Earlier text: Inspired ResolutionsThe Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund
By I. H. Evans
For Special Work at Home and Abroad As reports are coming in from different State and union conferences, we find an almost unanimity of sentiment in favor of rapidly closing up the $150,000 fund. From Maine to California, and from north to south, our brethren are making efforts to raise this money as rapidly as possible. Another encouraging feature is the good cheer which characterizes this effort. It is not regarded as a burden, but all are taking hold with confidence and courage. Good reports are coming in concerning the week of prayer. Our ministers are writing of the deep spiritual blessings that were received during this occasion. It certainly would be a most encouraging omen if the raising of the $150,000 fund could be accomplished by Jan. 1, 1907, but probably this can not be done. The fact that we got at the matter so late, and many other enterprises were on foot at the time this matter was launched, destroys all hope of our being able to raise the fund in so short a time. Many of the conferences were not able to take up the matter of the raising of this fund at the proper time, owing to the fact that they had other things in their own territory which demanded their attention, according to previous arrangements. However, we expect that all will take hold of this matter, and continue their efforts until the whole fund is raised. We pray that the blessing of God may rest upon our conferences, churches, and members in the united effort they are making to secure this money. More Blessed
By J. S. Washburn
“I HAVE showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. The world's principle is that it is the most blessed thing in the world to receive, and to keep that which we have. The principles of heaven are the opposite of the principles of the world, for the Ruler of heaven works on exactly the opposite principle from that of the ruler of this world. It is a wonderful thing that this saying, though not recorded in the Gospels by any of the evangelists, was thought worthy of record by Luke, who received it from the apostle Paul, who followed Jesus. It will be the controlling principle of every one who is a Christian. We receive but to give, and the greatest joy in this world is to give. The greatest blessing comes in giving. My dear brother, do you know that one reason why your spiritual experience is not clear and bright may be that you do not give as is your privilege? What a blessing would come to many who read this article, if they were to give until it became a real sacrifice! During the week of prayer just past, you may have had your heart drawn out in longing for the blessing of God, and yet it may be that you are closing the channel to God's blessing by not giving what God has given you. There are many calls. A blessing is in every one for those who give, and not only give, but sacrifice to give. Some one who reads this article could easily give one thousand dollars and more to the $150,000 fund, and it would be a great blessing and joy to him. Others could give, by a little effort, one half that amount; and there are many who read this article who can give one hundred dollars. My brother, my sister, you know whether you can do this. He who gives will in return receive a greater blessing than he would were some one to make him a present of that same amount. Many who read this article could give fifty dollars, and but few who read would find it difficult to give ten, or at least five. O if every Seventh-day Adventist believed that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive, the mere statement of the need and the opportunity would bring in with one call all that is needed! Will you be among the more blessed? A Great Opportunity and Privilege
By A. J. HAYSMER
It is indeed encouraging to us all to see how rapidly the “gospel of the kingdom” is being carried to the world. Surely the Lord is cutting his work short in righteousness. I wish to give one illustration. Thirteen years ago last May we landed in the West Indies. At that time there was scarcely a score of our people in that field. How encouraging it is to read the latest reports from that field, and learn that there are at the present time about thirty-three hundred believers, with hundreds of intelligent young people who are anxious to receive the proper training to fit themselves for an active part in the finishing of this work. Surely here is a great opportunity, and I believe we shall regard it a great privilege to give liberally of our means, at this time, in order that a training-school may be built up and equipped in this needy field. Again, we have this Testimony concerning the work in the Southern States: “A good beginning has been made in the Southern field. . . . I saw a great work to be done, which ought to have been done years ago.” “I saw where there are institutions for the advancement of the Lord’s work. One of these places was Graysville, and another Huntsville, where we have industrial schools. These schools are to receive encouragement and help, for the Lord led in their establishment. Each has advantages of its own.” We are all acquainted with the great loss our Huntsville school has sustained by fire, and most of us know something of the improvements needed at our Graysville school, in order that the scores of our young people in the South, who earnestly long to enter that school, can be received, and made comfortable while being fitted for the work. Surely these needs appeal to us as a people, and they should be supplied in order that these important centers of education in the Southern field may meet the mind of God in their establishment. Again I read: “The Lord is working impartially [should not we?] for every part of his vineyard. . . . Many plants are to be established in the cities of America, and especially in the Southern cities, where as yet little has been done. . . . As a people we should take a special interest in the work at Nashville. At the present time this city is a point of great importance in the Southern field.” “Nashville is within easy access to Graysville and Huntsville. By the work in Nashville the work at Graysville and Huntsville is to be confirmed and settled. Graysville and Huntsville are near enough to Nashville to strengthen the work there, and be strengthened by it. It was in accordance with God’s purpose that the publishing work was started at Nashville.” “Sanitarium work also has been begun in Nashville. This must be wisely managed, and given support.” Then are not all these great opportunities for us at this special time? And shall we not all esteem it a privilege to do all in our power to build up the work in these needy fields, and thus hasten the restitution of all things? “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” He Lay Asleep on a Pillow
By Alice Nye Fite
He lay asleep on a pillow
While the skies with terror were rife,
And each white-toothed, black-throated
billow
Was yawning to take his life,
Though twelve loved men
Were struggling then
In what seemed but a hopeless strife. If duty had called him to aiding,
Would you find him a sluggard to
lie?
No man ever saw him evading
Nor in toil standing selfishly by.
No need of his hand,
As they put out from land;
So he slept. ’Twas his Father on
high; ’Twas his Father was Lord of the ocean;
To do his will was his care,
And Gennesaret’s rage and commotion
Were nothing to him lying there.
To float or to fall,
As his Father might call,
In going to sleep was his prayer. The blackness may cloud us, appalling
Our hearts and bedimming our sun;
If to labor his service is calling,
There’ll be strength until vict’ry is
won;
If duty be sleep,
Kind watch he will keep,
For the Storm-God and Father are one. Our Need of the Holy Spirit
By Ellen G. White
During the past night I have received instruction regarding the carrying forward of the work in Oakland and San Francisco. A good work has been begun by Elder Simpson, and the Lord has greatly blessed the effort that has been put forth to lead souls to accept the truth. He desires that this effort shall be continued in the same spirit in which it has been begun. Let those who preach the Word follow Christ's methods, ever realizing the solemnity of the message they proclaim. A lack of foresight may close the door to the hearts of some precious souls. Whenever a special effort is put forth along missionary lines in any place, the church-members in that vicinity should understand that each one of them has some part to act in making the work a success. He who is truly converted stands as a representative of Christ. Let our brethren and sisters remember that we are living on the verge of the eternal world. The cases of all are being tried in the heavenly courts, and it is high time to put away sin, and to work earnestly to save as many as possible. Among God's people there should be, at this time, frequent seasons of sincere, earnest prayer. The mind should constantly be in a prayerful attitude. In the home and in the church, let earnest prayers be offered in behalf of those who have given themselves to the preaching of the Word. Let believers pray as did the disciples after the ascension of Christ. The members of our churches need to be converted, to become more spiritual-minded. A chain of earnest, praying believers should encircle the world. Let all pray in humility. A few neighbors may meet together to pray for the Holy Spirit. Let those who can not leave home, gather in their children, and unite in learning to pray together. They may claim the promise of the Saviour: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." In the Lord's prayer, we have an example of a perfect petition. How simple, yet how comprehensive it is! This prayer should be taught to the children. Let all study carefully the principles contained in it. In response to the prayers of God's people, angels are sent with heavenly blessings. The Lord desires us to be far more successful in our missionary efforts. Through daily prayer and consecration all may so relate themselves to their Heavenly Father that he can bestow upon them rich blessings. Especially do those young in the faith need to be wide awake, and on their guard against the strategies of Satan. They must adhere steadfastly to an unwavering faith in the great atoning sacrifice. They need not continue in sin. Through prayer they may receive grace that will enable them to overcome. By artful devices the enemy is rapidly adding souls to the number of those who are deceived. Many of our church-members are sadly lacking in true missionary zeal. There is a dearth of tithes and offerings. We need to repent of our failure to unite with Christ as laborers together with God. Because of our indifference to the appeals of God, we have not reached one half of those who might be reached. Few have felt a heavy burden for souls. How much more might have been accomplished had the time spent by God's people in faultfinding been spent in encouraging one another, and in active service! How much better for voices to blend in prayer, in holy unison, than to be employed in finding fault! We have no time for faultfinding or criticism. There are thousands, yes, millions, within the borders of our own country, who need the enlightenment of the Word of God. Vice and crime are rampant. Even in San Francisco, a city where God has spoken in judgment, the saloons are wide open, notwithstanding the fact that the sure results of the open saloon are well known. Will not God punish for this insult? The temperance work should be revived. O, how differently many would act were God to draw aside the veil that hides him from our eyes, and reveal himself seated on his throne in the high and holy place, not in silent grandeur, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of holy, happy beings, waiting to do his bidding! He notes carefully every earthly transaction, marking with approval or condemnation the course of every inhabitant of the earth. When the fulness of time came, the windows of heaven were opened, and upon the world was poured a flood of heavenly grace. God made to our world the wonderful gift of his only begotten Son. In the light of this act, it could never be said by the inhabitants of other worlds that God could have done more than he did to show his love for the children of men. He made a sacrifice that defies all computation. To save a fallen race he poured forth the whole treasure of heaven in one gift. Christ laid aside his royal robe and kingly crown, and assumed the form of humanity, in order that humanity, through his merits, might partake of the divine nature, and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. He was subjected to the fiercest assaults of Satan, but not for a moment did he yield to the terrible temptations brought against him, or become discouraged in his work of bringing redemption to the race. He gave his life for the salvation of a fallen race. Who can understand the depth and the breadth of love so amazing! In the world to come, Christ will lead the redeemed beside the river of life, and will teach them wonderful lessons of truth. He will unfold to them the mysteries of nature. They will see that a Master-Hand holds the worlds in position. They will behold the skill displayed by the great Artist in coloring the flowers of the field, and will learn of the purposes of the merciful Father, who dispenses every ray of light, and with the holy angels the redeemed will acknowledge in songs of grateful praise God's supreme love to an unthankful world. Then it will be understood that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Sanitarium, Cal., Dec. 1, 1906. The Love of God
By Eugene Leland
No one can ever expect to attain to success in the Christian life until the love of God is shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost. With firm, unswerving purpose, the eye will ever be fixed upon the love of God as the one object toward which every energy of the mind and body will be directed. With Paul, the determination was to know nothing save Jesus Christ and him crucified. With the love of God shed abroad in the heart, coupled with such a determination, one will not fail to live a godly life; and in him will be fulfilled the teaching that they “that will live godly9in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” It is the love of God shed abroad in the heart, and the fixed determination to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, that bring persecution. But even this is as it should be, for the tribulation of persecution “worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Such a course of training is far in advance of any kind of training that can be acquired at the best institutions of learning in the world. One may become proficient in the arts and sciences, he may acquire many honored titles at the seats of learning, but the course of training which begins with the love of God shed abroad in the heart, and which ends with the confident assurance of victory over self and sin, is of greater practical value than all the titles that ever were created in this world. What is an empty title, or proficiency in the wisdom of this world, compared with the wisdom that comes from above, acquired by a course of training such as is outlined in the Scriptures referred to above? But such a course of training is expensive. It is so expensive that all the wealth of this world will not purchase it. It can be acquired only by faith, the gold tried in the fire, of which the Scripture speaks. Believe, firmly, confidently believe, that the love of God is shed abroad in your heart. Then as firmly and confidently determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, and you have begun the course. But this firm, confident determination will work patience, for there will be much tribulation to meet. It will work experience, for the patience that can endure tribulation, will surmount every difficulty. It will overcome every obstacle. It will stop short of nothing but victory. In brief, it will work an experience. But how many Christians—professed Christians I should have said—there are in the world who are dying for want of an experience! They can point to no victories gained, no heartfelt struggles with sin, no triumphs over evil passions, but their lifelong experience, if such it may be called, has been one constant defeat. To die with such an experience is to die without hope. But experience worketh hope, and “hope maketh not ashamed.” Of course one will not be ashamed of a hope begotten of a living experience. And what a beautiful experience it is to live without shame of continual defeat in the daily conflicts with self and sin; to face with confidence the world, the flesh, yea, even the devil himself, knowing that through him that loved us we have many times been more than conquerors. It is such an experience that begets hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. We are not ashamed to tell of the victories we have gained in our life struggles with the world. We point to them with pride. We love to speak of them. It is the constant defeat that makes us ashamed, and causes us to bow our heads like a bulrush. Yet hoping without hope, struggling on year after year, our hearts are filled with shame because we have no experience. O, let the love of God be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us! Keep the eye single toward the love of God. Firmly resolve to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. And then, “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” GEO. B. THOMPSON
By George B. Thompson
The Scriptures clearly teach that those who are finally saved will be only a few compared to the number who will be lost. “Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.” Matt. 7: 13, 14. This is the teaching of the Scriptures throughout. “Millennial Dawn,” however, teaches just the opposite. I quote:— “While the special hope of the gospel age is so surpassingly glorious, and the way to it is correspondingly difficult—narrow—so that few find it, and obtain the great prize at its end, the new order of things in the age to come is to be entirely different. As a different hope is held out, so also a different way leads to it.”—“Plan of the Ages,” Vol. V, page 215. In another work we find this:— “Now, then, Jesus having died, and thus having paid man’s penalty for sin, every man will live again, and every human being will be brought to a knowledge of the truth, and will be restored to perfection—perfection such as Adam had before he sinned. And when so restored to perfection, each one will be on trial for everlasting life, just as Adam was, but with this difference; viz., that each restored man will have that which Adam did not have, and that is a full knowledge of and experience with the awful results of sin.”—“Millennial Hopes and Prospects,” page 4. It is difficult to see how universal salvation could be more fully taught than this. If all sinners are to be placed back to the perfection of Adam before the fall, what more is necessary to salvation? This makes the road to eternal life wide instead of narrow. However, after all this, some, they admit, will be lost. “Some one may say, You are a Universalist! But no, we are not Universalists. We believe in a universal opportunity for all men to be saved, but we do not believe that all men will be saved to everlasting life, for the Bible clearly shows, as we think, that even under the favorable opportunities and surroundings of the millennial age, some will persist in sin, and will go into the second death.”—Id., page 5. According to this writer “every human being” is to be brought to “perfection such as Adam had before he sinned.” Certainly this is a condition of absolute sinlessness. Yet some are to “persist in sin,” and die the second death. But how can this be? Do they fall and lose their Adamic perfection? And it would seem that in order to have two trials, or two probations, two falls are necessary. Why, then, stop with two falls? Why not continue throughout eternity with “falls,” and “probations”? Such teaching contradicts the Bible, and utterly subverts the gospel. A “universal opportunity” for all men to be saved, forsooth! Every man has an opportunity now to be saved. Jesus stands at the door of every human heart, knocking for admission. “Behold, now [not in a millennial age] is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6: 2. “To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Heb. 3: 7, 8. “Whosoever will [present tense], let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22: 17. All are bidden to come, and they can come now. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12: 32. Not a single soul is born into this world, but feels the drawing influence of the Holy Spirit, and all will be saved who do not resist and reject that influence. Ever since the fall of man, God has been doing all he could to save the children of Adam. He has left nothing undone which can be done to rescue the deluded captives of Satan from the snares of sin. He gave his Son, and in this gift emptied heaven of every treasure, that the claims of the broken law might be met, and man be lifted by grace up to the place whence he fell. The Holy Spirit and angels are doing all that can be done to save man, while leaving him free to choose. But the Lord compels none to yield to him. With the utmost confidence the challenge is issued, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” Isa. 5: 4. The grace of God which bringeth salvation has truly “appeared to all men.” Titus 2: 11. In the bosom of every human being there is some knowledge of right and wrong, for Jesus “lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1: 4, 9), and if he follows on, he will know the Lord. Light brings responsibility. “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now [after I have spoken] they have no cloak for their sin.” John 15: 22. The rejection of light brings condemnation; and so in the judgment the Lord will judge men by the light they have had. “For as many as have sinned without [a knowledge of the written] law shall also perish without [a knowledge of the written] law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law . . . in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, by Jesus Christ according10to my gospel.” Rom. 2: 12, 16. In the things which God has made is seen a revelation of his power and God-head, so that we are plainly told that the heathen are “without excuse.” Rom. 1: 20. No millennial age, or second probation, is needed, thank the Lord, to give man an “opportunity” to be saved. Our God is a “present help,” and if we do not accept the “opportunity” now given us, we settle our destiny forever. “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16: 31. Those who refuse the present opportunity would likewise reject a “second” chance. It is not true, as taught, that the Sodomites did not have a “full opportunity.” They had the light of the gospel. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” The Sodomites had a “full opportunity.” Titus 2: 11. “In him [Christ] was life; and the life was the light of men.” “That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1: 4, 9. Every man, whether living in the blazing gospel light of this land or in the midst of heathenism, who follows all the light he has will be saved. None can do more than this. God has his children even in heathen lands. Balaam had never seen Israel till he came, at the call of Balak, to curse them; but he had been a true prophet of the Lord. So to-day, outside of the professed Israel of God, there are some who are the children of the Lord, and they are known to him. “Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard his voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God.”—“Desire of Ages,” page 638. The Sodomites had light. When vengeance because of their iniquities was slumbering over the doomed city, the Lord stayed his wrath against sin until he sent them one more gospel call, one more call to repent and be saved, a special warning of the coming destruction. Missionary work is to be done now, and not in some future age. Angels visited Sodom and warned Lot, and bade him warn others. Why do this if they were to have another chance under more “favorable opportunities”? And had there been only ten persons in the city who were not inseparably wedded to sin, the Lord would have spared the entire city. Why bring up these rejecters of his mercy, and offer to them once more the cup of salvation, which they repeatedly dashed from the hand which held it? What reason have we for supposing that they would be any more ready to accept the gospel in the millennial than in the patriarchal age? There is no reason whatever for believing such a thing; the idea is a delusion of Satan to destroy souls. It will be “more tolerable” for Sodom than for Capernaum, because the light was shining more clearly at the beginning of what is called the “Christian dispensation.” Increased light always brings increased responsibility, and, if rejected, increased condemnation. It is a terrible thing to turn away from light. Let none do so, hoping for another opportunity to embrace it in a millennial age, for there will be no such opportunity then. “There is no work in our world so great, so sacred, and so glorious, no work that God honors so much, as this gospel work. The message presented at this time is the last message of mercy for a fallen world. Those who have the privilege of hearing this message, and who persist in refusing to heed the warning, cast away their last hope of salvation. There will be no second probation.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 19. Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. How Such Effort May be Financed
By W. H. Granger
Methods for Working Our Large Cities—No. 5
How Such Effort May be Financed
IN the first place, those who undertake to lead out in a work of this kind in our large cities, should be authorized conference workers, and I take for granted that such persons are under the pay of the conference, and are in a position to follow my present method for supporting the work. Hence I will briefly state how I manage this part. To start with, my family and I, with my helpers, live together at the Bible Institute as one household. It will be understood that no one of my associates in the work receives any pay from the conference; they are strictly self-supporting. We treat each worker as one of the family, sharing with all any benefit we may have. They are placed under no responsibility other than to care properly for the work allotted to them. I see to paying the house rent, grocery bills, telephone, heat, and light bills; I also pay for literature used, and the street-car fare for the workers, besides supplying them with clothing when occasion demands. In addition to these benefits, each worker is allowed all his commission on book sales. To meet these expenses, I have at my command, in addition to my own salary, all donations from whatsoever source, or by whomsoever received. We also have an understanding between us that in case there should be at any time a surplus in the treasury over and above what is actually needed to maintain the work, the same is to be divided among us in proper proportions. There are many ways to raise this money. First, we have a small collection envelope which we give to each reader about every two months, with the understanding that should he desire to help bear the burdens of the work, he may enclose his offering and hand it to the worker at the next visit. By this means we receive a considerable amount. In addition to this, I have monthly pledge cards to be signed by persons who will agree to give a stipulated sum each month. This, if properly followed up, will yield large returns. They may be presented to business men, but especially to persons interested in the truth. When a class of readers is through with the printed lessons, scores of persons can be found among them who will give regularly to support the work, although they do not obey the truth. By taking advantage of all such sources of revenue, by properly looking after them and systematizing their offerings, much help can be had; furthermore, the longer the work is carried on, the more numerous will become its supporters. One of the most important sources of income is to be found, however, in soliciting the business and professional men of the city; this, if properly handled, will yield a large amount of means. To effectively work this field, however, it is necessary that you and your work be properly recommended. I secured my recommendations in the following manner, which can be repeated in most of our large cities at the present time without any trouble: I first wrote out on a typewriter the following short recommendation: “The undersigned take pleasure in recommending Pastor Wm. H. Granger to the citizens of Columbus, believing his work to be worthy of our most hearty support.” In the meantime I had arranged with the brother who conducts the sanitarium bath rooms of this city, to meet some of his most highly respected and influential patients, whom he knows to be favorable to our people. This brother first placed his name to my recommendation, as he is known and highly respected by most of the business men, after which we called upon two of the most influential citizens, who not only placed their names to my recommendation, but headed my subscription list with their names and a splendid cash donation each. Thus armed, I have had no difficulty in securing funds from business men whenever in need. To carry on this work properly a good collector should give his entire time to this work. A Bible lesson should always be left with each one at every visit, which will serve to interest him more deeply in the work which he is helping to support. It is also well to render to those who help, a printed report of all work done, at least every six months. In visiting business men care should always be taken not to exasperate them by needlessly consuming their time. Tell them who you are, and what you are there for, in a business way, and at the same time present your recommendation. The moment they finish reading this, present the paper containing the list of your subscribers, showing the amounts that are by each.11As they are glancing over this list, briefly state the needs of your work, giving them an opportunity to join your list of subscribers. It is not necessary to go into a detailed explanation of your work unless they ask for it. Occasions may arise when circumstances would seem to justify it. In addition to these methods for securing means, I would suggest as a very important source of revenue, the selling of our bound books. I am in favor of spending one day of each week with my workers in canvassing, allowing them to retain as their own the means thus earned. Besides the financial benefits to be derived, it would be impossible to estimate the good which would come from such an effort. In conclusion, I will say that if there are any points upon which I have touched that are not clear to any one who may be interested in the work in our large cities, or any other points not covered in these articles about which there may be questions, I will take pleasure in answering the same to the best of my ability. 1479 North High St., Columbus, Ohio. The Judgment Hour
By Washington Morse
EDITORS OF THE REVIEW: Allow me space in the good old REVIEW to call to mind the former days (Heb. 10:32; 2 Peter 3:2) that we may be mindful of the words of the holy prophets. I am happy to live to see this sixty-second anniversary of the beginning of the judgment, and with a hand trembling from the weight of ninety years, I wish to call upon all that is within me to thank the Lord for his unspeakable goodness to me. I am mindful of the words of the prophet given in Dan. 8:13, 14; 7:9, 10. I with thousands of others have lived to witness the fulfilment of these scriptures in part, as sixty-two years ago to-day, Oct. 22, 1844, we came to the end of the twenty-three hundred years of Dan. 8:14; and it was said, “Then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” At that date the seventh trumpet began to sound, and the temple in heaven was opened, and the time of the dead came that they should be judged. See Rev. 11:15-20. At that time decisions are rendered which involve an examination of the books from which all judgment is determined (Rev. 20:12), and an atonement is made for all who have overcome. The cases of the living, of course, come up at the last, and this is called the reckoning of the Lord with his servants. Matt. 25:19. In 1 Thess. 5:23 we read these words: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The second coming of Christ was in mind when these words were written; and as this prayer was inspired, we know that it is also a prediction of what will actually take place before Christ comes. His people will be wholly sanctified; then they will be preserved and kept blameless, spirit, soul, and body, up to the very coming of our Lord. If men and women in this generation are to be thus sanctified and thus preserved “unto the coming of the Lord,” they need to be instructed in those principles that lead to such a condition. It is true that neither education nor reformation will produce perfection or sanctification; that is the work of the Holy Spirit and of divine power. Ministering to the Aged.
By MRS. J. C. BROWER
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . ye have done it unto me.” In a little Seventh-day Adventist church in one of our Central States, the church-members were, at one time, in considerable perplexity concerning their duty in caring for an aged and infirm sister. For years she had lived among them a godly, humble life; but now, widowed, childless, and poor, she sat at their gate, as it were, begging the crumbs. At last the home of a man and his wife was opened for her. They were young and able to work, but were, like herself, childless and poor. With her advent into the home the morning and evening worship became seasons of revival and blessing. In the morning, though suffering from a severe fracture of the wrist, she arose with praises to God upon her lips. During the day, after finishing her allotted mite in the household duties, it was her delight to read aloud from, “Life Sketches” or “Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists,” to the other members of the family, as they worked. And with tears of joy, or expressions of pleasure, she would relate some of her own experiences in the message, which, for over forty years, she had believed and loved. At other times, as she sat, fresh from the bath, in her clean, oft-mended clothes, rocking and knitting in the sunny sitting-room, there seemed to be holy influences nigh as she hummed some soul-stirring hymn. To some of those who ministered, the memory of these occasions is almost hallowed, and they can truly say, “The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.” In another home one of our ministers, aged and alone, found a welcome. And only in the world to come, when results are made known, will he ever know the blessing and peace his godly life, his wise counsel, and his seasons of prayer alone with God, brought into the life of at least one inmate of that home. It is worth while, friends, to minister to the aged. We must exercise sympathy, forbearance, and self-sacrificing love, but is it not for our highest good to develop such traits of character? The presence of their attending angels brings health, peace, and joy into the home. Thus, while ministering to others, we receive a double ministry.