to those who are laboring in our institutions:— Dear youth, there is great need of your examining yourselves. Many perished in the fearful calamity at San Francisco. How many who were destroyed by that awful earthquake, were prepared for death? How many who are still alive, will be admonished? None of us can foretell where the next destructive earthquake may be permitted to come. Who are prepared? Our young people need to be surrounded with wholesome, uplifting influences. They are to be kept in the love of the truth. The standard set before them should be high. Some feel a desire8to be left without restraint, that they may do as they please. Those who are connected with our institutions in positions of responsibility should take upon themselves the burden of caring for the souls of those placed under their charge. The fathers and mothers, too, in the church, are under sacred obligation to watch for the souls of their children as they that must give an account. Let none, neither parents nor the youth, begin to believe that amusements are essential, and that a careless disregard of the Holy Spirit during hours of selfish pleasure, is to be looked upon as a light matter. God will not be mocked. Let every young man, every young woman, consider: ‘Am I prepared to-day for my life to close? Have I the heart preparation that fits me to do the work which the Lord has given me to do?’ Every youth should make God’s Word his guide, and daily gather from the Word the instruction given. If some refuse to be guided by this instruction, they are sowing seeds that the enemy has placed in their hands, and they will not care to reap the harvest. In view of the abundant opportunity given every one to walk in the light of God’s Word, is it not sad to think that some are choosing their own way of careless pleasure? Every talent of influence is to be sacredly cherished and used for the purpose of gathering souls to Christ. Young men and young women should not think that their sports, their evening parties and musical entertainments, as usually conducted, are acceptable to Christ. Light has been given me, again and again, that all our gatherings should be characterized by a decided religious influence. If our young people would assemble to read and understand the Scriptures, asking, ‘What shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ and then place themselves unitedly upon the side of truth, the Lord Jesus would let his blessing come into their hearts. O that every church-member, every worker in our institutions, might realize that this life is a school in which to prepare for examination by the God of heaven, with regard to purity, cleanliness of thought, unselfishness of action! Every word and act, every thought, is recorded on the record books of heaven. As God’s messenger, I am now instructed to speak to all, including the youth: We are still spared; and now we have a precious opportunity to think to some purpose. Some of our Sabbath-keepers who have had great light, have allowed their children to have very much their own way, until the leaven of an evil influence has permeated other households. The parents are to be called to an account, if they do not bring sound doctrine into their home life; for only by doing their duty faithfully may they hope to see sound practises in the lives of their children. The form of sound words is to be fully appreciated; but unless these words lead to right acts, the work has been left unfinished. To all, old and young, the word of the Lord is: Let the truth of God be inwrought in mind and soul. Let your prayer be, ‘O Lord, preserve my soul, that I shall not dishonor thee.’ Let your prayers ascend to God, that he may sanctify the soul in thought, in word, in spirit, in every transaction. Plead with God that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into the fabric of your character. Let the prayer be offered: ‘Sanctify my heart through the truth. Let thy angels keep my soul in strict integrity. Let my mind be impressed with the simple, searching maxims in thy Word, given to guide me in this life as a preparation for the future, eternal life.’ It is through the power and prevalence of truth that we must be sanctified, and elevated to the true dignity of the standard set forth in the Word. The way of the Lord can be learned only through most careful obedience to his Word. Study the Word. The Joy of Incompleteness
If all our life were one broad glare
Of sunlight, clear, unclouded;
If all our path were smooth and fair,
By no soft gloom enshrouded;
If all life's flowers were fully blown
Without the sweet unfolding,
And happiness were rudely thrown
On hands too weak for holding—
Should we not miss the twilight hours,
The gentle haze and sadness?
Should we not long for storms and showers
To break the constant gladness? If none were sick, and none were sad,
What service could we render?
I think if we were always glad,
We scarcely could be tender.
Did our beloved never need
Our patient ministration,
Earth would grow cold, and miss indeed
Its sweetest consolation!
If sorrow never claimed our heart,
And every wish were granted,
Patience would die, and hope depart,
Life would be disenchanted. And yet in heaven is no more night;
In heaven is no more sorrow!
Such unimagined new delight,
Fresh grace from pain will borrow.
As the poor seed that underground
Seeks its true life above it,
Not knowing what will there be found
When sunbeams kiss and love it;
So we in darkness upward grow,
And look and long for heaven,
But can not picture it below
Till more of light be given.
—Selected. Manifesting the Glory
By D. T. Shireman
In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 11, we read: “All the light of the past, all the light which shines in the present and reaches forth into the future, as revealed in the Word of God, is for every soul who will receive it. The glory of this light, which is the very glory of the character of Christ, is to be manifested in the individual Christian, in the family, in the church, in the ministry of the word, and in every institution established by God’s people. All these the Lord designs shall be symbols of what can be done for the world. They are to be types of the saving power of the truths of the gospel. They are agencies in the fulfilment of God’s great purpose for the human race. God’s people are to be channels for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe.” Dear reader, will you kindly stop and read over slowly and thoughtfully the preceding paragraph two or three times? It seems to me it is time for every believer in the Word of God to get these thoughts so fixed in his mind that they will shine out in his every-day life so clearly that all around him will see, and thus be warned of the great day of God. The people of the Lord will be ready for translation when all the light of the past and of the present shines out in their lives. Beloved, let us believe all that God has shown us. Let us reflect the light the Lord has given us. Are there things in us that must be laid aside? Let us lay them aside to-day; let us not wait for a more convenient time. Is there anything we should do that we are not doing to bring us the blessing of the Lord? Let us do it, and let us begin now, for in neglecting our duty we are on dangerous ground, and our lives are not safe a moment. Somebody will be hoping to be ready, but will not be. The Lord is calling for you and me to be representatives of his divine character. The number of the redeemed will soon be made up of the true, honest men and women who are walking in the light. The light of present truth is shining upon these honest persons from the heavenly sanctuary. All the angels of God are engaging in the closing work of bringing the light to them. Our Heavenly Father is waiting to reveal himself to his people. All heaven is astir. Satan, too, understands this; and many are parleying with him, and will lose their souls at last. This old earth is groaning under its load of sin and suffering, and is soon to fall to rise no more. All the wicked must sink with it, while the righteous dead will come forth from their dusty beds in robes of immortal beauty, and the living saints, changed in a moment, will mount up to meet their Lord, and take their journey through the air to the city of God. O praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy! it endureth forever. Moral Backbone and No Compromise
By John M. Hopkins
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15: 58. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Cor. 16: 13. In one sense every one stands alone. Every one has his individual realm, his circle in which to operate, his niche in life to fill, and no other person can occupy that place. That particular place is where he is to move, to toil, to develop and grow, or to reveal to all around him whatever weakness may be peculiar to himself. And just here comes the test of loyalty, the real proof of true manhood and true womanhood, of true loyalty to principle and duty. It is no difficult matter to glide or drift along with the tide. It is not difficult to float down stream. A few days ago the writer, in company with an old fisherman, was some distance from land on one of our beautiful lakes in Minnesota. He did not find it at all hard to manage the boat when there was no wind, or to let her drive with the strong gale. But when it was necessary to “tack about” and force the boat against the gale and the rolling waves, it was a very different thing. So it is in Christian living. The Christian may not always consult or follow inclination. He may not at all times be surrounded with agreeable environments. It may be that sometimes his lot is cast in a place that is altogether opposed to his tastes, may even be very distasteful to him. Congeniality, pleasant associations, and those things that brighten and sweeten life for him,9may not be his privilege to enjoy. Yet duty, principle, a sense of right, hold him there. He can not do otherwise than stand right there. He must deny himself of things which, under other conditions, would be very proper and right, and highly agreeable to him. His life thus becomes a continual fight for principle. He must have moral backbone to stand firmly for what he knows to be his duty. He may be compelled to stand alone, or worse, in opposition to those who should be helpers, not always passively only, but even actively. But there must be no compromise. He must firmly, faithfully, kindly, meekly, stand, do, bear, or suffer, as duty and principle require. Under these circumstances he needs the whole Christian armor of Eph. 6: 13-17. And thankful should he be, and truly thankful every Christian is, that there is an open Ear into which he may speak his needs, a strong Arm reached down to support, a loving Hand ever open to supply strength and encouragement. Therefore, “be strong and of good courage, fear not, . . . for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deut. 31: 6. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Ps. 27: 14. T. E. BOWEN
By T. E. BOWEN
Lessons From the Life of Judas — No. 1
CHRIST left on record in the Word portions of the life history of Judas. This was for a purpose. Lessons were to be drawn from his connection with the apostolic band that were to serve as a warning to others, lest they, too, enter upon the same fateful path that he did. The record of Judas’ life has become a part of the Scriptures given by inspiration of God, and which to us, upon whom the ends of the world have come, are profitable “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” With these thoughts before us, and for the purpose of getting the lessons Christ designed to teach by recording portions of the history of this false disciple, let us enter into a brief study of this record. First, let us note that no deception was practised upon Christ. He knew from the beginning the heart secrets of every disciple. At the close of his earthly mission, he prayed, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” In making up the little band of men who were to be associated with him in his earthly mission, Jesus chose different types of character. Each represented a class of the race he had come to save. The Master Builder was laying the foundation-stones of his spiritual house. Wisely, energetically, and with masterly skill did he arrange his work, knowing that he was working out one of the most wonderful plans of eternity. He was dealing with a subtle foe. Well did he know that every inch of the ground covered in his earthly work would be contested by that same antagonist with whom he had fought before in heaven. Judas came from that circle of men who were shrewd, keen, full of worldly ambition, covetous, and self-centered. He was a man of ability, one that wielded an influence among men. He had executive ability. Some most admirable qualities were to be found in Judas, and by no means was he beyond the transforming grace of Christ, had he but yielded his will to the will of his divine Leader. These qualities, unrestrained, unconverted, were what brought the disaster at the end of his career. Because of this failure to humbly yield to Christ, Judas made the earthly work of the Lord extremely difficult. Of the twelve, four of the disciples were taken as it were into an inner circle of Christ’s confidence, for the purpose of better fitting them for their important stations in after life. These four were Peter, James, John, and Judas—“Judas, in service capable of preeminence above his brethren, yet brooding in his soul purposes of whose ripening he little dreamed,—these [four] were the objects of Christ’s greatest solicitude, and the recipients of his most frequent and careful instruction.”—“Education,” page 86. Ponder well: Judas had capabilities, and started in not only to be a follower of Christ, but was one of the ordained twelve who were sent forth as workers for Christ. He started in as any other sinful man might do, to become an active servant of God, but there was something in Judas’ life that did not harmonize with the spirit and plans and purposes of the Master. “With Judas an element of antagonism was introduced among the disciples. In connecting himself with Jesus he had responded to the attraction of his character and life. He had sincerely desired a change in himself, and had hoped to experience this through a union with Jesus. But this desire did not become predominant. That which ruled him was the hope of selfish benefit in the worldly kingdom which he expected Christ to establish. Though recognizing the divine power of the love of Christ, Judas did not yield to its supremacy. He continued to cherish his own judgment and opinions, his disposition to criticize and condemn. Christ’s motives and movements, often so far above his comprehension, excited doubt and disapproval, and his own questionings and ambitions were insinuated to the disciples. Many of their contentions for supremacy, much of their dissatisfaction with Christ’s methods, originated with Judas.”—Ibid., pages 91, 92. It will be seen by this quotation that there was an inner thought in Judas’ mind that he was very essential to the cause. His great business sagacity was needed to guide the little apostolic bark lest it run upon the shoals and suddenly be dashed in pieces. His wise counsel must steady the ark, even though the divine Son was at hand himself. This was the ruinous seed Satan had dropped into the soul of Judas, and little did Judas know what its ripening should mean. Let us follow one point of controversy between Judas as leader of the disciples, and Christ. Christ taught that his kingdom would not come with outward show. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you [or among you].” Luke 17: 20, 21. The Pharisees believed that when Christ came, he would set up an earthly kingdom and free Israel from the Roman yoke. But Jesus taught differently, and the disciples understood it plainly. Yet they would not yield to what the Lord said. He meant exactly what he said when he said it the first time. And had they believed it, and settled down upon it, much trouble for them would have been avoided. Later, we find them cherishing the same fond plan. Christ had miraculously fed the five thousand. Every tongue was filled with his praise. “Now,” suggested Judas, “has come our time for enthroning the Lord.” By force the disciples planned to proclaim him king before the multitude. “When Jesus perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” John 6: 15. But still the disciples cherished their false hope. The request is presented for seats at the right and the left of the King in his kingdom. Jesus replied that that was not for him to give. To Pilate he stated what he had taught the disciples: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Later the disciples saw their folly. They learned at last that they had been dealing with One infinite in wisdom, as well as of great power. The Religious Nature of Giving
On the heels of that wonderful ingathering of souls at Pentecost, three thousand of them, they had a big collection. So you see the collection is as religious as getting people converted. Don’t ever turn blue when the collection is made or announced, because the collection is as religious as Calvary, and until you know how to give, you do not know what Calvary means. The collection is Scriptural, and when a man puts his check-book on God’s altar and says, “Here, Lord, here is my name; fill in that check just as you like; you know how much I can afford, and you know how much I can give; fill it in for what you like,” you may know he is not far from the kingdom. Giving means grace; and when a man gets from God, he must give to God.—Gipsy Smith. The Fruit of the Godly Example
By C. M. S.
PAUL’S exhortation to the Ephesians, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children,” has in it a thought which is worthy of the attention of every parent. The American Revised Version reads: “Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.” Eph. 5:1. Every parent knows how natural it is for a child to do what it sees its parents do, or its teacher do, or its older playfellows. The “beloved children” are those who are heeding parental advice, copying their living pattern, and so meriting continual approval. The parent is to follow, or imitate, his pattern (Christ) as he expects his child to follow, or imitate, the pattern which he sets. The ideal result would be that the child would learn to follow Christ by following the example of his own parent. The more closely the parent followed Christ, the more closely would the child follow Christ in following, or imitating, the parent. What a grand opportunity! But the child will imitate the parent, the teacher, whether they are following Christ or the adversary. What a weighty responsibility! The example which we set before the child, which is imitated by the child, does not cease with the child, but is passed on and on, carrying with it a blessing or a blight, the sunshine of helpfulness or the mildew of selfishness. If we expect politeness and courteousness in the children, we must set before them the example we desire to see worked out in them. We must be polite and courteous both before them and to them. It is not enough to say, “Johnnie, you must say, ‘Thank you,’ ‘If you please,’ ‘Excuse me,’” etc., etc. We must practise the courtesies we exact from them. I once saw a child compelled to sit at a table for a long time after the rest of the family had left, because he would not preface his request with “If you please.” He had not been accustomed to hearing the expression from his parents and older brothers and sisters; and his own bashfulness and the fear of being ridiculed kept him from saying the words. That child was declared to be stubborn and wilful; and the only lesson he learned from the experience was to refrain from asking for anything at the table. If the child is accustomed to hearing such expressions in the home, they will generally become his natural language; and if the child is accustomed to seeing the courteous acts which are the true accompaniment of such expressions, they will almost invariably be seen in his life. When neighbors call, it is a common thing with some parents to rehearse the misdoings of the children to the callers, in the presence of the child who has done the wrong. It is done in the hope of making the child so ashamed of the deed that he will not repeat it. It does not accomplish the result, and it breeds in the heart of the child a spirit of hatred which the parent may never be able to eradicate. It is perfectly natural that the child should dislike being held up to ridicule. Parents do not like it themselves, and they come to dislike very heartily those who ridicule them before others. It is a very dangerous place for any parent to put himself in with reference to his own child. “Be ye imitators of God, as beloved children.” God does not accuse his children before those outside his family. What you wish your children to be, live that before them. Copy Christ. Learn his ways, and imitate them till the graces of Christian kindness are seen in your every act. Then you may rightfully expect to see some of them at least in the lives of your children. Healthful Life in Summer Time
MANY have come to look forward to the summer time as a season of discomfort and possible danger, especially for the younger children. It may easily be made so by injudicious living. We take the following excellent suggestions upon this matter from an article by M. E. Olsen, in the British Good Health:— “The ideal life in summer should be an active one. In the winter, because of inclement weather, short days, and business or social duties, we are kept largely indoors. We may almost be said to hibernate. Our muscles lose their elasticity, our lungs forget to expand, and all the organs of the body suffer from the general inactivity. “With the first warm breath of spring it should be the earnest endeavor of the man or woman who is seeking to live a natural life, to spend much time out of doors. With many this privilege will be confined to mornings and evenings during week-days; but such need not despair. The morning walk before breakfast is an excellent appetizer, and there is nothing better as a preparation for refreshing sleep than a long evening walk following a light supper taken at about six o'clock. Games of various kinds are also an excellent means of relaxation. “To get the most good out of outdoor exercise, one needs to take it with vim and vigor. The muscles are to be put to some strain, the breathing is to be quickened, the blood sent bounding through every organ in the body, and the tissues thoroughly oxygenated. Even in very warm weather, brisk exercise, instead of adding to the discomfort, usually relieves it. The humid heat always makes itself felt most keenly when the body is in a generally clogged-up condition, its organs sluggish with inaction. “Next after outdoor exercise, which we may call the bath of fresh air for the lungs and tissues, comes the daily cold-water bath as a means of making an enjoyable summer. Those who have not tried this admirable tonic little realize how much of the zest and sweetness of life they are missing. On awakening in the morning, just slip on your dressing-gown, and make for the bath-room. A dip in the cold water followed by vigorous rubbing with a Turkish towel will tone up the nervous system, wonderfully quicken the circulation, and give a delightful sense of well-being and abounding energy. The morning bath in some form, either sponge bath, wet hand rub, or wet towel friction, is exactly as important as washing the face. “It is a very poor sort of civilization that insists on the visible portion being washed, while neglecting the remainder of the body. “Mothers who have delicate children will find the summer the best time in which to build up their constitutions. Take them to the parks and keep them there as much as possible. You can take your sewing along, and enjoy the fresh air yourself. Delicate children need to just live out of doors all through the spring, summer, and autumn; of course they should always be dressed according to the weather. “Everybody should dress according to the weather. While we usually expect to have a certain amount of warm weather at this time of the year, we are occasionally treated to weather which is anything but warm. The proper way to meet such emergencies is to dress accordingly. Many summer colds are the result of dressing by the calendar instead of the thermometer. “One parting word: Don't waste the beautiful summer mornings by lying late abed. Keep reasonably early hours for retiring, and then get up and enjoy the fresh morning sunshine. It has health and beauty for you which you will never find in the bed-room.” BURSTING in from school or play,
This is what the children say;
Trooping, crowding, big and small,
On the threshold, in the hall—
Joining in the constant cry,
Ever as the days go by—
“Where’s mother?” Mother, with untiring hands,
At the post of duty stands;
Patient, seeking not her own,
Anxious for the good alone
Of the children as they cry,
Ever as the days go by—
“Where’s mother?”