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Signs of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 42.

General Articles

Signs of the Times

Nov 5, 1885

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 5, 1885

General Articles.

By Mrs. E. G. White

"The Fear of the Lord Tendeth to Life."

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
"Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
THE opinion is widely held that religion is detrimental to health and happiness. While this conclusion is radically false, it is not without apparent foundation; for many who profess to be Christians are ever walking under a cloud. They seem to think it a virtue to complain of depression of spirits, great trials, and severe conflicts. But these persons do not correctly represent the religion of the Bible. So far from being antagonistic to health and happiness, the fear of the Lord lies at the foundation of all real prosperity. "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile; depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. He who is at peace with God has secured the most important requisite to health. The blessing of the Lord is life to the receiver. The assurance that the eye of the Lord is upon us and his ear open to our prayer, is a never-failing source of satisfaction. To know that we have an all-wise Friend to whom we can confide all the secrets of the soul, is a privilege which words can never express.
The gloom and despondency supposed to be the result of obedience to God's moral law, is often attributable to disregard of physical laws. Those whose moral faculties are beclouded by disease are not the ones to rightly represent the Christian life, to show forth the joys of salvation or the beauties of holiness. They are too often in the fire of fanaticism, or the water of cold indifference or stolid gloom.
The Saviour of mankind declared: "I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life;" and he bade his disciples, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." It is the duty of every Christian to follow closely the example of Christ; to cultivate peace and hope and joy, which will be manifested in unfeigned cheerfulness and habitual serenity. Thus may they shed light upon all around them, instead of casting the dark shadow of discouragement and gloom.
Many are constantly craving excitement and diversion. They are restless and dissatisfied when not absorbed in mirth, frivolity, and pleasure-seeking. These persons may make a profession of religion, but they are deceiving their own souls. They do not possess the genuine article. Their life is not hid with Christ in God. They do not find in Jesus their joy and peace. The vain and trifling amusements of the world may divert for a time; but when the excitement is past, when the mind reflects, and conscience arouses and makes her voice heard, then the pleasure-seeker feels how powerless are his pursuits to give health to the body or peace to the soul.
Undue excitement is invariably followed by corresponding depression. Transgression yields only disappointment and remorse. Those who walk in the path of wisdom and holiness, will not be troubled with vain regrets for their misspent hours; they will not need to plunge into the round of gayety or dissipation to banish gloomy or harassing thoughts. Useful, active labor that quickens the circulation and gives strength to the muscles, will also give tone and vigor to the mind, and will prove a most effective agent in the restoration of health.
The religion of Christ is first pure, then peaceable, full of righteousness and good fruits. Such religion is needed in the world to-day. Many young persons who profess to be followers of Christ are indulging in romantic sentimentalism which is deteriorating in its influence and dangerous in its tendency. They indulge daydreaming and castle-building, and thus squander their precious hours and unfit themselves for usefulness.
With great self-complacency, many flatter themselves that if circumstances were only favorable they would do some great and good work. They do not view things from a correct standpoint. They have lived in an imaginary world, and have been imaginary martyrs and imaginary Christians. Their character is destitute of sterling virtue and real stamina.
Young ladies of this class sometimes imagine that they possess exquisite delicacy and refinement of character, and a keenly sensitive nature, which must receive sympathy and encouragement from all around them. They put on an appearance of languor and indolent ease, and imagine that they are not appreciated. These sickly fancies are an injury to themselves and to others.
Despondent feelings are frequently the result of undue leisure. Idleness gives time to brood over imaginary sorrows. Many who have no real trials or hardships in the present, are sure to borrow them from the future. If these persons would seek to lighten the burdens of others, they would forget their own. Energetic labor that would call into action both the mental and physical powers, would prove an inestimable blessing to mind and body.
Invalids should not allow themselves to sink down into a state of inaction. This is highly detrimental to health. The power of the will must be asserted, aversion to active exercise, and the dread of all responsibility, must be conquered. They can never recover health unless they shake off this listless, dreamy condition of mind, and arouse themselves to action.
There is much deception practiced under the cover of religion. Passion controls the minds of many who flatter themselves that they have reached high spiritual attainments. Their experience consists in idle fancies and love-sick sentimentalism, rather than in purity and true goodness.
The mind should be trained to look away from self, to dwell upon themes which are elevated and ennobling. Let not the precious hours of life be wasted in dreaming of some great work to be performed in the future, while the little duties of the present are neglected.
The heart must be in the work, or it will drag heavily, whatever it may be. The Lord tests our ability by giving us small duties to perform. If we turn from these with contempt or dissatisfaction, no more will be intrusted to us. If we take hold of them with cheerfulness, and perform them well, greater responsibilities will be committed to our trust.
Talents have been committed to us, not to be squandered, but to be put out to the exchangers, that at the Master's coming he may receive his own with usury. These talents have not been unjustly distributed. God has dispensed his sacred trusts according to the known ability of his servants, and has given "to every man his work."
As he bestows his gifts upon each, he expects from each a corresponding return. If we faithfully perform our duty, the amount intrusted to us will be increased, be it large or small. All who thus prove their fidelity, will be accounted as wise stewards, and will be intrusted with the true riches, even the gift of everlasting life.
"No man liveth to himself." True happiness will not be found by those who live merely for self-gratification. He who would secure the highest and most satisfactory enjoyment of this life, as well as a right hold upon the future, immortal life, must make it his highest aim to glorify God and do good to his fellow-men. "Is it not 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 thatthou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward."
"Pure religion before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." True religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, and sanctifies the judgment. It makes the soul a partaker of the purity of Heaven, brings angels near, and separates more and more from the spirit and influence of the world.
It reveals to man an infinite and all-wise Protector, a Redeemer from sin, a Comforter in sorrow, a Light in darkness, a Guide in obscurity. It invites man to become a son of God, an heir of Heaven. It fills the soul with "joy unspeakable, and full of glory."
This precious gift of Heaven is freely offered to all who will accept it. Our brightest hopes, our loftiest aspirations, can ask nothing more complete, more noble, more exalted. The tokens of infinite love, the pleadings of divine mercy, are ever wooing us to turn to God. Why "do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live."

THE CRY OF FAITH.

By Ray Palmer, D. D.

Be near—be near, O God! Fierce beats the storm! The blinding darkness falling Shuts out sun, moon, and stars from mortal sight; Blast howls to blast; deep unto deep is calling; One changeless horror rules the dismal night.
Be near, O Strong to Save! 'Tis as beneath men's feet the earth were shaken, And life's best hopes do fall like withered leaves; The hearts that know not thee, as if forsaken, Sink, e'en as when relentless fate bereaves.
Be near, O sovereign Lord! All nature owns thy sway, thy will obeying; Beneath the awful shadow of thy wings, No tempest's rage, no fiery bolt dismaying, Can harm while that sure covert safety brings.
Be near, O Love divine! Thou in thick clouds and darkness hast thy dwelling, Yet hath the trembling soul a friend in thee; O'erwhelmed and helpless, 'mid huge billows swelling, Thy word, we know, can still the stormy sea.
Be near, O blessed Christ! Thou who on earth hast felt the pangs of sorrow, Who didst thyself borne down with anguish kneel; From thy sweet pity let us comfort borrow, And learn, heart-wounded, how thy love can heal.
Be near, O Son of God! All power in earth and Heaven forever wielding; If thou but speak, the elemental strife Dies in a moment, at thy mandate yielding; And tranquil sunshine once more floodeth life! —Ray Palmer, D. D.

The Characteristics of Oriental Governments.

IN the Sunday School Times, President Washburn, of Robert College, Constantinople, gives, under the above heading, some very interesting points concerning Oriental Governments, which help to throw light on some parts of Bible history. From his long residence in Turkey, Mr. Washburn is peculiarly adapted to treat of this subject. The following is from the article in question:—
"It is impossible for an Occidental, brought up under the influence of Roman law and Christian civilization, to comprehend and fully enter into the spirit of Oriental governments. At best, he can only criticise them from his own standpoint, and form imperfect notions of the mental development that has made such governments possible.
"The fundamental idea in such a government is that the people exist for the benefit of the king, and not for him as a man, but as a king. It makes no difference to the people who he is or what his character may be. They do not see him or know him as a man. It may be this man to-day or that man to-morrow. He has no personality. He is the king,—the god of the people; and he holds his place by right of his power to win it. The people in their relation to him have no rights. He cannot wrong them; for his will is the only right. His ministers and officials rule in the same spirit. They represent this supreme and irresponsible king, and each petty officer looks upon those under him as created for his benefit. No official has any interest in the people, except to plunder them. His one thought is to secure the favor of the supreme ruler.
"It is not easy even for a minister to see the king. He can go only when he is sent for, and, when in the august presence, he can do nothing but answer questions, as he is prostrate or on his knees before the throne. The king is secluded, and has no personal knowledge of what goes on in his empire, so that he can be pleased only by what he hears, not by what he sees. If there are any persons who see the king frequently, and have his confidence, it is plain that they must be the most influential persons in the kingdom. Now, it almost invariably happens that these persons are the women, the eunuchs, and the private servants of the palace. Whoever would really influence the king, must do so through them. Hence these persons have always been the most important factors in all Oriental governments.
"There is nothing in the book of Kings more thoroughly characteristic of this form of government than the story in the first chapter concerning Adonijah. Even the bold prophet Nathan did not venture to go and advise David himself. He worked through the harem, and persuaded Bath-sheba to go to the king in advance, and plead the case of Solomon against Adonijah, 'who doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not.' No one had dared to tell him. If it had been in Turkey, Solomon would have bribed Abishag to set him right with his father.
"We of the West cannot conceive how a nation can exist without fixed laws, without security to life and property, without regard to the interests of the people, with an administration based on corruption, and controlled by light-minded women, eunuchs, and slaves. But human nature has a wonderful power of adapting itself to circumstances, however unfavorable, and under such governments things are very often not as bad as we should expect. Natural affections and sympathies, conscience, ideas of right and wrong, reason,—all exist in some degree wherever man exists, and they have their influence. If the king happens to be a great man, especially if he is also a good man, his acts appeal to his people more strongly, and rouse their enthusiasm and devotion more surely, than can the acts of any Western government.
"It often happens that justice is administered more summarily and satisfactorily than it can be under our system, and it makes a far stronger impression upon the people. It is only irresponsible despotism which can administer what we call poetic justice. Even great wrongs are sometimes more quickly and easily righted under such a government, where everything depends upon the will of one man, than under our elaborate system of legislation. If they are not, the people blame the ministers, and not the king.
"When the king himself is seen by leading men to stand in the way of the interests of the country, he is easily removed. He is simply killed, and another man put in his place. The people care nothing about it. It does not concern them. When Abd-ul-Aziz was deposed and murdered, I do not suppose that a single Turkish peasant gave a second thought to it. There was still a sultan on the throne. It made no difference to them who it was.
"The story of Nathan and David in 2 Sam. 12 is an admirable illustration of another check which is often seen in Oriental governments upon the acts of kings. One who is recognized as a holy man may denounce the king to his face with perfect impunity, and tell him truths which no minister, however powerful, would dare to hint to him; and the probability is that he will be listened to, and his warning regarded, although, occasionally, a bold critic may be made to disappear, never to be heard of again.
"Another common characteristic of Oriental governments is the recognized right of personal appeal to the king himself. This form is still maintained by the Ottoman sultans, who never fail to show themselves to the people every Friday, at which time any person, however humble, may make known to him, by petition, his wrongs or his wants. Justice or favor obtained in this way makes a far deeper impression upon the recipient than anything known under our Western administration of justice, especially if there is anything of that rough, shrewd sense in it which we find in the famous judgment of Solomon (1 Kings 3).
"When the king is too far away, his ministers or his governors may be approached in the same way, and their acts of summary justice give supreme satisfaction to the people. I can recall many such in Turkey; but it must always be remembered that Eastern ideas of justice have little in common with ours. I was once talking with a well-educated native of Constantinople about a famous minister of justice, now dead. The gentleman told me that this minister probably had not his equal in the world, that his justice was like the justice of God; for he often decided difficult cases without hearing a word of evidence on either side, from simply looking at the parties. This was my friend's ideal of a minister of justice.
"I suppose that in ancient times the people were as well satisfied with these Oriental governments as we are with ours; and I am certain that every modern notion which has been introduced into the Turkish government has been regarded by the Turkish peasants in Asia Minor as a new burden. The truth is that our Western ideas of government are the result of centuries of discipline, and an outgrowth of our very complex civilization. No doubt they are higher and better than those of the Old World in the East. I have nothing to say in favor of Oriental governments. Those which still exist are, no doubt, an obstacle in the way of a higher, better Christian civilization; but we can never understand history, or pass a fair judgment upon the acts of Oriental sovereigns, until we have carefully put aside all our modern ideas of government, of law, and of natural right, and put ourselves, as far as possible, in the place of those who had no such ideas, who could not possibly have comprehended them, and who were quite satisfied with their own ideas. If we would take the pains to do this, we should find that most of our difficulties with Jewish history would disappear at once. At best, we can do this but imperfectly; but we should at least hesitate to condemn what we cannot comprehend; and we should judge only so far as we can understand."

"I Don't Do Dat Way."

It was a meeting for prayer and Christian conference. The key-note of the services had been struck by the first one who spoke. He dwelt upon the trials and difficulties of his lot, the temptations that beset him on every hand, the mountains over which he was toiling, the dark valleys into which he descended. Very little, if anything, was said about the consolations by the way, the gracious help given from above.
The next one who spoke took up the same strain, and so the doleful song went on till any person listening, unacquainted with religion, would have concluded it was a very dreary affair, and wondered that people came together to talk about a subject that gave them so little joy and comfort.
At last it was poor, old, black Liddy's turn to speak. She rose and said, "Brudders and sisters, I could talk of trials and troubles too. But I don't do dat way. I take 'em all to de Lord and lays 'em at his feet. If I begin to dink of trials and troubles, they rise like a great mountain over me. But I don't do dat way. I just take 'em to de Lord."
One who was present and related the circumstance said, "It was the best reproof I ever heard given. They had all been complaining of their heavy loads, while she in her simple faith had done as her Master commanded,—cast her burdens on the Lord, and he had sustained her."
"She cast her burdens at his feet, And bore a song away."
—Illustrated Christian Weekly.

The Light of Christian Example

By Sunday School Times

It is a deed worth doing to flood the streets at night with electric light; but it is a deed far better worth doing to let one's Christian light so shine that evil men will fear to bring their evil deeds to the brightness of its shining; for the light of a little band of Christian men and women is worth more to keep a community pure than all the light of all the lamps ever invented.

A Model Pulpit Candidate.

By E. P. Marvin

DEAR BROTHER: Your report in the morning paper, of the performance of yesterday's candidate for your pulpit, is doubtless your idea of what a minister ought to be for the present times. You say that attendants were “fortunate” in listening to him, but you do not indicate that saints were edified or sinners converted. You say he was “eloquent, musical, and poetic.” Indeed, it must have been a first-class entertainment! It is evident that Paul would not fill your bill; for he was “rude in speech,” and he plainly declared to the Corinthians that he “came not with excellency of speech nor of wisdom,” and he “knew nothing among them but Christ and him crucified,” although he addressed far more cultured and refined audiences at Corinth than yours.
Peter could not stand before you; for he was neither “poetic,” “musical,” nor “eloquent,” and his sermons were not “entertainments.” When he preached, sinners were “pricked in their hearts and cried out” for mercy.
Christ himself, the Prince of preachers, by no means fills your ideal of a preacher for the times. He never dreamed of making the dispensation of gospel truth entertaining to the world. He was very plain and blunt and offensive. Not unfrequently,
“He talked of judgment, fire, and pain, And the sorrow of endless night; He warned of a place you would not have Mentioned to ears polite.”
No such preachers can be “attractive” to worldlings, and draw rich pew-rents, so as to “make the thing pay.”
You say he was “pleasing.” Was it to impenitent men or to God? Paul says, “If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” A “charming” sermon never converted a soul. Do you want your preacher to remove the offense of the cross, and “study to please,” like a play-actor?
You say he is “the most popular preacher in N—, and that he is on his vacation.” Well, “popularity” is a very questionable commendation in a world that despised and cast out our Master. Did he predict “popularity” of his faithful followers? Read the tenth chapter of Matthew. Worldly wisdom also would dictate caution concerning men who are “starring it” through vacations. The art of ecclesiastical coquetting is not unknown in the pulpit, and in its practice men appear at their best. Their museum of attractions might not supply the demand for entertainment in your church a single year. There is abundant variety in the gospel, but outside of it men in the pulpit soon come to their wits' end.
You say he is “a whole-souled, witty gentleman, and that he is popular and social with everybody, regardless of creed, sect, or belief.” Then one curse of the Lord rests upon him. Luke 6: 26.
You say that your church will give him a call and make no mistake, and that if he comes, the people of N— will lose a citizen not easily replaced.
Now, my brother, notice that you have not noted in this ideal and real candidate, a single one of the essential or more important gifts and graces of an apostolic gospel minister,—piety, knowledge of the word, ability and fidelity in ministering the word, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, etc. Why is this? Are not these desired by your people, or are they presumed to exist in all candidates?
If these notes are true pointers to his most prominent characteristics, he is better adapted to “a church of the world” than to a church of Jesus Christ. Ever yours for Christ.—Rev. E. P. Marvin (Presbyterian.)

Why Have the People No Sabbath?

By R. F. Cottrell

THERE are those who are pleading for Sunday laws, and bewailing the prevalent and increasing disregard for the day. What has tended to bring about this state of things? Who is responsible for the fact that no Sabbath is kept by the people? One reason is that the people are learning the fact that Sunday-keeping is not a divine institution, and consequently is not binding upon any man's conscience. The apostle says, "They be no gods, which are made with hands." Such gods have no claim upon our reverence and adoration. In like manner, that is no Sabbath that is made with hands. Sunday-keeping is no more than a man-made institution, and consequently has no claim upon the conscience. Those that deplore the fact that the people have no Sabbath, are themselves rejecting the Sabbath of the Lord, and calling for civil legislation in support of the human institution which has usurped its place, an institution of which Calvin said, "The Fathers put in the place of the Sabbath the day we now call Lord's day." It may be truly said of them as Jesus said to the Jews: "Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."
They talk very sanctimoniously about the Sabbath, the law of God, and the fourth commandment, while they observe a day which has no Scriptural title to the name of the Lord's Sabbath, having never had any place in the divine law. Weekly they trample the Lord's Sabbath under foot, while they deplore the fact that the people keep no Sabbath, and are anxious that the Government should give them one. If they would keep and teach the Sabbath of the Lord according to the commandment, they might reach the consciences of the people, and have no need of State laws to enforce it. Men would keep the Sabbath, because it is indeed the Lord's day, the day on which he rested, and which he blessed, and, by an explicit command, set apart for man's observance. It is the want of any command of God for the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, which creates the necessity for human legislation. Hence the urgent appeal to the Government to give the people a Sabbath. God has given us his Sabbath as a memorial of himself and his creative work; and all we ask of our hitherto free Government is still to protect us in the inalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his word and our own conscience.
Buffalo, N. Y. R. F. COTTRELL.

The Need of the Day.

M. McG. DANA, D. D., in an article in the Congregationalist, says that the greatest need of the church now is men,—men who are strong, earnest, and consecrated. Speaking of the influence of personal talent and energy in reformatory work, he claims that "an able, earnest, and effective preacher will do more to prevent crime and preserve order in a district than any number of magistrates and police officers." He closes his article by saying:—
"Had we men, the money to send them any whither, where opportunity and need invited, would not be wanting. We are rich enough as Christians in property; the poverty of the church is in men. It is this fact that all disciples of Christ should consider, and for men of heroism and tact, fitted for the evangelism of the hour in city and country, at home and abroad, lift their united, earnest prayer."

Peace in Daily Duty

By Bishop Wilberforce

THERE is blessed peace in looking for nothing but our daily task and our portion of Christ's cross between this day and the appointed time when we shall fall asleep in him.

Faith, Though Weak

By H. Muller

FAITH, though weak, is still faith, a glimmering taper if not a glowing torch; but the taper may give light as truly as the torch, though not so brightly.—H. Muller.

The Day of Trouble.

By Ray Palmer

It is sometimes easy to forget God. Everything about us is beautiful and bright. We wake in the morning from refreshing sleep, and all nature seems to give us gladsome greeting. We feel within us the strong pulsations of fresh and healthful life. We address ourselves with eager appetite to the duties and enjoyments of the day, with every faculty in good condition and every sensibility responsive to pleasurable impressions. It is as if a placid stream were bearing us on through scenery that charms the eye and suggests only cheerful and welcome thoughts. In such circumstances one may naturally yield himself to what seems to be the spirit of the hour, and be only conscious that he is happy; may even, for the moment, forget that earth is not a paradise and filled with innocence and bliss. With nothing to disturb, there is no awakened sense of want, and nothing to lead one not already in sympathy with God to thoughts of God and duty. But the passing of a day—ah, how often!—changes everything. Some sudden and unlooked-for trouble comes. Courage stands erect to breast it. It will pass soon, hope whispers. No; to-morrow only aggravates it, or very likely has brought a new one. So it has passed into a proverb, that troubles never come singly. There is hardly an individual, still less a family, that has not had the experience of painful trials of some sort—losses, disappointments, sickness, sorrow, and even the death of those most dear—following each other in very quick succession. Through such unwonted strain the vital forces become depressed, and the health generally is impaired. The world appears to grow dark and cheerless; hope and resolution fail; and one is ready to yield to despondency and gloom, and to sink under the feeling, aggravated by morbid sensibility, that in so sad a world life is not really worth the living. The end, perhaps, is temptation to suicide, or the desperate act itself, if the soul be without any hold on God. The condition of such may well be likened to that of travelers, whether on land or sea, who have been overtaken, in midnight darkness, by all the horrors of the conflicting elements, with no relief at hand.
But, O thou that hast intrusted thyself and thy whole well-being to God, and believest that his power and love are both infinite, why should thy peace be seriously disturbed, as it too often is, by fear that troubles, perhaps even great troubles, may be awaiting thee in the not distant future? It should not. Nor shouldst thou yield to agitation and alarm when they are seen to be approaching, or are beginning to be felt. Take up thy Bible and read:—
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Ps. 46: 1, 2.
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut. 33 : 27.
“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me.” Ps. 27: 5.
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4: 39.
With these and many—very many—similar divine assurances on which to rest thy faith, canst thou not dismiss thy fears, even when troubles come thick and fast, and all the lights of life seem going out amid tears and anguish? Remember that it is often while the storm is passing away that the rainbow in its loveliness is seen spanning the just-now angry cloud, the emblem of hope and promise. Listen to the loving voice from Heaven that saith: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps. 50: 15.—Ray Palmer, D. D.
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