p. 11 | Iowa and Ohio by G. S. Honeywell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1904

Iowa and Ohio

By G. S. Honeywell

G. S. HONEYWELL

BECAUSE of the multitude of voices calling for help, many who love the cause of God have been greatly perplexed of late to know just where and how they may aid the work of the Lord most effectively. For some time I have felt that the Lord had a plan, which, if rightly understood, would relieve the embarrassment now existing in many honest hearts.

Those who have been careful students of what the testimony of Jesus has recently set before us in the REVIEW, will notice the prominence given to that crowning virtue so wonderfully defined by the apostle Paul in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians,—charity;—indicating that our faith as a people has not as yet brought forth this fruit of the Spirit to that degree of perfection that is pleasing to God.

From recent reports, it seems that the Lord has been pleased to make the conferences of Iowa and Ohio the pathfinders for his people into greater light. And I believe it will not be six months before all our conferences will be in line with them. This work, this unselfish love for our brethren of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (many of whom at this present time are bound in chains of error) was outlined for us, as I believe, more than eighteen hundred years ago.

Those who have studied Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonian brethren will notice how largely they deal with the much-needed readiness of the church to stand in the day of the Lord, or just before the second coming of Christ. In the first chapter, verses 3-10, he sets forth the church in a most favorable light. But notwithstanding all this, he seemed to have a very heavy burden for the church, that their faith might reach perfection. And we see the same burden resting upon the Lord’s inspired servant to-day.

Let us read carefully the apostle’s forewords: “Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thess. 3:10. But where was this imperfection to be found?—In brotherly love. But did they not love their brethren in the church?—O, yes. Now let us read a little farther: “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia [or State conference]: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more.” Chapter 4:9, 10.

The remnant church is to have the faith of Jesus (Rev. 14:12), which could not be confined to some small territory like Judea, but broke through and over all man-made bounds. His love encircled the earth. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”

For the love of God is broader Than the measure of man’s mind, And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple, We should take him at his word; And our lives would be all sunshine In the sweetness of our Lord.

Our love should “increase more and more” until we, like our divine Head, take in the whole human race. Or, as the apostle expresses it: “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” 1 Thess. 3:12, 13.

I think we shall see some excellent fruit from this new move, in the near future.