Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 1, 1902
Publishers' Page
Conducted by the Department of Circulation of the Review and Herald Publishing Company.
Sabbath-School Lessons for the Third Quarter
THE International Sabbath-School Quarterly, No. 29, containing the Sabbath-school lessons for the third quarter of the present year, is now ready.
The lessons for the coming quarter will be a continuation of the Studies in the Gospel Message, under the following general topics:—
The Gospel Message for All the World; Ceremonialism Leads to Bondage; The Curse of Formalism; Living Temples Are Found in Babylon; Preserving the Temple from Defilement; The Glory Revealed in the Temple; The Religion of Babylon Does Not Recognize the True Temple; The Living Temple Reveals the Mystery of Godliness; The Living Principle in History; The Revealed Secret; The Secret of Continuance; Justification by Faith, the Basis of the Continuance of the Kingdom; The Message of Justification by Faith Will Establish the Everlasting Kingdom.
These lessons are of unusual interest, and full of important practical principles. Price, 5 cents a copy.
“Story of Daniel the Prophet”
An excellent book to study in connection with the Sabbath-school lessons for the coming quarter.
BEGINNING with the fourth lesson, the greater part of the remaining lessons for the quarter are upon the events recorded in the first and second chapters of the book of Daniel. These chapters contain the account of the captivity of Judah and the experiences of Daniel and his companions.
The “Story of Daniel the Prophet” is the fruit of many years of close Bible study and untiring research, and contains, in addition to an excellent biography of the great prophet, much important matter that will be especially helpful to all who study the Sabbath-school lessons for the coming quarter. The following chapter headings of the book, compared with the subjects of the Sabbath-school lessons, will suffice to show the importance of the “Story of Daniel the Prophet” in connection with a thorough study of the Sabbath-school lessons for the next quarter:—
Daniel and His Followers Tested; A Controversy Between Truth and Error; True Freedom in Worship; The Most High Ruleth; Last Years of the Babylonian Kingdom; The Handwriting on the Wall; Daniel in the Lions’ Den; Prophecy of Daniel Seven; The Eighth of Daniel; History of the Jews; The Sanctuary; Introduction to the Last Vision; History of the Decrees; History of Greece; The Fourth Kingdom; The Mystery of Iniquity; Work of the Mystery of Iniquity.
The book is beautifully bound; size, 6¼ x 8¼ inches; 295 pages; set in new, clear type, with the Scripture texts in the margin. Price, 75 cents, postpaid.
“Patriarchs and Prophets”
AN excellent and important commentary on the principal Bible subjects from Adam to the death of David, and especially essential in the study of the subjects of the International Sunday-School Lessons for the third and fourth quarters of the present year.
AS the International Lessons from July 6 through the remainder of the present year are upon some of the principal subjects in connection with the exodus and the general history of the children of Israel, and the thousands who will study these lessons are interested in all the subjects especially treated in “Patriarchs and Prophets,” the present time is unusually favorable for the placing of this important volume in the homes of the Bible students of the entire country.
Our people should put forth every effort possible to place this book in the homes of the Sunday-school people immediately. It is published in the English, Danish, Swedish, German, and Holland languages. Beautifully bound in all the popular bindings; 760 octavo pages. Prices, $2.25–$4.50.
The New Webster Dictionary, and Complete Vest-Pocket Library
BY E. Edgar Miles. Over 800,000 already sold. Contains 45,800 words, not counting definitions. Five valuable reference books actually embodied in one small volume of vest-pocket size, and sold for the price of one book, or less than one fifth of its real worth. Simple, handy, reliable, substantially bound, good print. Just what everybody needs for ready reference and constant use. Adapted alike to the wants of all classes of people.
A pronouncing dictionary and speller, a pronouncing and statistical gazetteer of the world; a complete parliamentary manual; a rapid calculator and compend of business and social forms, or, a letter writer and literary guide; a book of English synonyms; a volume of test words, or, a domestic and foreign postal guide,—you will find all these desirable things, and much besides, in the “Complete Vest-Pocket Library.” This fivefold volume is a great educator, and will pay for itself many times in a year. Bound in three styles:—
In extra morocco, gold stamp, gilt edges (indexed), with calendar, memorandum, and postage-stamp holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
ALL our churches will unite next Sabbath, July 5, in an offering to pay the balance on the Christiania Publishing House debt. The amount needed is $30,000.
“The Scriptural Foundation of Science”
MANY throughout our ranks have for a long time expressed a desire for a work setting forth the Bible as a textbook in science. In response to this demand, Dr. L. A. Reed has written an excellent little volume, entitled “The Scriptural Foundations of Science.” This book was written for the purpose of inspiring faith in the Bible as a guide in all scientific investigation. It maintains that all truth is in the Word, that the Word is perfect, containing all the truth so fully that it is called THE TRUTH, and being the truth, it contains conformity to all facts.
It is the purpose of the book to answer all such questions as, “How can the Bible be a guide in science when it does not mention many of the simple facts of science?” and to demonstrate that, notwithstanding its seeming silence in many simple things, the Bible is the most perfect guidebook in science that can be found.
This book is worthy of a careful consideration and a large circulation. It is beautifully bound in cloth, elaborately illustrated, and printed in new, clear type. In size it is 5 x 7 inches, ½ inch thick. It contains 272 pages. Price, 75 cents, postpaid.
The New Commandment Charts
THE Review and Herald Publishing Company has just received a new supply of very fine Commandment Lecture Charts. These charts are 36 x 46 inches in size, and are printed on extra fine cloth, and in type appropriate for tent and hall use. Price, $1, postpaid.
Tent-Meeting Leaflets
SERIES of thirty-two numbers, excellent for use in connection with the tent effort, and also good for general circulation.
The series covers the following subjects:—
No. 1, Our Sure Guide; No. 2, A Wonderful Dream; No. 3, Four Great Monarchies; No. 4, Do You Know? No. 5, Do You See Them? (scoffers); No. 6, The Law of God; No. 7, Who Changed the Sabbath? No. 8, Rome’s Challenge; No. 9, Do You Believe This? (the law of God); No. 10, A Plain Question; No. 11, Some Things That We Believe; No. 12, Don’t Try to Improve It (the law); No. 13, Which Day Do You Keep? No. 14, Duty to God; No. 15, A Blessing and a Promise; No. 16, He Saves to the Uttermost; No. 17, Plain Language (on the law); No. 18, Be Not Deceived; No. 19, Does God Mean What He Says? No. 20, The Two Laws; No. 21, The Harmony of the Law and the Gospel; No. 22, Will You Have Right to the Tree of Life? No. 23, Does This Mean You? No. 24, Have You a Carnal Mind? No. 25, God’s Call; No. 26, The Judgment; No. 27, Are You Guilty? No. 28, Behold, I Come Quickly; No. 29, An Invitation; No. 30, Here Is Wisdom (666); No. 31, Will You Stand in the Judgment? No. 32, Can This Be Said of You?
Each number is composed of two pages of reading, 5½ x 7¾ inches in size. Many of them are illustrated. All are unique in design and excellent in matter. Price, 10 cents per hundred, postpaid.
The Review and Herald Publishing Company has about 200 of these series bound in paper cover for convenience in preserving them for reference. Price of bound numbers, 5 cents each, postpaid.
As the Days of Noah
By Editor
Editorial
As the Days of Noah
As one means of determining when his coming is near, Jesus said, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” A marked characteristic of the days of Noah was that “the earth was filled with violence.” In making known to Noah the destruction of the world by the flood the Lord said to him, “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” Violence is manifested lawlessness. When men are a law unto themselves, and seek to enforce their own laws, then the usual forms of government are set aside, and might takes the place of right. Thus it was in the days of Noah. “The wickedness of men was open and daring, justice was trampled in the dust, and the cries of the oppressed reached unto heaven.”
In the Days of Lot
The Saviour has also declared that the days of Lot were similar to the time just before his second coming. “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” Wholly absorbed in the affairs of this world, which may be legitimate enough when only a legitimate portion of time and strength is devoted to them, they disregarded the principles of the heavenly kingdom, and became the slaves of their own passions. They gave themselves over to fornication, and went after strange flesh. The message of the angels to Lot was, “We will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.” And when Lot warned his sons-in-law, saying, “Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city,” his words sounded like the words of an alarmist, and “he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.” A lawless mob raged in the streets of Sodom on that last night before its destruction, regardless of the rights of persons and property. Thus it was in the days of Lot.
In Our Days
History is repeating itself. The same picture is again presented to our view. Disregard of the divine law is bearing its natural fruit in the disregard of human law. Riotous mobs in the large cities seek to enforce the demands of labor upon capital, and in the country they take summary vengeance upon the criminal. Think of the record of the past few weeks. What a list of lynchings and attempted lynchings! How fiercely the fires of human passion have burned! Men have been tortured and burned to death by their fellow beings! The daily record of the recent strikes in Chicago was the description of a series of street riots, in which the officers of the law were helpless. The mobs were not suppressed, and the rioting ceased only when the cause of the rioting was removed. Similar scenes were enacted in New York City when the Jewish dealers in meat attempted to sell their stock contrary to the wishes of the people. Here is a heading from a recent issue of a metropolitan daily paper: “Mad Mob Riots in Paterson, N. J. Blood Is Spilled and Property Wrecked by Passion-Crazed Men.” Leaving out the local reference, how appropriate this heading would have been for a report of the attack on Lot’s house in the Sodom Daily News, if newspapers had been printed in those days. And those who call attention to these outbreaks and their meaning are called alarmists. They seem to many as those that mock. But what must we do? In these days of violence we must preach the gospel of peace. The power of divine grace must be revealed as the only salvation from the power of human passion. The coming of the Prince of peace must be proclaimed as the only hope of a world filled with violence. The days of Noah and the days of Lot are upon us. “So shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”
Go Forward
Christian experience is a battle and a march. Every battle should result in victory, and every march should be an advance. Our Leader never sounds a retreat. When the difficulties seem to be the greatest, then his command is, Go forward. There is much territory yet to be entered, and the time is short. This message is for the world. Let every one obey the instruction of the great Commander, Go forward.
A Short Work
Those things which seem impossible to man are easily accomplished by the Lord. It is faith in God’s power by which we are fully persuaded that what he has promised he is able also to perform. There is a great work to be done, and looking at it from the human standpoint, we might decide that it is impossible to complete it in this generation, but our confidence is in the Lord’s promises and in his power to fulfill them. “For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” It only needs the willing instruments through whom the Lord can reveal his mighty power in fulfilling his promise. “And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?”
Joy in Giving
Jesus gave himself for us. He did this willingly. He “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” This was the joy of seeing souls rescued as the result of his giving himself for them. “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” The joy of the harvest may be anticipated even during a tearful seed-sowing; for the promise is, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” The one who gives freely in seedtime is preparing for joy in harvest time. “He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” But the joy cannot be experienced when the giving is in any sense under compulsion. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,4so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” A cheerful giver is beloved of God and man. He is a partaker of the divine nature; for God gives, and gives gladly. It is not the simple fact that he gives, but that he is a cheerful giver, which shows that heavenly principles rule in his heart. He who does not really enjoy giving for the advancement of God’s kingdom in the earth and the benefit of humanity has not learned from his Master the fundamental lesson of the gospel. “The law of self-sacrifice is the law of self-preservation.”
If more than the amount needed for Christiania, $30,000, should be received in the collection next Sabbath, July 5, the surplus will be devoted to the needy fields. Do not be afraid to give liberally.
Acts Worthy of Imitation
By Uriah Smith
AMONG the many narratives set forth in the Gospels are two beautiful courses of action which are prominently presented for our contemplation and for our emulation as we study the lessons they are calculated to impress upon our minds. These are the courses of action pursued by Joseph of Arimathæa and by Nicodemus. They were cautious, conservative men, naturally thought to be timid through the fear of men and regard for their reputation, but manifesting before the close of their career a clearness of faith, a boldness of conviction, and a fidelity of character, which believers of the present day will be called upon to imitate before the end of their own experience.
Nicodemus is made conspicuous in the records of the evangelists as the one who “came to Jesus by night.” John 3:2; 7:50; 19:39. This secret visit to the Saviour by night is generally attributed to fear of the Jews.
Nicodemus was a ruler in Israel, a man of influence and education. He was an earnest man; and as he came to Jesus by night, let us look at the circumstances of the case. This was at the time of the passover (John 2:23), and it was very difficult to have an interview with Jesus at that time. In the first place, Jesus was very busy from early morn till night, teaching and healing the people. It was no easy matter to press through the crowds that then thronged him. But Nicodemus was determined to see Jesus, and to make known to him his difficulties, and receive from his lips an answer to his queries. He was looking for truth; and this interview gave occasion for one of the most beautiful and practical lessons to be found in the whole New Testament, as recorded in the third chapter of John. Nicodemus acknowledged Christ, not yet as the Messiah, but as a divine teacher sent from God; and being a member of the Sanhedrin, his time would be fully occupied with his official duties, so he would have had no opportunity for such an interview with Christ except in the way in which he secured it, by a night access to his presence. Nicodemus, as we learn from “The Desire of Ages,” related the whole interview between himself and Christ to John, and John made a full record of it in the third chapter of his Gospel.
Christ’s teaching opened the eyes of Nicodemus, and showed him how far he was from the light as the Lord viewed him. He got a view of his own heart and his pharisaical shortcomings. And when his colleagues were clamoring for the life of his Master, Nicodemus stood up for him, and with a few well-chosen words effectually blocked their angry efforts and arguments. John 7:51. This drew upon him the reproach that he was one of Christ’s disciples. The interview of Nicodemus with Christ, though cutting to his natural pride, was an evidence of his desire for instruction. He waited for the darkness of night, when he could see Jesus alone and unobserved; and though there were obstacles in the way, he searched him out on the Mount of Olives, such was his desire for an interview with him, in order that his queries might be solved by the wonderful wisdom which he was then convinced that Christ possessed as a divine teacher.
Two years passed away before the interview recorded in John 7:45–52. It is clear that the seed was taking root. The officers were sent to apprehend Jesus. They returned without him, saying, “Never man spake like this man.” The Pharisees replied, “Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” Nicodemus could no longer keep silence. It was no very lengthy remarks he made, but it required no small degree of courage to make them. And when at last Christ was crucified, Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathæa, and boldly begged the body of Jesus, and prepared linen and spices for its burial. In the history of Nicodemus we discern a noble candor, a simple love of the truth, and finally a genuine faith and a holy boldness in its maintenance, besides a generous offering in caring, as a last act of kindness, for the Lord. He had lacked a view of true conversion, as revealed by the words of Christ. See the comment upon the circumstances, and the import of the words of Christ, in “The Desire of Ages,” pages 167–177. In view of these facts, it is easy to accept the tradition that, after the resurrection of the Lord, Nicodemus became a full convert to the faith, and was baptized by Peter and John.
Connected with Nicodemus, in the last offices of respect and tenderness performed for the Lord, was Joseph of Arimathæa. He is called “a good man, and a just” (Luke 23:50), and, bearing in mind and believing the ancient prophets, was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. Mark 15:43, etc. The character of this man shines out also in connection with the burial of our Lord. He was a disciple of Jesus, but kept this secret till after Christ’s death. It is not said that he protested against the wicked machinations of the Jews who were conspiring to put Jesus to death; but it is said of him that he “had not consented to the counsel and deed of them.” Luke 23:51. His faith was not lessened but increased by the sufferings and shame of the death of the Son of man. He went boldly unto Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. The body which the governor gave up had been supposed to be that of a malefactor, a criminal, whom Pilate had condemned to the shameful death of the cross. The request of Joseph was, therefore, a reflection upon Pilate’s course in this matter.
In the next meeting of the Sanhedrin, what greeting might he expect from them? They would probably reproach him as follows; “There is the man who took the body of that malefactor from the cross, and gave it an honorable burial in his own tomb.” What efforts to degrade and humble him he had to face! There was the cruel title, meant for a reproach, still fixed upon the cross. The soldiers at the foot of the cross were parting Christ’s garments and casting lots upon his vesture, the wicked, taunting Jews were still saying, “He saved others; himself he cannot save!” Mark 10:31. Still in the face of all this, this friend of Jesus conveys away his form, on which earth and hell had poured their contempt, and bestows upon it an honorable and costly burial. How can we entertain for such a man other than feelings of respect and reverence? The love of Christ constrained him; and here was the secret of his courage. The sufferings and contempt heaped upon his Lord had not lessened but increased it, raising it to the highest pitch; and he bestowed upon the dead body of his Redeemer the utmost proofs of his love.
He had prepared for himself a family tomb. No member of his family had yet occupied it. He had no doubt often thought, Who will be the first to rest there? and if a stranger had made application for the tomb, he would have revolted at the request. But the first occupant of that tomb is taken from what would have been called a scaffold; for between two thieves the crucifixion took place, amid the execration of a great city, and with every form of contempt which men could devise. What love and faith must have controlled him in this act! Joseph and Nicodemus no doubt5wondered at themselves, and may have said to themselves, Can it be that we, once so reserved and cautious, are the only men in Jerusalem who dare to bury Jesus? So we, if we walk according to the light we have received already, may be permitted to do some act of love for the Saviour which will fill us with wonder and joy. U. S.
Studies in the Gospel Message
THE subject of the Sabbath-school lesson for Sabbath, July 12, is Ceremonialism Leads to Bondage.
Lucifer was the first one to introduce slavery into this world. He did this when he introduced sin into the world. The mission of Christ is to restore liberty. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
“Jesus Christ came into the world to set men free, and to plant in their souls the genuine principle of liberty,—liberty actuated by love,—liberty too honorable to allow itself to be used as an occasion to the flesh, or for a cloak of maliciousness,—liberty led by a conscience enlightened by the Spirit of God,—liberty in which a man may be free from all men, yet made so gentle by love that he would willingly become the servant of all, in order to bring them to the enjoyment of the same liberty. This is freedom indeed. This is the freedom which Christ gave to man; for whom the Son makes free is free indeed.”
The gospel is the good news of deliverance from sin, and therefore of deliverance from bondage; for “whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” He who “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,” also “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world.” In giving himself for us, in order that he might accomplish this deliverance it became necessary for him to take our flesh. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Infinite wisdom could devise no other plan. The mind, the citadel of man, had been captured by Satan. Man had thus been brought into captivity. He was the slave of sin. Listen to a description of his experience. “What I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. . . . How to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do, . . . I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. . . . I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. . . . For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
From this scripture it is evident that it is the life of Christ, manifested in the flesh and controlling the flesh, which brings deliverance from the bondage of sin, and reveals the righteousness of the law in us. This is the very essence of the true gospel. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. . . . Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” Such an experience as this is possible only through a personal faith in the gift of Christ to the flesh,—a faith which unites one with Christ in his experiences.
It was for this personal faith, this personal appropriation of Christ, that the apostle Paul earnestly contended in his letter to the Galatians, as against any mere outward form, which had no power to deliver from bondage. He described his own experience in these words: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Those who stood for ceremony, any work of the flesh, as opposed to, or in addition to, the simple faith in an indwelling Christ, were mentioned by the apostle Paul as “false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.” It is from this bondage which always results from turning religion into a mere ceremonial that the apostle Paul tries so hard to save the Galatians, and all others who have fallen into the same error. And his earnest exhortation is, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
The result of changing the reality of religion into a mere form has been shown over and over again in the history of God’s people. In every instance it has been apparent that ceremonialism has no power to save from sin, and that a form of godliness which denies the power is in no respect essentially different from heathenism. This is the lesson which we need to learn to-day. The form of knowledge and of the truth in the law will not be sufficient to save from sin. Mere mental assent to a perfect creed will not deliver one in the hour of temptation. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” “Christianity has a much broader meaning than many have hitherto given to it. It is not a creed. It is the word of him who liveth and abideth forever. It is a living, animating principle, that takes possession of mind, heart, motives, and the entire man. Christianity—O that we might experience its operations! It is a vital, personal experience, which elevates and ennobles the whole man.” It is this power of vital godliness, wrought into the experience through personal faith in Jesus the Saviour from sin, which should be revealed to the world in this last gospel message. Anything short of this is not the proclamation of the genuine message. Have we been delivered from the ceremonialism which leads to bondage, and are we giving the real message to the world?
“I am so wondrously saved from sin,
Jesus so sweetly abides within,
There at the cross where he took me in,
Glory to his name.”
Contributions for Isolated Sabbath Keepers Invited
ISOLATED Sabbath keepers are invited to send their contributions to the Christiania collection to the secretary of their State tract society, or direct to the Mission Board, Battle Creek, Mich.
Raising Funds for Christiania Publishing House Debt
A UNITED effort on the part of all the Sabbath keepers will raise the amount needed for paying the balance of the Christiania Publishing House debt, $30,000. The collection will be taken next Sabbath, July 5.
God's Measures Against Sin and Universal Welfare
“THE welfare of the universe demands that God shall take such measures against sin as will tend to make it odious in the eyes of the universe, and fill his subjects with horror at the thought of the most distant approach to it.”
God Fulfills the Righteous Wishes of His People
“It is a truth that the infinite and blessed God does carry out the wishes of his people when their wishes are right wishes, with a punctuality, a promptness, and a fullness of accomplishment such as are not often found in servants.”
Conferences and the Mission Fields
By W. A. S.
The conferences are reaching out, in their efforts, toward unentered fields as never before. This means much to the cause of missions. It enabled the Mission Board to meet the sudden call to open a new mission in Nyassaland, and the same missionary spirit on the part of conferences is helping in a score of fields.
On account of this desire on the part of conferences to help as conferences in the mission fields abroad, as well as on other accounts, the people ought certainly to respond faithfully in bringing the tithe into the conference treasuries.
Some, upon whose hearts the burden of the mission fields has been pressed heavily, have felt that, inasmuch as a disproportionate amount of means was being expended in the home fields, they would like their tithe to go direct to the missions. This, however, would not be the right way to regulate the matter, and would lead to confusion, which, in the end, would not further the missionary cause. And now that the conferences are anxious to spend more and more of their resources in helping beyond their own borders, the tithe payers may feel that in strengthening the hands of the home workers they are directly building up the cause abroad. The field is one. The conferences realize that the needs of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, press upon each and every home conference. We are lined up in one solid phalanx to press this battle to the gate.
It is worth remarking that the conferences find nothing is lost to the home work by the effort to help in the regions beyond. Again and again we find conferences that are doing the most beyond their own borders reporting that the tithes and other funds have so increased that there has been more for home interests than ever before. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth.” The proverb is as true of conference work as of the individual. The call of the hour is to a systematic campaign for planting the standard in unoccupied fields in all the earth, and as we move all together in line with God’s call, he opens his treasury in the hearts of the people.
Some time ago Wisconsin was giving over twenty per cent of its income for work beyond its own borders. The people have felt the inspiration of this missionary policy, and have responded in tithes and offerings for conference needs more freely than ever. The same report, in general, might be made of other conferences that are helping according to their ability. If a full tithe were paid into every conference treasury, our conferences, without neglect of their local work, could take on vast responsibilities in the great and populous mission fields. We know that conference committees are desirous of extending their work in the mission fields, and for this reason are the more anxious to see the tithe fund increase.
One cannot help rejoicing as one sees how easily an awakened people can fill the earth with the sound of the truth. The crusade with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is suggesting how great a part the rank and file of our people are to act in evangelizing the home field. Stirred by God’s call to meet the final issue, our whole denomination may quickly carry the truth through every community within organized conference boundaries. As this burden rolls upon the people, bringing the blessing of service with it, the public laborers can more and more freely be sent abroad into the populous fields where the many millions are waiting. Let us never take our eyes off the mark until every land has had the witness borne within its borders.
