Earlier text: The Call of God to Our People at This TimePAUL associated with himself in the ministry Silas, because he was a man that Paul naturally took a liking to, but God designed that opposites should come together and be unified. Mark went with Barnabas. But later on when Paul was in prison, he said, Send Mark down to me, for I have need of him in the ministry. The very one he separated from he needed. We are in need of the very strength and help that comes from counsel; and even though we differ greatly in many respects, God designs that this shall be the greatest evidence to the world of his power, that by our love for one another and our unity all men should know that we are his disciples. But this is a hard thing for the natural man. “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” “For I say . . . to every man that is among you [high or low], not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye can not say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. . . . That there should be no division in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” Notice the instruction given in Ephesians 5, verses 17-21. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” This is not what the natural man would do. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.” But in these verses is presented the sanctified individuality that submits the one to the other. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” Heb. 13:17. The marginal reading for the words “that have the rule over you,” is “that guide you.” See also 1 Peter 5, reading from the first verse: “The elders which are among you I exhort. . . . Feed the flock of God which is among you.” The word “feed” in this passage is derived from the same original word as that rendered “rule” in the other texts quoted. So it means, Obey them that feed you from the Word of God. “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. . . . Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” Notice the words in the second chapter of Philippians, beginning at the second verse: “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Suppose we should come together to counsel with that feeling in our hearts, — having a better impression of others, thinking more of their ideas, that they are even more conscientious than we are, and that they are united to God as well as we, — then the scripture promise could be claimed, and would be fulfilled, “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The result of such counsel would be binding, and whatever would be bound in such counsel would be bound in heaven. When, however, men meet with the determination to see their own ideas and plans carried irrespective of the views and feelings of others, it can only result in division; but when men come together to ascertain what God’s mind in the matter is, they will esteem others better than themselves. We would all lay all our plans on the altar, as Abraham laid his son Isaac, believing that God will resurrect them if they are right, but if they are consumed, it is best so. Truth will come to the surface when we come together with that feeling. This is just what the church should be, and when this is so, the individual should regard the voice of the church as the voice of God, whether the church is composed of one hundred members or of three. I believe that this is the true teaching of the Word of God in regard to the question of unity, and I firmly believe that this is what God is trying to bring about among the remnant people. But I can also see that the enemy recognizes that in such a unity there is a strength that withstands all his efforts, and so he is doing his utmost to bring in disunion. There is weakness and defeat in division. As I remarked in the beginning, I have passed through this experience the last few weeks, and it has brought the greatest blessing to me that I have ever felt in my life. I have learned the lesson that I have tried to set before you this morning, and so instead of looking upon myself as a complete whole, and able to walk out in different lines independent of my brethren’s counsel, I feel that in their counsel there is strength and wisdom, and that this is the way of ascertaining the mind of the Lord. I believe this is the only safe course to pursue. The blessing of the Lord will rest upon that people who believe and obey these principles. Not the Wrong System
By F. D. Starr
God’s plan for the government of his ancient people was that of rule by judges, as seen by such scriptures as Deut. 17:8, 9; Acts 13:20. But they did not seem to make a success of this system. The last few chapters of the book of Judges reveal a condition of things almost rivaling that of Sodom itself. A change seemed to be an absolute necessity. The sentiment of the people seems to be evinced by such expressions as that found in Judges 21:25, the closing statement of the book: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” The same idea is expressed in Judges 17:6; 18:1, and 19:1. The idea seems to be that inasmuch as there was no restraining hand of royalty to check the unruly elements, things went on in a very loose and disorderly manner. So the people finally decided they must have a change, and when Samuel’s ungodly sons were appointed judges, they said matters had gone far enough, and they would adopt another system; they must have a king. Samuel remonstrated with them, and told them they were making a great mistake, but their minds were set; they had tried God’s plan long enough to satisfy themselves that it would not work; another style of government would be better for them anyway; kingly rule would better restrain their disorderly elements. It is true that if a mild discipline is abused, then something more severe must11 be introduced. State prison government is the best kind of government for some people, indeed it is the only kind of government that will answer for them. But God designs more liberty and a better kind of government for those who will not abuse it. The trouble with the people was they were not well disciplined in self-government. The change they needed was not a change in the system; the system was all right. The change needed was a change in themselves. In this is a practical lesson for us. We may often think some plan that the Lord has introduced is not so good as some other plan, and that we have tried his plan long enough to demonstrate its inefficiency. Take the church-school system, for instance. Nothing can be plainer than that this is God’s chosen plan for the education of the young. But some have tried the plan long enough to satisfy themselves that it will not work successfully, and so they return to the same system as all their neighbors around them, the public school system, and the benefits God designs for the young are withheld from them. But is the trouble with the church-school system?—By no means. A change is needed without doubt, but what change?—A change at home. The trouble may be with the parents, it may be with the pupils, it may be with the teacher, it may be with the local methods used, or it may be with all together, but the trouble is not with the system. Church-schools seem to have developed one fact quite clearly, and that is that there is a great lack of home government and home discipline. The home school should be made a success, and so better church-schools will result. Of the young it may be said, “Let them learn first to show piety at home.” 1 Tim. 5:4. Success to the church-school. Faith in Unfulfilled Prophecy
By G. G. RUPERT
It is not always easy to have unbounded confidence in prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled. Especially is this true when, having made up our minds as to how it will be fulfilled, all indications point the other way. There are times of real trial of faith to the servant of God, and especially is this true of those who are the students of the prophetic portions of the Bible. We read the prediction, we form conclusions as to how it will come to pass; but when it does come, it may come in a way that we little expect, and before it comes, everything from a human standpoint may indicate just the opposite. Those connected with the early experience of this message preached that according to the Word of God this country would be a persecuting power, not granting the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of conscience. They were met with great opposition, but time has proved this position to be true. We have a remarkable case of this kind on record in the Bible, where the fulfilment of prophecy was one of the most unlikely things that could happen. “And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for four-score pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver. And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him saying, Help, my lord, O king. And he said, If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barn floor, or out of the wine-press? And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to-day, and we will eat my son to-morrow. So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh. Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day. But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him? And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the Lord; what should I wait for the Lord any longer? Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To-morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.” For the fulfilment of this prediction let the reader turn and read its history. Now this lord said that if the windows of heaven could be opened, this might be, but from no other source. For this unbelief this man lost his life. The city was in siege, provision had been exhausted, escape seemed impossible, and who would have thought of relief coming in the way it did?—No one. So when we can not see how things will come to pass, we must believe just the same, and wait to see the salvation of God. The apostle Paul says that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” These experiences will be lived over, more or less, in our day, in the closing events of the world’s history. The student of the Bible will be able to call up other cases besides the ones cited, which have lessons of trust in them for us at such times. Great events in the fulfilment of prophecy will come to pass in our day. There is danger that we, having decided in our own minds how the prophecy will be fulfilled, shall not recognize its fulfilment when it takes place in a different way than we had looked for. This should not be the case. First, let us find out what the Word of God teaches, make it a study, use every precaution, weigh every side as far as we are able, then stand on the word of God whether things look favorable at all times or not. If God has said it will come to pass, it will surely come, but maybe at a time and in a way that we little expect. The apostle Peter says we have a more sure word of prophecy, something more sure than what we see with our natural eye. God has marked out the movements of nations, and all we can do is to take the word of God for it, and wait for its fulfilment. The outlook may at times be directly to the contrary; then is when our faith is tried. The Bible alone is the guide. The Babylonians failed to see this when the city was overthrown by the Medes and Persians. They looked to the walls three hundred and fifty feet high and eighty-seven feet thick, their solid gates of brass, and the twenty years’ provisions inside the gates, and felt secure. But God had predicted by the prophet Daniel that it should be overthrown, and it came just at the time when they least looked for it. God works not as man works, neither is he dependent on the wisdom of man. He suggests to man the thought, and man, as the instrument, carries out the plan. In the movements of nations, God can in a moment, as it were, turn the scale on the other side. Does the Word of God teach a thing? if so, stick to it regardless of everything else. You will be in the majority by and by. A RICH lady dreamed that she went to heaven, and there saw a mansion being built. “Who is that for?” she asked of the guide. “But he lives in the tiniest cottage on earth, with barely room for his family. He might live better if he did not give away so much to the miserable poor folks.” Farther on she saw a tiny cottage being built. “And who is that for?” she asked. “But I have lived in a mansion on earth. I would not know how to live in a cottage.” The words she heard in reply were full of meaning. “The Master Builder is doing his best with the material that is being sent up.” Then she awoke, resolving to lay up treasure in heaven.—Selected. Old-Fashioned Philosophy
By J. A. Edgerton
SCORN not the homely virtues. We are
prone
To search through all the world for
something new:
And yet sometimes old-fashioned things
are best,—
Old-fashioned work, old-fashioned rectitude,
Old-fashioned honor, and old-fashioned prayer,
Old-fashioned patience that can bide its time,
Old-fashioned firesides sacred from the world,
Old-fashioned satisfaction with enough,
Old-fashioned candor and simplicity,
Old-fashioned folk that practise what they preach.
— J. A. Edgerton. Heart Talks With Parents—I
By Elizabeth M. Patton
A short time ago, while visiting with friends, something occurred which at the time quite surprised me. But since then, in thinking seriously over the circumstance, I am convinced that it may not be such an uncommon thing, after all. There was a deep lesson in it for me, and it is quite possible that it may be of benefit to other parents. Breakfast was all ready to serve, and the family, which included several bright little people, gathered for the usual morning worship. The Bible lesson was read in simple words by the father, and as there were some unusually interesting features brought out, we older folk could not forbear a little pleasant discussion, interspersed during the reading of the chapter. Even the children paid the best of attention, for the narrative was one which would specially appeal to little folk. Just at the close of one of these interruptions, a little six-year-old looked up at her father with beaming eyes, and started to say something which had come into her mind about the lesson. Her father looked at her for just an instant as if astonished, and then continued his reading. The chapter was soon finished, and we knelt to pray. The little one was sitting next to me, and her sensitive heart felt the rebuke just as keenly as would a grown-up person, I am sure. The bright eyes filled with tears, and during the first part of the earnest prayer which was offered, the little body shook with suppressed sobs, and I confess that my heart was with her more than with the prayer which ascended. How I longed to lift her into my lap, with a comfort hug for the sore little heart. I dared not do this, however, but reaching my hand to her as we knelt side by side, I patted the little brown head, and I know the loving Saviour breathed comfort into her mind. By the time we rose from our knees, the incident was apparently forgiven, and ready to be forgotten. Not so with me,—at least as to the forgetting. Certainly I could forgive; for I knew that in the heart of that parent there was nothing but love for his children, and a great desire for their supreme welfare and happiness. I knew that probably the first reason in his mind for thus ignoring the little one was lack of time. He was in a hurry to get away to his work. Yet he had listened with courtesy to my interruption, and together we had talked of the beautiful lesson without the slightest appearance of haste. And the children knew this. Another reason, I feel confident, is the training we ourselves received as little children. Many of us can recall the days when we were taught that “little children should be seen and not heard.” This is a grand maxim, which I’ll admit is greatly neglected in these days; but is there not danger that some of us may live up to the letter of it too strictly sometimes? There is great lament to-day over the lack of interest among our young people for things spiritual, or for the study of the Word of God in any way. Often do we hear parents deplore this fact, and confess to great anxiety because of it. They think they have been conscientious in the training of their children, and they have always prayed fervently for their salvation. In fact, it seems to these parents that they have done everything for their children, and they can not understand the lack of interest and consequent drifting away. I have yet to see the person who, when a child, did not delight in Bible stories; and as the children grow older, and the little minds expand to receive the deeper lessons, the quickness with which they are able to grasp the spiritual lessons has often been a marvel to me. Many times, when given the opportunity to talk freely, have their simple utterances sent a wonderful truth deeper home into my own soul. “Except ye become as little children.” Now why does the youth turn away from that which was ever his delight as a child? It is a fact too well understood to be questioned, that in the early days of childhood, when the energetic little fingers are constantly seeking to keep pace with the busy mind, when almost the only desire and greatest joy are to help, if they are pushed aside, sent off to play, or fretted at for getting in the way, the time inevitably comes when the little hands, which might have become truly useful and a great comfort, have learned to occupy themselves with other things; and as too many parents have learned to their sorrow, the work of then teaching them to lift in the home duties becomes a task from which many shrink. Is there not a spiritual lesson for parents in this? Has there been no time in the life of your children when they have been “turned down” in their innocent enthusiasm and interest in Bible subjects? How many are willing to give from twenty minutes to half an hour in reading and talking about the morning lesson? Why should we hurry through, as an irksome duty, that which is the only means of giving us and our children the spiritual food and consequent strength to satisfy our needs for the day? Fifteen or twenty minutes earlier rising each morning would certainly give us the necessary time for this heavenly sitting with our Saviour. Why should the hurry of life be permitted to strike heaviest at this most vital necessity, unless it is because we have not yet experienced the marvelous blessing which comes when we regularly open our hearts to God, and let him come in and speak to us through his Word? The other evening my heart received a fresh rebuke because of this very haste which creeps in so insidiously, unless one is on constant guard. I had been helping our two little girls prepare for bed, when, just as they were about to kneel, one of them said, “Mama, let’s go in by the fire to pray.” “O never mind, dearie,” I answered, encouragingly, “it isn’t so very cold here, and you’ll soon be tucked in bed.” The truth of the matter was that I was tired, and dreaded taking even the little extra bother and time that would have been necessary to go in by the fire with them. Nothing more was said as we knelt, and I put an arm around each little white-gowned body. But the older cut her prayer much briefer than usual, and the other, following the example of her sister, did likewise. But when we arose, what was my astonishment and chagrin to hear the younger remark gleefully to her sister, “Didn’t we do that quick?” Then there is another thought that comes into mind, and I am sure most of you will agree with me that it has a vital bearing on this subject: What is our conversation before our children from their infancy up? Are we talking of the home which our Father has prepared for us? Are we discussing the best way of living, of eating, of dressing, so that we may be prepared,—more than just ready,—waiting, watching, and longing for his coming to take us there? Do we talk over some of the beautiful thoughts just touched in the morning lesson, or some new point brought out in the Sabbath lesson, or the daily events of the world (not the things of blood) as viewed in the light of God’s Word? As we gather about the table at mealtime, do we have anything to tell that is of cheerful interest? Has there been a victory gained? a precious promise proved? Are we all-round, cheerful Christians? Do we have joy in our13 experiences, even though many of these experiences come through much tribulation? Are we teaching our children that in everything we are to give thanks, and that God is able to make everything work together for good because we love him,—not merely teaching the words, but letting our lives illustrate these precious truths? “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever.” Can we not see now what the trouble is with our youth? Do we not understand a little better some of the reasons for their lack of interest in the Word of God? May it not be possible that it is the direct result of our own neglect? Let us return unto the Lord that such a heart may be created in us—a heart to fear God and keep all his commandments, that it may be well with us and with our children forever. Family Sabbath-Keeping
By Vina M. Sherwood
“FROM even unto even, shall ye celebrate your Sabbaths.” In visiting the homes of Sabbath-keepers, I have been interested to observe the different methods of beginning and closing the Sabbath. In some homes it seems as if everything on Friday afternoon is just seething and boiling; and as the Sabbath hours approach, there is a strenuous effort to cool things down, and rush for seats just as the sun sinks out of sight; but far too many times this is not even accomplished, and there is a lapping over of the six days’ work onto sacred time. The family gather for worship, untidy, weary in mind and body, with thoughts still wandering on tasks hastily done or half finished. Worship is conducted in a half-hearted way. The evening is spent in dozing over the Sabbath-school lesson. A Sabbath begun in this manner is usually closed, especially on the farm, by the children donning their everyday clothes half an hour before sunset, or even earlier in the afternoon, preparatory to doing the evening chores. With the changing of the garments, there is a letting down of the Sabbath spirit, and a feeling that the day will soon be over. We are very particular to give God a tithe of all we possess, but what about the portion of our time that he requires of us—that one seventh of the week? Does he not tell us, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse”? Does he not expect us to give all the moments of the Sabbath to him? How niggardly we should feel if, when tithing twenty-five cents, we should give the Lord but two cents! So ought we to feel in regard to wasting one moment of the Sabbath. I am glad all Sabbath-keeping families do not begin the Sabbath in the manner just described. I have in mind a family whose habits were different. The family, consisting of a mother and four children, lived on a large farm. The children were instructed by precept and example that although Friday was the special preparation day, yet from Sunday to Sabbath there should be a general preparation for the Sabbath. Consequently, as the sun was sinking in the west Sabbath evening, the mother of these children gathered them about her, with clean faces, and clad in fresh garments. Together they sang this old Sabbath hymn,— “Another six days’ work is done,
Another Sabbath is begun;
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest,
Improve the day that God has blessed.” Then followed worship, all taking part. From the very first moments of its sacred hours it seemed that all caught the Sabbath spirit. In the summer time, after Sabbath-school the family went for a walk to the woods. This contact with nature, and the lessons thereby learned of its Creator, still influence the lives of those children, though they are now to manhood and womanhood grown. The little group usually planned to return home just about the time of sunset. They often paused on a hill over which the lane wound to the woods, and as they watched the varied beauties of the sunset, their hearts were filled with reverence for him who traced the colors there; and thus with another hymn and prayer the Sabbath was closed, all having been refreshed spiritually, mentally, and physically for the coming week of work. THE accumulation of adipose tissue in man is an evidence of disease. That the fat man is not the healthy man is recognized by physicians everywhere. When a human being whose normal weight should be ten or twelve stone tips the beam at nineteen or twenty stone, he is considered to be in a dangerous condition, in danger of fatty degeneration of the heart muscles and blood-vessels, and of sudden death. The man himself begins to feel uncomfortable, and perhaps already suffers with Bright’s disease or gout, and applies to his physician for advice and treatment. It is recognized that the athlete with the strong, hard, muscular arm is the healthy man. It is strange that cattle and other animals are often fattened until they reach almost double their normal weight. These creatures are no longer in health; they are diseased, they are suffering with fatty degeneration. In the selection of beef, the healthy ox with strong, hard muscles is passed by. Only tender steak is in demand. Thus a premium is placed on soft, flabby muscle or beef steak.—Australasian Good Health. NINE successful novels recently published in the United States had a total sale of over 1,600,000 copies. Since the average weight of each book sold was probably twenty ounces, a little calculation will prove that these 1,600,000 books contained approximately 2,000,000 pounds of paper. A manufacturer of paper asserts that the average spruce tree yields a little less than half a cord of wood, which is equivalent to about 500 pounds of paper. In other words, these nine novels swept away 4,000 trees, and they form but a small part of the fiction so eagerly read by the American public.—Chicago Daily News. In a recent press dispatch from Cleveland, Ohio, appeared the following:— “Miss Nina Shepheard, the leading singer in the Congregational church of East Cleveland, took strychnine this morning, believing it to be a headache powder. The fatal mistake was made by her chum, Miss Grace Sanborn, the daughter of H. R. Sanborn, cashier of the State National Bank of this city. Miss Shepheard spent the night with Miss Sanborn at the latter’s home, and complained this morning of a severe headache. Miss Sanborn sent the servant after headache powders used by herself. The servant brought the strychnine, and it was Miss Sanborn who handed the poison to her friend. Miss Shepheard was seized with convulsions, and died an hour later. Her father and mother reached her only a few minutes before she died.” Moral: Don’t take headache powders to cure headache. Adopt a better and safer method of relieving this common ailment. “Accidents will happen,” and although they may be rare, one such accident will last a lifetime. A knowledge of natural laws governing physical health will never suggest the necessity of sending to the drug store for some paralyzing agency with which to combat pain; but will show how to remove the cause of the trouble by coming into harmony with nature, and thus obviate the necessity of resorting to drugs, with the attendant danger of taking an overdose or a wrong dose, and a resulting funeral. An ounce of prevention is worth many pounds of such a “cure.” The Weariness of Selfishness
By J. H. Jowett
A MAN who lives entirely to himself becomes at last obnoxious to himself. I believe it is the law of God that self-centeredness ends in self-nauseousness. There is no weariness like the weariness of a man who is wearied of himself, and that is the awful nemesis which follows the selfish life.—J. H. Jowett.