It has been about two years and a half since we sailed from New York for South America. It hardly seems possible, the time has passed so quickly. We have not been discouraged since coming here, although our path has not been altogether smooth. We feel this is our home now, notwithstanding the people, the customs, and the language are different. We can now understand nearly everything the people say to us.
The work is growing here, although perhaps we have not made such bounds or had so many brilliant experiences as some in other countries; but the cause of God is moving forward.
It makes us feel sad to see so many returning home. Our young people must learn that the polish to mission life wears off in a few months. The work needs more of Gideon's three hundred.
The Lord has blessed us in many ways since coming here, and we are glad to have a part in his work. We have gained a number of good friends, and enjoy speaking a few words to them about the Saviour's soon coming and our Bible doctrines, whenever we have opportunity.
It seems as if the nations are about ready for their final conflict. One can not tell what this war between Italy and Turkey will lead to. Pray for the work in Chile. CHAS. J. FOSTER.
Liberty in Turkey
By A. T. ZACHARY
DWELLERS in the western hemisphere have heard of religious liberty in Turkey; and they may of right think that this great boon has come to our land. The old proverb applies, however, “The music sounds well in the ears of those afar off.”
The title of religious liberty was proclaimed, it is true. I quite believe it was declared by some Mohammedans who are of liberal mind. But let no one dream of genuine religious liberty in Turkey as long as religion rules in this land. It is impossible for a Mohammedan, in his heart, to love a Christian. His religion forbids it. A raven can not wash himself to a swan; neither a Mohammedan, to a Christian.
To the Mohammedan the Christian is a Kafir, which means infidel. Only that change of heart which the Almighty alone can accomplish will deliver the follower of Mohammed from enmity to all non-believers in that prophet’s mission.
In Turkey a religious leader, the pure descendant of Mohammed, must be the judge. Religion and the state are here united. As the Roman Church controls where it has the power, so it is with Mohammedanism. The British and Foreign Bible Society has been in Turkey for thirty years, but not yet has it been able to secure license for its colporteurs to work in the interior.
We in the East pray that the people of the West may not turn from religious liberty to the enforcement of religious observances by civil law. Such an attitude would affect us Easterners, and we will suffer persecution as the result. Let us have Christ as our example, who said, “Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
A. T. ZACHARY.
Sectarian Medicine
By L. A. H.
JUDGING from the many questions that are asked concerning osteopathy, chiropractic, and some other exclusive systems of practise and the relation of our medical workers to the same, much interest will be shown in the double October-November number of the Medical Evangelist. This number is especially devoted to a consideration of the claims of certain systems of medicine and practise. An article by Geo. K. Abbott, M. D., treats on the fallacies of sectarian medicines, discussing allopathy, homeopathy, eclecticism, osteopathy, chiropractic, hydropathy, naturopathy,18and Christian science. An interesting consideration is given both the medical dogma and professed principles of these systems, as well as their actual practise.
“Sunlight on ‘the Search-Light’” is the subject of an article by D. D. Comstock, M. D., being an answer to a certain forty-page pamphlet that has been quite freely circulated, in which considerable use is made of quotations from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White in support of the author’s claims for osteopathy. An article by Elder W. C. White deals with the same matter, giving reply to many inquiries that have been raised over the question.
Foreword of the next number of the journal states that it will contain an outline of the policy of the Loma Linda College of Medical Evangelists with reasons for teaching what it does. Ten cents will secure a copy of this double number; fifty cents, a year’s subscription to the journal. It is to be recommended to all our medical workers, as well as to all others who wish to keep abreast of the development of our medical evangelistic education and work. Address the Medical Evangelist, Loma Linda, Cal.
L. A. H.
Schools in Karmatar, India
KARMATAR: Sister Della Burroway, of Karmatar, India, sends a letter from Brother P. Biswas and wife, school-teachers rendering good service, who recently accepted the truth. It follows:—
“About one year ago my wife and I accepted the truth and came out of the Methodist Church. Some six months later, we were called to Karmatar to open a school for Mohammedan and Hindu boys and girls. These schools are located in the bazaar, where we have some of the best people in Karmatar. We open the schools with prayer. The children have been taught to cover the eyes with the hand, and at the close all join in a hearty ‘Amen.’ During our Bible class the boys give the closest attention, and from the youngest to the oldest are able to answer questions on the work we have covered.
“During this class it is not unusual to have several of the parents present, who come not so much to hear the Bible as to know what their boys and girls are being taught.
“A Mohammedan man who attends the school daily, has secured a Bible, and is investigating the truth.”
Maryland
By Carlyle B. Haynes
BALTIMORE.—On Sunday afternoon, December 24, we closed the largest series of meetings ever held by Seventh-day Adventists in this city. The meetings were held on Sunday afternoons in the New Theater on Lexington Street. They began on Sunday, October 22, and continued until December 24. The entire cost of these meetings amounted to $535.66; the total donations from all sources amounted to $517.36, of which the Chesapeake Conference gave $50. The rent of the theater for each meeting was $30; the advertising and the distribution of advertising brought the cost of each meeting up to about $53.
These meetings have attracted much favorable comment throughout the city. Each lecture has been reported in the daily papers, and the people of Baltimore have thus been made acquainted, for the second time in six months, with the teachings of Seventh-day Adventists.
We are glad to report that there is a very large interest in the city. We have between two hundred and two hundred fifty names of those interested, and are utterly unable adequately to bind off the work. We are earnestly praying that God will send us help in order to accomplish what ought to be done in this city. We praise the Lord for the large measure of his Spirit which he has granted to the work here.
CARLYLE B. HAYNES.
The Loom of Life
“In the mill where I work, after the cloth is woven, it is sent to the inspecting-room, where it is run over rollers in front of a big window. The sunlight penetrates the cloth, and reveals any missing threads, or covered-up places, or blotches of oil. If any imperfections are found in the cloth, the piece is sent back to the weaver, and he is fined. So we are weaving on the loom of life; some day the Lord will “bring to light the hidden things of darkness,” and reveal the things omitted, the covered up places, and the blotches of sin. What will the judgment be? It is for us to answer.”
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
GEORGE THOMASON, M. D. . . . Secretary
L. A. HANSEN . . . Assistant Secretary
An Interesting Item
By L. A. H.
An item of unusual interest comes from Elder W. H. Heckman, president of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. He gives a list of thirty Catholic priests who made substantial response to the appeal of our Sanitarium Relief campaign. They were visited with “Ministry of Healing,” the missionary feature of its sale being presented to them. One of them gave $1.50, but did not keep the book. Five others gave sums of money. Another paid $2.75 for the book. Three gave $3 each. Nine gave $2 each. Eleven others purchased the book at regular price. A total of $51.25 was received for the twenty-four books. Four ministers, of various denominations, in one day bought copies of the book.
Is not this suggestive of the possibilities of our relief effort? “Ministry of Healing” has sold readily to people of nearly all faiths, and has secured indorsement of clergymen of various denominations. It is not a book to cause doctrinal controversy or arouse prejudice. Its broad spiritual scope and deep devotional spirit commend it to people of all classes. The object of its gift, publication, and sale is in harmony with the subject-matter of the book, and is one that appeals readily to the missionary sentiments of all. The book and the plan of its sale may be so presented as to enlist cooperation from many who might not be so easily interested in other phases of our work.
Should we not be glad to give opportunity to more people to become acquainted with the medical missionary feature of our cause and give help to it, in the practical manner now offered in the sale of “Ministry of Healing”? What was done in the case here reported is indicative of what may be done elsewhere, at least in a measure. Territory is much the same everywhere, and people are very much alike. But in this instance some one was possessed of more courage, or willingness, or something, that led to an effort. Let the same thing be done by many others in different places, and who can tell what will be the result? Try it, and see.
L. A. H.
Gospel Workers' Department
By L. D. SANTEE
Their divine calling, qualification, and preparation. Methods of labor, plans, etc.
Conducted by A. G. DANIELLS
Consecration
L. D. SANTEE
“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” Ps. 73: 25.
EACH day is so full of my Saviour,
I smile as the hours pass along,
I feel the sweet joy of his presence,
And thrill with the rapture of song.
Forever, from morn till the nightfall,
Communion with Jesus I've known;
I leave all earth's troubles behind me,
As I kneel in my chamber alone.
EACH day is so full of my Saviour,
My Comforter, Guide, and my Friend;
He's with me in pain's dreary valley,
And will all my footsteps attend.
A peace settles down o'er my spirit,
As angels of mercy draw near;
He leads me beside “the still waters,”
And makes life's great meanings appear.
EACH day is so full of my Saviour,
That I can not know grief or regret.
His coming shines out in its beauty,
And his promise I can not forget.
My joy, and supreme consolation,
Is the hope I shall see him one day;
It dwells in the depths of my spirit,
'Tis a dream that shall not pass away.
EACH day is so full of my Saviour;
And he comes and communes with me there,
As I worship on love's sacred altar,
With the incense of faith and of prayer.
I lift up my hands to the Highest,
And I worship the King on his throne;
O, heaven to me seems the highest,
As I kneel in my chamber alone.
Moline, Ill.
The Selection of the First Ministers of Apostolic Times
THE first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to be his representative on earth. No costly sanctuary was at their command, but the Saviour led his disciples to the retreat he loved, and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea.
Jesus had called his disciples that he might send them forth as his witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, and was second only to that of Christ himself. They were to be workers together with God for the saving of the world. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church.
The Saviour knew the character of the men whom he had chosen; all their weaknesses and errors were open before him; he knew the perils through which they must pass, the responsibility that would rest upon them; and his heart yearned over these chosen ones. Alone upon a mountain near the Sea of Galilee he spent the entire night in prayer for them, while they were sleeping at the foot of the mountain. With the first light of dawn he summoned them to meet him; for he had something of importance to communicate to them. . . .
God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for his service, if they will be disciplined and learn of him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practise of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into his image. . . .
All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to his service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation and combativeness. Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard his lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence, and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviour's words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear his burden.
Jesus reproved his disciples, he warned and cautioned them; but John and his brethren did not leave him; they chose Jesus, notwithstanding the reproofs. The Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors. They continued to the end to share his trials and to learn the lessons of his life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character.
The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. There were the publican Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the uncompromising hater of the authority of Rome; the generous, impulsive Peter, and the mean-spirited Judas; Thomas, true-hearted, yet timid and fearful, Philip, slow of heart, and inclined to doubt, and the ambitious, outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought together, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil; but in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit. They would have their tests, their grievances, their differences of opinion; but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. His love would lead to love for one another; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, bringing the disciples into unity, till they would be of one mind and one judgment. Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another just in proportion as they approached the center.
When Jesus had ended his instruction to the disciples, he gathered the little band close about him, and kneeling in19the midst of them, and laying his hands upon their heads, he offered a prayer dedicating them to his sacred work. Thus the Lord's disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry.
As his representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon himself humanity, that he might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power; Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through cooperation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.
He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to his service. And he is just as willing to manifest his power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with himself, of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under the divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God.
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.” 2 Cor. 4:7, R. V. This is why the preaching of the gospel was committed to erring men rather than to the angels. It is manifest that the power which works through the weakness of humanity, is the power of God; and thus we are encouraged to believe that the power which can help others as weak as ourselves, can help us. And those who are themselves “compassed with infirmity,” should be able to “have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.” Heb. 5:2. Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like peril. There are souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming to them in Christ's stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ.
We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesus to the world. With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God's love.—“Desire of Ages.”
New Enterprises
By L. A. H.
We have an announcement of the opening of the Phoenix Rest Home, at Phoenix, Ariz., for incipient cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. This institution ought to fill a place of great good, in caring for a class of patients that need special attention that can not well be given in the regular sanitarium. The manager, G. A. Roberts, was for a time connected with the Wabash Valley Sanitarium at La Fayette, Ind. He holds the confidence of the local conference brethren. For further information concerning the institution, rates, etc., address the manager, Box 757, Phoenix, Ariz.
Wagner’s Electro-Hydrotorium is the name of a new health enterprise under the supervision of L. G. Wagner, at Bridgeport, Conn. It is well equipped with modern facilities, especially designed, and will be operated by trained attendants for both ladies and gentlemen. A good constituency has already been created by private nursing, and a number of prominent physicians give assurance of support. The workers have had experience in medical missionary work, both in field and institution, and have the moral support of conference brethren. Starting free from debt, and with assurance of good patronage and the determination to make the work a glory to God, this enterprise should be successful in accomplishing much good.
L. A. H.
Don't Say Things
DON'T say things. What you are stands over you all the while, and thunders so I can not hear what you say to the contrary. A lady of my acquaintance said, “I don’t care so much for what they say as I do for what makes them say it.”—Emerson.
Self-Distrust and Failure
By Bovee
SELF-DISTRUST is the cause of many of our failures. In the assurance of strength there is strength; and they are the weakest, however strong, who have no faith in themselves or their powers. — Bovee.
Principles of Religious Liberty Discussed in Congress
By K. C. R.
DURING the recent discussion of the Sulzer resolution, providing for the abrogation of the treaty of 1832 with Russia, because of discrimination by the Russian government against Hebrews of American citizenship in the honoring of American passports, much was said touching the question of religious liberty. We quote various utterances which were made both by representatives and senators, that are pertinent at this time in view of the growing disregard in this country of the principles of religious liberty as shown in the efforts to secure Sunday legislation.
“The government of the United States declares as a fundamental principle that all men are equal before the law, regardless of race or religion, and makes no distinction based on the creeds or the birthplaces of its citizens in this connection, nor can it consistently permit such distinctions to be made by a foreign power. We solemnly assert that the rights of our citizens at home or abroad shall not be impaired on account of race or religion. . . .”—Hon. William Sulzer, of New York.
“Freedom of religious belief—the right to worship our Maker according to the dictates of our conscience—is one of the corner-stones of our broad institutions, and so jealous of this liberty were the fathers that they wrote in the Federal Constitution:—
“‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’”
“We must maintain this great principle of religious freedom inviolate forever. . . .”
“We must be true to the great principles of justice and freedom and equality on which our government is founded. We must not connive at the discrimination against any American citizen on account of his race or his religion, or permit any foreign power to discriminate against him for these reasons. To do so belittles our dignity, is an insult to every American, and makes our boast of equal rights to all, a hollow mockery.”—Hon. William Sulzer, of New York.
“Regardless of treaty relations in this day of advancement and enlightenment, religious persecution of American citizens should not be acquiesced in by the United States. Equality of rights and privileges for all law-abiding American citizens should be demanded and secured by our government from every nation from which amicable relations are obtained. . . .
“The obligation of our government to protect its citizens in the enjoyment of their rights is as great to the humblest as to the most exalted. This is the primary principle always to be remembered.”—Hon. Joseph T. Robinson, of Arkansas.
“The very foundation-stone of American citizenship is that principle which places us all upon the plane of equality, and knows no creed. We look to the man and not to his creed and nationality.”—Hon. George S. Legare, of South Carolina.
“Upon this principle of equality and liberty, a principle as firm as the rock of ages, our country has endured for over a century, increasing in power and prosperity, while throughout the world thrones have fallen, dynasties have died, and nations have been eliminated from the map of the world. The right to naturalize foreign-born citizens, Mr. Speaker, was never granted willingly to this country, but was paid for by the expenditure of priceless blood and treasure.”—Hon. Jefferson M. Levy, of New York.
“Of course, Mr. Speaker, we in this country recognize no distinction in respect to race or creed or religion. . . .
“The men who secured our independence, the men who adopted our Constitution, the men who established our nationality, understood that a free government permanently to survive must guarantee to every citizen acknowledging allegiance to its flag, all the rights, privileges, and immunities enjoyed by any other citizen, irrespective of race or religion. Auxiliary to that proposition, it has become fundamental with us that a loyal citizen of the republic is entitled to its beneficent protection abroad as well as at home, and that, too, whether he be Catholic or Protestant, Jew or Gentile, Christian or atheist.”—Hon. N. E. Kendall, of Iowa.
“I do not think we can stand for this religious discrimination in the United States.”—Hon. J. Hampton Moore, of Pennsylvania.
“It is repugnant to the very principles upon which our government rests that a man's religious beliefs should determine whether or not he may visit or sojourn temporarily within the bounds of any friendly country.”—Hon. Nicholas Longworth, of Ohio.
“The very principle upon which this government was founded was that of ‘religious liberty.’ To every American citizen under our Constitution and laws is guaranteed the right to follow the dictates of his own conscience as to his religious belief.”—Hon. Charles Gordon Edwards, of Georgia.
“The Constitution of the United States recognizes and provides for an absolute equality of all citizens before the law, and it denies Congress the right to enact any legislation preferring one religion to another. . . .
“That man who is willing to see his neighbor's rights ignored and trampled on, can not hope to long preserve his own, and this matter involves not merely the right of the Jew, or the right of the Catholic, or the right of the Methodist, or of any other body; it involves the right of every American citizen under the Constitution.”—Hon. James M. Graham, of Illinois.
“Mr. Speaker: In the beginning it was ordained that this country should be the haven of the oppressed of all the world; so when our fathers adopted the Constitution of the United States, which is the fundamental law of the land, it was determined then that in this country freedom of religion would be guaranteed to every one of our citizens. We have passed through 135 years of our history,20and with every year we have shown increased solicitude as to the rights of our people in this connection.”—Hon. William M. Calder, of New York.
“Many of my friends spring from different races, and differ in their religious views, and I trust never to see a question raised in this country based on race or based on religion. Whether Catholic, Protestant, or Jew, I find them no less loyal to me as friends and no less loyal as citizens in their affection for our common country.”—Hon. Andrew J. Peters, of Massachusetts.
“We believe that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the inalienable rights of every citizen, and we guarantee the enjoyment of these rights in every section of our country. We recognize the right of every man to entertain such religious belief as may be dictated by his own conscience, and that no discrimination should be practised against any citizen or alien on account of his religious belief.”—Hon. John H. Small, of North Carolina.
“It is a question affecting the dignity of American citizenship, regardless of race or religion. The founders of this republic established here a great secular state within which religion was to remain sacred from the touch of political power.
“Under this system, religion, disenthralled from sordid connection with political power, went forward in increasing grace, beauty, strength, and spirituality to new victories and wider achievement. It is not competent to any official of the United States in his official capacity to question any citizen of the United States as to his religion.”—Senator Benjamin F. Shively, of Indiana.
The foregoing quotations were taken from the Congressional Record of Dec. 13, 14, 18, 21, 1911.
It seems providential that this remarkable discussion of religious liberty principles should take place at the time when there is such a growing demand for religious legislation, and when there are in operation at the present time powerful organizations whose aim is to bring about just such a condition as is herein denounced. A commitment of itself to Sunday legislation on the part of Congress would produce this very condition.
These statements were all made on a question involving the rights of Hebrew Americans in the empire of Russia. The rights of these Americans were being ignored on account of religion; but here in America a movement is under way to bring about a condition of things in which the rights of Hebrew Americans and all other Americans will be ignored and trampled upon. We refer to the movement for the enactment of Sunday laws.
Such laws are certain to discriminate between American citizens on account of religion. How can we ask Russia to recognize the liberty of Hebrew Americans to practise their religion in Russia and at the same time enact laws in America curtailing the liberties of the same people and others, and based upon the same discrimination? If Americans demand religious liberty for their citizens abroad, they must see to it that these liberties are recognized and safeguarded at home. This is not done where the state establishes a sabbath and compels all to observe it whether they will or no.
K. C. R.
Catholic Gifts to Foreign Missions
THE Catholics do not give largely to foreign missions if the figures quoted by the Independent represent their gifts fully. New York diocese gave $100,727, more than any other diocese in the world. Boston is next, with $54,000. All Italy gave $59,082; Spain, $35,722; Austria, $11,548. There must be resources available other than those derived from the sources covered by these figures.
Christian Liberty
Reports, notes, and comments pertaining to the current history of the rights of conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL . . . . Secretary
S. B. HORTON . . . . Assistant Secretary
The Aim of Our Schools
By H. R. S.; Ellen G. White
[At the recent council of union secretaries held at College View, Nebr., the first hour each morning was devoted to the study of the Testimonies, and to prayer. The following article from Sister E. G. White was so helpful and so very important that it is printed here in full. This was written in May, 1908, and addressed to “The Teachers in Council.” — H. R. S.]
We are rapidly nearing the final crisis in this world’s history, and it is important that we understand that the educational advantages offered by our schools are not to be such as are offered by the schools of the world. Neither are we to follow the routine of worldly schools. The instruction given in Seventh-day Adventist schools is to be such as to lead to the practise of true humility. In speech, in dress, in diet, and in the influence exerted, is to be seen the simplicity of true godliness.
Our teachers need to understand the work that is to be done in these last days. The education given, in our schools, in our churches, in our sanitariums, should present clearly the great work to be accomplished. The need of weeding from the life every worldly practise that is opposed to the teachings of the Word of God, and of supplying their place with deeds that bear the mark of the divine nature, should be made clear to the students of all grades. Our work of education is ever to bear the impress of the heavenly, and thus reveal the excellency of divine instruction above that of the learning of the world.
To some this work of entire transformation may seem impossible. But if this were so, why go to the expense of attempting to carry on a work of Christian education at all? Our knowledge of what true education means is to lead us ever to seek for strict purity of character. In all our association together we are to bear in mind that we are fitting for transfer to another world; the principles of heaven are to be learned; the superiority of the future life to this, impressed upon the mind of every learner. Teachers who fail to bring this into their work of education, fail of having a part in the great work of developing character that can meet the approval of God.
The last work of the prophet Elijah was to visit all the schools of the prophets in Israel, and to give the students divine instruction. This he did, and then ascended to the heavenly courts in a chariot of fire. As the world in this age comes more and more under the influence of Satan, the true children of God will desire more and more to be taught of him. Teachers should be employed who will give a heavenly mold to the characters of the youth. Under the influence of such teachers, foolish and unessential practises will be exchanged for habits and practises befitting the sons and daughters of God.
As wickedness in the world becomes more pronounced, and the teachings of evil are more fully developed and widely accepted. the teachings of Christ are to stand forth exemplified in the lives of converted men and women. Angels are waiting to cooperate in every department of the work. This has been presented to me again and again. At this time, the people of God, the truly converted men and women, under the training of faithful teachers, are to be learning the lessons that the God of heaven values.
The most important work for our educational institutions to do at this time is to set before the world an example that will honor God. Holy angels through human agencies are to supervise the work and every department is to bear the mark of divine excellence. Let the Word of God be made the chief book of study, that the students may learn to live by every word that Christ has given.
All our health institutions, all our publishing houses, and all our institutions of learning are to be conducted more and more like the divine model that has been given. When Christ is recognized as the head of all our working forces, more and more thoroughly will our institutions be cleansed from every common, worldly practise. The show and the pretense and many of the exhibitions that in the past have had a place in our schools will find no place there when teachers and students seek to carry out God’s will on earth as it is done in heaven. Christ, as the chief working agency, will mold and fashion characters after the divine order; and teachers and students, realizing that they are preparing for the higher school in the courts of God, will put away many things that are now thought to be necessary, and will magnify and follow the methods of Christ.
Into all to which the Christian sets his hand should be woven the thought of the life eternal. If the work performed is agricultural or mechanical in its nature, it may still be after the pattern of the heavenly. It is the privilege of the preceptors and teachers of our schools to reveal in all their works the leading of the Spirit of God. Through the grace of Christ every provision has been made for the perfecting of Christlike characters, and God is honored when his people in all their social and business dealings reveal the principles of heaven.
The Lord gave an important lesson to his people in all ages when to Moses on the mount he gave instruction regarding the building of the tabernacle. In that work he required perfection in every detail. Moses was proficient in all the learning of the Egyptians; he had a knowledge of God, and God’s purposes had been revealed to him in visions; but he did not know how to engrave and embroider.
Israel had been held all their days in the bondage of Egypt, and although there were ingenious men among them, they had not been instructed in the curious arts which were called for in the building of the tabernacle. They knew how to make bricks, but they did not understand how to work in gold and silver. How was the work to be done? Who was sufficient for these things? These were questions that troubled the mind of Moses.
Then God himself explained how the work was to be accomplished. He signified by name the persons he desired to do a certain work. Bezaleel was to be the architect. This man belonged to the tribe of Judah,—a tribe that God delighted to honor.21
“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
“And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee. The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy-seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, and the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, and the cloths of service, and the holy garments of Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office, and the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.”
The Lord demands uprightness in the smallest as well as the largest matters. Those who are accepted at last as members of the heavenly court will be men and women who here on earth have sought to carry out the Lord’s will in every particular, who have sought to put the impress of heaven upon their earthly labors. In order that the earthly tabernacle might represent the heavenly, it must be perfect in all its parts, and it must be, in the smallest detail, like the pattern in the heavens. So it is with the characters of those who are finally accepted in the sight of Heaven.
The Son of God came down to earth that in him men and women might have a representation of the perfect characters which alone God could accept. Through the grace of Christ every provision has been made for the salvation of the human family. It is possible for every transaction entered into by those who claim to be Christians to be as pure as were the deeds of Christ. And the soul who accepts the virtues of Christ’s character, and appropriates the merits of his life, is as precious in the sight of God as was his own beloved Son. Sincere and uncorrupted faith are to him as gold and frankincense and myrrh, and gifts of the wise men to the Child of Bethlehem, and the evidence of their faith in him as the promised Messiah.
ELLEN G. WHITE.
Christian Education
By H. R. Salisbury
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference