Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 22.

UNSPOKEN PRAYER

Review and Herald

Jun 2, 1910

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 2, 1910

UNSPOKEN PRAYER

Too tired, too worn, to pray, I can but fold my hands, Entreating, in a voiceless way, To Him who understands How flesh and heart succumb, How will sinks, wearied, weak,— Dear Lord, my languid lips are dumb; See — what I can not speak.
Just as a wearied child, With sobbing pain opprest, Drops, hushing all its wailing wild, Upon its mother’s breast, So on Thy bosom, Lord, I cast my speechless prayer, Not doubting Thou wilt let me lie In trustful weakness there.
And though no conscious thought Before me rises clear, The prayer of wordless language wrought Thou wilt not fail to hear. For this at best I plead, Whate’er my spirit saith: I only am a bruised reed, And Thou the living breath.
— Selected.

Books You Should Have

EDUCATION

By MRS. E. G. WHITE
“True education,” says the writer, “means more than the perusal of a certain course of study.” This becomes the more apparent as one reads this excellent work entitled “Education.” Its thirty-five chapters treat on a variety of phases of Christian instruction, and bring out clearly many important points for both teacher and student. For parents, also, it contains valuable instruction. The book has 321 pages, and is handsomely bound in cloth. Price, post-paid, $1.25.

OUR PARADISE HOME

By S. H. LANE
There are few people indeed who have a tangible conception of the millennium, the judgment, and the new earth. Many use the terms frequently, but not understandingly. Volumes have been written on each subject, but if there was one thing especially lacking in Adventist literature before “Our Paradise Home” appeared, it was a book treating these subjects thoroughly and plainly in small compass. One of the best things about this book is its compactness. It contains only 128 pages and seventeen short chapters, but it covers the whole gospel of creation and presents with special clearness the picture of the new earth. Attractively illustrated. Prices: In board, 25 cents; cloth, 50 cents; presentation edition, 75 cents.

A MAN OF VALOR

By ARTHUR W. SPAULDING
One fails to appreciate the lessons that are taught by the life of that friend of David, Jonathan, until he has read “A Man of Valor.” This book, by the way, was written especially for the youth, and it certainly hits the mark, for a more attractive book for young people could scarcely be provided. Boys and girls are not likely to leave this book unread very long once it is placed in their hands. Though closely following the Bible story, it is as interesting as any work of fiction. Twelve handsome full-page illustrations add to the beauty of the volume. Price, 75 cents.
Order all books from your tract society, or if address is not known, from the Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C.

Is Your Girl or Boy Earning a Scholarship?

Parents! do not get the idea that it is only exceptionally bright or clever young people who have succeeded in earning scholarships through work with our books and periodicals. Nothing could be farther from the truth, for the majority of those who have taken up the work have had no experience to speak of until they started in under the special scholarship plan we have devised.
There have been so few failures that they are not worth mentioning. If your boy or girl wants to earn a scholarship, the periodical and book work may be looked upon as a sure way of doing so.
Send for our pamphlet explaining the plan, and telling how others have earned their way through school or college by selling LIFE AND HEALTH, the Temperance INSTRUCTOR, LIBERTY, the PROTESTANT MAGAZINE, etc. Write to-day.

With the Workers

“Our town is a small place, and I try to canvass it once each month, but sometimes on account of bad weather I can not make it. I can only go out on pleasant days, as I have to use crutches. I live ten miles in the country, and I come into town a few days at a time and work with the magazines. A number are taking them regularly, and are pleased with them. I find the health question appeals to the people where it would be hard to interest them in other subjects of the third angel’s message. My earnest desire is to awaken an interest in eternal things. In making my rounds I have found there are some calls for our sanitarium health foods, so I have taken the agency and take orders as I sell the magazines. I order the foods each month, and find a number who are beginning to use them.”
The above is still another of the many testimonials that come to us to the effect that people are interested in LIFE AND HEALTH to the extent of patronizing the regular workers month by month, as they bring the papers around to them. It also demonstrates that the periodical business is sufficient to support an individual even in small places. LIFE AND HEALTH sales open the way for many other opportunities. If a lame person can do the work noticed in the above testimonial, what stands in the way of strong-bodied people engaging in this same line of work?
The results of the circulation of the Thanksgiving issue of the REVIEW can not be estimated by the amount of money received, for there are values far above this, one is apt to overlook. The evangelical feature of the missionary effort possesses greater possibilities than the financial returns. We have just received a subscription for the REVIEW and PROTESTANT MAGAZINE for one year from a Methodist minister who became interested through reading the Thanksgiving number of the REVIEW. This is only one case. Many others have been brought to our attention.
We are constantly receiving requests from individuals throughout the United States for the first copies of the PROTESTANT MAGAZINE. Those who have received single copies are so favorably impressed with its contents that they want everything that has been written before on the same subjects contained in that number. They are very particular to specify each issue of the PROTESTANT since it began to be published. This demonstrates the general public interest in the special matter contained in the PROTESTANT MAGAZINE. This ought to be an encouragement for our people to take up the sale of this magazine. Regular subscription price, 25 cents a year; 50 or more, 4 cents; less than 50, 5 cents each.
“I have just seen a copy of the Temperance number of the YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR,” writes one of our friends, “and I am sure I am not saying too much when I assert that it is the best paper that has ever been published on this great question. We are planning to make a strong campaign with it. We shall do our best to get it into the possession of the public.”
The following comes from Somabula Mission, Gwelo, Rhodesia, South Africa: “Two weeks ago I received the first copy of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. I wish to express my appreciation of it. One can scarcely imagine what a source of help such a journal is to a mission teacher. Here we are miles from any one with whom we can converse on the best methods to use, or anything on those lines, and it comes full of the helpful thoughts from those who have the direction of educational work of the denomination. Needless to say that before the week was over, I had read the paper through and appropriated many of the ideas to my own work.”
Review and Herald Publishing Assn. Washington - D. C.

The Importance of Expressing Gratitude and Praise

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings,—as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father's house?
Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining, and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin, have no genuine religion. Those who take a mournful pleasure in all that is melancholy in the natural world; who choose to look upon dead leaves rather than to gather the beautiful living flowers; who see no beauty in grand mountain heights and in valleys clothed with living green; who close their senses to the joyful voice which speaks to them in nature, and which is sweet and musical to the listening ear,—these are not in Christ. They are gathering to themselves gloom and darkness, when they might have brightness, even the Sun of Righteousness arising in their hearts with healing in his beams.
Often your mind may be clouded because of pain. Then do not try to think. You know that Jesus loves you. He understands your weakness. You may do his will by simply resting in his arms.
It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,—the great mercy and love of God,—we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a well-spring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God.
Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for his matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful, and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God.
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; . . . and be ye thankful.” Col. 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of his name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of his loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that he has kept you through the night. Thank him for his peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.
When some one asks how you are feeling, do not try to think of something mournful to tell, in order to gain sympathy. Do not talk of your lack of faith, or of your sorrows and sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such words. When talking on gloomy subjects, you are glorifying him. We are not to dwell on the great power of Satan to overcome us. Often we give ourselves into his hands by talking of his power. Let us talk instead of the great power of God to bind up all our interests with his own. Tell of the matchless power of Christ, and speak of his glory. All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil, and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway?

Sing Praises

Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God.
Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour’s presence, we shall have health and his blessing.
“Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: For his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: Talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.”
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18. This command is an assurance that even the things which appear to be against us will work for our good. God would not bid us be thankful for that which would do us harm.

Love—A Call to Service

By W. C. Hankins

W. C. HANKINS
Of “the fruit of the Spirit,” spoken of in Gal. 5:22, the one first mentioned is love. By many this fruit would seem the very easiest to be borne; but, on the contrary, it is perhaps the hardest of all. It is “the fruit of the Spirit,” and has no place in the carnal heart; it is only when we have been born again, and the Holy Spirit dwells in the new heart that God has given us, that we bring forth this most precious of all fruit—love.
But what does the Bible mean when it speaks of love? Does it mean the love of the parent for the child? of the husband and wife for each other? of brother for brother, sister for sister, friend for friend?—Yes, it means all this; for God uses the love existing in these relationships to illustrate to us his divine love. “Like as a father pitieth his children,” he says, “so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” Ps. 103:13. And how often, as we sing,—
“Like as a father pities his child, So the Lord pities the sinner defiled: Waiteth in kindness, pities our blindness, Longeth to welcome, though often reviled,”—
we catch a little glimpse of God’s surpassing love for us.
But that love which is “the fruit ofthe Spirit” includes more than the love we have for those who love us. Jesus says: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” And in Phil. 2:6-8 we are told how much he loved us,—that, “being originally in the form of God,” he “counted it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with God, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” R. V., margin.
This is the kind of love that those who are born of the Spirit will have. Paul had this love. “I say the truth in Christ,” he declared, “that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Rom. 9:1-3. Paul, like Christ, did not think it “a thing to be grasped” for himself to obtain eternal life, but was willing to give up all hope of that life, if by so doing he might save his brethren. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.
When this love enters our hearts, it takes away all thought of serving God through fear of his final judgment upon the impenitent, and teaches us that, in deed and in truth, “love is the fulfilling of the law.” Rom. 13:10. Then with the Saviour we can say that “for their sake I consecrate myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” John 17:19, R. V., margin. Thus our daily thought will be, What can I do that my brothers may be saved? and for their sakes we will consecrate ourselves every day to God, that through his help our own lives may be so pure and sweet that we can be used by him for the salvation of others. For their sakes we will be willing to leave all that we have,—home, friends, relatives, and country,—and go wherever the Lord calls us. Yea, for their sakes we will be willing to consecrate our money and our property to God, denying ourselves of all but the necessaries of life, that those whom the Lord calls to carry his gospel to the world may be supported in their work.
Everything to-day points to the soon coming of the Saviour. God’s judgments are falling on the land; men’s hearts are failing them for fear; the Testimonies tell us repeatedly that we have but a little time left in which to work. And yet, of the eighteen provinces of China, fifteen have not yet been entered by those to whom the Lord has entrusted the work of giving his last message of mercy to the world. A quick work must be done here in China, and it will be done. What we need to ask ourselves is, Do we love this people enough to consecrate ourselves and all we have to the Lord, to be used in finishing up the work that remains to be done?
If we do,—and all those who have been truly born again do,—then the coming year should see a number of strong young men and women on their way to China; and those who remain at home will supply sufficient means to support them, and enable them to carry on the work that needs to be done.
China has a hot and not very healthful climate, plague abounds in the land, and the people, like those of other countries, are not always to be trusted; but God is here, and where he is, we need not be afraid. Better to be in the midst of danger with him, than to be in a supposedly safe place without him.
Who will come and help finish the work in China? and who will supply the necessary means to send those whom the Lord impresses to come?
The harvest is ripe here in China, and now is our time to gather it. China is waking out of her long sleep; and in a few more years it may be too late for any work to be done here by foreigners. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Matt. 9:38.
“Brother pilgrim, be not weary; Tune your harp for heaven and home, Where the heart is never dreary, And where tears will never come: Don your armor, be not sleeping; One short hour, and ’twill be past; One brief hour of toil and weeping, Then comes heaven and home at last.”
Kulangsu, Amoy, China.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

The Two Thrones—No. 1

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rev. 3:21.
In this scripture we have two thrones introduced, and also two distinct times when these thrones are occupied by Christ. At the time when this revelation was made to John, Christ was seated upon the throne of the Father; and he speaks of the occupying of his own throne as an event still in the future,—“will grant to sit with me.” We will inquire, (1) What is comprehended in the two thrones? and (2) What is the nature of the work upon each of these thrones?
Of the position to which Christ was exalted when associated with his Father in the rule of the universe, we read: “He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” Eph. 1:20, 21. Again the apostle says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9-11.
The question now arises with reference to the length of time Christ occupies that position on the throne of the Father, and the nature of his special work while thus associate ruler with the Father. Of this we read a prediction in Ps. 110:1: “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Upon this text we have inspired comments in the New Testament. The first we will notice is Peter’s testimony on the day of Pentecost: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:32-36. As Lord, he was an associate ruler upon his Father’s throne; as Christ, he was the Saviour of men.
Paul, in writing to the Hebrews, speaks thus of Christ at that time as seated on his Father’s throne: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2. And again, “This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” Heb. 10:12, 13. He is expecting what God promised should be at the end of his associate rule with his Father—the making of his enemies his footstool. Respecting this work of Christ when thus seated at the right hand of his Father, we read, “We have such an high priest, who is set at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Heb. 8:1, 2.
This position of Christ upon the throne of the Father is clearly delineated in the prophecy of Zechariah. While Zerubbabel was engaged in the building of the temple of the Lord, how natural that his attention should be carried forward to the time when the true temple service should be accomplished by Christ. He expresses it in these words: “Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zech. 6:12, 13. The translators put this word Branch in large capitals, that we might know it was a divine personage. That Christ is the Branch, is made clear by other texts. See Isa. 11:1-4; Jer. 23:5, 6. In order to have a proper understandingof the verses just quoted from Zechariah 6, it is of the utmost importance to understand what throne is meant. Some have contended that Christ’s own throne is referred to; and that when he begins his reign, and during the thousand years, there will still be a priestly work going on for the conversion of sinners. Let us analyze the text with the thought in mind that it is Christ’s own throne, and see how it will read: “And he [Christ] shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his [Christ’s] throne; and he [Christ] shall be a priest upon his [Christ’s] throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” It is thus made evident to all that there are two personages introduced in the text, the Father and the Son. Otherwise it would read, if all referred to Christ’s own throne, “Between him both.” Such a reading would not be allowable in any language.
Let us read the text again, with the idea of its predicting Christ’s position on his Father’s throne, and all is plain: “Even he [Christ] shall build the temple of the Lord; and he [Christ] shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his [the Father’s] throne; and he [Christ] shall be a priest upon his [the Father’s] throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them [the Father and the Son] both.” With this understanding, all is plain and clear.
Next week we will consider the termination of the priestly rule of Christ.
Lodi, Cal.

Consecration to God

By Walter Jones

WALTER JONES
WEBSTER defines consecration as the act of dedicating to sacred uses. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This text states undeniable facts, which place human beings under obligations from which nothing can release them. The combined prices of all the commerce of the ages sink into insignificance when compared to the price paid for each human soul.
God’s by right of creation, man should have ever recognized the ownership, and proved loyal to his Creator. Failure to do this brought him into bondage to sin, which carried with it a train of woe, dealing out untold sorrow, sickness, suffering, and death,—death that could offer no release to those who entered its silent chambers, no ray of hope to its subjects.
Bordering on this abyss, wisdom, love, and mercy had provided a road that led from it to fields of joy, sunshine, glory, and an eternal life of bliss and happiness. But how can man, once on the downward road, turn into this heavenly pathway? Who will release the victims of death from their prison-house, and break the bars that close the gateway of its domain? Can angels ransom from the tomb? One may offer to undertake this work who understands something of the eternal purpose of the Creator. But could such a one cope with Lucifer, who had stood by the throne of God, who was perfect in beauty and full of wisdom, but who had become the author of death and the accuser of God? Would the sacrifice be sufficient?—No. The accusation of selfishness against the Creator might be made. Such a plan would not vindicate God’s love and mercy. Man must be redeemed with a greater price. There must come a sacrifice from the Godhead. He alone who stood with the Father, who understood perfectly the all-wise purpose of the Creator, and who wrought in his work, could atone for lost man. Man, entrusted with a kingdom, forfeited his dominion to a usurper. Failing to read in surrounding beauties and blessings the perfection of God’s character, he is given another chance. Justice demanded a ransom; and the Son of God offered his life to redeem man.
Bought with a price! How shall we estimate it? Dear friend, how will you estimate it? Your estimation is shown in the consecration you make to God. The extent of your dominion may not be as wide as that of Adam, but it is as broad as there is safety for you. Will you yield it to Satan? or will you prove loyal to Him who has given you the opportunity of testifying to the world and to the universe the value of the purchase of your soul? The estimate you give is the price you set on your own soul, and that is summed up in your own character.
To every one is given a talent, and the use made of it proves your estimate of that with which you are purchased. As you value your soul’s salvation, so you will use your talent for God. As you weigh the price paid for your redemption, so you will weigh the talent given you for the Master’s service. Did Heaven consider the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God for our redemption too much? Then when the Lord says, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service,” shall we consider it an unreasonable demand? Shall we count our life dear, and withhold our service from God, when we view the dying agonies of the Son of God on Calvary’s cross? Will you withhold your service from him who left a throne in heaven to become a servant for you? Are you unwilling to count not your life dear for the sake of Jesus, who laid down his life, and tasted death, that at last you might be able to say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Do we realize what is comprehended in his command, “Love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”? He said, “I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified.” When told of the riches of those realms of which we may become joint heirs with Jesus Christ, can we refuse to give bountifully of the means entrusted to us? The command, “As I have loved you, . . . love one another,” calls for a consecration that will cause us to yield all we have and all we are to the service of him who made no reserve for our sakes.
Henderson, Ky.

Begin Doing Your Duty

By J. R. Miller, D. D.

If there are perplexities before you, simply begin to do your duty, the little of it that is clear, and the perplexities will vanish. If the task set for you seems impossible, still begin the doing of it. It would not be a duty and be really impossible. In due time the mountain will yield to your faithful strokes. You will learn by doing.—J. R. Miller, D. D.

Power in Prayer

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON
HAVE we not often confessed our lack of power, and have we not longed for that power? And yet we are assured that the Spirit “awaits our demand and reception.” Why, then, this continued recognition of our great need? Is it not found, to some extent, in failing to make definite request to God in faith?
Perhaps one of the first prayers that we need to pray, is that God may lay upon us the spirit of intercession. We should mightily cry out to God. Do we get really in earnest? Does a burden for souls rest upon us? Do we realize our own great need? Do the dangers of our families rest heavily upon our hearts? Do we sense our neighbor’s need? Does the peril of the heathen awaken deep sympathy in our hearts? O let us ask God for the real spirit of genuine prayer! Then let us get down and pray till we do have the burden rolled upon our souls. Who will?

God’s Precious Promises

“It is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12.
“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.” Zech. 10:1.
“Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.” Joel 2:23.
Jesus also says, “Ask,” “Seek,” and “Knock,” and assures us of his Father’s response. He says: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11: 9, 13.

Look for a Realization

Shall we not expect some of those extraordinary blessings and experiences which characterized the work of God in the early days of the Christian era? As God worked in power at Pentecost in the early rain, shall we not expect an equal blessing of his Spirit in the latter rain? O, the time has fully come! We ought to expect this. We must have this power. We need it. God’s work demands it. Let us seek earnestly for it.
Burwood, Australia.
Continue reading: Substitutes for Meat