Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 30, 1911
Good Company
No better company can be had than the company of good books. If you do not have the following books in your library, you are missing some of the very best literature on these subjects.
On Temperance
TEMPERANCE TORCHLIGHTS. By Matilda Erickson. A book of studies, stories, songs, poems, and useful information on temperance topics; for the use of individuals, churches, schools, temperance and young people's societies. Every one interested in the cause of temperance will find many helpful suggestions in this book. It should be placed in the hands of every temperance worker.
Cloth, 256 pages - - - - - $ .50
On Health
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO HEALTH. By Frederick M. Rossiter, B. S., M. D. A masterly treatise on anatomy, physiology, and hygiene, with a scientific description of diseases, their cause and treatment; especially designed for the home and for the instruction of nurses. It gives a plain, comprehensive understanding of the construction and functions of the various organs of the human body, with illustrations showing the anatomy of the various parts and their relation to one another, together with a minute description of the nature and cause of various diseases, and the hygienic prescription for their cure. Contains 668 pages, with twelve color plates and nearly one hundred other illustrations, substantially bound. Write for prices.
THE MINISTRY OF HEALING. The latest work by Mrs. E. G. White, showing the example of Christ in the work of relieving suffering humanity of their physical ills, and pointing the way to a better life. The proceeds from the sale of this book go to the upbuilding and equipping of health institutions. 544 pages, handsomely bound.
Cloth - - - - - - $1.50
HOME AND HEALTH. A household manual, containing two thousand recipes and helpful suggestions on the building and care of the home in harmony with sanitary laws, and the preservation of health by consistent living.
LITTLE FOLKS' BIBLE NATURE. By Ella King Sanders. A new child's book of simple, graded lessons on Bible nature, beginning with light, and continuing with the study of creation in the order of the Scriptures. It is a beginner's book of the sentence-method order, carefully graded. Each subject is thoroughly illustrated with new drawings, made especially for the book. Thirteen colored plates, 144 pages, beautifully bound. Revised and enlarged.
Board - - - - - - $ .25
Cloth - - - - - - .50
On Evolution
GOD'S TWO BOOKS; OR, PLAIN FACTS ABOUT EVOLUTION, GEOLOGY, AND THE BIBLE. By Geo. McCready Price. This volume gives a summary, in easy, readable language, of the wonderful discoveries recently made in Europe and America, which have done so much to confirm the Bible record. It shows the perfect harmony existing between the “Book of Nature” and the “Book of Revelation.” Well illustrated.
Price - - - - - - $1.00
Christian Experience
STEPS TO CHRIST. By Mrs. E. G. White. A book which will cheer many a discouraged heart. Presents in a simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience.
THE DESIRE OF AGES. By Mrs. E. G. White. This book from the pen of this well-known author is an intensely interesting and beautifully illustrated volume, the key-note of which is the great truth that in Christ the love of the Father is revealed,—that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” It has been the work of Satan to misrepresent the character of God, and to deny the authority of his law, while Christ, who was “God manifest in the flesh,” by his death redeems the transgressor, and maintains the immutability of that law. Thus God's love and justice are vindicated. This book treats of the development of this purpose, as wrought out in the life of Christ.
DANIEL AND THE REVELATION; the Response of History to the Voice of Prophecy. A verse-by-verse study of these important books of the Bible. A volume for the times. By Uriah Smith. As the remarkable prophecies of these inspired books become more largely fulfilled it is a matter of more interest and importance year by year that they be studied and understood; and this work is designed to bring out the stirring, practical, and prophetic truths which they contain.
Hail, church of God! come list to me,
The while my tuneful harp I bring;
List while I raise loud notes of praise,
And sweetest songs of Zion sing.
Come, ye who weep ’mid sorrows deep,
And ye whose hearts are lone and sore,
Whose love is dead, whose hope is fled,
Who dream of earthly joys no more.
Have ye forgot, ’mid earth’s dull grief,
That glorious country bright and fair,
That pearly gate where angels wait
To bid us loving welcome there?
Have ye forgot that day of days,—
That long, bright journey to the skies?
With angel guide close by our side,
On tireless pinions we shall rise!
Have ye forgot? Lift up your head!
That glad day hasteth on apace;
And escorts bright from realms of light
Like horsemen gather for the race.
Arise, ye dead, from dusty bed,
From desert waste and ocean cave;
’Mid trumpets’ blare they cleave the air,
With shouts of victory o’er the grave.
Transporting thought! earth is forgot;
Up, up! on wings of rapture fly;
Away, away toward endless day
And endless glory in the sky,
Sweeping along, a glorious throng,
Past suns and systems blazing bright,
Celestial bars, and countless stars,
And dark, abysmal depths of night. On, on! sweep on! the jasper walls
Are just ahead. O rapturous sight!
O wondrous train! O sweet refrain
From many mansions gleaming bright!
Open, ye gates! the cohort waits,—
The mighty army of the skies.
The tried and true shall enter through
The pearly gates of paradise.
Lansing, Mich.
Paul Enters Upon His Ministry
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
After his baptism, Paul broke his fast, and remained “certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” Boldly he testified that Jesus of Nazareth was the long-looked-for Messiah, who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures, . . . was buried, and . . . rose again the third day,” after which he was seen of the twelve, and of the brethren. “And last of all,” added Paul, “he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” His arguments from prophecy were so conclusive, and his efforts were so attended by the power of God, that the opposing Jews were confounded and unable to answer him.
Paul had been known formerly as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion, and an untiring persecutor of the followers of Jesus. Courageous, independent, persevering, his talents and training would have enabled him to serve in almost any position. His reasoning powers were of no ordinary value. By his withering sarcasm he could place an opponent in no enviable position. And now the Jews saw this young man of unusual promise uniting with those whom he had formerly persecuted, and fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus.
A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy. But when a man of integrity and sterling principle joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage. Saul of Tarsus might easily have been struck dead by the Lord as he was on his way to Damascus, and much strength would have been withdrawn from the persecuting power. But his life was spared, and in the providence of God he was carried from the side of the enemy to the side of Christ. An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very qualifications needed in the Christian church.
The news of Paul’s conversion came to the Jews as a great surprise. He who had journeyed to Damascus “with authority and commission from the chief priests,” to apprehend and prosecute the believers, was now preaching the gospel of a crucified and risen Saviour, strengthening the hands of those who were already its disciples, and continually bringing in new converts to the faith he had once so zealously opposed.
All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”
To those who heard him, Paul demonstrated that his change of faith was not prompted by impulse or fanaticism, but had been brought about by overwhelming evidence. In his presentation of gospel truth, he sought to make plain the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ. He showed conclusively that these prophecies had been literally fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth. The foundation of his faith was based on the sure word of prophecy.
As Paul continued to appeal to his astonished hearers to “repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance,” he “increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.” But many hardened their hearts, refusing to respond to his message; and soon their astonishment at his conversion was changed into intense hatred, like unto that which they had manifested against Jesus.
Paul was not allowed to continue his labors long at Damascus, in the face of fierce opposition. A messenger from heaven bade him leave for a time; and so he “went into Arabia,” where he found a safe retreat.
In the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity for quiet study and meditation. There he calmly reviewed his past experiences, and made sure work of repentance. He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted, and his great sin pardoned. He longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. During his sojourn in Arabia, he emptied his soul of the prejudices and traditions that had shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth. Jesus communed with him, and established him in his faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of divine wisdom and grace.
When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate. In such communion is found the highest education. It is God’s own method of development. “Acquaint now thyself with him,” is his message to mankind.
The solemn charge that had been given Paul on the occasion of his interview with Ananias, rested with increasing4weight upon his heart. When, in response to the invitation, “Brother Saul, receive thy sight,” Paul had for the first time looked upon the face of this devout man, Ananias under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said to him: “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
These words were in harmony with the words of Jesus himself, who, when he arrested Saul on the journey to Damascus, declared: “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
As he pondered these things in his heart, Paul understood more and more the meaning of his call “to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” His call had come “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father.” The greatness of the work before him led him to give much study to the Holy Scriptures, in order that he might preach the gospel “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect,” “but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” that the faith of all who heard “should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
As Paul searched the Scriptures of truth, he learned that throughout the ages “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.”
And so, viewing the wisdom of the world—wisdom in which he had formerly trusted—in the light of the cross, Paul “determined not to know anything, . . . save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Throughout his later ministry, Paul never lost sight of the Source of his wisdom and strength. Hear him, years afterward, still declaring, “For me to live is Christ.” And again: “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, . . . that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings.”
Paul now “returned again unto Damascus,” and “preached boldly . . . in the name of Jesus.” Unable to withstand the wisdom of his arguments, “the Jews took counsel to kill him.” The gates of the city were diligently guarded, day and night, to cut off his escape. This crisis led the disciples to seek God earnestly; and finally they “took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.”
About three years had passed since his conversion, when Paul returned to Jerusalem. His chief object in making this visit, as he himself declared afterward, was “to see Peter.” When, upon arrival in the city where he had once been well known as “Saul the persecutor,” “he assayed to join himself to the disciples,” “they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.” It was difficult for them to believe that so bigoted a Pharisee, and one who had done so much to destroy the church, could become a sincere follower of Jesus. “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
The disciples now received Paul as one of their number. Soon they had abundant evidence as to the genuineness of his Christian experience. The future apostle to the Gentiles was now in the city where many of his former associates lived; and to these Jewish leaders he longed to make plain the prophecies concerning the Messiah, which had been fulfilled by the advent of the Saviour. Paul felt sure that these teachers in Israel, with whom he had once been so well acquainted, were as sincere and honest as he had been. But Paul had miscalculated the spirit of his Jewish brethren, and in his hope of their speedy conversion he was doomed to bitter disappointment. Although “he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians,” those who stood at the head of the Jewish church refused to believe, but “went about to slay him.” Sorrow filled his heart. Willingly he would have yielded up his life, if by that means he might bring some to a knowledge of the truth. With shame he thought of the active part he had taken in the martyrdom of Stephen, and now in his anxiety to wipe out the stain resting upon one so falsely accused, he sought to vindicate the truth that had cost Stephen his life.
Burdened in behalf of those who refused to believe, Paul was praying in the temple, as he himself afterward testified, when he fell into a trance, whereupon a heavenly messenger appeared before him, and said: “Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.” Paul was inclined to remain at Jerusalem, where he could face the opposition. To him, it seemed an act of cowardice to attempt to flee, if by remaining he might be able to convince some of the obstinate Jews of the truthfulness of the gospel message,—even if to remain should cost him his life. And so he answered: “Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: and when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.” But it was not in harmony with the purpose of God that his servant should needlessly expose his life; and so the heavenly messenger replied: “Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.”
Upon learning of this vision of Paul, the brethren hastened his secret escape from Jerusalem, for fear of assassination. “They brought him down to Cæsarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.” The departure of Paul suspended for a time the violent opposition of the Jews, and the church had a period of rest, in which many were added to the number of believers.
A Forsaken Ordinance
By H. W. Carr
H. W. CARR
“The world is mine, and the fulness thereof,” declares Jehovah; “the cattle upon a thousand hills.” And again: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.” These are his both by right of creation and by right of redemption.
In Eden, God reserved to himself the tree of knowledge of good and evil; and man’s obedience to God’s command on this point was to determine his fitness to dwell in that paradise. But our first parents did not stand the test; they disobeyed, and they were driven from Eden.
Again, very anciently, the Lord reserved to himself a tenth part of the goods in man’s control, as a further test of his obedience. Tithing was an ordinance with Abraham, who recognized God’s ownership, and gave to his representative “tithes of all.” Gen. 14:20. From the record it is evident that this was not a new duty with Abraham. Paul tells us that if we are Christ’s, then are we Abraham’s seed (Gal. 3:29); and the Master declared, to those who claimed to be the children of Abraham: “If ye were the children of Abraham, ye would do the works of Abraham.” John 8:39.
In Mal. 3:7 we read: “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them.” The verses which follow tell plainly that the ordinances here mentioned are connected with the bringing of tithes and offerings to the Lord’s house. The expression, “From the days of your fathers,” seems to indicate that goods are in our possession upon which God’s ownership is not recognized. He says: “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” But if we do not return unto the Lord, and bring to him that5which is his, in tithes and offerings, the conclusion is that he will not return unto us.
How sad would it be, if, after observing the other ordinances of the Lord, which give us a place among his chosen and peculiar people, it should be found at last that some of us had failed upon this one point!
Salamanca, N. Y.
D. E. ROBINSON
By D. E. Robinson
A Study of Principles—No. 4
D. E. ROBINSON
As our brethren in various places are called upon to meet issues in which our religious freedom seems to be assailed, it is well to bear in mind the cautions found in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, pages 394-401. This instruction is taken from a letter written Oct. 13, 1895, to one who at that time stood with us as an advocate of religious liberty principles, and is entitled—
“Our Attitude Toward the Civil Authorities”
“By some of our brethren many things have been spoken and written that are interpreted as expressing antagonism to government and law. It is a mistake thus to lay ourselves open to misunderstanding. It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civil authorities. It is true that our warfare is aggressive, but our weapons are to be those found in a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. We should not be turned aside to lines that will encourage controversy, or arouse antagonism in those not of our faith.”
“We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances every expression that, taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and strife.”
“The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged upon the whole body of Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such and such a day one of our responsible men said thus and so against the administration of the laws of this government. Many will be astonished to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they did not intend them to have. Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis which is to try men’s souls.”
“The less we make direct charges against authorities and powers, the greater work we shall be able to accomplish, both in America and in foreign countries. Foreign nations will follow the example set by the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.”
“It is our work to magnify and exalt the law of God. The truth of God’s holy Word is to be made manifest. We are to hold up the Scriptures as the rule of life. In all modesty, in the spirit of grace, and in the love of God, we are to point men to the fact that the Lord God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.”
“In the name of the Lord we are to go forward, unfurling his banner, advocating his Word. When the authorities command us not to do this work; when they forbid us to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, then it will be necessary for us to say, as did the apostles: ‘Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we can not but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ Acts 4:19, 20.”
“The truth is to be set forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. This alone can make our words effective. Only through the Spirit’s power will victory be gained and held. The human agent must be worked by the Spirit of God. The workers must be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. They must have divine wisdom, that nothing may be uttered which would stir up men to close our way. Through the inculcation of spiritual truth we are to prepare a people who shall be able, in meekness and fear, to give a reason for their faith before the highest authorities in our world.”
“We need to present the truth in its simplicity, to advocate practical godliness; and we should do this in the spirit of Christ. The manifestation of such a spirit will have the best influence upon our own souls, and it will have a convicting power upon others. Give the Lord opportunity to work through his own agents. Do not imagine that it will be possible for you to lay out plans for the future; let God be acknowledged as standing at the helm at all times and under every circumstance. He will work by means that will be suitable, and will maintain, increase, and build up his own people.”
“The Lord’s agents should have a sanctified zeal, a zeal that is wholly under his control. Stormy times will come rapidly enough upon us, and we should take no course of our own that will hasten them. Tribulation will come of a character that will drive to God all who wish to be his, and his alone. Until tested and proved in the furnace of trial, we do not know ourselves, and it is not proper for us to measure the characters of others and to condemn those who have not yet had the light of the third angel’s message.”
“If we wish men to be convinced that the truth we believe sanctifies the soul and transforms the character, let us not be continually charging them with vehement accusations. In this way we shall force them to the conclusion that the doctrine we profess can not be the Christian doctrine, since it does not make us kind, courteous, and respectful. Christianity is not manifested in pugilistic accusation and condemnation. . . .”
“We should remember that the world will judge us by what we appear to be. Let those who are seeking to represent Christ be careful not to exhibit inconsistent features of character. Before we come fully to the front, let us see to it that the Holy Spirit is poured upon us from on high. When this is the case, we shall give a decided message, but it will be of a far less condemnatory character than that which some have been giving; and all who believe will be far more earnest for the salvation of our opponents. Let God have the matter of condemning authorities and governments wholly in his own keeping. In meekness and love, let us as faithful sentinels defend the principles of truth as it is in Jesus.”6
Maintain the Affirmative
At times when there has been agitation over the question of enacting Sunday laws, our brethren have been counseled to improve the many opportunities presented for sowing the seeds of truth. On one occasion when the minds of men were dwelling on the Sabbath question, the following instruction was given to one who had long stood as a champion in religious liberty work:—
“Say to the people: Know yourselves of the doctrine. Let not your lips utter a sentence of doubt. Do not come before the people with an uncertain sound. Know what is truth, and proclaim truth. Christ’s teaching was always positive in its nature. Never, never utter sentiments of doubt. Bear with a certain voice an affirmative message. Lift him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. There is power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ. . . .”
“Christ is to be preached, not controversially, but affirmatively. Take your stand without controversy. Let not your words at any time be uncertain. The Word of the living God is to be the foundation of our faith. Gather up the strongest affirmative statements regarding the atonement made by Christ for the sins of the world. Show the necessity for this atonement, and tell men and women that they may be saved if they will repent and return to their loyalty to God’s law. Gather all the affirmatives and proofs that make the gospel the glad tidings of salvation to all who receive and believe on Christ as a personal Saviour.”
Exhortations to Diligence
The following extracts from Mrs. White’s correspondence set forth the necessity and importance of prompt and energetic action to present the truth clearly before the people, when efforts are being made for the enforcement of Sunday laws. In a letter written from Cooranbong to Brethren E. R. Palmer and A. G. Daniells, June 28, 1897, she said:—
“I can not see light in your leaving at this special time for western Australia. You can see, in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, the notice of the meeting of the council of churches in Sydney, to bring about that which they have hitherto been unable to accomplish,—the recognition of God in the government of the nation.”
“Now is our time to work. Leaflets and periodicals, giving plain warnings, should be scattered everywhere. I think meetings should be held in halls, to see if the matter can not be presented so as to let in light.”
“I can not say much, but I can say, Now is not the time for you to leave for Western Australia, when there are important issues to be urged upon the people. I do not think that we are half awake. We are not doing one half what we ought to do, and should have been doing right along for months. True, something has been done, but much more is required to be done.”
To Elder S. N. Haskell, Aug. 30, 1894, she wrote:—
“We are in the midst of stirring times just now. Brother Shannon, who lives in Sydney, has been arrested and prosecuted for working on Sunday. . . .”
“We think that now is the time to take advantage of the circumstances, and proclaim the truth to the people. Magistrates, lawyers, and men in high positions, are anxious to know something of the Seventh-day Adventists. They desire to be enlightened as to our views and our principles. . . . Just now there is a wonderful stir in Sydney. This prosecution has awakened an intense interest. . . .”
“We are expecting some brethren from Melbourne every day. . . . We all feel that Elder Corliss, Elder Colcord, or Elder Daniells should be here, to make as much as possible out of the interest created by this prosecution. We are expecting that some one will arrive to-day, and shall be disappointed if no one comes. . . . Some one should be on the ground just now.”
Mountain View, Cal.
G. B. THOMPSON
By G. B. Thompson
Criticism
G. B. THOMPSON
It has been well said that the reason there are so many critics is 'because so much business can be done on a small capital. Any brainless, irresponsible person can criticize. Lucifer introduced the idea into the universe by criticizing the Creator. Notwithstanding the fact that he and all his sympathizers were cast out of heaven to save the universe, men refuse to be warned, and continue the evil practise.
The following anecdote and lesson from the Christian Commonwealth is to the point: “A dog, hitched to a lawn-mower, stopped pulling to bark at a passer-by. The boy who was guiding the mower said: ‘Don’t mind the dog; he is just barking for an excuse to rest. It is easier to bark than to pull the machine.’ It is easier to be critical than correct; easier to bark than to work; easier to burn a house than to build one; easier to hinder than to help; easier to destroy reputation than to construct character. Faultfinding is, as dangerous as it is easy. Anybody can grumble, criticize, or censure, like the Pharisees; but it takes a great soul to go on working faithfully and lovingly, and rise superior to outward circumstances and surroundings, as Jesus did.”
Takoma Park, D. C.
Growth of the Catholic Church
By J. W. Christian
J. W. CHRISTIAN
VERY few of our Protestant friends realize the enormous growth of the Catholic Church. Only a few years ago the world was astonished to learn that the number of communicants in that church had reached the million mark. Since then the list has grown by leaps and bounds.
We are assured by Wiltzin’s Official Catholic Directory, which is now on the press, that there are 14,618,761 Catholics in the United States. This does not include those of the island possessions; for with them, we are told, there would be over twenty-three million Catholics living under the stars and stripes. The report of the Religious Census Bureau for 1906 gave the Catholic Church credit for a membership of 12,790,142. This difference is accounted for partially because the Census Bureau deducted fifteen per cent for children, counting only the communicants, while the present figures give the number as reckoned by the church.
It is interesting to note, further, that there are now in the United States 17,084 Catholic priests, and 13,461 churches, 917 of which have resident pastors. Catholics also control 4,972 parochial schools, with an attendance of 1,210,131. In addition to this there are 225 colleges for boys, 696 academies for girls, and 82 ecclesiastical seminaries.
The following States in the Union have the largest number of Catholics: New York, 2,758,171; Pennsylvania, 1,527,239; Illinois, 1,446,400; Massachusetts, 1,380,921; Ohio, 694,271; Wisconsin, 540,956; Missouri, 452,703; Minnesota, 441,081; Iowa, 242,109; Nebraska, 122,710; Kansas, 102,108; Colorado, 99,485.
In whatever way we may seek to explain this wonderful increase, there can be no question as to the steady growth of the Catholic Church. Nor can any unprejudiced observer fail to read the signs of the times. To see that Rome’s power is felt in the political world, not only in the European countries but also in this country, one has but to follow the trend of politics, which show plainly that her influence is courted by men who seek positions of trust and honor in our national government. It is her aim to make herself felt, and her opportunities are many. Not only is the political situation influenced by her power, but the religious world is also catering to her in a marked manner. We are assured that “Rome never changes,” and that what she has done for other countries she is anxious to do for the United States. What may we expect when she puts her hand to the task? Is it not time for the Protestant world to remonstrate against this coming foe? Never should Protestantism forget her heaven-born work. With one hand clasping the blessed Bible, and with the other laying hold of the throne of grace, let us stand firmly for the principles enunciated by our forefathers, which shook the world, and released it from the iron grasp of the Papacy.
Hastings, Neb.
The Contrast
By Worthie Harris Holden
WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
Out of the chill of the cold world’s disdain
Into the warmth of Thy love,
Out of earth’s fickle regard but for fame
To rank with princes above.
Homeless was I; now a mansion doth wait;
Friendless till Jesus was mine;
Hopeless I gazed till I viewed heaven’s gate
Oped by a Shepherd divine.
Knowledge he grants for my vain ignorance,
Peace for a heart full of strife;
Guilty, he saves by his own innocence,—
Cancels my death with his life.
Wisdom he gives for my sad foolishness;
Might, for my weakness to sin;
For filthy rags, robes with his righteousness,
Sealed by his Spirit within.
Would I might lay priceless gifts at his feet!
All that I have is so small;
Losses are gain, and his service is sweet,—
Christ is my all and in all.
Portland, Ore.
The Mind of Christ
By Wells
GET the mind of Christ, and that will master your mind. His very soul is spread before you in his recorded words. Saturate yourself with them. Breathe them in. Drink deep and steady drafts of them. Learn to think in terms of them. Talk with him as you enter the day. Make withdrawal rooms in every task to talk with him. Efface yourself. Assume him. Become nothing. Make him your all.—Wells.
The Evening Hour With the Children
By John N. Quinn
JOHN N. QUINN
EVENING family worship was over, and we had settled down for an enjoyable hour or two before retiring, when my nine-year-old girl climbed upon my knee. Throwing her arms around my neck, her face aglow with happiness, she said: “Papa, I can hardly wait until the last day comes.”
“Why not, dear? Why do you want the last day to come?”
“O, I want so much to see those things Mrs. White tells about, the things which she saw in vision!”
“No doubt you will see that day.”
“Papa, do you think I will be saved?”
A few moments were spent in making clear God’s way of salvation,—that God has provided everything, we by faith accepting eternal life as a gift from God.
“But I do not understand the visions. How does God show things to Sister White?”
Opening my Bible, I read a number of passages from the book of Zechariah, especially the first verse of each chapter. Then I read Daniel’s description of his experience when in vision, and told her this was the experience God gave to Sister White. It was difficult to make her understand how one could live without breathing; but she finally grasped the truth that the Spirit of God, being the source of life, became the very life of the prophet, and thus had control of every faculty.
The experience of answering questions regarding God’s ways of revealing his will, was to me intensely interesting, and I felt grateful for the church-school, where the truths of the Word of God are kept before the minds of the children. Character is more than knowledge; it is the goal of every true church-school teacher.
After worship each evening at present, we spend half an hour with D’Aubigne’s “History of the Reformation,” questioning on each paragraph. The children are much interested. I mention this as it may help some other parent who may have difficulty in entertaining the children each evening. As Sister White says, “Become companions with your children,” manifesting no spirit of superiority. If you do this, your children will find their chief delight in associating with papa and mama. Too many of us are on stilts, and here is where we fail. God makes himself one with us; and what a delightful relation exists between him and his children! No barriers exist, no secrets are withheld from him. To feel the clasp of his hand, and to hear the Word telling of his love toward us,—these are the blessings of him who has accepted the covenant of Mount Zion. May such be the experience of each reader of the REVIEW.