Earlier text: THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONSSAVED BY FAMILIES.
By S. M. I. H.
A PROPER adjustment of the relation between parent and child is necessary to harmony in home, church, school, and national life. I am aware that when I speak of national life, most of my readers will think, if not say, “But what have we to do with national life?” to which I answer that we have much every way to do with the cultivation of those habits of thought and action that would make a harmonious national life if they had an opportunity to express themselves, and that will produce such a condition in the new order of things toward which the Israel of God are being led. The spirit of contention between the child and either parent will be the seed out of which a harvest of war may be reaped as fruitful in death as the range of personal influence can extend. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right;” and, “Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” are the two arms and hands of the same obligation, which, properly regarded, will make the beauty of the Lord a reality in the most commonplace home, whence, like a pot of mignonette on some humble window-sill, it will breathe out fragrance for every passing breeze to carry far and wide all summer long; or, disregarded, send forth an influence that, like miasma from a slum gutter, may infect a whole city with pestilence. This commandment to fathers is just as binding as the one which says, “Thou shalt not kill.” Killing by engines of war, or by the assassin’s knife, is the bitter end of the contentious tempers begun in childhood; and the father who provokes his children to wrath is guilty, upon the same principle as the instigator of a crime is guilty (although he may have been a thousand miles from the scene of depredation), and is personally responsible for whatever of evil in motive or act may result from either. It is no trifling thing to take a child ruthlessly by the shoulder, and shake and push him all about the room, his fists meanwhile flying like a prize fighter’s in his efforts to defend himself. It is a serious business to slap a child on the head, and send him sprawling; all of which I myself have seen on camp-grounds even this summer, while wave on wave of light and power from the Spirit of God was beating in steady tides against every tent door. These things have been done in the presence of a family of children by parents professing a truth that is especially charged with all gifts and graces, filled with the sweetness of the Spirit, and should, with that law that is love, and the love that is law, bring order and harmony into the home. As long as such contention can go on in the name of home discipline, without such open reproof as shall vindicate the true principles of government and obedience in the sight of the growing children, and set the relation of parent and child in its true Scriptural light, no one need wonder if insubordination and infidelity come like a scourge upon our youth. Not only so, but there is a species of interference in the name of the truth, between parents and children of other churches, which reacts to the disadvantage of law and order in our own homes. It is dangerous to your own home for you to seek to influence any other child to disregard the binding nature of the fifth commandment, even if he should be so unfortunate as to have an unbelieving and irresponsible parent, who opposes him in trying to follow the convictions of the Spirit. If such a child is thrust out of his home, then a blessing will fall upon any that will open to take him in; but for any reason to seek to break him off from the family tree upon which he grew by the order of heaven, will surely bring a curse. “Hands off,” and “Have faith in God,” would be a good watchword in many cases of which I have become cognizant. The commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee,” is just as binding as the one to “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy;” and any neighbor, friend, evangelist, or minister who would so teach as to lead or encourage any child to even attend a meeting in defiance of his father’s prohibition, takes upon himself the responsibility of the broken law of God. To violate one plain command in the name of another is to “walk in the way of the commandments” like a man with his legs so twisted that he can not help treading on his own feet. At one of our camp-meetings I met this monstrosity in Christian work. A sixteen-year-old girl had been converted through the labors of some of our tent workers. Her parents were connected with one of the other churches. At first they opposed her, but seeing that she really was conscientious in her efforts to keep the Sabbath, they agreed to leave her free to follow her convictions, making, however, the requirement that she should not go to evening meetings; for they did not think it safe for a girl of her age to go alone, nor wise to have her out after nightfall with persons about whom they knew nothing. Then some of our brethren took this girl in hand, and so taught her that she thought she must rebel against this law of her home in order to obey God. She reasoned that since these brethren were right about the Sabbath, they must be right in this other matter; and, led by what she supposed to be a conviction of duty, for the first time in her life she defied her father, and went to the night services, often in company with boys and girls of her own age. Her parents were not only alarmed, but enraged, as matters went from bad to worse; and yet they felt that they must be careful in every move, since all that was precious in life for them was at stake. So they kept quiet, feeling that for a time they could do nothing but stand and look helplessly on while, as it seemed to them, that little company of Seventh-day Adventists, for some strange reason, persisted in trying to ruin their only child. QUESTION AND ANSWER.
By S. M. I. H.
I HAVE a little boy two years and eight months old. He seldom asks me to hold him at home; but when I take him and the baby to church, he will cry and cry for me to hold him. I can not hold him and baby too, and his papa does not come. I can stop his crying only by whipping him. I have whipped him twice. Which is the best way to do,—leave the meeting and take him home, or let him cry and disturb the meeting, or take him beyond the hearing of the people, and make him stop his noise. Some say, Whip him; and others say, Don't whip him. What shall I do? It is exceedingly difficult for one so far away, who knows nothing about you nor your children, to tell you just what is the best course for you to pursue with your crying boy. There are a few general principles, however, which apply in every case; and if you will earnestly seek for help to apply these principles, you will be able to solve the trouble. You can never break your child of crying as long as you pay any attention to it. Even whipping him will not stop him. Almost any child would rather be whipped than to be left without being noticed. He would not continue to cry if he got nothing for it; but it will take time to break him of the habit. Of course it would not be right to allow him to disturb the congregation; but to take him out and whip him will never accomplish what you wish. It would be better to keep the boy at home until he is older, even if you must stay with him; but if you can leave him with his father or any responsible person, take your baby and go to church. PRAY for a mother who is in despair on account of the efforts of her husband and relatives to counteract her influence and bring up her six-year-old son in the darkness of Catholicism, teaching him to frequent saloons, and instilling into him an appetite for intoxicating liquor. “I send the name of my husband, who is out of the ark of safety, and request for him the prayers of God’s people. I realize that there is a power in prayer to convert the sinner, and I, too, feel that I need your prayers, that I may live a Christian life in my home as an example to him.” IN response to inquiries that have been made in regard to obtaining a late photograph of Sister Henry, we here announce that arrangements have been made with the photographer whereby any number may be obtained, and sent, postpaid, for twenty cents. It is a cabinet photograph, and a good likeness. Orders should be sent to the Office of the Woman's Gospel Work, 271 W. Main St., Battle Creek, Mich. KIND WORDS.
By Carrie Butcher
A CRUEL or a thoughtless word
May wound some heart forever.
A hasty tongue, by anger stirred,
Love’s strongest ties may sever. A friend or foe may deal unfair;
Quick to the brain it flashes,
And if we do not have a care,
Our tongue returns the lashes. Ah! how we need to have our hearts
Abrim with Christly meekness;
For hasty words are fiery darts,
And but betray our weakness. Like lovely “pictures set in gold,”
Are kind words “fitly spoken;”
And we can give to young and old
Their meed of this love token. THE RELATION OF MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.
By Mrs. W. C. Sisley
MRS. W. C. SISLEY.
(Battle Creek, Mich.) A WRITER of note has said, “The motherly instinct is, without doubt, the ruling passion in the heart of the true woman.” When this sentiment finds expression in tangible form, there exists one of the sweetest and purest of relationships earth knows. Surely the relation between mother and child is a close one. What mother does not recall the tender emotions she experienced when the little bundle of velvety flesh of her firstborn pressed her cheek, or when she took the small hand carefully and lovingly in hers? Did not the new sense of responsibility lend dignity to motherhood? Did she not then and there promise God that with his help she would prove faithful to her trust? The early years are ones of greatest importance. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That promise is an inspiration. It is no child’s play to comply with the conditions on which this promise is based. It takes time and energy to be a good mother. But the world needs women willing to fill this high office. It has little use for those whose warmest affections flow out toward poodle dogs, whose leisure hours are spent in giving them an airing, or tendering them a reception, as was done recently in one of our large Eastern cities. Neither does the world want indifferent mothers, like one reported, who, on being questioned concerning her children’s ages, said, languidly, “Ask Betty.” A lack of natural affection, Paul tells us, is one of the characteristic sins of the last days. Mothers, shall any of us be among that unenviable class?—God forbid. As already remarked, the mother’s work begins early. What the relation between mother and daughter shall be rests largely with the mother. The better the mother, the better the daughter; hence the significance of Ezekiel’s proverb, “As is the mother, so is the daughter.” The first requisite in a mother is common sense, coupled with genuine piety. If she fully realizes the power of her influence, she will see the necessity of being a woman of much prayer. While one hand holds that of her child, with the other she must grasp the hand of the Infinite One. Thus the mother is fitted to be the spiritual adviser of her child. Then, whatever culture or accomplishments she may possess will make her more truly the ideal mother. From the beginning, mothers should be companionable, not only in feeling, but in expression. They should let their children know that what interests them interests their mothers. The subject of health is second to none; for good physical health is the foundation on which sound spiritual health rests. As the daughter approaches the especially critical years, if there has been from infancy the perfect confidence between mother and daughter that there should be, this trying period will be passed with comparative safety. Disease often results from sinful ignorance—yes, sinful, when we consider that precious lives are the sacrifice to false modesty. But mothers can not be safe medical counselors without proper research and study. Neither can they afford to be “willingly ignorant” of health principles when so much is involved therein. Indeed, there is comparatively little excuse in these days of abundant literature, lectures, mothers’ circles, etc. Closely allied to the subject of health is that of morals; and if the mother is the best guardian of the health of her daughter, even so is she the best guardian of her virtue. And right here, mothers, we must not lose sight of the fact that our daughters are no more precious in the sight of God than other daughters. So while we guard our own with zealous care against any intruding influence, let us have a true motherly interest for others. Daughters should early be taught to share with mother in her domestic duties. Let there grow with the years a blending of interest. Having shared the tasks, they will be ready to enjoy together the respite from labor. Indeed, it is not enough that the daughters be able to share with the mother the daily round of duties. Every daughter should be so thoroughly instructed in all the details of home-keeping, that, if need be, when of proper age, she can stand in charge, running the domestic machinery without jar or friction. Again, I say, Be companionable in the sense of being agreeable—a companion of choice, and not of constraint. Forced love is but a poor substitute. If mothers are to hold their own as congenial associates with their children, they will have to keep young in spirit, growing with their children’s growth. Thus mothers need food for mental improvement. Perhaps Paul’s advice to Timothy would be equally good for mothers: “Give attendance to reading.” Usually, when one becomes a mother, her school days are over, but not her opportunities for self-improvement. A mother should never be too old to learn. Even if the schoolgirl should surpass the mother in book-knowledge, the mother should, if possible, keep a little ahead in general information. Music, too, has charms, even for the mother. And when she has sung her full quota of lullabys, she need not feel that her harp is to be hung on the willows. Mothers have a part to act in determining and helping to mold the character of the music in the home. Whether she realizes it or not, music may prove a blessing, or it may prove a snare. The subject of dress should not be overlooked; for it is one where many mothers fail. Owing to almost numberless cares, she is liable to become careless regarding her personal appearance. Not for a moment would I intimate that a mother should indulge in vanity or foolish extravagance in dress. But mothers should take pains to dress neatly and becomingly. And when they can conform to their dear ones’ taste without compromise of feeling or principle, it would seem wisdom so to do. In all things, therefore, should mothers be an example. While much is said about holding the confidence of children, is it not possible that too great demands may be made upon them? While we love their confidence, and invite it, we should guard against overexactions or prying inquisitiveness; and when our daughters give us their sweet confidence, we should regard it sacredly, and in return give them our confidence. I would not leave the impression that mothers are the only safe companions for their daughters. By no means. But they should be acquainted with their daughters’ friends. They should be one with the young people, so interesting and agreeable that their presence will be sought and enjoyed. The relation of mother and daughter is indeed one of the sweetest and purest known. I dare not say that it is the closest relationship in nature; for we know that from the beginning there has been one other, taking precedence. However happy the home companionship, it is subject to change. If the home ties are severed, and new ones formed, the daughters are daughters still, and mother is always mother. And what thing earthly is more unchanging than the heart of a true mother? Her children may be far removed, yet not too far for mother’s love and prayers to reach them. A touching incident occurred not long ago in my own experience, illustrating that age becomes no barrier to mother-love. I had been walking quite a distance, and stopped to rest with my dear mother, eighty-six years of age. She saw my weariness, and said, “Come and sit in my lap, and let me hold you.” She wished to comfort me, as was her wont in younger days. Inspiration exalts this tender relation by comparison, saying, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.” Are we mothers? let us fulfill our mission worthily. Are we daughters? let us be tender and loving daughters, giving comfort and receiving comfort as the years come and go. POSSIBILITIES IN PASTEBOARD.
By Elizabeth Rosser
“WHAT can I do, mamma?” Who has not heard this question, over and over, on rainy days, when the children can not play outdoors; on snowy days, when it is snug and warm inside; and on hot days, when much exercise is out of the question? And how often have we been puzzled to supply work for the restless little fingers that will be busied at something, either innocent or mischievous! The much-despised pasteboard boxes may be made an important factor in answering the question. Pieces cut from them and neatly covered, will furnish good foundations for pin-balls, pen-wipers, needlebooks and photograph frames. Out squares of pasteboard; prick off evenly, in half or quarter inches, with an awl or large135darning needle; draw geometrical designs on them (you will be surprised to see what a variety you can make); give the children blunt needles and colored thread, and they will be delighted to sew the designs. Pieces can be cut in various shapes and sizes, covered with scraps of pretty cloth, and overhanded together to make little boxes, baskets, and trays. Mark off a large piece in inches; in each square print a letter, prick the outline, and let the baby follow it with needle and thread. He will learn the alphabet without knowing it. From an old catalogue or premium list cut a large assortment of familiar articles; mount them on pasteboard; mark the price on the back of each, and start the little folks to “store-keeping.” It will take some time, of course; but what is our time good for if it is n’t to train up these little ones God has trusted in our care? O mothers, it is such a joy to have them with us, to know they are not straying off into sin, that it is worth much planning to keep them occupied. The pleasure of making these articles will be doubled if they are made for gifts to others, and it is a good way to teach benevolence. For though the gifts are small, so are the givers, and their handiwork is beautiful in their eyes. In each life, however lowly,
There are seeds of mighty good;
Still we shrink from souls appealing,
With a timid, “If we could.”
But the God who judgeth all things,
Knows the truth is, If we would.
— Selected. We have adopted the plan of using “Thoughts on Daniel” in our reading at morning worship. We take the Reading Circle questions and read until we have answered a certain number of them. In this way our reading is connected, and we have a daily study of the lessons. The notes in the Instructor are a real help. It does seem in the providence of God that these studies are taken up just at this time. They are needed by us all, but especially by the youth and children. We can realize their need very forcibly when we begin to read with them, and ask them questions on these important subjects. Encouraging letters have been received from several church school teachers. One is as follows:— We find the lessons very interesting. We do not think them too long or too short. The attendance at the missionary meetings has nearly doubled since we began using the studies. I think twenty-five persons are taking the work. Some are studying who can not attend the meetings. One person is appointed to conduct the review of the Berean studies, and another to review the field studies. A letter from an isolated family says:— We are especially grateful for the Reading Circle lessons. We sat down to study the first one about ten o’clock, and became so interested that we forgot all about dinner until after two o’clock. I believe these lessons will help prepare us to do missionary work, and I pray that we lonely ones may yet be able to point others to the dear Saviour, CIRCLE MEETINGS.
By L. Flora Plummer
By the extracts from the Testimonies given in a former article it was shown that the kind of labor of which our churches now stand in need is the training of each member to do missionary work, and the overseers in each church were called upon to counsel together, and to lay plans whereby this training might be accomplished. The suggestion was also made that to the fullest extent possible the Reading Circle meetings should be used as an aid in this work. Let us consider one kind of opportunity for doing missionary work, which comes often to each person, but is rarely improved as it might be. The following quotation from “Gospel Workers,” page 393, will properly set the subject before us:— When thrown into the society of unbelievers, whether walking, working, riding, trading, or visiting, we should, as we have opportunity, introduce the subject of religion, and speak of the things which concern their eternal interest. We should not do this abruptly, but with tact. This was the way in which our Saviour taught concerning the kingdom of God. A more simple, natural, easy—yes, effective—method of teaching the gospel can not be suggested; yet does not both observation and experience teach us that as a people we are more ready, willing, and able to talk of temporal than of eternal things? Lips that open without hesitation to discuss the things pertaining to this life are strangely closed in the presence of an opportunity to speak of that which is infinitely more important. I once attended a meeting of a “Conversational Club.” The purpose of the members was to acquire skill in expressing themselves in an ordinary conversational manner. Their training was carried on in this way: At each meeting a subject was announced for discussion at the next meeting. Each member was expected to arise in his place, and talk for five minutes upon the topic, holding himself in readiness to answer any question that his talk might bring to the mind of the hearers. No notes or memoranda of any kind were allowed. The latter half of the meeting was used in a similar manner, only the topic had not been previously announced, and of necessity the speeches were wholly extemporaneous. A young friend told me that she regarded as invaluable the training thus received. Members who could not at first find words to express their thoughts, except in the most awkward and almost unintelligible manner, gradually became able to speak with clearness of thought, and even to answer unexpected questions without embarrassment. All this is but an illustration of that fact which everybody recognizes as true—“We learn by doing.” Now what do we need to learn in order to carry out the instruction given in the foregoing quotation from “Gospel Workers”?—We each need to learn how to so turn an ordinary conversation with a neighbor that some part of the gospel may be spoken. We each need to learn how to introduce to others, in an agreeable manner, the different points of faith that we are now studying. We each need to learn how to answer questions upon points of faith intelligently, and in a way to arouse the further interest of the questioner. We each need to learn how to meet error without arousing opposition, prejudice, or anger needlessly. The small Circle meetings certainly afford a most favorable occasion for each member to learn by doing all these things. But some will say, as if it were an unanswerable argument, Oh, I never heard of our people having any meetings like that. What of it? Are we so bound about by formality and precedent that we can never try any plans that have not been in vogue for years? The lesson this week is but the introduction to one of the longest, and richest in detail, of any of the prophecies in the Bible. The account of the interview between Daniel and the angel Gabriel is one of special interest, as it reveals a glimpse of the work of heavenly beings in molding the minds of men, and in controlling events upon the earth. The consideration accorded to the faithful Daniel by the powers of heaven ought to be an encouragement to faithful hearts to-day. 1. Fix in mind the years in which the visions of the seventh, eighth, and tenth chapters of Daniel were given, and the length of the interval between the successive visions. 2. For what purpose did Daniel seek the Lord? How was his earnestness made specially manifest? 3. Describe the appearance of the heavenly being whom Daniel saw in vision. What was the effect upon himself and upon those who were with him? 4. By what means was Daniel aroused from his unconscious condition? How may the identity of the heavenly messenger who conversed with Daniel be established? 5. What encouraging words were spoken to Daniel? What precious lessons are taught thereby? 6. Describe the working of the unseen forces set in operation by Daniel’s prayer. 7. Who is Michael? Give texts. 8. Repeat the further conversation between Gabriel and Daniel. 3. What does this lesson teach on the following points?— (a) Means used in answering prayer. (b) Traits of character that make a man specially beloved of God. (d) Chain of necessary witnesses in making prophecy known. MARCH STUDY OF THE FIELD: PART I.
(Text-book, March Magazine.) In the Magazine for this month appears the first of the series of articles that Professor Caviness has prepared on Mexico. The field studies are intended to give to our people a thorough and concise knowledge of these countries and their inhabitants. 1. Where is Mexico situated? Give its area, and estimated population, stating among what classes the people are divided. 2. How does the celebrated historian, William H. Prescott, speak of Mexico? 3. What can you say of the climate and products of the east and west coast lands? of the temperate table-lands? of the so-called “cold regions”? 4. Speak briefly of the two seasons found in Mexico. 5. Where are “some of the richest mineral treasures of the world,” and what part do they play in the immigration of this country? 6. Name several of Mexico’s leading rivers and chief ports. 7. Describe the situation of the city of Mexico. How many inhabitants has it? 8. What is the general condition of the people of this land? THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE.
What Is It as to Babylon the Daughters?
We have seen that, up to the time of the planting of the American colonies, each denomination that had been developed by the advance steps of the Reformation had become joined to the state; and that the Independents, or Congregationalists, who had not joined themselves to the state in Europe, did so in the New England colonies, while the Church of England was the established church in all the Southern colonies. Thus it came to pass that in the “New World,” church and state were in every colony united, except in Rhode Island, and the whole influence of the colonial governments was enlisted in sustaining the illicit union of professed Protestantism and the state. But in Virginia, immediately after the Declaration of Independence, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, and the Quakers took the lead in a movement that became universal and even national on this side of the sea. That movement was the total separation of religion and the state, bringing the churches back to the original “principles on which the gospel was first propagated and the Reformation from popery carried on.” After a contest of nearly ten years, this splendid task was accomplished for the State of Virginia, “with the hope that it would endure forever.” The long and universal discussion of this great subject in the State of Virginia, had drawn the attention of all the other colonies to this great principle; and when, immediately upon the triumph of the principle in Virginia, the convention was called to form the Constitution, and frame a government, for the whole nation, this principle of the total separation of church and state was established in the National Charter, and was recognized as a fundamental principle. And from this the influence spread, and caused that “in every other American State oppressive statutes concerning religion fell into disuse, and were gradually repealed.” Thus, in this land, and in this great nation, Protestantism was placed in its original attitude, as in the beginning of the Reformation, and as the first principles of the Reformation required; and also in the original attitude of Christianity as it was preached by Christ and the apostles, and as the fundamental principles of Christianity require. Thus Protestantism—the church, even in its different denominations—became clothed with a power that made her once more, and rightly, the “Gate of God.” And the benign influence of this excellent example acted upon all the nations of the Old World, and led them forward in the path of light and liberty, which is the path of true Protestantism, which is the path of true Christianity, which is the path of the total separation of the church from the state: the path in which the church walks only with her true Husband, with her dependence solely upon God. Then, in 1840–44 there came the time when, “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” God would send the message of “the everlasting gospel,” proclaiming, to all men: “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Rev. 14:6, 7. Thus the church in this great nation, standing in an attitude the purest and the closest to God of any in the world,—in the nature of things, this church would be the chosen instrument by which God would spread that message of blessing and of warning to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Also thus, in the nature of things, this nation would be the place where that message would rise in its power, and from which it would spread to all nations. Here was a wonderful blessing that God had for his church at that time,—a blessing by which she would have been indeed the “Gate of God” to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” on the earth. It was a message that opened up to the church the length and breadth and depth and height of the glory of the everlasting gospel as it had never been seen before since the days when the apostles preached it in the fullness of its living power. In this message was “the mystery of God” revealed in all its fullness,—God manifest in the flesh,—Christ in men “the hope of glory.” And all this blessing and glory was to be proclaimed to all the world in view of the fact that “the hour of His judgment is come;” and in order that men might be fitted to stand holy and without blame before God, ready in all respects to be translated without seeing death, at the coming of the glorious Lord. But lo! instead of receiving this wonderful blessing; instead of rejoicing and being glad that God had sent to her a message that would clothe her with such power as would make her the instrument of God's greatest work for the salvation of the nations, she refused the blessing, rejected the message of God, and would not walk in the light that had come to her and to the world. Then history again repeated itself. By thus rejecting the message of God, there was a “falling away” again from the truth, and she that had been the “Gate of God” became “confusion,” and of her it had to be said, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” Faith is the strength and salvation of the church, as of the individual. Faith is the breath of life of the church, as of the individual; and, like the breath of life, it must be constantly and momentarily used, in order to live by it; because “the just shall live by faith;” and faith comes by hearing the word of God. Since, then, faith comes by hearing the word of God, whenever any word of God, any message of the word of God, is rejected, either by the church or by the individual, faith itself is rejected; because it is impossible to retain faith while rejecting that by which alone faith comes. Further: when any advance light or additional truth is rejected by a church or by an individual, that church or individual not only rejects this advance light and truth, but rejects whatever light and truth such church or individual formerly possessed. A person refusing to breathe rejects not only renewed life, but loses the life that he already has. This is strongly illustrated in the words of Jesus concerning the people of his day on earth, who rejected him: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” John 15:22. Before Jesus came, these people were walking in the light of faith as they then had it, and Jesus testifies that they were accepted in it. If those folks had died before Jesus came, they would have been saved, because “they had not had sin.” But when he came with such light and truth and glory; when he spoke to them such words as had never been spoken to them; when he did among them such works as none ever had done; and they rejected it all and refused him, in so doing they rejected all true faith: not only the present faith in him and his message, but also the faith which they had before he came, and which made them accepted before God in their day before he came. Accordingly, Jesus further said: “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.” Verse 24. Men can not reject the truth of God, and still retain the truth of God: they can not refuse to walk in the light, and still walk in the light: they can not hate Christ and God, and still be the brethren of Christ and the children of God. Consequently, when in 1840–44 God's wonderful message of the everlasting gospel of light and blessing and of truth, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, bringing to them the presence, the power, the righteousness, of God, which would prepare them to stand in the judgment,—when this was rejected, and when God's messengers whom he sent to give it were hated and persecuted, then she which had been the “Gate of God” in her day, ceased to be the “Gate of God,” and became only “confusion.”