Review and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 50. (11/26/1914)

Review and Herald

Nov 26, 1914

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 26, 1914

The Great Warning Meetings

Photo by F. E. Stafford
A Temple in Nanking, China — Photo by F. E. Stafford A Temple in Nanking, China

In this tabernacle Brother F. E. Stafford has been conducting meetings. Over the doorway hangs a large glass sign, “The Great Warning Meetings.” This sign can be illuminated at night. In one series of meetings continuing for a month, three services a day were held. The chapel was well filled with interested listeners. Many of the country people attended the meetings. Studies were conducted on the prophecies, the second coming of Christ, the judgment, etc. A stereopticon lecture on the signs of the times was attempted, but so many attended the service that it was transferred to a large parade ground used by the soldiers. There are about twenty who meet together at this place to worship the Creator on the true Sabbath day.

(See article “Shanghai, China,” page 15)

WHAT ABOUT

Papal Infallibility?

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“Lincoln,” “Armageddon,” and “American Liberties” Number

Twenty Timely Articles, Twenty War and Other Pictures

The president of the Republic of Cuba, Sr. Mario G. Menocal, wrote the editor of this magazine recently—

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Read also “Lincoln on Liberty,” “Is It Armageddon?” “Nicholas Murray Butler on Dangers Threatening American Liberties,” “Will Carleton on Liberty,” “Practical Working of State Religion,” etc.

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Lay Members as Missionaries for God

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

Again and again the attention of believers in the advent message has been called to the many opportunities before them for soul-winning service. The Lord desires his children to reach a high standard of spiritual attainment, and to become laborers together with him for the salvation of many without the camp.

A crisis in missionary effort is upon us. There is a great work to be done, and if this work is earnestly undertaken and vigorously prosecuted in all our older churches and strongholds of influence, we may hope that the missionary movement will extend to all the churches throughout our conferences. God will do great things for his people if they will

cooperate with him. But the fulfilment of his purpose to enlighten the world through his appointed agencies, can be brought about only by means of careful planning and untiring effort. The individual members of all our churches must be trained to render efficient service as missionaries for God. This is a work that should engage the attention of our brethren in responsibility in every land.

As I have testified in former years, there are but few of our churches that can enjoy the labors of a minister, except at long intervals. They must depend upon their own efforts, with God's blessing, to maintain spiritual life. In the absence of preaching, it rests with them to keep up the interest of the meetings, and to preserve the church in a healthy, growing condition. In every church there is talent, which, with the right kind of labor, might be developed to become a great help in this work. There should be a well-organized plan for the employment of workers to go into the churches, large and small, to instruct the members how to labor for the upbuilding of the church, and also for unbelievers. It is not mere sermonizing that is needed, but educating. The people must be taught the necessity of personal piety and home religion. The life and teachings of Christ must be presented before them. This is the work that will accomplish the greatest good for our churches.

There should be those in the churches who can help their brethren to learn the will of God as revealed in his Word. Those who are qualified to do this should invite members of the church to study the Bible with them. Let them seek, in a pleasing, discreet manner, to enlighten the understanding and impress the conscience. In helping others to become acquainted with the Scriptures, they should not think any sacrifice too great, nor regard the time as other than most profitably employed.

That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church that can be educated for the Master's service. Those who shall labor in visiting the churches should give them instruction in the Bible-reading and missionary work. Let there be a class for the training of the youth who are willing to work if they are taught how. Young men and women should be educated to become workers at home, in their own neighborhoods, and in the church.

That church only is strong that is a working church. The thinking powers should be consecrated to Christ, and ways and means should be devised to serve him best. Let all set their hearts and minds to become intelligent in regard to the work for this time, qualifying themselves to do that for which they are best adapted. Men who make a success in business life are keen, apt, and prompt. We must exercise equal tact and energy in the service of God. Let every man, of whatever trade or profession, make the cause of God his first interest, not only exercising his talents to advance the Lord's work, but cultivating his ability to this end. Many a man devotes months and years to the acquirement of a trade or profession, that he may become a successful worker in the world. Should he not make as great an effort to cultivate those talents which would make him a successful worker for God?

All this work of training should be accompanied with earnest seeking of the Lord for his Holy Spirit. Let this be urged home upon those who are willing to give themselves to the Master's service. No one who will indulge in jesting, in pleasure seeking, or in any sinful practice, can be accepted as a worker for God. Our conduct is watched by the world; every act is scrutinized and commented upon. There must be diligent cultivation of the Christian graces, that those who profess the truth may be able to teach it to others as it is in Jesus, that they themselves may be ensamples, and that our enemies may be able to say no evil of us truthfully. In all their intercourse with unbelievers they are exerting an influence for good or for evil. They are either a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. God calls for greater piety, for holiness of life and purity of conduct, in accordance with the elevating, sanctifying truths which we profess. Your life should be such that unbelievers, seeing your godly walk and circumspect conversation, may be charmed with the faith that produces such results.

There is a great neglect to obtain that Scriptural knowledge which is essential, that the life in all points may be conformed to the spirit of the gospel. Very much has been lost by our unlikeness to Jesus,—lost because we do not in our own conduct present the loveliness of a Christlike life, and adorn by the Christian graces the doctrine of our Saviour.

Let the workers avoid everything that approaches to pride and self-esteem. Cultivate modesty of deportment. Humility is repeatedly and most expressly enjoined in the Scriptures. Peter says, “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” The wise man declares, “Before honor is humility.” And Jesus taught his followers that “he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

There is a much greater work devolving upon the individual members of the church than they realize. They are not awake to the claims of God upon them. The time has come when every means must be devised that can aid in preparing a people to stand in the day of God. We must be wide-awake not to let precious opportunities pass unimproved. We must do all that we possibly can do to win souls to love God and keep his commandments. Jesus requires this of those who know the truth. Is his demand unreasonable? Do we not owe to Christ a debt of love, of earnest, unselfish labor for the salvation of souls for whom he has given his own life?

There are many of the members of our large churches doing comparatively nothing, who might accomplish a good work, if, instead of crowding together, they would scatter into places that have not yet been entered by the truth. Trees that are planted too thickly do not flourish. They are often transplanted by the gardener, that they may have room to grow, and not become dwarfed and sickly. The same rule would work well for our large churches. Many are dying spiritually for want of this very work. In the shadow of so many other trees, they are becoming sickly and worthless. Transplanted, they would have room to grow strong and vigorous.

It is not the purpose of God that his people should colonize, or settle together in large communities. The disciples of Christ are his representatives upon the earth, and God designs that they shall be scattered over all the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, as lights amid the darkness of the world. They are to be missionaries for God, by their faith and works testifying to the near approach of the coming Saviour.

The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which as yet they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantage; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries. They should feel a love for souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring them into the truth. They can circulate our publications, hold meetings in their own houses, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to the meetings and Bible readings. They can let their light shine in good works.

Let the workers stand alone in God, weeping, praying, laboring, for the salvation of their fellow men. Remember that you are running a race, striving for an immortal crown. While so many love the praise of men more than the favor of God, let it be yours to labor in humility. Learn to exercise faith in presenting the case of your neighbors before the throne of grace, and pleading with God to touch their hearts. In this way effectual missionary work may be done. Some may be reached who would not listen to a minister or a colporteur. And those who thus go into a new place will be able to learn the best ways and means of approaching the people there, and they can prepare the way for other laborers.

A precious experience may be gained by one who engages in this work. He has upon his heart the burden of the souls of his neighbors. He must have

the help of Jesus. How careful he will be to walk circumspectly, that his prayers may not be hindered, that no cherished sin may separate him from God! While helping others, such a worker is himself obtaining spiritual strength and understanding, and in this humble school he may become qualified to enter a wider field.

Christ declares, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” God has endowed us with faculties, and intrusted to us talents, to be used. To every man is given his work, not merely working his fields of corn and wheat, but earnest, persevering work for the salvation of souls. Every stone in God's temple must be a living stone; he wants it to shine, emitting light to the world. Let the laymen do all they can do; and as they use the talents they already have, God will give them more grace and increased ability.

Many of our missionary enterprises are crippled because there are so many who refuse to enter the doors of usefulness that are plainly opened before them. Let all who believe the truth, go to work. Do the work that lies nearest you; do anything, however humble, rather than be, like the men of Meroz, do-nothings.

We shall not be stinted for means if we will only go forward, trusting in God. The Lord is willing to do a great work for all those who truly believe in him. If the lay members of the church will arouse to do their work in a quiet way, going a warfare at their own charges, each seeing how much he can do in winning souls to Jesus, we shall see many leaving the ranks of Satan to stand under the banner of Christ. If our people will act upon the light that is here given, showing that they sincerely believe the truth which they profess, wonderful revivals will follow; we shall surely see of the salvation of God, sinners will be converted, and many souls will be added to the church. When we shall bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with his work, the Spirit that descended on the day of Pentecost, will fall on us.

Be Ye Ready

By D. T. SHIREMAN

D. T. SHIREMAN

In the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is given a record of the events which our Saviour declared would take place before his second coming. While this instruction was spoken to the disciples of his day, it was written for our admonition; and as we trace the fulfillment of this prophecy, we see that the coming King is even at the door.

After speaking of the signs in the heavens, which history tells us have already appeared, Christ said of his second advent:—

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

Dear readers of the REVIEW, it is now time for us to lift up our heads and rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh. Surely our Saviour will soon come to take his people home. He tells us that heaven and earth shall pass away, but his word shall not pass away. He also bids us: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” The Lord has given us great light from his Word and the spirit of prophecy. Shall we not let this truth shine out through our daily lives, that we may be prepared for the change soon to take place?

Morgantown, N. C.

“None Shall Help Him”

By G. B. STARR

G. B. STARR

We are surely nearing the fulfillment of this prophetic declaration. The power referred to is Turkey, “the king of the north,” one of the four divisions of Alexander’s empire referred to in Dan. 11: 2-6, 11, 13, 15, 40-45.

“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Dan. 11: 44, 45.

Tidings out of the north have never ceased to trouble Turkey since the Crimean War (1853-56). Russia’s designs to secure Constantinople have been well known by all the great powers of Europe, and heretofore England and others have helped the Turk to maintain his foothold in Europe. But they have become weary of this, as the following from the London Times of October 30 clearly states:—

“By her foolish yielding to the instigations of Germany, Turkey has pronounced her own doom. The Ottoman Empire in Europe will soon be merely a memory. Since the Turks are resolved on self-destruction, we do not regret her appearance in the ranks of the combatants.

“The present mighty struggle will mean for Europe not only the end of . . . militarism, but also the end of the Turks in Europe. These have been the chief menaces to the peace of the Old World for more than fifty years.

“Syria, Arabia, and Mesopotamia will also be freed from the blighting influence of the Turk, who will be relegated to the obscure valleys of Asia Minor.”

“In Asia Minor,” England thinks, is where the Turk will be driven to his end. “To the holy mountain,” at Jerusalem, “between the seas,”—the Mediterranean, the Caspian, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Dead Sea,—is what the prophecy calls for. This is where Russia is determined that the Turk shall be driven by “the heavy hammer of Russian forces;” and England, by withdrawing her opposition, helps to fulfill the word that “none shall help him.”

Russia sees in this her long-looked-for opportunity. The student of the Word of God sees in it the sure fulfillment of the divine prediction, the forerunner of the standing up of Michael (Dan. 12: 1), and the ushering in of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

The Most High still rules in the kingdoms of men; and while they marshal their forces to carry out long-cherished plans, God uses them to do his will and fulfill his word. The following shows that Russia is delighted to do her part:—

“‘It Is Russia’s Opportunity’”

“Turkey’s Entrance Into the War Delights Petrograd”

“‘RUSSIA MARCHES TO THE FULFILLMENT OF HER DESTINY’”

“PETROGRAD, VIA LONDON, NOVEMBER 2.—All the Russian newspapers express enthusiastic gratification at Turkey’s entrance into the war, declaring that it makes the Turkish question possible of settlement once and for all time.

“‘It is Russia’s opportunity,’ says the Bourse Gazette. ‘There is no general combination of powers, such as several times saved Turkey from final destruction by the heavy hammer of Russian forces. With the blood of our sons we have shown the allies our friendship, and therefore nothing will move them once more to hold back our hand.

“‘We shall for once receive only help and cooperation from the Anglo-French fleets in the Ægean. We will let them watch the enemy from the rear; we will tackle him in front by sea and by land. Russia accepts the challenge, . . . and marches to the fulfillment of her destiny with undimmed faith.’”—Boston Globe of November 2.

Had the Russian editorial read, “Russia marches to the fulfillment of prophecy,” it would have told the exact truth. For nearly forty years the writer has watched with deepest interest the movements in the Near East with reference to the fulfillment of the predictions relating to the Eastern Question, and rejoices in the clear evidences that the last step, the last act in the drama, is at hand.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

The Second Advent Movement — No. 16

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

“Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest.” Jer. 31:21. If it was profitable that for the tribe of Ephraim to remember the special dealing of the Lord with them, and set up standards to mark special victories, it is just as important in this last great world-wide movement.

Those who first accepted the third angel’s message were mostly persons who had spent their all in the first and second messages. Brother Bates, who was the first to proclaim the third angel’s message, had $11,000 when he left the high seas; but in 1845, when he decided to publish a tract on the Sabbath question, he had only one shilling left. He moved out by faith; and as he took his copy to the printer and got his galley proofs, he received money through the mail, from unsolicited sources. In this way, on the day his book was completed, all the bills were paid. This experience, in the very start of the work, gave assurance that those who would move out by faith to proclaim the truth should see the way opened by the Lord.

After the disappointment in 1844, it needed independence to face the opposition. Independence is a good thing if it does not lead to stubbornness. Until the disappointed ones received the light on the third angel’s message, and the explanation of the past, they were in danger of imbibing errors. Some did this; and although they accepted the message and the Sabbath, they were anxious to promulgate their pet theories. Such a course caused confusion. The Lord gave some excellent instruction to Sister White, which led to the correction of the confusion. An account of this is given in “Early Writings.” Reference is there made to what the apostles did to guard the church from false teachers, and we are instructed that we should do the same; that those approved as teachers be recommended by leading ministers who are known to be sound in the faith. As a sample of what was done, I quote the writing given to me in 1853:—

“Brother Loughborough, of Rochester, N. Y., is one whom we recommend to the brethren where he may travel. “JOSEPH BATES, “JAMES WHITE, “Leading Ministers.”

The independent ones began to rebel. They said that taking such a course was “restraining their liberty;” that “every one should get his commission from the Lord,” etc. Up to this time our work had been almost exclusively to reach those who had been in the former movement, but suddenly a change came: In 1854 these independent ones drew off by themselves, got a second-hand press and type, and started a paper, claiming that they would get the gift of Mrs. White out of the way, and then the message would go with a loud cry, etc. Just then, under sanction of the Testimony, we secured a tent, and began tent meetings. What a sudden change! The people, by hundreds, crowded our tent to hear the truth preached. The message began to rise. We were counseled to give our whole time to the proclamation of the truth, and let the opposition party alone; that soon their paper would go down, and that then we should find that our ranks had doubled. When their paper started, there were about 1,000 Seventh-day Adventists. In 1856 their paper died for lack of support, and the Testimony was accurately fulfilled, there being then over 2,000 staunch Seventh-day Adventists.

As yet we had no financial system for sustaining the ministry. If any one felt disposed to give to the minister, he did so. If the minister lacked, he worked with his hands for sustenance. With the increasing public interest, it was important that the ministers give their whole time to the ministry. Just then came a Testimony saying that if the ministers would hold a Bible class on the subject, they would find that the Bible taught a complete system for sustaining the ministry. The study was conducted in Battle Creek, Mich., in April, 1858, by J. N. Andrews, and resulted in the establishment of the tithing system among this people.

About this time a Michigan farmer secured the laid-up second-hand press and type, and started a paper which he called the Hope of Israel. That paper, also, soon failed for lack of support. Meanwhile, the third angel’s message was making rapid strides.

Then arose the question with reference to the organization of our churches, and the formation of a legal organization for the holding of our publishing house and meetinghouses. It resulted, in 1861, in the organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, which held thereafter the title of the Review and Herald property. Next came instruction, through a Testimony, that the ministers and laymen in each State should meet for counsel respecting ministerial labor in the State. This resulted, in 1862, in the formation of State conferences, Michigan being the first to organize. Then came instruction in reference to harmonious action of the several States. This, in 1863, resulted in the formation of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

On June 3, 1863, the great vision on the health question was given to Sister White, at Otsego, Mich. This was followed by a grand effort by our ministers to teach these health principles to our people. It was not, however, the purpose of the Lord that this light should be simply for our people. In May, 1866, at the General Conference in Battle Creek, Mich., this instruction was given: “We must have a health institution of our own, for the treatment of disease.” In August of that year our first sanitarium [the Health Institute] was opened in Battle Creek, Mich. We were then told that people would accept the truth as the result of a sojourn at sanitariums, and this has been fulfilled in hundreds of cases.

Next came instruction that we must have schools of our own, where the Bible should be the standard of education, and the restoration of the image of God in the soul the goal to be attained. G. H. Bell, one of the first patients who accepted the truth at the Health Institute, opened such a school; and from this small beginning, guided by continuous instruction from the Testimonies, has come our present educational system, operating throughout the world.

In 1879 the attention of this people was called, by Testimony, to the matter of instructing canvassers to sell our publications in the homes of the people. As the result of the vast amount of instruction from the Testimonies, the canvassing work has become a mighty agent in extending the message. So, looking at all this which has been brought about

through the gift of prophecy as manifested through Sister White, we can say, Here is the fruit of a true gift. Surely it has been a mighty power in the building up of the church, and it must be “the testimony of Jesus” that was to be connected with the “remnant” church. Rev. 12: 17.

Lodi, Cal.

Continue reading: The Sick Man of Europe Is Dying at Last