Review and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 7.
Herod's Temple, Built 30 B. CPage 1
Earlier text: Herod's Temple, Built 30 B. C“Our Friend . . . Sleepeth”
THERE is hardly a family without its absent member. There are few homes in which the roll can be called and all answer “Here.” In our family circles there are voices and faces which live only in the memory. We still have a vivid recollection of the closed eyes, the folded hands, the hush in the household, the solemn service, and the last journey to the quiet resting place. “Earth to earth, dust to dust,” said the minister, as the handful of earth was thrown into the open grave, and then in subdued tones the notes of the hymn were heard:— “Asleep in Jesus! blessed sleep
From which none ever wake to weep;
A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the last of foes.”
“Asleep.” Yes, that is the word. And then we recall the words of the Master, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.” And again, “Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleepeth.” And linked with these statements come the helpful words, “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Ah, there is hope for us; not simply a longing desire, but a well-grounded hope. We shall meet them again. It will be only a little while. And so, looking up into the sunlight of our Father’s face, we see in our very tears a miniature representation of the rainbow round about the throne, “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord,” and we are comforted. When we face death, we learn the quality of our Christianity. Faith in the work of Jesus for us robs death of its dread. Our Saviour has delivered us who, otherwise, through fear of death would all our lifetime have been subject to bondage. He has conquered him that had the power of death. He has “abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” He has the keys of death and of hades. He who believes this has the victory over death. He cannot be holden of it. He falls asleep himself, or he lays away loved ones, with the full confidence that “the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” And this hope lights up the valley of the shadow of death. By his work in our behalf Jesus has changed death into a sleep. Both the living and the sleeping are in his care. The homes of the living and the resting places of the sleeping are known to him. And so “whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” In his death and resurrection is our hope, whether we wake or whether we sleep; for the power that can keep us from sin while we live can bring us forth from the land of the enemy. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? . . . Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” To the heart of every mourner we would speak words of comfort. Our Father knows all about our sorrow. Jesus has wept with us. “His grief [at the death of Lazarus] was not alone because of the scene before him. The weight of the grief of ages was upon his soul, and, looking down the years that were to come, he saw the suffering and sorrow, tears and death, that were to be the lot of men. His heart was pierced with the pain of the human family of all ages and in all lands. The woes of the sinful race were heavy on his soul, and the fountain of his tears was broken up, as he longed to relieve all their distress.” Bereaved mother, Jesus wept with you. Sorrowing husband, Jesus wept with you. Lonely widow, Jesus wept with you. Ah, the divine Sufferer suffers with us in all our suffering. This is divine sympathy. How cheering is the thought of the great re-union which is now so near at hand. “When the weary ones we love
To the silent land remove,
Though the earth seems poor and
waste,
All our life-joy overcast,—
Hush! be every murmur dumb;
It is only—‘Till he come.’”
This is the Christian’s hope. And the time is so short that we may wait with courage. To-day we are parted, but we shall meet again when Jesus comes. Take heart, O troubled one. “Soon will the Master come.” A Significant Demand
By L. A. S.
At the session of the coal strike commission held in Philadelphia, Pa., February 9, Mr. Henry D. Lloyd, speaking for the miners' union, made the following significant statements regarding the establishment of a permanent agreement for the settlement of disputes between the miners and the mine owners, which agreement is to include a provision for arbitration:— The miners want more than the mere recognition of the union. They want an agreement for the negotiation of contracts, and a settlement of grievances with provision for arbitration if necessary. Arrangements of this kind are every year becoming more common in Europe and in this country. This voluntary system and the compulsory arbitration of New Zealand are twin brothers traveling by converging paths toward the same goal—industrial peace. The moment the award is made, there will arise questions between the mine owners and the men as to its interpretation and its scope. Some of the operators claim the right to refuse work to a man for being “a gross agitator,” and they claim also the right to define to suit themselves what constitutes a gross agitator. The most precious power of all for the pacification of industry, the power to prevent disputes from beginning, will be absent unless the commission exercises the power it has to provide a “permanent” remedy. Unless permanent methods of adjusting such questions as may arise long after this commission has ceased to exist, can be found, the country may find itself at any moment threatened again with the agony from which it thought it had escaped through the intervention of the president. The trade agreement is the most modern and most important development in the methods of industrial peace here or in Europe. It would be well indeed if all differences between labor and capital could be settled by mutual agreement of the parties concerned, without recourse on either side to an appeal to force. It is said that in the bituminous coal industry many controversies are adjusted in this way, there being an “annual joint interstate conference of operators and miners,” at which all matters of controversy are considered and decided. But it is demanded that there shall be provision made for arbitration. Between separate nations, arbitration is a proper means of settling disputes, since it is the only alternative to war. But between private parties subject to the same law and government, compulsory arbitration to secure the rights of either party should never be necessary. The preservation of their rights is the purpose of the government itself. Arbitration becomes necessary only where the government fails, and it is a sad confession indeed that government in the United States—a government of the people by the people for the people—is a failure. But as is now a matter of history, government in the State of Pennsylvania and in the United States did fail to bring the great coal strike to an end, and it was necessary for the president to intervene and find some means of relief outside both State and national constitutions, which he did by appointing the coal strike commission to arbitrate between the contending factions. This established a notable precedent, and the disposition to follow it in future emergencies is already evident. The great federations of this day, both of capital and of labor, conscious of their great power, show a strong disposition to override the law and make arbitrary demands not justified by the principles of free government, and the introduction of government by arbitration as a substitute for government by constitutions is the natural outcome of such conditions. It remains to be seen how rapidly the constitutional government set up by the statesmen of the eighteenth century and preserved by those of the nineteenth, will be set aside for some form of monarchy. Driving the Turk from Europe
By L. A. S.
VERY significant to those acquainted with the prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel, are these words which appeared in prominent headlines in the Chicago Tribune of February 8: “Russia to Drive Turk into Asia: Long Expected War to Seat Czar at Constantinople Now Believed to Be Near at Hand: Sultan Ready to Fight; Orders Issued for the Prompt Mobilization of Nearly a Quarter of a Million of Soldiers.” The Turk to be driven from Europe! To us these words mean, first of all, the fulfillment of inspired prophecy. To us their chief significance is not a change in the map of Europe, but the coming of the hour of the standing up of Michael in the heavenly courts, and the time of trouble such as never was. Translated into the language of God’s providence, they read, “Get ready; get ready!” Making all due allowance for English prejudice against Russia, says a London dispatch, it is impossible not to share the belief “that Russia has determined that the time is ripe for the realization of her great ambitions, and that she intends the present year to extend her domain to the Bosporus.” “There have been many false alarms,” says the Pall Mall Gazette, “but this spring the trouble will come. The one convincing sign is to be found in the circumstances of General Ignatieff’s tour of the Balkans in commemoration of the Russian victories. His speeches there were of the sort calculated to make mischief. He did not improvise these speeches, nor make them on his own responsibility. That is not the Russian way. It follows that in fomenting trouble he was carrying out the settled policy of the Russian foreign office. The same journal mentions further that Macedonia is always ready to rise whenever it sees a chance of foreign assistance, and that any serious uprising there may be considered as good evidence that Russia has given the word. And if Russia gives the word, it is because she is sure of a free hand in dealing with the Turks. The Gazette believes that Russia has that assurance at this time. Long have Seventh-day Adventists proclaimed that the event now heralded in the press as impending would take place, basing their prediction not on any human appearances, probabilities, or speculations, but solely on the prophecy of Daniel II. Now the attention of the world is called to expected events by which this prophecy is to be fulfilled, and now is the opportune time to call the world’s attention to the prophecy, and to its meaning as the herald of greater events to follow. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.” This is an essential part of the work of getting ready, to those who know the truth. Hurricane and Tidal Wave in the Society Islands
THE first great disaster of the new year, paralleling the great calamities of 1902, is reported from the Society Islands, in the South Pacific. These islands and the Puamotu Group, eighty in number, were visited January 13 by a hurricane and tidal wave, which wrought wholesale destruction of life and property. The number of lives lost is said to be at least 1,000, and it is feared that many more than this number perished. The survivors are left without food or shelter. “Old inhabitants on the island of Raiatea,” the account says, “declare the storm was the worst they had ever seen.” We are in the time of the fulfillment of Christ’s words, “The sea and the waves roaring.” The world hears the sound of the chariot wheels of the coming King. Daily Consecration to God
THAT consecration which daily places the whole being under the control of the Spirit of God, that every capability may be employed in faithful service, glorifies God. Every morning we should give ourselves anew unto God in an unreserved surrender. Every morning we should commit ourselves fully into his keeping for the untried experiences of a new day. “Commit thy way unto Jehovah; trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass. And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, and thy justice as the noonday.” We are the servants of the living God. We are here to represent his character in the earth, to be the channels through which divinity may be revealed to humanity. We are to show forth the excellencies of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. A practical consecration will be manifested in seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Things will be viewed from God’s standpoint, and valued according to his estimate of their worth. And the whole life will be the experience of walking by faith. Just as God Leads
By Lampertius
Just as God leads me I would go:
I would not ask to choose my way;
Content with what he will bestow,
Assured he will not let me stray.
So, as he leads, my path I make,
And step by step I gladly take—
A child in him confiding. Just as God leads, I am content;
I rest me calmly in his hands:
That which he has decreed and sent,
That which his will for me commands,
I would that he should all fulfill,
That I should do his gracious will,
In living or in dying. Just as God leads, I all resign;
I trust me to my Father's will:
When reason's rays deceptive shine,
His counsel would I yet fulfill;
That which his love ordained as right,
Before he brought me to the light,—
My all to him resigning. Just as God leads me, I abide,
In faith, in hope, in suffering, true:
His strength is ever by my side;
Can aught my hold on him undo?
I hold me firm in patience, knowing
That God my life is still bestowing,
The best in kindness sending. Just as God leads, I onward go,
Oft amid thorns and briers keen;
God does his guidance yet bestow,
But in the end it shall be seen
How, by a loving Father's will,
Faithful and true he leads me still,
My trembling footsteps guiding. Who Are Representing Christ?
By Ellen G. White
We are living in times that try men's souls. Those in high positions of trust, whom we may call—as God called some in the days of Noah—mighty men, men of renown, know little of the causes that underlie the present state of society. Many do not care to know; others do not study from cause to effect. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime of every type, manifest in all classes, from the highest to the lowest. Many are struggling vainly to place business operations on a more secure basis. The great extremes of wealth and want produce unnumbered evils. In our large cities there exists an appalling condition of poverty; multitudes are destitute of food, clothing, or shelter. In the same cities are men of wealth, who have more than heart could wish; who live luxuriously, spending their money upon richly furnished houses, upon personal adornment, or worse, upon the gratification of the sensual appetites, upon tobacco, liquor, and other things that destroy the power of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. While they are thus selfishly indulging themselves, all heaven is looking down upon these unfaithful stewards. God and angels mark how the means given to men with which to honor the Creator by blessing the world, are turned to the gratification of self, to the dishonor of God, and the neglect of his heritage. The prince of darkness has set in operation every device to destroy man. He has legions of evil workers uniting with him to obliterate the image of God in the youth. I ask those who are acquainted with truth, who know righteousness, What are you doing? Are you uniting your influence to bring into the ranks of the Lord's army all whom you can possibly reach? Have you yourself enlisted to fight the battles of the Lord? As Christians it is our work to represent Christ. We are to set an example that shall be in striking contrast with the practices of this evil age. While distrust and alienation are pervading all classes of society, Christ's disciples are to reveal the spirit that reigns in heaven. Because the world was ruined through sin, God gave his Son to draw men back to him. He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He gave all that heaven could give for the saving of the lost. In every soul that receives this love, it will manifest itself in like manner. God so loved that he gave. If we love with his love, we too shall give all. We shall be co-workers with him whose mission it is to “preach the gospel to the poor; . . . to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” We shall do the work he has set before us,—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke; . . . to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house; when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” Again the Lord says, “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” All about us are souls who have gone out of the way,—souls who have been wounded and bruised by the enemy, and who feel a craving for help, for sympathy. These souls, when brought in contact with us, should find a strong hand stretched out to clasp their hand, a strong, living faith that will help them to put their trust in Jesus. All who pray in simplicity, “Be thou my pattern,” will walk in Christ's footsteps; they will reveal that they themselves are striving to follow Christ, and as the natural result they will lead others to seek the higher life. The power of speech is a precious gift of God, and if used in speaking words of hope and courage to the oppressed, it is a savor of life unto life. But it may be a savor of death unto death. Harsh or even thoughtless words may be great hindrances to the struggling, fainting soul. They may sting and bruise until the soul shall be driven upon Satan's ground, never again to listen to the voice of Christ. The Saviour marks all our work as if done unto himself; for he identifies his interests with those of suffering humanity. Every one who names the name of Christ is called, so far as lies in his power, to help every other soul in the heavenward way. But let none feel that Christ has placed him on the judgment seat, to pass judgment on a brother or a sister who is unfortunate, or who falls into error. Many hearts are sorely stricken, to whom words fitly spoken might bring peace and rest. These souls are a test to their brethren and sisters, revealing what is in the heart. All heaven is looking to see how we treat those that need our help. It is this that reveals whether the glowing fire of the first love is still burning upon the altar of the heart. What a power the church would have in it if all its members were so imbued with the Spirit of Christ that they would speak to one another only words of comfort and peace and hope; if none felt it their prerogative to judge, to oppress, to cast a dark shadow on another's soul. When the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” the Saviour “called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” My brethren and sisters, be not deceived in regard to your own souls. They that are hearers and doers9of the words of Christ, your house is sure to fall. Do you seek to save souls that are perishing, or do you fold your arms, and leave those unhelped whom you could help? You will gain no strength or encouragement by neglecting to work the works of Christ. “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him,” said Christ, “shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Ready to Distribute
By John Norton Loughborough
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH
(Concluded) “CHARGE them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life [“the life which is life indeed,” R. V.].” 1 Tim. 6: 17-19. In a former article we saw how utterly worthless in the sight of heaven is trusting in the riches of this world. Our text teaches the proper use of this world’s goods. We are told to be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” Other portions of Scripture teach the same. “Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh [useth this world’s goods simply for self] shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit [has God’s glory in view in all his doings] shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Gal. 6: 6-8. “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb. 13: 16. This “communicating” must relate to the use of our bodily powers and worldly goods, else how could there be any sacrifice connected with it? In Rom. 12: 13 we read, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” In 1 Peter 4: 9, 10, this instruction is given: “Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” In the Corinthian letter we read, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9: 7. Again, “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” 2 Cor. 8: 12-15. The illustration above was the gathering of the manna in the wilderness. There was no advantage taken by the strong and nimble ones over the slow or weak brother. The abundance of the one led him to consider the necessities of the less fortunate. This will be the course of the faithful steward with the Lord’s goods intrusted to his care. Would to God that there were more people in this world who looked upon the substance intrusted to their care as did David when he had contributed of gold and silver at least $125,000,000, with a vast amount of brass and other material, for the erection of the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. He said, “Who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. . . . All this store that we have prepared to build thee an house, for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.” 1 Chron. 29: 14-16. There are too many, alas! in this world who look upon that given to aid the Lord’s cause, or for the relief of suffering humanity, or for anything aside from themselves or their families, as really just so much lost. They are unlike a liberal-hearted Christian of whom I recently read, who, when coming to the close of his life, said, “What I have used in life simply for gratifying self is a total loss; but that which I have given for the Lord’s cause and for suffering humanity I still have.” He regarded it as “treasure laid up in heaven.” It is well ever to bear in mind that “there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Prov. 11: 24, 25. The initial text of this article does not intimate that the Lord is benefited in our being “ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” but it does say that they who pursue such a course are “laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Happy will it be for those who, in this life, like Moses, refuse “the pleasures of sin,” and esteem the reproach of Christ “greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (this world); because they have “respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb. 11: 25, 26. Our text admonishes, Be “ready to distribute.” In order to be ready to distribute, we must get ready. To get ready implies calculation, planning with reference to it, providing for it. Elder James White used to say: “Giving is a trade, to be learned just as well as any other trade.” If when means come into our possession, we say, One tenth of that is the Lord’s, that must be set aside first; and then of the nine tenths inquire, How much can I spare above the actual wants of myself or family for calls that may come for liberalities? we shall then have a fund on hand. If we practice self-denial to replenish our charitable fund, we shall be “ready to distribute.” There are those who are adopting the setting apart of a second tithe as a fund from which to draw for First-day offerings and other calls that may arise for help, and they are happy in so doing. It is said of Whitefield, the associate of the Wesleys in their work, that when asked how he managed to give so much to the poor and to other objects, he replied, “When I get a guinea [a little over five dollars], I say, ‘There is a guinea, I will spend as little of it as possible for myself, and put a blessing on the rest of it by sending it out to do good.’” Will it not be well for each of us to do in like manner with that which comes into our hands? If so, we would always have funds in hand “ready to distribute.” Try it, and share the blessing promised. Divine Object-Lessons
By Stephen N. Haskell
God’s first method of instructing the human race was by objects in nature. When they failed to comprehend, he gave them the written Word. Afterward he sent his Son to illustrate what there is in nature and in the written Word, and how to teach it. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. Christ’s life in the world is an object-lesson. His teaching was by parables. “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Matt. 13:34, 35. Christ’s parables and lessons were drawn from nature, and from circumstances with which the people were familiar, so that when those objects were seen, or the same circumstances again occurred, the spiritual lessons drawn therefrom would come fresh to their minds. The creation of the world was an object-lesson of the love of Christ; for it was he who spread the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; it was he who filled the earth with beauty, and the heavens with songs of praise. All created things in heaven and earth are object-lessons of the love of Christ. This planet, working out the problem of salvation, is an object-lesson to the universe. Angels and unfallen inhabitants of other worlds are watching with the most intense interest the details of each person’s life; “for we are made a spectacle10unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” 1 Cor. 4:9. When the cloudy mist that now obscures our view, is rolled back, and eternal things appear in their reality, and the great problem of life is worked out, “every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,” will be heard saying, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Rev. 5:13. “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and their honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev. 4:10, 11. Every step in the working out of the problem of redemption, even that which may appear mysterious and obscure to us now, will finally be seen as important, when the great plan of the salvation of the human family is completed. Each event has its appointed hour and place. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from them. God desires that our praise shall ascend to him, marked by our own individuality. So intimately is Christ connected with the human family, that he never leads his children, or in any manner deals with them, otherwise than they would choose to be led and dealt with, could they have seen the end from the beginning, and the wise purpose of him who would have them co-workers with him. Are You Fighting for Your Children?
By M. Bessie De Graw
BEFORE a large company of teachers stood an influential man, and speaking of the needs of the children, he uttered the following thrilling words: “Men of the North, men of the South, women of both sections, why sit we here idle when the struggle calls us to the fight? In those days of 1861 to 1865 what were you doing? In all this splendid Southland of ours there was the sound of marching troops, and the martial drumbeat, and the tears of our women watered the land. They gave up all that they had. They sacrificed every dollar, everything of value. They laid aside the things which belonged to the life of luxury and refinement, and the circumstances under which they had been born and reared, and took up the labors of the field and of the factory,—and we sent more men to the front than we had voters in the State. What were we fighting for? . . . You were fighting for your children. If you gave in war the lives of your men and the destruction of your homes, now that the union has been preserved, and the negro has been freed, and we have achieved a more glorious independence in the South than we had ever enjoyed, what hinders it that we sacrifice the time and money that are necessary , and to build up the rural schools in these States?” This was Governor Aycock, of North Carolina. The hearts of men who had fought in war thrilled as they heard these words. Teachers responded to the call. The South is making a strenuous effort to educate its children. Men have been willing, as the governor says, to sacrifice their lives for their children. Women, in the great struggle between the North and the South, “gave up all that they had. They sacrificed every dollar, everything of value. They laid aside the things which belonged to the life of luxury and refinement, and the circumstances under which they had been born and reared,” in order to save their children. To-day the children of our denomination are being rapidly swept away. One of our own workers, who stands in a position to see what is actually occurring, says, “I never saw a time when it seemed so hard to plan definitely for our Sabbath-keeping children and young people. Every possible excuse is offered to keep workers from laboring for them. I think that in the past two years there has been a steady drift of our young people into the world, and that in a more marked degree than our own people realize. We have made but puny efforts. With all that has been done to establish church schools and other means for holding our young people and children, it seems to me that there must be a more gigantic and universal movement on the part of all the workers before we can hope to accomplish much. “I have wondered many times if in this great movement toward the outposts [in behalf of foreign missions] there was not danger in forgetting just as important things at home.” Discourage foreign missions?—Not for one moment. But while sending our forces into foreign countries, what provisions are we making to recruit the army? It is hard to find workers now to fill the calls. The supply is decidedly limited. What shall we do when this supply is exhausted? Answer the question for yourself. What are we doing to keep up the supply? We have been told definitely that in the youth is the future hope of the missionary work, and yet to-day hundreds of our youth are drifting into the world. It cannot be otherwise; for their education is conducted by teachers of the world, and if its teachers have any influence at all, the children must go with them into the world. We say that we are establishing great schools, and yet in the words of the worker just quoted, our efforts have been puny. Unless there is a general uprising on the part of all our workers in behalf of the children, what can we do? If the nation calls for help, every man, woman, and child is willing to sacrifice. A cry is going heavenward, and yet we sit still. The condition is deplorable. How long will heaven bear with us? A Consecrated Life
By Leander Hall
WHO can estimate the good accomplished in such a life, especially when, in God's mercy, it is continued many years? None but the omniscient Mind can follow the lines of moral influence and power. The Christian throws the pebble of prayer into the ocean of divine providence, and the influence is felt in every direction, widening and deepening along the course of eternal ages. Our mission is not to trace out results, but rather to create and put in motion influences. We spin the threads of life, but God weaves them, and in designs of his own. By simple faith we must do our work, and then leave the results with him. We may have only “five loaves and two fishes,” but under the quickening and directing power of the divine Spirit these are sufficient to feed the multitude, with many baskets of fragments remaining. Causes are constantly creating changes in the material world, but in all the changes created there is no loss—not a particle of matter is wasted. Through the power of heat a quantity of water is converted into steam, and this passes beyond the reach of human vision, and even beyond the power of human knowledge. So the power of divine grace, acting upon the human soul, generates influences which radiate through the wide expanse of God's spiritual kingdom, but in ways unknown to finite minds. Wonderful beyond the power of human thought is the web woven from the threads of every human life. Eternity will not be long enough to trace all the threads in this marvelous web. What inspiration dwells in this thought! What a powerful motive it presents to the people of God to purer devotion and more complete consecration in his exalted service!—Leander Hall. My greatest loss—to lose my soul. My greatest gain—Christ my Saviour. My greatest object—to glorify God. My greatest prize—a crown of glory. My greatest work—to win souls for Christ. My greatest joy—the joy of God’s salvation. My greatest inheritance—heaven and its glories. My greatest victory—over death through Christ. My greatest neglect—to neglect so great salvation. My greatest crime—to reject Christ, the only Saviour. My greatest privilege—power to become a son of God. My greatest bargain—the loss of all things to win Christ. My greatest profit—godliness in this life and that to come. My greatest peace—the peace that passeth understanding. My greatest knowledge—to know God and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent.—Exchange. The Things That Are Revealed
“THE things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children.” “How little it costs, if we give it a thought,
To make happy some heart each day!
Just one kind word, or a tender smile,
As we go our daily way;
Perchance a look will suffice to clear
The cloud from a neighbor’s face,
And the press of a hand in sympathy
A sorrowful tear efface. “One walks in sunlight; another goes
All wearily in the shade;
One treads a path that is fair and smooth,
Another must pray for aid.
It costs so little! I wonder why
We give it so little thought.
A smile—kind words—a glance—a touch—
What magic by them is wrought!”