THE Southwestern Union Conference was organized at the close of the General Conference of 1901. It held its first conference session at Topeka, Kan., in the spring of 1902. At that meeting, the conferences of Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri were transferred from the Southwestern to the Central Union, which was organized at that time. This change left the territory of the Southwestern Union to be composed of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the Indian Territory. The headquarters were, at that time, located at Keene, Tex.
The second session of this union conference was held at Keene, February 24 to March 2. Nearly all the local conference workers in the union were present at this meeting. I desire here to express my hearty concurrence in the policy of the local conferences to have7their regular laborers attend the union conference sessions, even though they may not all be delegates. These workers are scattered over the territory of the union conference, and never have an opportunity to meet one another as a company of workers, except at the biennial sessions of the union conferences. Comparatively few of them attend the General Conference. I feel sure, from my observation, that the losses in the time and expense involved in having all these workers meet together once in two years are small losses compared with the gains of various kinds.
The meetings of this conference were held in the chapel of Keene Academy. The students attended the Bible study in the morning, and the preaching service in the evening. The presence of these young people added much to the life and enthusiasm of the conference. The instructors endeavored to make their lessons especially interesting and profitable to the students.
The proceedings of the conference have been furnished to the REVIEW by the secretary. The deliberations were very harmonious and brotherly. Our Southern brethren have a faculty of saying what they mean in words that need not be misunderstood. Personally, I appreciate their open-hearted frankness.
The working of the conference in its various features during the last two years was carefully reviewed, and such changes and adjustments were made as were thought would increase the efficiency of the organization. The reports of the local conferences did not show the growth that ought to attend this work. This is not peculiar to the Southwestern Union Conference. The small results in all our conferences from the number of laborers in the field and the tithe used are humiliating and disheartening.
Earnest consideration was given to those features of the work which relate to the proclamation of the third angel's message to those who are not acquainted with it. Preaching in new fields, selling our books and papers, distributing tracts, and doing personal service for those needing help, were especially emphasized as the work for the hour.
As the conference was held in the school building, it was but natural that the educational interests should receive a share of attention. Under all the circumstances, I felt that the school has an excellent attendance. It will be remembered that the principal was not secured, nor was the calendar brought out, much in advance of the opening of the last school year. But the attendance is good, and the general character of the students is encouraging. Keene enjoys the privilege of seeing several of her young men and women doing good work in this cause in various parts of the world.
Professor Hughes and his staff of teachers are working earnestly to make the present school year contribute its share to this important end.
The interests of the medical missionary work were not forgotten in this conference. Dr. Haskell, who has charge of the little sanitarium at Keene, was overworked during the conference, so that he could attend but few of the meetings. This made the medical missionary work less prominent than it would have been if he had been permitted to attend the meetings. A medical missionary department of the union conference was organized, and a department committee of seven was elected. As most of the members of the board were at the meeting, they organized, and outlined their plans of work for the coming year. Dr. Haskell was elected chairman, and Brother C. N. Woodward, secretary. The delegates manifested a deep interest in all that was brought forward in behalf of the advancement of this branch of our work. All who understand our views regarding health and temperance know that this light is needed in the South more than in any other part of the United States. A general determination was expressed by the ministers to do more for this branch of our work than ever before.
Most of the officers of the union conference were re-elected. Elder Nelson continues as president. Brother Nelson needs much help from above for the difficulties of that field. The territory is large, the membership is small, and much scattered. The people generally are rather poor. The income of the conference is not sufficient to meet the necessary expenses. The brethren of the Central Union have rendered substantial help thus far. It will not be long until the conference will be self-supporting, and will be doing good missionary work in the remote, needy portions of its large territory.
Besides the conference laborers, Brother and Sister Haskell, who came from Nashville, Brother E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union Conference, and the writer were present. Our association with these workers in the southwest was most enjoyable and encouraging. It enlisted our sympathies anew in their interests. With all our hearts we wish them Godspeed.
A. G. DANIELLS.
Protestantism in France
PROTESTANTISM is reported to be making headway in France in the matter of securing from the state recognition of the rights of conscience. Premier Combes, meanwhile, has taken the final step in the suppression of the religious orders that sought to control public education in France; and the abolition of the Concordat, which has bound France and Rome together for a hundred years, seems about to follow.
Note and Comment
A RECENT press dispatch from Richmond, Va., tells of havoc being caused among the youth in that place by intemperance in one of its most deadly forms. It says:—
Despite the passage of a stringent law by the recent legislature forbidding the sale of cocaine to any except physicians, dentists, and druggists, the police this morning reported that hundreds of boys are being ruined by the use of the drug, and that it is a common sight to see the hillsides dotted with young victims insensible from indulgence in the poison. Two boys were before the court this morning. They were perfect wrecks from the habit, the craving for cocaine having driven them to steal to get it.
Proposed Anti-Polygamy Amendment
THE following proposed anti-polygamy amendment to the national Constitution, expressing the sentiment of the International Council of Women of the United States, is to be submitted to Congress:—
Neither polygamy nor polygamous cohabitation shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Polygamy or polygamous cohabitation, whether practised within the bounds of a State or Territory of the United States, shall be treated as a crime against the peace and dignity of the United States.
No person shall be senator or representative in Congress, nor elector, nor president, nor vice-president, nor hold any other office of honor or emolument, whether civil or military, under the United States or under any State or Territory thereof, or be permitted to vote at any election for any of said officers in either State or Territory who shall be found guilty of polygamy or polygamous cohabitation; but Congress may by a vote of two thirds of each house remove such disability in any specific case.
The Jews in Jerusalem
Not much encouragement for the “Zionist” idea is to be obtained from the condition of the Jews already in Jerusalem, according to the following from Miss Landau, published in the Jewish Chronicle:—
Briefly, the state of things among the Jews may be summed up in the single word “distressing.” There are some 60,000 inhabitants in all—40,000 Jews, 14,000 Mohammedans, and 6,000 Christians. Of the 40,000 Jews, 30,000 live on charity. Twenty thousand of those in receipt of assistance depend in the main upon that huge system of outdoor relief known as the Chalukah, by virtue of which the doles which are piously sent from various places on the Continent are distributed among those of the Jerusalem Jews who originally came from those parts. Thus, the Jews in Jerusalem who hail from Pinsk would receive the money from Pinsk; the Jews from Minsk would obtain the money sent by the good people of Minsk, and so forth. What it comes to, in fact, is that the holy city is really a great pauper colony quartered on the rest of the Jewish race—a vast workshop, for which the Jews of the Continent assess themselves in a voluntary poor rate.
Help in Every Time of Need
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
To My Sisters Tempted by Discouragement,—
To each one of us has been given the inestimable privilege of being a child of God. Why, then, should we be unhappy? We are all sinful, but we have a Saviour who can take away our sins; for in him is no sin. We all have many difficulties to meet, many perplexing problems to solve. But we have an all-powerful Helper, who will listen to our requests as willingly and gladly as he listened to the requests of those who, when he was on this earth in person, came to him for help. I ask you not to take the ordering of your life out of his hands.
When discouragement presses heavily upon you, read the following scriptures:—
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? . . . Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy water-spouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?”
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul; and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”
“For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.”
Do you make mistakes? Do not let this discourage you. The Lord may permit you to make small mistakes in order to save you from making larger mistakes. Go to Jesus, and ask him to forgive you, and then believe that he does. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
When unkind, discouraging words are spoken to you, do not retaliate. Do not reply unless you can return a pleasant answer. Say to yourself, “I will not disappoint my Saviour. The Christian woman is a gentlewoman. On her lips is ever the law of kindness. She utters no hasty words. To speak gentle words when you are irritated will bring sunshine into your hearts, and make your path more smooth. A schoolgirl, when asked for a definition of meekness, said, ‘Meek people are those who give soft answers to rough questions.’ Christ says, ‘Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.’ They will be fit subjects for the kingdom of heaven; for they are willing to be taught.”
Do not treat life as a romance, but as a reality. Perform your smallest duty in the fear and love of God, with faithfulness and cheerfulness. God declares, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
Study the life that Christ lived while on this earth. He did not neglect the smallest, simplest duty. Perfection marked all that he did. Look to him for help, and you will be enabled to perform your daily duties with the grace and dignity of one who is seeking for the crown of immortal life.
We dwell much on the grandeur of Christ’s life. We speak of the great things that he accomplished, of the miracles he wrought, of how he spoke peace to the tempestuous waters, restored sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, and raised the dead to life. But his attention to small things is even higher proof of his greatness. Listen to him speaking to Martha, as she comes to him with the request that he bid her sister help her with the serving. He tells her not to allow the cares of the household to disturb the peace of her soul. “Martha, Martha,” he says, “thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Listen to the words that he spoke as the weary mothers brought their children to him to be blessed. The disciples, unwilling that their Master should be disturbed, were sending the women away. But Christ said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” And taking them in his arms, he blessed them. Could the future of these children be opened before us, we could see the mothers recalling to the minds of the children the scene of that day, and repeating the loving words of the Saviour. We should see, too, how often, in after years, the memory of those words kept the children from straying from the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.
Think of the words that Christ spoke to the one woman in Samaria. He was sitting by Jacob’s well, and the woman came to draw water. Christ asked a favor of her. “Give me to drink,” he said. He wanted a cool draft, and he wished, also, to open the way whereby he might give her the water of life.
“How is it,” said the woman, “that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?” Jesus answered, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. . . . Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
How much interest Christ manifested in this one woman! How earnest and eloquent were his words! When the woman heard them, she left her waterpot, and went into the city, saying to those she met, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” We read that many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him. And who can estimate the influence that these words have exerted for the saving of souls in the years that have passed since then!
My dear sisters, this same Jesus is your Saviour. Have faith in him. Do not distrust him. He is a present help in every time of need. Do not take your troubles to human beings. Take them to the Lord. You may think that others ought to sympathize with you in your trials; but you will sometimes be disappointed. Jesus never disappoints the one who comes to him for help. He is saying to you to-day, “Come unto me, . . . and I will give you rest.” He will give you rest in him. No one who comes to him goes away unhelped. Take your burdens to the divine burden-bearer, and leave them with him, knowing that he will carry them for you. He is the Christ, the One who bears the sins of the world. He will take you under his watchcare; for he loves you. He will accept you, and set you apart for his service. By the indwelling of9his Spirit, he will make you more than conquerors.
Act your part in helping yourselves, as all must do who would be blessed. Do not dwell upon the hardship of the Christian life. Do not talk of your trials. If you do, you will become more and more inclined to complain. God asks you to speak no unkind words of the Saviour. Instead of bemoaning your weakness, and feeling that you are hardly used, talk of the goodness and mercy of the Lord.
Do not utter one despondent word; for such words please Satan. Talk of Christ’s goodness and tell of his power. Words of hope and trust and courage are as easily spoken as words of complaint. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
When the enemy tells you that the Lord has forsaken you, tell him that you know he has not; for he declares, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Dismiss the enemy. Tell him you will not dishonor the Lord by doubting his love.
Christ asks us to believe in him as one who is able to keep us from falling. There is no limit to the help that the Saviour is willing to bestow on us. He asks us to bring into our lives the grace that will keep us from sin. From the cross of Calvary there comes to us liberty, hope, and strength. Do not dishonor your Redeemer by doubting his power. Trust him all the time. Take hold of the riches of his grace, saying, “I will believe, I do believe that Jesus died for me.” The way before you may seem dark, but Jesus can make it light.
Be joyful in God. Christ is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Look toward the light. Accustom yourselves to speak the praise of God. Make others happy. This is your first work. It will strengthen the best traits of character. Throw the windows of the soul wide open heavenward, and let the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness in. Morning, noon, and night your hearts may be filled with the bright rays of heaven’s light.
When I Have Time
WHEN I have time, so many things I'll do
To make the happier and more fair
For those whose lives are crowded now
with care;
I'll help to lift them from their low despair,
When I have time.
When I have time, the friend I love so well
Shall know no more those weary, toiling days;
I'll lead her feet in pleasant paths always,
And cheer her heart with words of sweetest praise.
When I have time.
When you have time! The friend you hold so dear
May be beyond the reach of your intent;
May never know that you so kindly meant
To fill her life with sweet content,
When you had time.
Now is the time! Ah, friend! no longer wait
To scatter loving smiles and words of cheer
To those around whose lives are now so dear;
They may not meet you in the coming year—
Now is the time.
— Selected.
The Sign of a Finished Work
By E. E. Andross
E. E. ANDROSS
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” “For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Gen. 1:1; Ps. 33:6, 9.
As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. Everything was perfect. Man, having been made in the image and likeness of God, was now crowned with glory and honor, and set over the works of God’s hands. Heb. 2:6-8.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.” “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Gen. 2:1; 1:31. No taint of sin, no tear of sorrow, no pain or shadow of death, marred the happiness of the holy pair that had been placed in the garden of God. The great Jehovah had clothed the whole world in a garb of beauty. Everything revealed the touch of the Master Artist. The delicate flower, the beautiful landscape, the broad expanse of the heavens, all bore silent witness to the fact that the divine hand had wrought.
“In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Ex. 31:17. “The eternal purpose which he purposed in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Eph. 3:11) was now, so far as God’s part was concerned, completed; it only remained for man to prove, by his loyalty to his Creator, that he was worthy of such a high calling. While the “morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7), while the Lord took delight in his finished work, the great memorial of the Creator’s power to complete his glorious work in righteousness was erected (Ps. 111:4; 135:13); the eternal sign that he is God was given. Eze. 20:19, 20.
“And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.” The seventh day now became the blessed, sanctified rest day of the Creator. And since what God blesses shall be blessed forever (1 Chron. 17:27), it is still his blessed, sanctified rest day. The Hebrew verb qadash, here rendered sanctified, is defined by Gesenius, “To pronounce holy, to sanctify; to institute any holy thing, to appoint.” The Lord, therefore, set apart the seventh day to man’s holy use for all time. Mark 2:27.
This beautiful scene was soon changed. The tempter, lurking in the garden of delight, induced man to accept him as his master. In sorrow and shame he is now driven forth from his paradise home. Instead of the pleasant labor hitherto appointed him, he was now to be subject to anxious toil, disappointment, grief, pain, and finally to death. Before leaving his beautiful home, however, he is given the glorious promise of a Saviour. The One who made the world, and all things therein, and who upholds all things by the word of his power (John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:13-17; Heb. 1:1-3), who had given to man the Sabbath, now promised a new creation. The great plan of redemption was opened up to man. The Creator was to be the Redeemer. The Sabbath which had been given as the sign of the eternal power and godhead of the Creator, is now to become the seal of the new and everlasting covenant by which he is to be restored to his lost home in the “new earth,” which “shall remain before me, saith the Lord,” and in which “affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Ex. 31:16, 17; Isa. 65:17; 66:22, 23; Nahum 1:9. All things save the marriage rite and the Sabbath—the one the safeguard of the family, and the other of the church—are lost to man through the fall. The two sole relics of man’s Edenic rest are preserved to him, are brought beyond the cherubim-guarded gates of paradise, and the Sabbath now serves to encourage him to trust to the omnipotent arm of his Creator and Redeemer to restore him to his lost estate.
The rest, the blessing, and the sanctification which man had known while obedient to the will of God had now departed; but with extended arms and bleeding hands, in pitying love and forgiving mercy, the great Creator calls him, saying, “Come unto me, . . . and I will give you rest.” “I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save,” will “bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” I will be your “wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Matt. 11:28; Isa. 63:1; Acts 3:26; 1 Cor. 1:30. At the same time he says to the man who is thus made “a new creature in Christ Jesus,” “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations: that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Ex. 31:13. It is the sign “that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6.
Thus from the moment that the gates of paradise were closed upon disobedient man, to the blessed moment when they will once more be opened to the obedient (Rev. 22:14; Isa. 26:2), the Sabbath remains as the sign of his finished work, the pledge of our glorious and final rest. Heb. 4:3-11.
Practical Lessons From Nehemiah Eight
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
Giving and Receiving Bible Instruction
S. N. HASKELL
THE subject of this chapter is Bible instruction. The people came together to learn for themselves the law of God. From this meeting began one of the greatest reformations recorded in the Bible; hence it can be studied with profit.
It was the desire of the people that they should be taught from the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. Neh. 8:1.
The congregation was composed of men, women, and children, all who could hear with understanding. Ezra was the principal teacher. Verse 2.
They met in the morning, and the meeting lasted all the forenoon. They were all attentive. Verse 3.
The priest stood upon an elevation so that all could see him. There were also thirteen others with him in the desk, which gave dignity to the service. No mention is made of other priests holding business meetings elsewhere, although at this time there was much business to attend to. Verse 4.
When the priest opened his book, all showed their respect to the law by rising to their feet. Verse 5.
Prayer was offered at the opening, and “all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the Lord.” Verse 6.
Those who were with the instructor “caused the people to understand the law.” Verse 7.
Their manner of teaching was, first,10to read distinctly; second, to give the sense of what they read; third, to cause the people to understand the reading. Verse 8.
Nehemiah and Ezra were the leading instructors, and they with others sought to impress the minds of the people that such occasions were holy, and they should not mourn and weep, but fix their minds intently on what the Word said. Verse 9.
Because of the light and salvation which came through the Word that was read, they should express their thankfulness by sending gifts one to another, for in joy was their strength. Verse 10.
The people gave heed to their words, and they had great rejoicing “because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.” Verses 11, 12.
Great light broke in upon them, and a great reform began as a result. Verses 13-18.
Additional Thoughts
These truths are brought out in other portions of the Scripture, but this is the only complete Bible illustration of a Bible study. Parents, youth, and children were all benefited by this study; for they were all punctual at the beginning, and were of one accord in one place. The burden of the teachers was to give the Word, and cause the people to understand the reading, and let God give the meaning. Dan. 10:11; 2 Tim. 2:7; 1 Cor. 10:15. Would not such studies be well in this age of apostasy?
The Sabbath More Fully
By George B. Thompson
G. B. THOMPSON
In “Early Writings,” page 27, we read: “And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” In the same book (Supplement, page 1) an explanation is given by the author regarding the meaning of the term, “the commencement of the time of trouble.”
“The commencement of the time of trouble here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.”
We are surely in that “short period,” when trouble is “coming on the earth.” Look where we will, and we behold a troubled sea. The nations are angry, and preparing for an irrepressible conflict. War, famine, and flood, disasters, sudden and terrible, by land and by sea, murder and suicide in the squalid abodes of ignorance and misery, and in the gilded palaces of luxury and wealth, make up the news of the day. In expectancy the world awaits the news of the next calamity. “The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when he allows. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.”—“Great Controversy.”
At this time, under the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, and animated by the inspiration of the hour, we are to go forth and proclaim “the Sabbath more fully.” As we approach the end, and the moving waters indicate that we are nearing the precipice where the world is to take its final plunge into the Niagara of destruction, we are not to keep the Sabbath in the background, and say nothing about it lest prejudice be aroused. Never! It is to be proclaimed “more fully,” as we see “trouble coming on the earth.” This question is to convulse the world, and test every soul. The Sabbath is the seal of the living God. In the life and work of every laborer, in every publishing house, every educational institution, every sanitarium, every mission, in the life of every soul whose humble acts may never be known, except a page or two in the recording angel’s book, the Sabbath is to be brought “more fully” to the front.
And why should this not be so? On every hand organized forces are at work stealthily planning to unite church and state, and crush liberty of conscience forever, and blot out the Sabbath of Jehovah. But amid this eternal twilight into which the earth will be plunged, the Sabbath of the Lord will be honored. The ark of Christianity, bearing aloft the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will ride safely amid the shoals and breakers. While the world is seeking to make void the law of God, and to destroy forever the memorial of Jehovah, the Lord will have a loyal people, who, under the refreshing of the “latter rain,” will go forth and fearlessly proclaim the “Sabbath more fully.” In the face of every opposing obstacle they will hear their Commander’s voice exclaiming, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” It is time that with renewed hope and courage we fulfil our divine commission.
The Scriptural Law of Tithing
By John S. Hollingshead
IN this we reach, one of the most vital points in the consecration and power of the church. The tithe, or tenth, given to the Lord is one of the oldest customs found among men. In its application to the Jews as a people it was very clearly defined in the Mosaic law, but the Scriptures show that the practise of offering tithes was old before Moses was born, when there was no Aaronic priesthood and or Levitical ministry. More than four hundred years before the giving of the law Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the most high God, not because he was king, but because he was priest. Jacob’s vow at Bethel was so expressed as to indicate that it was the pledge of a neglected obligation: “Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” . . . No more did Moses establish the law of the tithe, than he did the law of the Sabbath. Both go back to the beginning, and were God-given. God’s laws do not create duties, but define them. Every moral law had a moral necessity before it became a law. The law of the Sabbath was necessary for man’s good; man needed it. So with the law of the tithe. God put it into the heart of the race to feel the force of the law of indebtedness to God, and to seek to satisfy it. Pagans, heathen, Jews, and Christians in all ages have felt it, and to a remarkable degree correspond, not only in the matter of indebtedness, but also in the amount.
Much that is found in the Mosaic law concerning tithing is national and ritualistic, but there need be no confusion in the mind of any who will take the pains to note the distinction between “the tithe” and “tithes.” “The tithe,” or “tithe terumoth,” or “God’s tenth,” is not in any sense distinctly Jewish, but belongs to all men; “it is holy unto the Lord,” as much so to-day as it ever was in any age. With the Jew one tenth—the tithe—principally property, was allowed to the Levites for their support; a second tenth was devoted to the sanctuary, mainly cattle and grain; and each third year another tenth was given to the poor. Thus the Jewish law required nearly one third of all the Jew’s income. While he paid this, he prospered; but failing, he grew lean. In Hezekiah’s reformation the external evidence of return to God was the faithful return to the law of the tithe, until the offerings became “heaps.” Nehemiah in rebuilding Jerusalem found it necessary to re-establish the forgotten tithe. The prophets Amos and Malachi enforced this duty, and rebuked the nation for “robbing God” in neglecting to bring their tithes. Christ rebuked the Pharisees for the manner in which they paid their tithes, and said: “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
In the new dispensation the establishment of a distinct gospel ministry implies the necessity for its support, and many texts call for its ample maintenance: “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” “If the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.” “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” It was needless to describe a manner of meeting such obligations to a people trained as the Jews were to tithe-paying. So the New Testament says comparatively little upon the paying of the tithe, but of proportionate and systematic giving it speaks frequently. Giving and paying are two different things. Giving can begin only where obligation requiring payment ends. The early Christian was to “lay by” for the care of the poor. The tithe, not being a charity, but purely for religious service, was not to be drawn on for the support of the poor, excepting the special triennial tithe, the third tithe of the Mosaic economy, which was purely Jewish. Under the new dispensation some new instructions were needed in this particular, but this would carry us beyond our topic. . . .11
Every branch of Christian work needs temporal as well as spiritual support. The temporal God leaves with man. The very need of temporal support shows God’s wisdom, and proves a great blessing to man. It makes a thoughtful man feel a responsibility he would not feel if God did or could work without him. It gives him a wider view of life and its work; it develops the worker, and interests him in the outcome of every work in which he shares a part. God’s blessings and covenants are conditioned upon the keeping of his laws.
When God withholds a blessing, we may be sure the reason may be found in us, and not in God. In Malachi’s day, when the Jews said, “It is vain to serve God,” it was shown that they had “rebelled” against God, and “robbed” him of “tithes and offerings;” and if they would receive his favor, they must return to him, and pay to him their dues—all, and not a part; then he would bless his house and land and people. Did they doubt it? He said: “Prove me now herewith.” God is never afraid of any fair test. How?—In tithes: “Bring ye all”—not like Ananias—“bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse [treasury], that there may be meat [food] in mine house;” not to load the treasury, but to supply a need. The church treasuries are empty, and from every land comes the call: “Come over . . . and help us.” And if God’s tenth, the tithe, were not forgotten, we might bring Christ to the world in this generation.
We as Christians must answer to the fact that our own lack of grace and power is due to our own neglected opportunities, and our own withholding of what God requires of us. . . . God’s blessings are as boundless as the heart’s need, and his promise is one of overfulness. In grace as in nature God has never limited his blessings to what we can take in. He whose title-deeds are as boundless as the universe he created, gives us free use of all to enjoy it,—“All things are yours,”—and he has written it plainly within the heart of every trusting disciple, that he may be conscious of its possession. Shall we withhold God’s tenth, which he asks, while he gives us all the rest for our own use? At Bethel Jacob had nothing but his life, his brother’s wrath, and his new-formed covenant with God. Twenty years later, though Laban had been covetous and dealt harshly with him, he returned very rich and greatly prospered. God said, “Prove me.” No one ever trusted him in vain. He said: “Prove me now.” Now is the time of our need. What shall the result be? He said: I will “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” God’s blessings are always lavish, and never stinted. His sunshine, the fragrance of flowers, his amazing grace, his measureless love, are not limited by our capacity to receive. If we pay God’s rent, then earth’s richest joys shall be ours, and heaven’s blessedness shall be poured from the open windows of the skies.—John S. Hollingshead, D. D., in Pittsburg Christian Advocate.
Preaching of the Present Day
By G. Hutchinson Smyth
Much of the preaching of the day would have suited Israel in the days of Isaiah when he wrote, “This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.”
There is a great cry against preaching the terrors of the law, as they are called. “Smooth things” are much more acceptable, and characterize much of the preaching of the present time. “Preach Christ to us, tell us of his love and sympathy, of the joy of salvation and the glories of heaven; but say nothing about sin and the certainty of its punishment.” “That is to appeal to our fears, and we do not want to be scared into heaven.”
Appeals to fear are very common in the present life. Fire and life insurance are appeals to fear. On board an Atlantic steamer are found life preservers, life boats, and appliances for putting out a fire, and no one thinks them out of place; indeed were they not there, few persons would take passage on a steamer so badly prepared against danger.
These appeals to fear to save from death are all right. No objection is ever made to them. Why not appeal to fear to save from eternal death? “O, but we want you to preach Christ to us!” Well, surely the apostle Paul would be a good example to follow. He writes to the Colossians, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ.”
Surely, there is still need for warning the people against the insidious snares of sin. Corruption in politics, the demoralization of the home as it is witnessed in the family and the divorce courts, and organized robbery of the nation in high places, would seem to call for more of this apostolic “warning” of every man as the best way of presenting him perfect in Christ, and as the great need of this nation to-day. I believe the next decade will be the most important in the nation’s history. With America’s great increase in territory, population, and wealth, it is to be a mighty power in the world for the good of all nations, or it is to repeat the history of the Roman empire.—Rev. G. Hutchinson Smyth, D. D., in N. Y. Observer.