p. 55 | Review and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 4. (1/23/1900)

SAVED BY FAMILIES.

By S. M. I. H.

The gospel is a means to an end. It is a lift out of the darkness of death into the light of life. Its fulcrum is the home, its burden is the family, which must be raised to the altitude of the eternal home and the glorious presence of the Eternal Father.

The terms “home” and “family” are often used as synonymous; but they are the same only as the wheat stock is the wheat. While there can be no home without a family, the family may exist without any local habitation such as could properly be called a home. It was the family that made the home a necessity. The family idea anticipated the home.

The family principle is at the foundation of all things that have ever existed to the glory of God. It is the visible revelation of him who calls himself the Eternal Father, and who all through the word that he has given speaks of man as related to himself by ties of which the family is simply an object lesson.

This principle runs through all the universe of created beings and things. It is indestructible, and so full of all that is most precious that it hallows everything that it touches. And among all other gospel truths none is so comprehensive, so full of that which should give us cause for singing as that God intends, and is able, to save us by families. This is the heart of the message, the keynote of its trumpet call. And the fact that it has been sounded in our ears should make us a singing people.

In the words spoken to Abraham, God uttered a prophecy and a promise, as, in referring to the mission of Abraham’s most distinguished descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ, he said, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

That the word “family” in this scripture may also mean “nation” I know; but this does not interfere with the fact that it also means family. Nations are constructed out of families, and partake of their character. There could be no nation without a settled family life. A mass of men, women, and children who had not taken root in home soil, could never make a nation. And in arranging to build up a people who should be the Israel of God, his delight through the eternal ages, the Lord Jesus cast the gospel magnet into the mass of fragments into which Satan had broken the human unit, so as to gather and again unite it in family relations, and so preserve it, an indestructible whole, that it should be a witness to angels and men as to the purpose of God in social conditions. Whatever is consummated in the church must first be perfected in the family. The channel of individual experience must be kept open, or the whole body will become diseased and ineffective; and the family is the place where personal experience is made.

No man all alone by himself can give a complete testimony to the power of the gospel in human life. Rom. 14:7. This is why the hermit or cloister system has been inoperative. There must be association with other human beings in order to make a witness to either the effects of sin or of salvation. The object of the gospel is to meet sin in every place where it can possibly manifest itself, and the work of a witness is to prove that it has been so met and overcome.

The family was so organized as to provide the best opportunity for the development of every sinful tendency, as well as for the freest exercise of the power by which alone it can be destroyed.

It will be impossible to give to the world the testimony that it must have concerning the truth without families so reorganized, out of the sinful disorder into which they have fallen, into the divine order that they shall clearly reveal the life, light, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit in every detail. The boy or girl on the street or at school can nullify the best profession that any father or mother can make.

Jesus can not come again until that perfect testimony has been given which will leave every soul without excuse. The unbelieving must be compelled to say, “That people show by their homes, the family life, the character of their children, that they are living the truth; for whatever is good or evil in any man, woman, or child, will come out in the family; and since only those things that are lovely, of good report, Christlike, and pure, appear in the families of that people, we must accept their witness. They have the truth.”

The purpose of God is always good,—blessing, not cursing. The gospel can not be a blessing short of salvation to the uttermost. Hence blessing by families means salvation by families. This blessing was sent to the families of the earth in that earthen vessel, which was known as the Lord Jesus Christ, and which contained the eternal principles of God. Outside of him there could be no blessing for any family; but in him, conditional upon its acceptance by those to whom has been given the power to say upon what principles any especial family shall be produced, there is absolute protection from the destroyer.

The condition of the body depends upon that of the head and heart. Of the family the father is the head, the mother the heart; and between them they determine what shall be the status of the entire body. If the head is insane with selfishness, and the heart is sick with despair, there can be no health anywhere. But if the head is sound, however sick the heart may be, by the application of the power that God has placed at the disposal of a true intelligence, this infirmity may be relieved. Conversely, if the heart is sound, its every beat in tune to the pulsations that keep time for the universe, then the disordered head may, by the same power, be healed of its insanity, and filled with the mind that was in Christ. 1 Cor. 7:14, 16; 1 Peter 3:1–6. S. M. I. H.

Patience Is Bitter, but Its Fruit Is Sweet

“PATIENCE is bitter, but its fruit is sweet,”

EXTRACT FROM CORRESPONDENCE.

My daughter has a very peculiar disposition. At any time when she can not do whatever she takes a notion to do, she will sulk around; and no matter what I may say or do, she is determined that nothing shall interest her but just the one thing that she can not have. What would you do in such a case?

Pay no attention to the sulking, but be very sure that the child gets nothing for it. Do not let her sulk you into gratifying any whim. Leave her alone by herself until she straightens up, and she will learn that it does not pay, and abandon it. No child is apt to work very long at even sulking unless it brings something that he wants.

QUESTION AND ANSWER.

How would you teach the commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” to children from six to ten years of age?

In regard to teaching the seventh commandment to children, do not begin with the crime against which the commandment gives its warning; but first of all teach them what is the relation between man and woman, according to God’s holy law. Read them the love stories of the Bible, tell them how father and mother came to love each other, and live together in marriage. The language in which to do this teaching is in the Bible waiting for you. When the children have this beautiful picture of the family fixed in their minds, then show them how the commandment is given to warn men and women against doing those things that would spoil God’s plan, break up the home, and send father, mother, and children each out alone and adrift in the world.

Matt. 5:27-32 inclusive and Deut. 5:21 will throw light upon the subject. With the Scriptures open before you, and with consecrated woman’s wit, you can certainly teach your children all that children of their ages can understand of the subject. Make them see that the commandment is given for the purpose of keeping the family life sacred and pure. They will quickly comprehend that one man and woman should live in a family together, for the sake of the children, so that they might have an opportunity to grow up as they ought, without interference from too many people. You can illustrate this point from the lives of children who are thrown out of their homes, like birds out of the nest in a storm, and many other points that you can easily use. These will appeal to the children, and they will understand that to have changes in fathers and mothers, as in clothes, would not be very comfortable.

SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.

A FATHER, for whom a mother and little daughter are anxiously praying and working.

A young Catholic lady who is investigating the truth, and has almost decided to obey, but who will be banished from her home if she does.

A son, who, through the popular school system of to-day, entertains skeptical views, in spite of the fact that his fond mother has done all in her power to fit him for work for God.

A husband, who is darkening the life of one of our sisters by his evil and intemperate ways; and also for the wife that she may have patience and courage to win him to Christ.

A son, who has contracted the habit of drink by the custom of his wife placing liquor on the table. The habit is growing upon him. Also for the mother in her suffering for the sake of her loved one—her only child.

Sister Seeks Companion for Winter and Spring

A SISTER in West Virginia writes that she would be glad to have some sister live with her this winter and spring as a companion. She is on a farm about a quarter of a mile from town, her husband is gone a great deal, and she would be glad to have some one who needs a home come and live with her for company. For further particulars, address Grace G. Durland.

DISEASE AND ITS CAUSES.

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE.

My sisters, there is need of a dress reform among us. There are many errors in the present style of female dress. It is injurious to health, and, therefore, a sin for females to wear tight corsets, or whalebones, or to compress the waist. Compressing the waist has a depressing influence upon the heart, liver, and lungs. The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs. Thousands of females have ruined their constitutions, and brought upon themselves various diseases, in their efforts to make a healthy and natural form unhealthy and unnatural. They are dissatisfied with nature's arrangements; and in their earnest efforts to correct nature, and bring her to their ideas of gentility, they break down her work, and leave her a mere wreck.

Many females drag down the bowels by hanging heavy skirts upon the hips. These were not formed to sustain weights. In the first place, heavy quilted skirts should never be worn. They are unnecessary and a great evil. The female dress should be suspended from the shoulders.

It would be pleasing to God if there were greater uniformity in the dress among believers. The style of dress formerly adopted by the Friends is the least objectionable. Many of them have backslidden; and although they may preserve the uniformity of color, yet they have indulged in pride and extravagance, and their dress has been of the most expensive material. Still their selection of plain colors, and the modest and neat arrangement of their clothing, are worthy of imitation by Christians.

The children of Israel, after they were brought out of Egypt, were commanded to have a simple ribbon of blue in the border of their garments, to distinguish them from the nations around them, and to signify that they were God's peculiar people. The people of God are not now required to have a special mark placed upon their garments. But in the New Testament we are often referred to ancient Israel as examples. If God gave such definite directions to his ancient people in regard to their dress, will not the dress of his people in this age come under his notice? Should there not be in their dress a distinction from that of the world? Should not the people of God, who are his peculiar treasure, seek even in their dress to glorify God? And should they not be examples in dress, and by their simple style rebuke the pride, vanity, and extravagance of worldly, pleasure-loving professors? — God requires this of his people. Pride is rebuked in his word.

But there is a class who are continually harping upon pride and dress, who are careless of their own apparel, and who think it a virtue to be dirty, and dress without order and taste; and their clothing often looks as if it flew, and lit upon their persons. Their garments are filthy, and yet such ones will ever be talking against pride. They class decency and neatness with pride. Had they been among that number who gathered around the mount to hear the law spoken from Sinai, they would have been chased from the congregation of Israel, because they had not obeyed the command of God—“And let them wash their clothes,”—preparatory to listening to his law given in awful grandeur.

The ten commandments spoken by Jehovah from Sinai can not live in the hearts of persons of disorderly, filthy habits. If ancient Israel could not so much as listen to the proclamation of that holy law, unless they had obeyed the injunction of Jehovah, and cleansed their clothing, how can that sacred law be written upon the hearts of persons who are not cleanly in person, in clothing, or in their houses? — It is impossible. Their profession may be as high as heaven, yet it is not worth a straw. Their influence disgusts unbelievers. Better if they had ever remained outside the ranks of God's loyal people. The house of God is dishonored by such professors.

All who meet upon the Sabbath to worship God should, if possible, have a neat, well-fitting, comely suit to wear in the house of worship. It is a dishonor to the Sabbath, and to God and his house, for those who profess that the Sabbath is the holy of the Lord, and honorable, to wear the same clothing upon the Sabbath that they have worn through the week while laboring upon their farms, when they can obtain other. If there are worthy persons who, with their whole heart, would honor the Lord of the Sabbath, and the worship of God, and who can not obtain a change of clothing, let those who are able give to such a Sabbath suit, that they may appear in the house of God with cleanly, fitting apparel.

A greater uniformity in dress would be pleasing to God. Those who expend money on costly apparel and extra fixings can, by a little self-denial, exemplify pure religion by simplicity of clothing, and then use the money that they have usually expended needlessly, in aiding some poor brother or sister, whom God loves, to obtain neat and modest apparel.

LITTLE JIM.

By MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE

MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.

He lay with wee hands folded In his little trundle-bed, While the glory of the sunset Shone about the golden head; And the chilling night winds whispered Through the broken window pane, As anon the white lips murmured,— Murmured o’er and o’er again,—

“Mamma, tell your boy a story; Little Jim is tired to-night: Tell about the angels, mamma, ’Bout the shining angels bright; Tell about the blessed Saviour, How he lived upon the earth, How he healed the poor, blind beggar,— Blind and wretched from his birth.”

Then she told the sweet old story, In a voice so low and mild,— Told him of the blessed angels,— Told him of the dear Christ-child. And the loving voice grew tender, And the sightless eyes grew dim: “Mamma, does the gentle Saviour Love a little boy like Jim?

“Sometimes when the pain is dreadful, And the room is lone and chill, And I hear the plaintive music Of the pines upon the hill, Then I pray that he will take me,— That he’ll come from out the skies,— That he’ll lay his healing fingers On my sad and sightless eyes.

“Mamma, I am very tired, But I know that ere the day Beams within my little chamber, I shall surely pass away. Kneel and tell the Lord, dear mamma, That I’ll patient wait for him Till the resurrection morning, When he calls for little Jim.”

A Little Light: Prayer for a Life of Witness

God, make my life a little light Within the world to glow, A little flame that burneth bright Wherever I may go.

God, make my life a little hymn Of tenderness and praise, Of faith that never waxes dim In all his wondrous ways.

— The Day Star.

IS YOUR HOME BEING TRANSFORMED INTO A SANITARIUM?

By David Paulson

DAVID PAULSON.

(1926 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill.)

If not, why not? It is impossible for all those who ought to have the benefit of our regularly organized health institutions to secure it. But, nevertheless, have they not a right to some of the crumbs that fall from our richly furnished table? God has not been sending us light upon right living and the care of the sick all these years simply to be hoarded up. It is for the benefit of the world, and God will sooner or later demand of us an account of our stewardship.

The greatest thing about a sanitarium is not the completeness of its outfit, but the amount of light and truth that it cherishes. The cure of the ordinary periodical sick headache requires but a limited paraphernalia. Do you know what diet to use in order to clear a coated tongue? Are you aware that the average attack of biliousness is only an indication of decay and fermentation in the stomach? Do you know what to do to cure it? If not, why not? If your own families do not stand in need of such knowledge, some one in the community does.

Are you too busy to give any special attention to these questions? If so, what assurance have you that the angels of God will not be too busy to care for you when a thousand begin to fall on one side, and ten thousand on the other? Do you offer as an excuse that you can not afford to subscribe for the journals and books that are among God's means of conveying these truths to the people? Have you ever wondered how Neighbor —, who is no better situated financially than you are, succeeded in raising the funeral expenses for his only child, who might have lived if your home had been the center of life and health that God intended it should have been?

The homes of all who expect soon to meet God should be miniature sanitariums. Then, and not till then, may be fulfilled some of those prophecies in the book of Isaiah relative to the wonderful position that the people of God are to occupy in the world just prior to the coming of the Lord?

Land Deeded for Salvation Army Prisoner Home

A DEED has been signed, to Ballington Booth, of the Salvation Army, of fifteen acres of land near Flushing, L. I., to be used in preparing a home for discharged prisoners who are members of the Volunteers' Prisoners' League, a society which has been organized by Mrs. Booth.

BEREAN LIBRARY STUDY.

(January 28 to February 3.)*

Do you remember the particular thing that is to “be a sign to US that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return”? This was brought out in one of the Week of Prayer Readings; but lest some should forget it, and because of its connection with this lesson, we repeat it here: “When . . . our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, THEN we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan, and that the end is near.”—“Testimony for the Church,” No. 32, page 207. In this week’s study we have the symbol of the papal power as set forth in the prophecy, and a distinct outline of the work that power should do. We have, likewise, a clear, concise history of the development of the papacy, and of the marvelous fulfillment, in every detail, of the prophecy concerning it. Study the prophecy of the papacy; study the history of the papacy; and study current events in the light of both prophecy and history. Help the young people and children to understand it all; for we have had no more important lesson than this.

Lesson 9.

(Dan. 7:19–28; “Thoughts on Daniel,” pages 124–144.)*

1. Review Dan. 7:1–18.

2. Describe the unusual characteristics of the fourth beast.

3. What additional information was given to Daniel in reply to his question concerning this symbol?

4. Describe the conditions that made possible the supremacy of the bishop of the church at Rome.

5. Fix in mind a few extracts from historians, that indicate which powers were “plucked up by the roots,” because of their opposition to the establishment of the papacy. Note especially the time when these powers were to be subdued.

6. Notice carefully the fulfillment of each of the following specifications of the work that power represented by the little horn should do:—

(a) “He shall speak great words against the Most High.”

(b) “And shall wear out the saints of the Most High.”

7. What combination of texts proves the length of time meant by “a time and times and the dividing of time”? What events and dates mark the beginning and the end of this period?

8. Study the description of the judgment, in Dan. 7:9–14, 26–28, and discern its connection with the subject of this lesson.

Review Topics.

1. Make a list of the specifications of the “little horn” of Daniel 7, and the work that should be done by the power it represents.

2. Cite briefly the fulfillment by the papacy of each requirement.

3. Work out the mathematical problem of the lesson.

4. Connect important events with each of the following dates: A. D. 493, 533, 534, 538, 1798.

DANIEL AS A LATTER-DAY PROPHET.

By Stephen N. Haskell

The announcement of the first angel’s message is, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” Rev. 14:7. Two points are here brought to view; namely, time, and the investigative judgment—the accounting “worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead.” Luke 20:35. It therefore must take place before the resurrection. To account is to consider one by one. Eccl. 7:27. The basis of the time in this message is, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Dan. 8:14.

Concerning this vision a voice from between the banks of the Ulai said, “Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.” The first words of the angel to Daniel were: “At the time of the end shall be the vision.” Verses 16, 17. In other words, at the time of the end the vision would be understood.

In Dan. 11:35, in speaking of the persecution, we read: “Some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Thus we see that a definite period is called “the time of the end.” After Daniel had received the vision, he was told to “shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” Dan. 12:4.

Verses 8, 9: “And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” When the twelve hundred and sixty years terminated, we reached the time of the end. This was in 1798. The angel further concludes by saying: “Go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” Verse 13. At the end of the days, in the time of the end, Daniel stands in his lot. His prophecy becomes a last-day prophecy, and it is to be heeded the same as if he lived and spoke directly to the people of God in the nineteenth century.

This harmonizes with the testimony of Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar, when he had a view of the image which carried the mind to the setting up of God’s everlasting kingdom. To Nebuchadnezzar Daniel said, “There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be.” Dan. 2:23. This carried the mind of Nebuchadnezzar beyond his earthly kingdom to succeeding kingdoms, and finally directed his mind to the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom.

It was the same on the part of Daniel in the tenth chapter. The angel appeared unto him and said, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent.” Then is added: “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” Dan. 10:11, 14.

Thus by at least five direct testimonies in the book of Daniel, the prophecy is declared to be a prophecy for the people of God in the closing scenes of this world’s history.

S. N. H.

JANUARY STUDY OF THE FIELD: PART IV.

“Palestine.”

(Text-book, January Magazine.)

1. WHAT is the population of Palestine and Syria? How many are Moslems?

2. What religions had their rise in this part of the world?

3. Why is this an international field? Which language is used most extensively? What class of people can especially be reached through this language?

4. Give date of the first organized effort in Palestine.

5. In what line of work did they engage? With what results?

6. What doctrine is taught by many missionaries who go into this field? What striking parallel may be seen between the expectations of many now in Palestine and the disciples in Christ’s time?

7. Among what class has the work been especially fruitful? What had been the result of other missionary efforts among these people?

8. Tell what you can of the first convert. What impetus did this give to our work?

9. From what Bible city did the next convert come? Relate the experience of Brother Shakker.

10. What was accomplished by his imprisonment? What is the universal experience of the Christian convert there? How do these persecutions affect them?

11. What was the result of the close vigilance made of the home of Brother Krum?

12. Tell how his interpreter was next treated.

13. What appeal is made for our brethren in bonds?

14. Can you find Bible incidents in which friends were raised up for the early Christians similar to those who have aided our brethren in Palestine?

HOW THEY LIKE IT.

A LEADER in one of the local churches writes:—

I heartily indorse the whole plan of the Reading Circle study. How important it is that both old and young, but especially the youth among us, shall become acquainted with the message, and the field to which it is to go. I know that it is God’s will that this should be done; therefore I am very anxious that I and my family, and also all the families of our church here, shall follow the studies.

An isolated worker thus expresses appreciation:—

I think the Reading Circle lessons are grand. They are just right, neither too long nor too short. Late in the evening and early in the morning are the only times I have to study. I do wish to obtain a thorough knowledge of the prophecies, and of the different points of our faith, so that I may be able to give a reason for the hope within me, and thus be a blessing to others.

One of our general workers writes:—

I am interested in what you say about the Reading Circle work. I think it is destined to accomplish good, and that anything organized for the purpose of putting new life and interest into our missionary societies will be of great benefit.

The following is an extract from a helpful letter written by a State secretary:—

We believe with you that the missionary Reading Circle will afford the members of our Conferences who are now inactive in the work of God, many opportunities for missionary work. As soon as possible I hope to correspond with all the isolated ones who have not connected themselves with the Circle. The plan has been suggested to us that where the missionary secretary has not much time to devote to the work, that the local librarians be encouraged to act as leaders in the Circle work, and report the work perhaps once a month to the State society. We think this a good plan, as it will not only place a responsibility upon each church, but it will relieve the State society of much work.

Another State secretary says:—

We have now fully entered upon the work of the Reading Circle. We are very much encouraged to see the interest manifested in this good work. Circles are springing up all over this State; and reports are coming in, showing that a good work has at least begun. We fully believe that the Lord is leading out in it. The answers sent in to the questions on the field show that thorough work has been done in studying the “regions beyond.”

A local member writes:—

I think that our Reading Circle will prove to be the very thing we need. All seem interested.

Weighed in the Balance and Found Wanting

“THOSE who are ‘do-nothings’ now will have the superscription upon them, ‘Weighed in the balance, and found wanting.’”

THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE: WHAT IS IT?

By Alonzo T. Jones

The Third Angel's Message—this great threefold message—is in every feature present truth. And when in its own words it is shown that this message is given in view of the fact that the hour of God's judgment “is come,” then when the time comes for this message to be given, it will be only present truth thoroughly to believe that “the hour of his judgment is come” in truth.

Indeed, that this message were ever given at all would be evidence in itself that the hour of his judgment is come; for no message of God can ever be given before the time. Therefore whenever this message shall be found sounding to the world, it will be then true that the hour of God's judgment is come. And the word of the message that says so will be only the announcement of the fact that the hour of his judgment is come. And every one believing the message will believe that this is the fact: he will have to believe it, to be a believer of the message; because the very word of the message that he professes to believe says that this is so. And as certainly as he believes this, he will enter hourly into God's judgment, and will constantly hold himself subject to all the tests of that judgment.

That message is now due in the world. It is being given to the world. For years this has been so. Therefore for years it has been, and it now is, present truth that the hour of God's judgment is come. Thousands upon thousands of persons profess to believe that message. Thousands upon thousands have for years professed to believe that message. Therefore the principle is that this whole people of that message are entered hourly into God's judgment, and, as constantly as they live, do subject themselves to all the searching tests of that judgment. All these, therefore, know that as for themselves, each individually, the judgment has begun upon the living; for they are living. To them the message of God has come that “the hour of his judgment is come;” they have accepted that message, and accordingly have entered into that judgment, and so they live constantly in the presence of that awful fact. Consequently we say again that with these there is no room for any such question as to “whether the judgment has begun upon the living.”

And if there be any who profess to believe this message, and yet are living as they would not live if they knew that the judgment had come, and would make a revolution in their lives if only they knew that the judgment had come upon the living, but would not make this revolution if they could be certain that the judgment had not come, then to what purpose to them could be a message, even if it were sent directly from heaven to them personally, that the judgment had begun upon the living? In such case, any change that would be sought or made, would have no virtue whatever; and these persons would be no more prepared for the decision of the judgment than if they had heard nothing about it; the only change that would be made in such a life would be altogether out of fear of the consequences, and not out of any love of righteousness. Therefore, in the nature of things, in such a case the word could not be, He is righteous, “let him be righteous still;” because he is not righteous: he has no love of righteousness in his heart. This is demonstrated by the fact that, under the very profession of this judgment-message, he lived without regard to the judgment: he indulged evil things in his life,—things which he knew could not pass the judgment,—and he continued to indulge them until the startling word came to him personally that the judgment was come to him. Then, all at once, and only that he may pass the judgment, and escape the consequences of the evil things that he has indulged in spite of righteousness, he sets forth to make a grand revolution in his life!

But no such thing as that will ever work in the judgment of God. Whoever will pass in righteousness the judgment of God, will do so only because he has “loved righteousness, and hated iniquity,” whether the judgment was begun upon him or not. He loves righteousness because it is righteousness, and he hates iniquity because it is iniquity; and he will no more indulge iniquity in his life with the judgment a thousand years away than with the judgment only a minute away.

There is, therefore, no room whatever for any professed believer of the Third Angel's Message, for any Seventh-day Adventist, ever to ask whether the judgment has begun upon the living. Every true believer of the Third Angel's Message, every true Seventh-day Adventist, KNOWS, because the word of God says it, and has said it for years, that “the hour of his judgment is come.” It is here: it is a present thing as certainly as the world is here. And, knowing this, every true Seventh-day Adventist lives accordingly: he puts himself alive into the judgment; he reins himself up hourly before the judgment seat; because “the hour of his judgment is come.” To the true believer of the Third Angel's Message this is a fact: it is living truth.

And how shall he ever give this message to the world otherwise? Can he, with any force of truth at all, preach to another man that the hour of God's judgment “is come,” when he himself does not believe at all that it “is come,” but only that it will come? Who is there in the world that does not believe that God's judgment will come? But the Third Angel's Message is not that the judgment will come; but that the very time, the “hour, of his judgment IS COME.”

Since this judgment, in its decision when pronounced, is but a recognition and declaration of a condition that already exists, and is, therefore, practically instantaneous, it follows that the means of preparation for this awful decision shall be such that it shall be able to effect that preparation also instantaneously. And precisely this provision is that which is offered by the Lord in this great, glorious Third Angel's Message; for it carries the “everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” And this everlasting gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.” And those who are thus made righteous live righteously; because they “live by faith.” This power of God is creative, and is, therefore, instantaneous in its action. And any soul loving and longing for righteousness, and hating and desiring to escape iniquity, who hears this message of the everlasting gospel, announcing that the hour of God's judgment is come, and enters into the judgment in this hour, can be by that everlasting gospel prepared for the judgment. And while he holds himself in the presence of the judgment, subject to all its searching tests, and holds fast this everlasting gospel,—its power to save, and the righteousness that it reveals,—he is ready for the crisis of that judgment at any moment in the “hour;” because, when comes the critical moment in which his name is reached, he is righteous by the “power of God” and by the righteousness of God, which that gospel has given to him; and most gladly will the Judge speak the joyous words, “Let him be righteous still.”

This, so far, is what the Third Angel's Message is in spirit and in truth. And this is why it is that righteousness by faith “is the Third Angel's Message in verity.” That message of God declares that “the hour of his judgment is come.” Do you believe it?

Continue reading: THE MILLENNIUM