Earlier text: PRIDE ABASEDSAVED BY FAMILIES.
By S. M. L. H.
It takes a man and a woman to make the human unit. Society recognizes this theoretically, but at its best the church gives a slow and weak-minded recognition to this fact. A strange doctrine, which bears the earmarks of Satan, has been accepted instead,—that it is one office of the truth to break up the family. Among our own people I have found men and women who thought they could not live the truth peaceably in their homes, and that therefore they were warranted in separating. It is Satan’s work to break up families. He began it when he beguiled Eve away from Adam for a little while. He has been trying to draw wives from their husbands, and husbands from their wives ever since. And how he has laughed in the face of the love eternal, which intended to bind the severed halves of the human unit into one indestructible body! How he has laughed and rejoiced in the face of God at his success even in the church! Let the husbands or wives who think they have a sorrowful story to tell of life with one who is an unbeliever, turn to the plain words found in the seventh chapter of 1 Corinthians and read, and forever settle themselves to the work to which they have been called in their marriage: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart [if, in her haste, misunderstanding what the mind of the Lord was, and being foolish to such a degree that she did not know how to come to understand his mind, and she has departed, then] let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. . . . If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband.” Many of our brethren and sisters have let Satan hold the light for them while they read God’s word, and have allowed him to turn the light off and on as he chose; hence they have only seen the burden without the blessing. Any man who loved a woman well enough to ask her to make a home with him; and any woman who loved a man well enough to accept such an invitation; and any home into which children have been born, into which the blessed revelation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus has come, should be kept a unit, no matter what any unbelieving member should or should not do and be, and no matter how Satan might stir one of them up to wrath and anger against the other. There need be no quarrel, no contention; for it always takes two to make a quarrel, and the most riotous temper will wear itself out after a while against the smooth, polished surface of a patient love that never answers back. And, furthermore, “the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband.” This statement should be sufficient to sweeten any cup of bitterness that Satan might press to any lips. God has power which, through the channel of a human life, he intends to communicate to the husband or wife who needs it for winning purposes. With any truth comes re-enforcement of power to every part, for every work; and God intends that the truth that has come to this people shall carry the power by which family life shall be filled for the purpose of reproof and comfort, or enlightenment and salvation. AN INTERESTING MEETING.
By Mrs. M. D. McKee
A recent meeting held in Battle Creek, in the Review Office chapel, in the interest of the “Woman’s Work,” was of great interest and profit, and it is desired that all our sisters shall have the benefit of some of the thoughts expressed. Inasmuch as the meeting was the outgrowth of the work inaugurated by Sister Henry, under the direction of the Lord, as we all believe, those in charge deemed it a privilege to call the service partly a “memorial” service. Not one of eulogy, however, in an offensive sense, but such a meeting as she, who so disliked personal allusion, would approve were she present. A spirit of deep conviction of present responsibilities seemed to appeal personally to every one. Now that the earnest voice and pen of the one who carried the burden of this work is silent, we who are left, as it were, without a leader, to whom, unconsciously, we all looked for counsel and help,—we are left to carry on her work; now ours in its fullest sense. The Lord had laid upon her this work. Now it falls upon us. We may none of us be called to as public a work as she was, but we are called to be as faithful, where we are, as she was in her place. Hymn No. 1022 was sung to open the meeting, after which Sister Sisley offered an earnest prayer. Sister Irwin, who was with Sister Henry during the last meetings she held at Graysville, told of the wonderful power attending the talks to the students at the academy. No one who heard her speak will ever forget her appeals to the young, to prepare for the Lord’s work. She especially urged the importance of singing as a means of worship, feeling that, as a people, we sing too little. This subject was dwelt upon by others in testimony, regarding it as a defense against the enemy in time of trial. Let us all sing more; sing while about our work, wherever we are, “singing and making melody” in our hearts to the Lord. A touching recital of Sister Henry’s last message to the church, that she was of good courage and strong in faith, as she went down in death, moved many to tears. Miss Durland brought the last letter Sister Henry wrote concerning the work, to be read at the meeting. It was deeply impressive. A Scripture reading with comment was then given, as follows: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” “The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day.” “They that go down into the pit [grave] can not hope for thy truth.” “The father [parent] to the children shall make known the truth.” Isa. 38:18, 19; Ps. 115:17. The study of these words will forcibly remind us of our duty as the “living,” and the need of making “known” the truth especially in our families, before sinners go down into silence. Work is upon us now; earnestness must seize every heart before probation ends. A portion of Sister Henry’s article in the REVIEW of December 20 was read, and the Spirit witnessed to the message. One burden of Sister Henry’s work was the family life. She so entered into the environment of others that loving sympathy and encouragement were for every one who asked of her. Let this noble work go on in the hearts and lives of our women. The other burden was for the women of the W. C. T. U. There are noble, honest women among them, who will receive the message when they see it clearly. Sister Sisley presented the importance of our taking upon us the burden of prayer and work for this organization of as noble women as are to be found. A field of usefulness has been opened to our sisters, and, indeed, to the women of the world, as far as Sister Henry’s influence has gone. The question comes to us each, “What shall I do with my opportunities?” The fact that we are living in the judgment hour, with our cases pending any moment, should impel us to great earnestness in service for God and souls. Our own loved ones—relatives, friends, and neighbors—are judgment-bound with us. “Can we be clear of their blood, and be indifferent or silent?” The quiet yet powerful presence of the Holy Spirit impressed these thoughts on every heart. About an hour was spent in a testimony meeting of much interest. Appeals were made for a deeper consecration. The testimony of a recent convert was most impressive, as she spoke of the disregard seen among us concerning the Testimonies and the health reform. The influence was hurtful to this sister, new in the truth, until she learned that God would have her stand for the right, no matter who did not. An individual obedience to the message, irrespective of the disobedience of those longer in the truth, and knowing full well its teaching, was the lesson for her. These words brought to mind what Elder Haskell had said at recent meetings, that “none but those who accept every phase of the message will go through to the end. Those who reject the Spirit of Prophecy and the health reform are in great danger. This thought resulted in a strong appeal to all our sisters to live out the whole truth in their homes, and educate their children to believe and obey these saving truths. Deut. 4:9; 6:4-7; Ps. 78:1-7; Prov. 30:11; Eph. 6:4 were written on the board for instruction. The meeting closed by singing, “What shall I do for Christ my Saviour?” and prayer by Sister Irwin. Much more of value was said, which can not now be reported for lack of space. The attendance was good for so cold a day; and all were greatly blessed, and encouraged to press on, “looking unto Jesus” for grace to overcome, and power to work as never before, with the love of God for souls in the heart. This love, Christ said, is evidence of our discipleship. John 15:8; 13:35. A BROTHER who has been an invalid for four years requests prayer that he may be healed if it is the Lord's will. A nephew, who has contracted the habit of drink, and is fast going the downward way: that he may return to God. A wife requests prayer for her husband, who is not a Christian, and who is at present thinking of changing his business, that whatever he may do may be the means of leading him to the truth. NOTICE
By Grace G. Durland
The first two pages of a letter from a sister in Tuscola, Ill., dated February 1, has just come to hand, but from some oversight the concluding portion of the letter, bearing the sister’s name, has been omitted; it is therefore impossible to answer until further particulars are received. I hope that this notice will reach the proper person, and lead her to drop me a line at once, so that I can send the desired information. LITTLE THINGS.
By F. G. Darrough
What sings the little stream flowing along?
Stop now a minute and hear its sweet song:
“I’m going on toward the wide and deep sea;
I will not always this babbling brook be!” What says the tiny seed blown by the wind?
Listen! some truth it will teach you to find:
“Down in the warm earth so snugly I’ll lie;
Then I’ll come up in a plant by and by!” What can the sunbeam tell, dancing about?
Come little rays of light, come, tell it out:
“We are a part of the glorious sun;
We bring his warmth down to bless every one!” What say our little ones, merry and gay,
Spending their waking hours busy at play?
“We all belong to the Father above;
We are a part of the Son of his love!”
— F. G. Darrough. SOUL WINNING.
By Anna C. White
ANNA C. WHITE,
(Battle Creek, Mich.) Never in the history of the world has rung more clearly than in these last days, the call, “Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. . . . I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.” Too few realize the significance of the present state of affairs in the world. Too many are heedless of God’s oft-repeated warnings. Few are earnestly carrying forward the message of present truth to a dying world. Many of those who really believe the message fail to see its great importance and the urgent need of active service in behalf of others. Consecrated zeal, and a willingness to do or say, anywhere or at any time, something that will lead to the extension of the Master’s kingdom, and win a soul for Christ, should be the purpose of every Seventh-day Adventist at the present time. As earnest bearers of great truths, we should be instant in season, watchful of opportunity, and ready at any time to sacrifice our own pleasure and comfort for the sake of carrying forward this great work. We are to conquer in the end. A divine Leader is in command, controlling and directing in this great movement; and in spite of all opposition, through all persecutions, in the face of all satanic wiles, we shall be led forth conquering and victorious in the end. “Careless seems the great Avenger. History’s pages but record
One death grapple in the darkness, ’twixt old systems and the Word,—
Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne:
Yet that scaffold sways the future; and behind the dim unknown
Standeth God, within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.” New light brings added responsibility, and every truth that God gives his people, and every Testimony that is borne to them, deepens the obligation resting upon them to be faithful and true in the use of these things. We are responsible, not for the success of our work, but for fidelity in performing it to the best of our ability. “Have you heard this tale,—
The tale of the Holy and True?
He dies, but his life in untold souls
Lives on in the world anew.
His seed prevails, and is filling the earth
As the stars fill the sky above.
He taught us to yield up the love of life
For the sake of the life of love.” If we have entered this life of love, if we have heard this tale, let us go forth in joy, repeating the glad news that all may know what a dear Saviour we have found. Let us who have the sunshine of God’s love in our hearts and souls pass it on to others. We can and must do it. It may be that we can not do it in just the way we think best; but if we have the willing spirit and the understanding heart, God will use us for his own honor and glory. In the mission the other evening an incident was related in connection with the singing of the song, “There is sunshine in my soul.” A young girl had just returned to Chicago from Australia. A great sorrow had fallen upon her young life, blotting out all the roseate hues of future years, disheartening and disabling her for the battle of life, leaving her desolate, discouraged, broken-hearted. Her mother said to her one day, “My dear, have you ever heard the song, ‘There is sunshine in my soul’?” “No,” she replied, “and do not care to hear it. What have I to do with sunshine in my soul?” “But,” persisted the mother, “it is a lovely song. There’s a young man next door who sings it so beautifully, and I wish you could hear him.” And then she told her daughter the sad, yet glad, story of the young man’s life. It seems that he had been converted while very ill, and had become most gloriously happy in his new-found love. To all appearances he began to gather strength, later on, and showed signs of recovering his former strength. He laid plans for the coming days, and was never weary of talking, to those who came to see him, about his new Friend, and the many things he would do and say for him when he should be able to be around. Never again should his time be wasted,—not a moment would he lose,—but would sing and work, plead and pray, to bring others into the same haven of rest in which he himself had anchored. His physician heard him thus talking one day, and spoke to his family about it. Said he, “It is too bad to let the poor fellow hope and expect all this when it is not possible for him to recover. What is more, his days are even now numbered: they are few.” The friends discussed the matter, and finally, as gently and kindly as possible, broke the news to the young man. At first he could not and would not believe it: but when the full realization of their statement came to him, and he knew that all his plans were as nought; that he must give up all his hopes of an active Christian life in the coming days; abandon all his cherished expectations of winning souls for his beloved Master, even, as he thought, relinquish the hope of radiating from his chamber the silent and peaceful influences of a shut-in, the poor boy covered his face with his hands, and turned away in utter despair. The minutes passed silently, the stillness of the sick-room broken only by the sympathetic sobs of the mother, who knelt by his bed. Suddenly the lad looked up, and with all the sunshine of God’s love in his soul shining in his face, and with all the triumphant glory of a battle fought and won glowing in every feature of his countenance, he lifted his voice in a clear, full, sweet burst of song, “There is sunshine in my soul to-day.” The young man died, but not before the girl had learned, in that chamber of victory, her lesson of patient endurance, of conquering grace, of God’s strengthening love, and the Father’s power in all times of need. To-day she is a happy Christian, serving Christ with singleness of heart, and with her voice and pen passing on the rays of sunshine gathered at the side of that sick-bed. So may we all do. It may not be my way, it may not be your way; but yet in His own way, if we are faithful to opportunity, willing to serve and anxious to be obedient, God will cause our lives to serve his purpose, and use our influence in his work to win souls to his kingdom. We read in the story of Esther that the posts who were sent out with the message of salvation for the Jews were “hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. . . . And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews.” How much greater is our message of salvation! How are we pressed on by our King’s commandment! Shall not our message also bring joy and gladness and peace to those who hear it? “Follow me” is the first command, “Go ye” is the second, in Christianity. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Adulterated Foods and Olive Oil
DR. WILEY, chief chemist of the Agricultural Department of the United States, declares that “more Vermont maple sugar is made every year in Davenport, Iowa, from cheap yellow sugar, flavored with vegetable extracts, than can be produced from all the maple trees in the whole State of Vermont.” He also states that “currant jelly is manufactured from the cores and parings of apples, utilized after they have been evaporated: glucose, sugar, a vegetable acid, and some coloring and flavoring matter complete the delicacy.” And again, “Nearly all the ‘pure olive oil’ imported to this country is cotton-seed oil made in the Southern States, sent abroad, and there refined, and returned to us as the pure product of the Mediterranean olive!” Getting Ahead of Ourselves
OUR business in life is not to get ahead of other people, but to get ahead of ourselves. To break our own record, to outstrip our yesterdays by to-days, to bear our trials more beautifully than we ever dreamed we could, to whip the tempter inside and out as we never whipped him before, to give as we never have given, to do our work with more force and a finer finish than ever,—this is the true idea,—to get ahead of ourselves. To beat some one else in a game, or to be beaten, may mean much or little. To beat our own game means a great deal. Whether we win or not, we are playing better than we ever did before, and that's the point, after all,—to play a better game of life.—Sunday-School Times. LOST for want of a word,
A word that you might have spoken!
Who knows what eyes may be dim,
Or what hearts may be aching and broken?
Go scatter beside all waters,
Nor sicken at hope deferred.
Let never a soul by thy dumbness
Be lost for want of a word.
— Selected. CIRCLE REVIEWS.
By Mrs. L. Flora Plummer
ONE of the recommendations pertaining to the Circle work, passed by the General Conference Committee, is as follows: “That meetings of Seventh-day Adventist churches or companies be held for reviews and the general interests of the Circle work as frequently as the work may demand, the church officers providing for the leadership of the meetings.” The question has no doubt been in the minds of many, How shall Circle reviews be conducted? There is no intention in the mind of the writer to attempt to answer this question definitely; for successful meetings are not held by rule. I simply wish to call attention to the subject in a way that may help each leader to find the answer for himself. There is no doubt that well-conducted reviews will be a great help in increasing the interest in the Circle studies, and in accomplishing the object of the studies. A constant remembrance of the object of the whole plan ought to be helpful in deciding this question. What is the object? — Always the one thing, — a preparation for missionary work. Since that is the object, what two things stand prominently in the foreground as most necessary? — Is it not, first, a knowledge of the subject? and secondly, ability to impart that knowledge to others? How can any one do missionary work without possessing these two essentials in some degree? Having before us these two points, let us notice the word “review.” What does the word itself imply? In the study of that one word is clearly given a hint as to what a review meeting should not be. If the review be conducted just as if it were not a review at all, but as a first study of the lesson, those who have previously studied it are not greatly benefited, and those who have not given the lesson any study are confirmed in the idea that it is not necessary to do so. The review ought to encourage the most careful home study, instead of being made a substitute for it. A leader is apt to be led into the habit of occupying a large share of the time of the review in imparting the knowledge he has gained of the subject. He comes to the meeting with his heart and mind full of the lesson; and stirred by the solemn truths he has studied, he begins the exercise by asking a few questions. But oftentimes the answers are slow in coming, and he feels that precious moments are slipping by unused. Thinking to arouse the members, he launches into the subject himself; and before he is aware of it, the hour has passed, and he has done the talking, and the Circle members have done nothing. The home is pre-eminently the best place for study, — the attaining of the first essential mentioned above; and the review meeting ought to be made the training-school for the accomplishment of the second essential. In planning for the review meetings keep in mind what is most needed. It is not little sermons; it is not entertainment; it is not the development of one or two of the brightest in a company; but it is the training and development of each member into a working missionary. But few prayers are recorded in the Bible. From those that are thus given to us, we may learn much. The petition of Daniel is what James calls “effectual fervent prayer.” The following from “Testimony for the Church,” No. 33, page 164, should increase our interest in this lesson: “Daniel did not seek to excuse himself or his people before God: but in humility and contrition of soul he confessed the full extent and demerit of their transgressions, and vindicated God’s dealings as just toward a nation that had set at naught his requirements, and would not profit by his entreaties. There is great need to-day of just such sincere, heartfelt repentance and confession.” In what contrast to this petition are the feeble, heartless prayers of those who offer but a lip-service to the Majesty of heaven! 1. In what way does this lesson teach that we should never allow ourselves to be too busy, nor think ourselves too learned, to study the word of God? 2. What prophecies relate to the captivity of Israel? How did Daniel understand these? 3. How might Daniel have reasoned concerning the matter of praying for the fulfillment of prophecy? 4. Study the prayer of Daniel under each of the following heads:—
(a) Confession of Israel’s sins.
(b) Self-humiliation.
(c) Vindication of God’s dealings with Israel.
(d) References to the honor of God’s name.
(e) Specific requests. 5. How was Daniel’s prayer interrupted? 6. Give five points showing the connection between the eighth and ninth chapters of Daniel. 7. How is this connection further shown by Gabriel’s words? 8. What tender expressions of regard show the special love that God has for those who are true to him? How close must be the union between God and his remnant people? 9. In explaining the vision, with what point does the angel begin? 10. What is the significance of the word “determined” in Dan. 9: 24? 11. What six events were to be consummated within the period represented by the seventy weeks allotted to Jerusalem and the Jews? 1. Review the history of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, and cite the scriptures alluding to it. 2. Note the prominent points in Daniel’s prayer (Dan. 9: 4-19), and develop the practical lessons taught thereby. 3. Show the different points of connection existing between the eighth and ninth chapters of Daniel. 4. Give brief character sketches of Enoch, Abraham, and Daniel. In what respects was their situation similar to that of the people of God to-day? 5. Carefully consider Dan. 9: 24, showing the application of each separate expression. ALL CAN WORK.
By Jessie V. Bosworth
As we read the messages dictated by the Spirit of God, presenting to “every one” of us the duty of becoming “living missionaries,” our hearts are awakened, and we feel that we must obey the call for workers. And yet we shrink from it because of our inability, feeling that we must have some special preparation for the work. To any who may hesitate in this way, the following words from the Testimonies should be encouraging: “Let no one feel that because he is not educated, he can not be expected to take part in the work. God has a work for you to do.” “There is need that . . . every ability shall be brought to the work of saving souls.” “It is by doing with your might what your hands find to do that you will develop talents and aptitude for the work.” “When men use their powers as God directs them to, their talents will increase, their ability will enlarge, and they will have heavenly wisdom in seeking to save those who are lost.” We are all weak; but if we make the most of the Lord’s entrusted talent, his divine power will make us efficient. Are we making “the most” every day of all our powers of body and mind, improving all our time and opportunities? And what is it that will make us truly efficient workers? — It is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” FEBRUARY STUDY OF THE FIELD: PART III.
“Work in Union College;” “South Africa;” “From Matabeleland;” “Missionary Openings in Honduras.” (Text-book, February Magazine.) 1. What can you say of the opportunities for missionary work in Union College? 2. Name some of the nationalities represented in Cape Town. 3. Describe some branches of missionary work engaged in by these students; by the children. 4. Why is now a favorable time for missionary work in Cape Town? 5. What does Elder Mead say of the climate of Matabeleland? of the soil? 6. Describe the trees; the grass; the animals. 7. How does the condition of the country to-day compare with that of four years ago? 8. What plans are being made by the laborers there for more efficient work? 9. What can you say of the language? 10. Give the size and population of Honduras. What seems to be a favorable opening for missionary work in this field? 11. What appeal does Professor Owen make? An isolated sister in New York says:— I have a great interest in the Reading Circle; for I see in it that which will help me to interest my neighbors in present truth. It is hard to get them to study the Bible, but I believe it will be easier with the helps thus provided. It is my greatest desire to be wholly engaged in this work. I praise God for the REVIEW. I desire to be one of those of whom it may be said, She hath done what she could. A Wisconsin church school teacher writes:— I have been surprised at the readiness of the children to grasp the difficult points of our faith that are brought out in the Reading Circle lessons. Their eagerness to learn and to tell the truth has put to shame many of the older members of the church who have known and professed to love the truth for years, yet are not able to give their neighbors a reason for their faith. The children not only tell their companions about the lessons, but bring their friends with them to the class, and show them how to find the places in the Bible. Thus they are learning to be missionaries.