Earlier text: Christ's CommissionThe “Big Stick”
By F. M. W.
The expression “big stick” has come to be a significant one of late, especially in American parlance. It is used to designate the methods employed by certain public men in enforcing their ideas, and particularly in their manner of silencing the opposition. They are commonly represented as carrying about with them a big stick, or club, to be used in beating their opponents into submission or acquiescence. The use of “big stick” methods by politicians we shall not consider, but of the employment of such methods by Christians a word may be appropriate, since we must meet continually those who hold religious views radically different from our own. In every realm of thought how natural it is for us to charge those of opposite opinions with being stubbornly wilful, or willingly blind, especially if there have been brought to their consideration the reasons which constitute the basis of our action, and which in our judgment should constitute a basis for similar action on their part. We are prone to forget that, as a rule, men naturally measure all questions by their own experience, and that what appears to us as the rankest error, may have been so instilled into the mind of the7 possessor by birth, early teaching, and environment, as to have become a veritable second nature. Such men can not see all things clearly at once. They must be patiently led step by step from error’s path. Little by little, as the light of truth breaks in upon the soul, their early beliefs will dissolve, and a new faith supplant the old. This was the work Jesus Christ did for his disciples. Steeped in Jewish tradition which was intermingled with heathen superstition, to the natural reasoning the disciples were unlikely subjects; but three and a half years of patient, painstaking labor may have loosened the shackles of old-time belief, transformed their lives into a new likeness, and made of them able ministers of the gospel of light and freedom to all the world. So bound was Paul by his early education and childhood teaching that a miracle of divine revelation was necessary to enable him to begin to see. This done, he was sent to one of his more enlightened fellows for further instruction. The world to-day contains hundreds of honest men and women, who differ from us in religious belief. They are serving God according to the best light they possess. Others, of course, are going contrary to what they know to be right. But we can not clearly distinguish between these classes. Hence, we are not to judge either class. If we see a head raised in opposition, we are not to stand prepared to hit it after the order of the fighting politician. Rather, we should seek to save. Possibly the opponent may be a second Saul of Tarsus, who, if enlightened, would become in God’s work to-day a great power, as was the famous apostle to the Gentiles. God has children to-day in every church, Catholic and Protestant alike. We should be careful not to offend them by harsh words or by “big stick” methods. Let us deal with them gently, even if they manifest bitter opposition to what we count most sacred in our religious faith. We are not to cover up the truth, nor keep back one iota of the plain, positive message for this hour. We are not to lower the standard, or compromise principle. If we do this, we shall indeed be recreant to our trust. But let us proclaim the message in love. We can not ridicule men out of error; we can not argue them into the kingdom. But we can win them by love, even the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts, and manifests itself in all of our association with our fellow men. Our controversy as Christians is not with men, but against sin, against evil principles. Sometimes the men who hold the principles we oppose may be better men than we, not because of the principles, but in spite of them, and because they have the more carefully applied the smaller amount of light they possess. This consideration should lead us to labor humbly and kindly, treating them as brethren in Christ, and not as strangers to his grace. God has called us with a high and holy calling. He has made us the conservators of a great system of truth. This we are in duty bound to make known to all men. In God’s providence it has come to us not because we are better than our neighbors, but that we may act as instruments in bringing it to their attention. Let us use tact in the delicate mission entrusted to us. We may profitably leave to those of this world the employment of worldly diplomacy and “big stick” methods; but we may use the graces of the Spirit as manifested in love, meekness, gentleness, and Christian courtesy. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” The recent published statements of President-Emeritus Eliot of Harvard in reference to the new religion which the world needs and in reference to the Bible itself, show that the declarations of the college professors recently quoted in several issues of the Cosmopolitan Magazine, are more than mere expressions of individual opinion—they are symptomatic. Those declarations portray the conditions that exist in the great colleges with reference to faith in God and his Word; and President-Emeritus Eliot’s more recent statements show that the disease is not in the extremities only, but has reached to the very head. The following is a portion of an interview with Dr. Eliot on August 6, at Boston:— About the Bible—many things in this volume are antiquated, and it is a question in many modern minds whether it is always advisable to advocate the reading of this to the extent of excluding many other books. However, the Bible will always be read, and the same may also be said of Shakespeare. The doctor seems to have felt that he was granting much in granting that the Bible would continue to divide honors with the great English author. It must be granted that there are many things in the Bible that seem antiquated to a large class. The Saviour’s death and resurrection as our sacrifice and atonement are antiquated to those who do not believe the Bible record of the fall of man. The Bible teaching concerning the creation is antiquated to those who accept the deductions of a geology based upon the conditions that now exist in this flood-wrecked world. The flood itself, which accounts for so many of the great problems that confront geologists, is antiquated to those who refuse to believe in the fall. The miracles of the Messiah are antiquated to those who refuse to see in him the author of those “natural laws” which the miracle transcends. The second coming of Christ as governor of earth and of the starry universe is antiquated to him who is wedded to the nebular hypothesis. The salvation of men as the Bible teaches it, is antiquated to those who have come to believe man to be “the highest manifestation of God.” The Bible teaching as to the destruction of the nations of this world and the world’s purification by fire is antiquated to those who believe they are able by political means to make Christ king of this world, and bring in the reign of righteousness through religious legislation. All these things and some others are antiquated to those who prefer their own theories to the verities of God’s Word, and who have ways of their own for doing what God has set himself to do. Verily, the need for the proclamation of “the everlasting gospel” is great; for that lack of faith, which was to characterize the generation that would see the coming of the Son of man, is here in the world now in full bloom. An oasis is a place of rest and refreshment in a barren waste. After reading the declarations of so many of the great men of the colleges in reference to God and his Word, the following editorial from the Sunday School Times will prove to be a true oasis to the lover of God’s Word:— When a man is attacked for his loyalty to the Bible and Bible truth, he has a right to feel encouraged. The Bible begins to mean something to him then; and he begins to mean something to the kingdom. Such an attack is evidence that he is really alive. For, as a well-known defender and expounder of the Bible as God’s Word has keenly said: “The Bible is a living thing; and when it gets into you and your life, you’ll be under the scalpel of every little critic.” Criticism is not a thing to be sought; but when it comes as a result of getting the Bible into our blood, it is not to be feared. Are you intimate enough with the Bible to invite such criticism? Seventh-day Adventists ought, of all people, to be so intimate with God’s Word and so filled with the message it contains, that they will be not only a standing rebuke to unbelief in and out of the church, but a standing exponent of the truths that Book contains. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.” This Day Is Mine
By W. R. Fitch
This day is mine! To-morrow may
not be!
I do not know that it will ever come!
Another day I may not live to see;
These lips, which now can speak may
then be dumb. This day is mine! No moment can I
spare
For idle thoughts or self-indulgent
ease;
The work He gives to-day, with love
and care
Must be done now, if I my Lord
would please. This day is mine! It soon will pass
away,
Swept backward in the tide of vanished
years;
I can not have again a misspent day,
Though I should seek it carefully with
tears. This day is mine! How swift the moments fly!
Alas for me if when at set of sun,
In looking back, with sad and tearful
eye,
I find, too late, my work has not been
done. This day is mine! God gives me all the
days
That I may work for him and do his
will;
And if each day I walk in wisdom’s
ways,
He’ll guide my steps, and love and
keep me still. This day is mine! O then with all my
might,
For love of him, and with a faith
sublime,
Let me each task perform, and feel at
night
That all my work is even with my
time. — W. R. Fitch, in Christian Advocate. Ministers as Christ’s Representatives
By Ellen G. White
The religion of Jesus Christ should be an apparent quality in the lives of his workers. They must know Christ, and to know him, they must know his love. Their fitness as workers should be measured by their ability to love as Christ loved, and to work as he worked. The whole man must be sanctified, purified, refined, ennobled. When Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, the worker will realize that as the representative of Christ, words and works and thoughts must be such as can meet the approval of God. The Lord’s messengers should have an intelligent understanding of the pattern that Christ came to the world to give to men. The Saviour was a man of tenderest sympathies; he was susceptible to the needs of all with whom he came in contact, and who were in need of his help. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. In presenting the word, let the workers dwell on his susceptibility to the griefs and sorrows of men. Let them present before those who have spoiled their lives by self-indulgence, and who are impatient and fretful, the beauty of Christ’s life from the manger to the cross. His lovely character is the pattern for every human soul. To labor for the conversion of souls is the highest, noblest work in which the human agent can engage. But in our working for this object must be revealed the fact that we are laying hold of the grace of Christ, that we are guided and controlled by the Spirit of God. His holiness, his power, his unbounded love, revealed in the human instrument, will convict and convert souls. When the presence of Christ fills the life, the worker has a sense of divine power with him. The fact that he is a joint worker with God captivates his affections and desires, and fills him with earnest love for the souls for whom he labors. We need to have a broader view of the Saviour as “Christ and Lord.” “All power” is given to him to give to those who believe in his name. We do not half acknowledge his right to our homage and obedience, and to our increasing faith in him. We need to understand the depth of significance there is in the words of the apostle, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. . . .” “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,” the apostle continues, “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” The work to be done at this period of time demands that the channels appointed to receive the living waters for thirsty souls be greatly multiplied. The work is to be done through unselfish effort. Every advance move made now must be made with increasing effort; for Satan is working with all his powers to increase the difficulties in our way. He works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness to secure the souls of men. I am charged to say to ministers of the gospel, and to our missionary physicians, Go forward. The work to be done calls for self-sacrifice at every step; but go forward. The worker who reveals a right spirit and consistent behavior under trying circumstances is proving his adaptability for his work. He is qualifying himself to meet all kinds of minds, and to be a true representative of the Master Worker. Those who will yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance will come forth purified and refined, as gold from the fire. The knowledge that souls are perishing in their sins should arouse every worker to greater fervor in giving the light of present truth to all within his reach. He should never forget that whenever a soul is truly converted, God is glorified, and angels in heaven burst forth into singing. All who would have success in the work must tarry long with God. The story is told of an old Lancashire woman who was listening to the reasons her neighbors gave for their minister’s success. They spoke of his gifts, of his style of address, of his manners. “Nay,” said the old woman, “I will tell you what it is. Your man is very thick with the Almighty.” Our fitness for God’s service will be found in constant communion with him. When we consecrate ourselves to God, the power which comes alone from God will bring definite results in our work. We are to act as in the presence of God; his eye is ever upon us; his eye is guiding us. We must die to self before God can use us fully to his name’s glory. If we will learn of Christ as little children, we shall make a success wherever we are. The workers need to study the life of Christ until they give themselves unreservedly to him. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” Christ declared, “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Those who practise the words of Christ become one with him. Their lives represent the pure principles of the Word in simplicity and meekness. The apostle Paul wrote, “I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” I am very thankful for the instruction9 that has come to us regarding the relation we sustain to God as his servants. We are to be under the rule of Christ, to work out the mind and will of God. We are to be kind and courteous to our fellow workers because they also are the property of Christ, bought with a price. The price that Christ paid to purchase our redemption we can not estimate. He, the only begotten Son of God, gave his precious life that those who believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. When we comprehend more fully this amazing sacrifice made in our behalf, we shall not be indifferent and ungrateful, but we shall partake with him of self-denial and self-sacrifice. The Lord is to be our praise in this life, and in the future eternal life. Let us strive for the crown of life that is to be given to every faithful soul. GEORGE I. BUTLER
By George I. Butler
Here Are They That Keep the Commandments of God, and Have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 14:12
God teaches his people, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little, the great lessons of heavenly origin. It is the true method of all successful teaching. His great volume, the Canon of Inspiration, which we call the Bible,—in other words, The Book, because the most important of all books,—is made up of treatises written by inspired men as they were moved upon and their minds illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The light was God-given. It is not merely one continued narrative, written by some one person, but the united spiritual testimony of numerous chosen agents, each adding something important to the testimony of those preceding him, all constituting one grand whole, the Word of God, all in beautiful harmony when truly understood. Having given considerable attention to the connected prophetic three angels' messages of Rev. 14:6-12, and considered with some care every specification contained in them, and found each and all met in the great advent movement of our time, we unhesitatingly conclude that this is the true fulfilment of the prophecy. We know of no other way to ascertain the fulfilment of any prophetic utterance: when all the points given are met in the fulfilment, that is the true solution. They will never be duplicated. If they were, then we could never tell when they were fulfilled. It would throw complete uncertainty over all prophetic statements of Holy Writ. We now proceed to give a brief exposition of a parallel prophecy, the twelfth chapter of Revelation. For the sake of brevity, we request the reader to read the whole chapter. It commences with the appearance of a great wonder in heaven,—a woman clothed with the light of the sun, crowned with twelve stars, the moon under her feet. To the woman was given a son, a man child, who was to “rule all nations with a rod of iron.” There appeared a monster before the woman, a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, seeking to devour the child as soon as it was born. But the dragon did not succeed; for the man child was later caught up to the throne of God. When this wonderful description is reduced to our common language, what do we have? The introduction of wonderful events about the commencement of our Christian era. Breaking forth from twilight darkness, came a flood of gospel light, a newer and clearer dispensation, the light of the Mosaic dispensation retreating like the moon before the rising light of the gospel sun, the twelve apostles appearing as stars, the woman, the true church, presenting the child, Immanuel, to the world. Before her stood a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, ready to devour the man child as soon as born. This dragon was a symbol of Satan, as shown in verses 9-12. But Satan works through human agents, hence in this chapter we find him working through earthly governments. In the book of Revelation any symbolic creature with seven heads and ten horns always symbolizes Rome in some of its many phases. Here it represents Rome in its pagan form, as the leopard beast of chapter 13 represents Rome as a so-called Christian power. Herod, the Roman governor or king of Judea, represented Rome seeking to destroy the infant Jesus. Herod failed; for Joseph and Mary, being warned of God, fled with the child into Egypt and remained there till Herod was dead. Nevertheless, Rome in the person of Pilate, another Roman governor, did put to death the Son of God. But he was raised from the dead, and ascended to his Father above. The woman, the symbol of the true church of God, did at last flee into the wilderness before this persecutor, Rome, where in obscure, hidden, retired places she existed for twelve hundred sixty years, while papal Rome ruled the world. In 538 the head of the papal system had received from Justinian, the emperor, authority over all churches, with power to correct heretics. Twelve hundred sixty years from that date brings us to the year 1798, when France dethroned the papacy, and it received a deadly wound. Not even yet has the pope recovered the full power which he held before. He hopes to do so, however; and by the help of apostate Protestants he doubtless will. In that “wilderness” condition God's true church was comparatively hidden from public view. The great Protestant Reformation crippled the papacy exceedingly. This experience occurred within the last few centuries. It is brought to view in the prophecy (Rev. 12:16) as the powers of the earth (i. e., earthly governments) helping the woman, God's true people being protected from papal persecutions by German princes, Scandinavian powers, and by the English government. Now we come to our own time: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17. This brings us to the close of that line of prophecy, and necessarily to the last body of believers on earth. His last great effort will be made against the “remnant” of the true church, “which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” His wrath against them will be greatly stirred and powerfully manifested. The meaning of remnant is “that which remains after a part is removed,” a “small portion,” etc. It is used quite a number of times in the Bible, always with that sense. A “remnant of the woman's seed” must be the very last generation of the true church of God on earth, the very same people that the third angel's message develops. The same distinguishing characteristic identifies both—they “keep the commandments of God.” They are the same people. To keep these commandments, all of them must be kept; the fourth commandment as well as the other nine. One other feature must be noticed. They have “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Let the Word define what the testimony of Jesus Christ is: “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev. 19:10. Let us put the definition of the term in the place of the term itself. This will always give the true meaning. “And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the spirit of prophecy.” Such, in effect, is the statement concerning the last of the true church on earth, the “remnant” of the true people of God. As the spirit of prophecy is the leading, crowning gift of those gifts Christ bestowed upon his church when he left them to ascend to his Father, we are authorized by this scripture to expect that the church of Christ in the last generation, composed of those living when he comes, will be characterized by special manifestations of that gift which he placed in his church on earth. Why not? In every great crisis of God's cause he has manifested his special power to help his people. In the Egyptian exodus what mighty spiritual evidences God gave of his presence and power! In every important crisis in the history of that people God raised up persons, and clothed them with spiritual power to perform mighty works. In every step of that people's progress God's power was manifest. He warned them faithfully through his servants the prophets. After the captivity in Babylon, Ezra, Nehemiah, and other prophets had his special help and guidance. After a long interim from Malachi onward till Christ was about to come, these manifestations seemed to cease. But what an outpouring of the Spirit was manifest in connection with the first advent! That was called the “former rain,” watering the gospel seed. But before Christ's coming the second time, there is10 to be a “latter rain,” to ripen off the harvest of the earth. The preparation for that coming will be second to no other ever seen in importance in the world's history. The whole world is to be warned,—the greatest work ever undertaken by his church. Will God leave his people to their own weakness in such a crisis, and with such a great work to do?—By no means. He will close up his work with exhibitions of mighty power. The earth will be lightened with the glory of the closing message. Direct evidence from the Scriptures will come be given on this subject, and clear evidence that true spiritual gifts will be in this movement. A Personal Saviour
By F. A. Zappe
“Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” From these words of Scripture we learn that Jesus, the Son of God, is really our Saviour. He is not a Saviour that is interested in us only in a general way, as many suppose, but he is a personal Saviour, interested in each one individually. Christ’s love for us personally is indeed very great. “If there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one.” “The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul for whom he gave his beloved Son.” So great is the interest which heaven takes in an individual, that all the heavenly angels rejoice with Jesus when one soul who has been walking in sin comes into the ark of safety. Our Saviour said, “I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Far better does Jesus know each one of us personally than does the nearest or dearest of our earthly friends. The hairs of our head are numbered, and he knows all our thoughts. Every commandment and promise given in the Word of God should be regarded by each one as applying to himself as directly as if there was not another soul living in this world. When each one knows for himself that Jesus is his Saviour and God his God, and that every command and promise given is meant for himself personally, then there will be no trouble in having a living experience in the things of God. Encouraging indeed are the promises which the Lord makes to each one personally: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” “Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Our Saviour is no respecter of person. He longs to see one man saved just as much as the other. He would, if necessary, send every one of the heavenly angels to help the weakest soul who is trusting in him to gain the victory over Satan, rather than to see Satan get the victory, and thus cause the loss of that one soul. O, how thankful each one of us should be that Jesus, the Son of God, is a personal Saviour! Brethren and sisters, it does bring one nearer to Jesus when he feels free to come before the Father and the Son, and say, O God, thou art my God! O Saviour, thou art my Saviour! Seeing we have such a Saviour as this, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus,” the personal Saviour, “the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” And seeing that it is a personal Saviour who is our great high priest that is passed into the heavens, “let us hold fast our profession,” and “let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” “What of the Night?”
By M. Shepard
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep.” Rom. 13:11. These words of counsel and admonition apply in a special sense to the children of God who know the times and seasons, and at the time when the Saviour is about to appear the second time “without sin unto salvation.” Physically, sleep is needful. It is also true that there is a time to sleep; and in this proper time, it may be perfectly safe to sleep. But he who sleeps out of season may suffer great loss, and subject himself to great danger, both of life and of property; and not only so, but as a result of this untimely or unseasonable sleeping, others may suffer great loss. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” Rom. 14:7. Spiritual sleep is not needful. “He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Ps. 121:4. Neither has the Lord made any provision for spiritual sleeping in Israel. It is therefore neither safe nor profitable for any one to be found so doing at any time. “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Eph. 5:14. The call to awake out of sleep, based upon the knowledge of knowing the time, “that now it is high time,” implies the possibility of it being the last call, or even the last opportunity to receive life. Let us therefore awake, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, neither with the workers of iniquity, who are saying to the works of their hands, Ye are our gods. For in Jehovah the fatherless findeth mercy. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep,” let no man beguile you of your reward, neither spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the ways of the world, and not after Christ. Col. 2:18, 8. “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” Isa. 8:13. “For the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . So shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chron. 20:15, 20. What of the night? “Learn of Me”
By F. W. Morse
It is indeed quite wonderful how much we have to unlearn when we come into the school of Christ. It is also remarkable what slow progress some of the most eminent of God’s servants have made in putting away the unprofitable things they have had to unlearn to become men of God, to hold forth the light to others. We sometimes become too zealous to have the Lord’s work move faster, and are quite impatient that some who have had the truth for the present time set before them fully, do not embrace it at once. But let us remember things of the past in God’s great work, and remember that Christ is the Great Teacher, and we must not seek to outrun our Leader. Luther declares of himself and the great work given him to do: “I must root up stock and stem, clear away thorns and brambles, fill up swamps and sloughs. I am like the sturdy wood-cutter, who must clear and level the road.”—“History of the Great Reformation, D’Aubigné, page 145.” While a great pioneer in reform, yet Luther was slow to learn. He did not search out something new and surprise the world by his rapid progress in divine things. We can see the same in looking through the career of other eminent reformers. We need carefully to avoid the driving, Jehu spirit in all our intercourse with the world, and with one another. The Lord can do more in one hour to water the plants than we can do in a lifetime, and do it much better. Yet it is not suitable that we be asleep and cast off all care and responsibility. We all have a work to do, a message to give, if indeed we do belong to the school of Christ. So then let us not lose courage because of our slow progress; but keep humbly, patiently moving on, and keep close to our Great Leader. Concentrate Your Best Effort
“Concentrate your best effort in whatever you undertake: if it is school, go at it with a determination to win out; if it is work, do it so cheerfully and well that the one you are working for will be sorry to part with you when the time for your release comes.” “If any little word of ours
Can make one life the brighter;
If any little song of ours
Can make one heart the lighter; “God help us speak that little word,
And take our bit of singing,
And drop it in some lonely vale
To set the echoes ringing.” M. E. STEWARD
By M. E. Steward
SEVENTY-SIX years of age,—is not the writer in the border-land? Long vistas of the past bring many regretful memories, in fact, “nothing but cause of discouragement.” The present has its interests, with the sweet assurance of the forgiveness of sins, and a sense of the tender love and care of God; while the future stretches away, an expanse of limitless glory! Matt. 24: 13. It is not a lamentable thing to live in the “border-land.” There are different pathways leading down the decline of life. One is in the sunshine, enlivened by flowers and the songs of birds. Those who walk upon this path are bright, loving, and lovable. There are other tracks over the “down-hill of life.” They lie in shadow, and those who take them are torn with thorns, and fall over stumbling-blocks, which, many times, their own hands have placed there; they are gloomy, selfish, and disagreeable. Of the latter class was feeble, old Mr. Ames. He had been welcomed to a good home, free of charge, in the family of Mr. Brown, a man in comfortable circumstances. From the first, perfect freedom was given him; he might work or not, as he chose. Every one treated him with the utmost kindness, while the children were never allowed to be disrespectful, though the old man was sometimes quite trying and unreasonable toward them. Especially in times of illness, everything possible was done for the comfort of the afflicted one. Yet Mr. Ames was not appreciative and thankful; indeed, he came to act as if everything and everybody was at his disposal. His habits and plans were never to be interfered with. Naturally very selfish and set in his ways, this piteously weak old soul became still more jealous, exacting, and morose. Through it all, the wonderful patience of the family failed not. This true story (except the names) was a case of “the ruling passion strong” in old age. It is a warning to the young to control unlovely traits of character, before they become fixed and unmanageable. It is an appeal to all ages to surrender themselves to Him with whom “all things are possible,” that selfishness may be eradicated, and the heart filled with the sweetness of the Holy Spirit. To grow old destitute of the grace of God is surely a thing not to be desired. While Mr. Ames was with Mr. Brown, a dear, quiet old lady came into the same neighborhood to spend the winter with her granddaughter. Her face was always cheery. There was something about her that invited confidence, and made one feel like sitting at her feet, to be befriended and guided in perplexities. One of the family said that she brought more sunshine into the home than any one else did. Speaking to her of this remark, she said she had known old people who were so exacting and faultfinding that they cast a shadow wherever they were, and she was trying to be different. While unpretentious, she was affable, winning, and beloved by all. Soon after this old lady returned home, her sweet life ended, but its fragrance will ever remain. The feebleness of age is inclined to cling to some young or stronger arm. There is strength and tender rest for the worn spirit, safely folded in the loving Father’s arms. This blessed place of refuge is easy to find; it is simply committing all we are, with every care and interest, to God, and then going about doing his will, relying on his promises. Old persons long for love and sympathy. At the same time they are inclined to be sensitive; they are often unhappy if attentions which might be properly expected are not received; it may be their advice is disregarded. It has been said by one who knows, that “God wants the aged to live for their experience.” But would it not be wise to hold this experience as a sacred fund, to be drawn from when it is actually needed and desired? If one is continually referring to his “experience,” it will become obnoxious and offensive, and thus useless. True wisdom is modest and self-distrustful. It is far better for the aged to consider that it is not their province to “make things right,” than it is to live in a jangle of opinions, which renders some families unhappy. Grown-up boys and girls are no longer children. They have reached the age of sound judgment, and should have a chance, as far as possible, to choose for themselves, without criticism or dictation, except kind advice, when desired. “Let us make the most we can of life” in the border-land. If anything about our families or friends troubles us, let us take it to our Father, who is carrying all our other burdens. Then we shall go care-free, and we shall be not only desired, but a comfort and a blessing to all about us, while we drop a smile here, and a good thought there. Old people sometimes like to be considered young. They dress like the young, and their manners are affected. Let the heart be kept fresh and sympathetic, with a wise adjustment of dress, speech, and manners to advanced age, and there will be the simplicity of natural frankness and dignity, and a buoyancy of spirits which is welcomed everywhere.