Review and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 32. (8/6/1901)

Review and Herald

Aug 6, 1901

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 6, 1901

THE ADVENT.

By L. D. Santee

ELDER L. D. SANTEE.

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

Christ’s coming, my soul is so filled with, I tell to the world’s busy throng; The sweet hope my spirit is thrilled with, ’Tis the theme of my song.

From many a home has been taken My friends, when the dear lips were dumb; But the trumpet of God shall awaken, When Jesus shall come.

He will come as a King in His splendor, He will come as a King on His throne, While the angels with love, warm and tender, Will gather His own, And take to the city all golden, The glorified ones that arise; By the glory of God they’re enfolden In heaven’s bright skies.

Do you wonder I pray? and I dream of That city of splendor untold, And I’m glad I shall soon catch the gleam of The pavements of gold. And the love that my heart has no speech for, Is the love of my heavenly home, That with untold desire I reach for, Till Jesus shall come.

While here upon earth, I endeavor To hold up the Christ of the cross; For the life that endureth forever, All earth is but loss. I seem as a stranger belated, And I wait for the welcome of home, My heart with a faith unabated, Sings, Jesus will come.

CO-OPERATION WITH CHRIST.

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE.

The Lord has chosen to accomplish nothing in the redemption of the human race without the co-operation of the human agent. Christ took human nature that humanity might uplift humanity by laying hold of divine power. Immeasurably inferior is the part the human agent sustains in this work; but, linked up with the divinity of Christ, he can accomplish all things.

The life of Christ was a representation of God, an ever-widening, shoreless influence, which bound Him to God and to the whole human family. Through this gift, God has invested man with an influence which makes it impossible for him to live to himself. Individually we are connected with our fellow men, a part of God’s great whole, and we stand under mutual obligations. No man can be independent of his fellow men; for the well-being of each affects others. It is God’s purpose that we shall stand thus related; for He designs that each individual shall feel himself necessary to the welfare of others, and pledge himself to promote their happiness. Thus our influence, divested of selfishness, would produce a harmony akin to the harmony of heaven.

It is Satan’s studied plan to imbue humanity with selfishness, and thus defeat God’s purpose. He is working in every possible way to separate interests, and to nourish the spirit of rivalry. He seeks to break up the harmony which should exist between man and his fellow man, and to bring in principles which God hates. This selfishness, if admitted into the heart, will corrupt the experience. Springing up, it defiles the whole man, and through him, many others.

Why is it that self rises up so readily? Why is it that men are offended if others do not think in accordance with their opinions and ideas? The Lord has not in the past, nor will He in the future, lead men to act in this way. “The end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” When we are partakers of the divine nature, and have the attributes of Christ, we shall not be easily drawn apart in judgment or opinions. Contentions come when the heart is not under Christ’s discipline; and the apostle says, “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” When the Lord is regarded as the great center, a close connection will exist between all lines of the work. There will be no divisions, no rivalry, but a feeling of mutual connection and dependence, a feeling which is devoid of all selfishness.

Paul writes for our admonition, “I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. . . . Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” We are not to strengthen any evil work. Let those who have used their talents of influence in doing this, do so no longer. Let them not by pen or voice act on Satan’s side of the question. In obedience to a “Thus saith the Lord,” let unity of action be seen. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.”

Christ prayed for His followers: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Divine grace is needed to sanctify the human being—body, soul, and spirit. We have no right to manufacture yokes by gathering to ourselves a multitude of burdens and cares; for these will leave us no time for devotion or prayer, and will drive the truth out of the soul temple. Christ is to be enthroned in the heart. Then every talent will be used for the benefit of God’s purchased heritage, and every transaction will bear the test of heaven.

The Saviour desires His Church to be governed by the principles of love and truth. Love for one another reveals that the love of God is abiding in the heart. But many who profess to be followers of Christ are so filled with a sense of their own importance that they have no room in the heart for the sweet peace of Christ. They do not practice His instruction. They do not manifest His forbearance and love. Their hearts, once full of love for God and their brethren, are frozen by selfishness.

Christ presented before John a class who, in their self-satisfaction, say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” These know not that they are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Christ counsels all such: “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”

Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean Church. The ardor of their first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. When the love of Christ abides in the heart, it will be expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, love for those for whom Christ has died will diminish. There may be an appearance of ceremony and zeal, but this is the only fruit of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste. “I know thy works,” He says, “that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”

Faith and love are precious treasures, represented by pure gold. These graces are to dwell in our hearts, making our characters complete in Christ. But until these graces possess the soul, how can we understand Paul’s words, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant; and was made in the likeness of men.”

THE CHURCH.

By John Norton Loughborough

Advice to the Church.

ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

(Concluded.)

“THOU sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Rev. 3:17-19.

The following remarks upon this scripture are found in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. III, page 254: “Many inquire, Why are all these reproofs given? Why do the Testimonies continually charge us with backsliding and with grievous sins? We love the truth; we are prospering; we are in no need of these Testimonies of warning and reproof. But let these murmurers see their hearts, and compare their lives with the practical teachings of the Bible, let them humble their souls before God, let the grace of God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty and wretchedness. They will feel the necessity of buying gold, which is pure faith and love; white raiment, which is spotless character made pure in the blood of their dear Redeemer; and eyesalve, which is the grace of God, and which will give clear discernment of spiritual things, and detect sin. These attainments are more precious than the gold of Ophir.”

When considering the magnitude of existing evils, we may realize the need of continued reproofs, and the importance of the counsel of the True Witness in the Laodicean message; hence we quote the following, given Nov. 3, 1890: “Let none of the workers exalt themselves, and seek to carry through their ideas without the sanction and co-operation of the people of God. They will not succeed, for God will not permit it. The foundations of the institutions among us were laid in sacrifice. They belong to the people; and all who have denied self, and made sacrifices, great or small according to their ability, to bring these instrumentalities into existence, should feel that they have a special interest in them. They should not lose their interest, or become despondent in regard to the success of the work. As the perils of the last days thicken about us, they should pray more earnestly that the work may prosper. Those who have lifted burdens when the work went hard, should have a part in important councils; for they acted a part when counseling together was regarded a far more solemn and sacred matter than it is now. No confederacy should be formed with unbelievers, neither shall you call together a certain chosen number who think as you do, and who will say Amen to all that you propose, while others are excluded, who you think will not be in harmony. I was shown that there was great danger of doing this.

“We are not to hear the counsel nor follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. Suggestions made by those who know not the work that God is doing for this time, will be such as to weaken the power of the instrumentalities of God. By accepting such suggestions, the counsel of Christ is set at naught.”

We find in the REVIEW of Nov. 14, 1893, the following instruction relative to committee meetings, which, had it been faithfully followed, would have saved many false moves that have been made: “Have it understood that those who come to the committee meetings come with the thought that they are to meet with God, who has given them their work; that it is a sin to waste moments in unimportant conversation; for they are doing the Lord’s business, and must do the work in the most businesslike, perfect way. Let all understand that there is to be no trifling. Every one should come to the meetings in a consecrated, devotional frame of mind, because important matters are to be considered in relation to the cause of God. This work is to be done after His own order, and if men have been elected to the grave responsibility of having a voice, and exerting an influence in the accomplishment of this great work, let their actions in every particular show that they recognize their responsibility and accountability to understand the will of the Lord as far as it is possible.”

In Special Testimony, No. 1, page 35, published in 1892, we are warned, in these words, of a danger liable to arise: “Formality, worldly wisdom, worldly caution, worldly policy, will appear to many to be the very power of God, but when accepted, it stands as an obstacle to prevent God’s light in warnings, reproof, and counsel, from coming to the world.”

Some of the results of following “worldly policy,” showing how it keeps the light from the world, is seen in an article in the REVIEW of July 9, 1895: “There are a few who devise, plan, and work; but the great mass of the people do not lift their hands to do anything, for fear of being repulsed, for fear that others will regard them as out of their place. Many have willing hands and hearts, but they are discouraged from putting their energies into the work. They are criticised if they try to do anything, and finally allow their talents to lie dormant for fear of criticism, when if they were encouraged to use them, the work would be advanced, and workers would be added to the force of missionaries. . . . A few are selected to hold responsible positions, and the work is divided up among these brethren. Many more who ought to have opportunity to develop into efficient workers for the Lord, are left in the shadow.”

There appeared in a later number of the REVIEW, in the issue of July 23, 1895, still further light on this question under consideration: “Laws and rules are being made at the centers of the work that will soon be broken into atoms. Men are not to dictate. It is not for those in places of authority to employ all their powers to sustain some, while others are cast down, ignored, forsaken, and left to perish. But it is the duty of the leaders to lend a helping hand to all who are in need. Let each work in the line which God may indicate to him by His Holy Spirit. . . . None are to exercise their human authority to bind the minds and souls of their fellow men. They are not to devise and put in practice methods and plans to bring every individual under their jurisdiction.

“Those who know the truth are to be worked by the Holy Spirit, and not themselves to try to work the Spirit. If the cords are drawn much tighter, if the rules are made much finer, if men continue to bind their fellow laborers closer and closer to the commandments of men, many will be stirred by the Spirit of God to break every shackle, and assert their liberty in Christ Jesus. . . .

“Let man now cease to trust in man. While they should respect God’s plan for unity of action [This plan relates to the system of order and organization which the Testimony said God had led in establishing, and which is to stand, strengthened and established.—J. N. L.], let all remember that the Holy Spirit is molding and fashioning the human agent in the divine similitude. The life that is hid with Christ in God is revealed through men. . . . The eye should not be so constantly looking to man, studying the plans which men devise; but rather seeking for a knowledge of the plans which are determined by the Source of all wisdom. Then there will be no danger of having plans for the work contaminated by flowing through impure human channels. Look to God; pray to God; wait and watch and pray to God; work for God. . . . The weak must not now trust in finite men if they would be as David, and David as the angel of the Lord.”

The year in which this Testimony was given, some members of the General Conference Committee were studying a scheme by which to bring all the institutions connected with this cause under the controlling head of the General Conference. In a Special Testimony to the Battle Creek church, August, 1896, page 21, this plan is referred to in these words: “The scheme for consolidation is detrimental to the cause of present truth. Battle Creek has all the power she should have. Some in that place have advanced selfish plans, and if any branch of the work promised

a measure of success, they have not exercised the spirit which lets well enough alone, but have made an effort to attach these interests to the great whole. They have striven to embrace altogether too much, and yet they are eager to get more. When they can show that they have made these plans under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then confidence in them may be restored.”

A cheering (conditional) prediction was given in a Testimony of Nov. 3, 1890, which we long to see fulfilled: “When we are united in the unity for which Christ prayed, this long controversy that has been kept up through satanic agency will end, and we shall not see men framing plans after the order of the world because they have not spiritual eyesight to discern spiritual things.”

Because of wrong management or unwise movements made in the missionary society and the Sabbath-school work, pointed out in the Testimonies, it is unnecessary to ignore these associations; as some have seemed to do; for “it has been proved in the missionary field, that, whatever may be the preaching talent, if the laboring part is neglected, if the people are not taught how to work, how to conduct meetings, how to act their part in missionary labor, how to reach people successfully, the work will be nearly a failure. There is much to be done in the Sabbath-school work also, in bringing the people to realize their obligation and to act their part. God calls them to work for Him, and the minister should guide their efforts.”—“Testimony for the Church,” No. 32, page 12.

“Instruction relating to Sabbath-school work, also, should be largely given in the several churches. The labor will thus be more effective, and the improvement more permanent.”—“Gospel Workers,” page 223.

The following, referring to church work, is found in the REVIEW of Feb. 28, 1893: “The very simplest methods of work should be devised, and set in operation among the churches. If the members will co-operate with such a plan, and perseveringly carry it out, they will reap a rich reward; for their experience will grow brighter, their ability will increase through exercise, and souls will be saved through their efforts.”

Perhaps we cannot better close this series of articles than by quoting the following from a Testimony in the REVIEW of Sept. 5, 1893: “Although there are evils existing in the Church, and will be until the end of the world, the Church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The Church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard.”

WHY NOT PRAISE GOD MORE?

By F. W. Morse

F. W. MORSE.

In Deuteronomy 28 the Lord tells the children of Israel, “If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments, . . . blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.” In the sermon on the mount, the Saviour pronounced a blessing upon those who are poor in spirit, upon those who mourn, upon the meek, upon those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, upon the merciful, upon the pure in heart, upon the peacemakers, and upon those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

We understand that one meaning of the word “blessed” is happy; Mr. Webster gives this as the first definition of the word. Happy people are those who live for God in every act and in every thought. We may live in the crowded city, or our work may be in the open field of toilsome labor; but, dear fellow travelers, let us show that we are a happy people, in the words we speak, in the tones of our voice, and in the expression of our countenances. “Blessed [“happy”] shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed [“happy”] shalt thou be when thou goest out.” A lovely companion, indeed! The Lord’s people are appointed to be a sunshine of happiness in this world, and they will shine as the sun in the everlasting kingdom. Matt. 13:43. A well-known writer has said:—

“O, do not think that it matters not how you lead this life below, It matters much to the heedless throng that you see go to and fro; For all that is high, and noble, and good has an influence on the rest; And this world is better for every one who is living at his best.”

The precious beatitudes given in Deuteronomy 28 continue by declaring, “The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto.” He into whose life God puts happiness, dispenses joy and happiness to all around him; and of him can be said, in the words of the good old hymn,—

“How happy is the man who hath chosen wisdom’s ways; He hath measured off his span to his God in prayer and praise.”

Only a few days are now left us in which to offer praise and thanksgiving in the enemy’s land, and if we fail here, we shall find our place where “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Deut. 28:47 says, “Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart;” then follow the woes and sorrows of the unrejoicing, complaining life. Let us take diligent heed to all that the Lord has said to us; for in His tender mercy He has given admonitions bearing upon all the course of life; and every shade, manner, and form of experience in these perilous times is explicitly dwelt upon, with counsel for the right, and warning against the wrong. So shall we be a happy, holy people unto the Lord.

THE JUDGMENT.

By William Brickey

WILLIAM BRICKEY.

(Kimball, Minn.)

I HAD a solemn dream one night, I never shall forget; I saw the Judgment-seat of Christ; its terrors haunt me yet. Ten thousand times ten thousand angels stood by with folded wings, To execute the mandates of the mighty King of kings. The ponderous books were opened wide; the faithful angels stood And witnessed to each character, the evil and the good. Each name, with every word and deed, was on a separate page, With motives that had prompted all, from childhood to old age.

I felt myself quite confident. Had I not known the truth, And superintended Sabbath-school, and taught a class of youth? Had I not always paid my tithe? Did I not love the Lord? Had I not much attended church, and ever preached the word? But feared for my poor Brother A: his talents always small, His garb was very humble, and he looked so gaunt and tall, I always felt a tinge of shame to meet him in a crowd, And call him Brother A at all; I never spoke it loud.

His family was large and poor, and never dressed in style,— A laughing-stock for neighbors; e'en the gravest had to smile. We thought he had disgraced the cause in every place he went. At length, thought I, he'll see his wrong; too late now to repent. I thought of Deacon B with pride, broad acres under plow; He'd often been a delegate to Conference, and now His faith will be rewarded. I expect this very day He'll gain a crown of glory, that shall never fade away.

Slowly they turned the pages, and an angel read the name. Some gained eternal life, and some gained but contempt and shame. They called the name of Brother A. A sweet perfume was shed. The breath of prayer had stained the page, but still it could be read. A halo of bright glory all around the record shone: Loud was the welcome plaudit when the Master said, Well done. This gave me added confidence. If such a man as he Could win such approbation, then what would be said to me?

They read the name of Deacon B. His record bore no charm; “’Tis buried,” said the angel, “in the rubbish of the farm. ’Tis trampled so with cattle that it never can be read, We know not whether he is with the living or the dead.”

The pages of those records seemed to have a counterpart, A very close connection, with our memory and heart: And so with all transactions; every word and thought, and look Seemed then to be reflected on the pages of the book.

I saw no rainbow o’er my name, nor any sweet perfume. The reading of the record cast a shadow and a gloom. To every fancy sermon preached, beneath the last amen Was written by the angel scribe, “He loved the praise of men.”

And all the good deeds I had done, in childhood, youth, and age: “Mere selfishness,” was written at the bottom of the page. I sank with sickish horror, and I wakened with a scream: And oh, how very thankful I that it only was a dream!

THE SUPPORT OF GOSPEL MINISTERS ACCORDING TO GOD’S PLAN.

By D. T. Bourdeau

ELDER D. T. BOURDEAU.

(Concluded.)

HOW SACRED FUNDS ARE GUARDED AND DISTRIBUTED BY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.

As for the tithes, each church has its tithe-treasury, of which a God-fearing man has charge as treasurer. This officer sends the tithes of his church to the treasurer of his local Conference, which is composed of churches in a certain territory. Nine tenths of the amount deposited in the central treasury is retained to sustain the worthy ministers in the local Conference, and the remaining tenth is sent to the treasurer of the General Conference, which is composed of the delegates of the different local Conferences and the proper officers chosen by these delegates. The tenth thus sent to the General Conference treasurer is used to support ministers who engage in general work, and missionaries who are sent to start the work in fields in which no local Conference has yet been organized.

The distribution of the funds thus raised, and of those raised by donations for the support of the ministry, is made by faithful, God-fearing men appointed by the Conferences,—men who have had experience in temporal and spiritual things, have contributed to the raising of sacred funds, and who conscientiously regard the principles of equity and equality, not only as applied in giving, but also in appropriating the means received. Read Neh. 13:12–14; 2 Cor. 8:13, 14.

No large salary is promised to any minister who enters upon his sacred work, nor to any minister of experience when beginning his year’s work; but faithful, devoted ministers are looked after, as to their temporal wants between the sessions of the Conference; and at the end of the year they are settled with according to their real needs and according to the funds in the treasury. And similar prudence is used in the appropriations of funds for other religious objects. No one church is expected to support one minister with its funds; for in many cases it would be too heavy a burden for the church, and sometimes the minister and his family would suffer from lack of even a moderate support; while in other cases the church would furnish more means than the minister really needs, and ease, covetousness, and selfishness would be encouraged in him, as is, alas! too often the case. The throwing of all the funds of the churches into a common treasury equalizes matters, and encourages a missionary spirit that is not narrowed down to one locality, but is broad, and reaches “regions beyond.”

Such a system must commend itself to every reasonable mind; and many persons of other denominations who, not fully understanding it, were at first prejudiced against it, have become predisposed in its favor; and even entire churches have adopted the tithing plan for the support of their ministers, regarding it as far preferable to such unholy means as the holding of church lotteries, the playing on the love of display and show and worldly pleasure, and on the appetite of sinners as well as of professed followers of Christ, at church festivals. Let us be true to the light God has given us, and let the work of reform go on.

When the religious movement based on the proximity of Christ’s second coming and the needful preparation to meet it was started, its friends were few, and knew what it was to sacrifice. Like the early Christians at the time of the first great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they did immensely more than to pay tithes. They sold their possessions and put the avails in the cause, that God’s messengers might not be retarded in their work of proclaiming the judgment and second-advent message.

And we have watched these sacrificing souls, and can certify that none of them ever came to want: on the contrary, they were greatly blessed and prospered, temporally as well as spiritually; and in their experience the truthfulness of these words of the Saviour appeared in bold relief: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men [in this case God and men] give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38.

And when the tithing system was presented to these noble pioneers of the second-advent cause, they wept, desiring to give more. But they were told for their encouragement, “Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” Luke 12:33. Let others now come in to participate in the work of giving, that they, too, may at last realize the fulfillment of these precious prophetic words: “Make to yourselves friends [angels are intended] of [or with] the mammon of unrighteousness [property]; that, when ye fail, they [the angels] may receive you into everlasting habitations [the mansions in the New Jerusalem above].” Luke 16:9–11. “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. . . . [Then the Lord sends angels after His saints. He says to them:] Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50:3–5. See also Matt. 24:30, 31, etc.

As might be expected, through the proclamation of the threefold second-advent message of a world-wide application (Rev. 14:6–14; Joel 2:1, etc.), true believers have been added to the pioneers of this glorious religious movement, who have been willing cheerfully to make a covenant with God by sacrifice, and give of their means to sustain an ever-increasing army of gospel laborers, and to build and operate publishing houses, sanitariums, colleges, church schools, etc.

And may the believers and supporters of this the best of causes under the sun, and the heaven-ordained agencies to advance it, still increase; for the greater the number of believers and agencies for the prosecution of the work, the sooner the gospel of the kingdom shall have answered its purpose, and the sooner the Redeemer shall come to put an end to sickness, pain, sorrow, perplexities, hatred, persecutions, dissensions, murders, war, and wickedness of every kind, and reward the sacrificing saints of every age.

Dear reader, where do you stand as a steward of the talents of means that the Master has intrusted to your care? Are you passing them over to the exchangers, that they may increase by an addition of souls rescued from the dominion and power of sin and Satan and made heirs of the glorious coming kingdom, and that the Lord may receive them with usury at His coming, and say unto you in that great day, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? Matt. 25:23. Or do you, when the subject of giving is brought before you, complain and murmur against the Lord, calling Him a “hard master”? Do you cling more tenaciously to your property, be it much or little, and hide in the earth the talents of means the Lord has given you? In the day of final reckoning the Lord will pronounce against such this awful sentence: “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. . . . And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Verses 26–30.

That day is near and hasteth greatly. The duty of giving is far more urgent now than in ages past, or even at the beginning of the present proclamation. Destruction is coming, and but little time is left in which to dispose of earthly possessions and lay up treasures in heaven. When a devastating and conquering army is passing through a country, wise persons transfer their treasures to another country, where they can be preserved for them, and enjoyed by them thereafter. To what better country can our earthly treasures and means be sent than to the heavenly? There we shall, if faithful, surely find them and enjoy them with an increase that we cannot now estimate by figures, during an eternity of endless and incomparable felicity.

Where will you stand when probation closes? The plagues of God’s wrath will then be felt by those who have turned a deaf ear to the calls of mercy, and the wicked will suffer hunger. The saints, having perfect faith, will depend wholly upon God for food to maintain their existence, and God will miraculously supply them with bread and water. Read Rev. 14:9; 15:1; 16; 18:14; Isa. 8:21, 22; 33:13–17, etc. Can you expect to live by faith and be miraculously supplied with food then, as was Elijah, if you cannot trust God enough now to respond to His calls for means to help advance His cause on earth? Who went through from Egypt into the promised land? Those who were constantly murmuring and fearing that they and their children would starve by the way, if they went forward? or those who, like Caleb and Joshua, cultivated faith, hope, and courage, and hastened to advance, ready to meet any and every obstacle by the way, and possess the goodly land?

When the seventh and last plague shall have been reached, and the voice of God shall shake the heavens and the earth, cause hills and mountains, the cities of the nations, and all human habitations to fall, the islands to be moved out of their places, and the earth’s surface to be all marred and broken up, and the wicked shall cast their gold and their silver to the moles and the bats, and shall, in anguish inconceivable, cry to be hidden from the face of the King of glory, where will you stand? Will you then be among those who have devoted all their energies to accumulating wealth, and have refused to put their means into circulation, that they might bless humanity and help advance the cause of salvation? Such shall see all their property and hoarded wealth destroyed and scattered under the heavy strokes and terrible wrath of retributive justice. Or will you then be able to say, I have sent my property ahead, have laid up a treasure on high, and hail with joy my departure from this sin-cursed earth, to be escorted by Christ and His angels to my enduring home and riches in the kingdom of God? Read Rev. 16:17–21; 6:14–17; Isa. 2:19–22; Jer. 4:23–26; 25:30, 31; Joel 3:16; Zeph. 1:14–18; 2:1, etc.; also Heb. 10:32–34; Revelation 21; 22; Isa. 25:9; Matt. 24:31; 1 Thess. 4:13–18; Rev. 19:1; John 14:1–3, etc.

THE CHILDREN.

By M. D.

M. D.

Would you give them life's choicest gift, Its richest treasure, Source of abiding peace, Joy without measure? Would you give them a talisman, Life's ills to ward? Yearns your heart from the tempter's snares Their feet to guard? Teach them “Our Father.”

— Not in word alone, but in life Show them its meaning, Tender and strong and true: “Being, not seeming.” All in you let them find Best worth possessing; So shall their young hearts know,— Richest of blessing,— God is like father.

Let them rest on the rock of your love, Trust your forgiving. Thus may you interpret God In daily living.

So shall their young feet tread Pathways of peace; So shall their hearts be led, In righteousness, To God our Father.

A DEAR OLD FRIEND.

By H. A. St. John

ELDER H. A. ST. JOHN.

It is the REVIEW AND HERALD of which we speak. About forty-four years ago I was first introduced to this excellent periodical. It was at that time that the REVIEW began its weekly visits to my father's house in Ohio, where it was ever received with gladness, and perused with eagerness. During all the long years from that distant day, and home, till the present, it has never failed to make its regular visits, always laden with messages of light, life, love, truth, and courage.

Since those early years when this valuable paper came to the home of my youth, a loved and loving father and mother, a sister, and a brother have fallen asleep; and its pages, which had so often brought them hope and good cheer; at last bore the final sad testimony, “Departed this life.” And in these forty-four years how very many of the REVIEW’s cherished readers have finished their course; and eternity alone can tell how much it aided them in overcoming, before it recorded their obituaries.

But the dear old REVIEW still lives. We call it old, only with reference to its years. For in very truth it is larger, stronger, and more vigorous now than ever before. Its sphere of usefulness has greatly broadened with every passing year, and still continues to broaden. Its bright, clear, ringing testimony is in evidence that with rolling years its youth is constantly renewed. May it continue to grow younger and stronger, disseminating light and truth, hope and courage, joy and blessing, to all the soldiers of Christ in the remnant of the Church militant until their last conflict with the powers of darkness shall terminate in a final and eternal victory, and all the publishers, editors, writers, and readers of the dear old REVIEW be gathered together in the glorious land of immortal rest.

HINTS TO FARMERS’ WIVES.

By Mrs. K. Gibson

MRS. K. GIBSON,

(Denmark, Mich.)

I SUPPOSE we farmers’ wives would all like to reach the ideal life, the “art of living prettily in the country.” An old leather-bound Book tells how. We all like to see manly men, gracious women, beautiful children, well-kept gardens, and smooth lawns about a farmhouse; but how to obtain all this is the question. I know of no better aid to the desired end than the words of Jesus: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Early rising has always been a great effort for me, but lately I practice it, and I find that a cool early bath, and an hour’s work in the garden before the children are up, give me strength

for the sultry day and the petty cares that follow.

Then I don’t forget to keep plenty of hairpins on hand, for though communion with nature and hairpins, may sound like a fall from the sublime to the ridiculous, it is not; for scarcity of the latter commodity means a twist to the hair, and a knob behind the head, instead of the shining, well-dressed “glory of women” which Paul and Solomon had in mind when they wrote their words of inspiration.

How shall I dress the hair? you ask. Every woman must settle that for herself. Find out how your hair looks the best as a frame for your face. See the description of a perfect woman in Cant. 4:3.

Let us take time (five minutes twice a day is enough) to dress the hair becomingly, and note the effect on husband, children, and the whole home life.

Continue reading: LOVE IN THE HOME