God can not do his work in the earth without the family, any more than you can do your sewing without a needle and thread; so he must preserve it at all hazards, or utterly abandon his plan, and let Satan have the field.
The family, like any machine, is made up of certain parts. These are fatherhood, motherhood, and childhood. Lacking any one of these, the machine is broken and useless. You can not have a family without a father, without a mother, without children. There may be a husband and wife, but if there are no children, there is no family.
The question is asked, “But what if one can not live with one’s husband or wife, and yet is trying to keep the children together?” or, “What if, although a husband and wife are agreed, God has not given them any children — are they not a family?”
Such a family is a family, just as the sewing machine is a sewing machine with treadle, needle bar, drive wheel, or any other part lacking. It may be a sewing machine, but — and that “but” speaks volumes. Before the machine can be effective, something must be done to supply the lack; and every member of that broken family realizes this truth to a greater or less extent. And, as is often done with the watch or sewing machine, the effort is made to “patch up” the family. This one and that one are given a hand at it. It is tinkered with all manner of devices from divorces to remarriages, in the hope to keep it in running order; but the only sure way, if anything is wrong, out of place, lacking, broken, is to give it over to the divine Machinist,— send it back to the shop where its timbers were fashioned and joined, and allow the same hand that made it to mend it.
It may be that in setting up some especial family there was, as intimated in a former article, satanic interference from the first. It may have been made of misfitting parts, which could not by any human power be joined. Two, who should never have come together, have been married by the representative of God under the “powers that be.” They have lived together, children have been born to them, all so disjointed and misfitting that that family is a travesty on the name,— a little perdition on the earth; and yet they are all human beings, members of the same host of lost ones who had to be lost before they could be found, who had to be sinners before they could be redeemed, with the same kind of hearts, which must be replaced by the new ones which had been provided for the entire race. They are filled with the same pains and regrets that many who will be saved in the kingdom of God have known; the same longing desire to repair the mischief for the sake of the children, if not for their own.
Many are the questions that come concerning such conditions; for they are in existence among us as a people. To all there is but one answer, and it is given in the word of God. It is not necessary to employ a lawyer, or search old folios for a precedent. The Man of our counsel has it all down in black and white, for reproof, admonition, and comfort; and by a working that he understands is able to take the disjointed timbers and so refashion them that he shall make “in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” and by this new man, reconstructed out of the divided halves which have misrepresented fatherhood and motherhood to the children, he will be able by the same power of his Spirit to bring every child, however badly born, to a new birth in Christ Jesus. Born again by the ministry of the same Spirit, there shall be realized what Paul saw when he said, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Eph. 2 : 13–18.
S. M. I. H.
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
By S. M. I. H.
We are glad to publish the following encouraging word in regard to one whose name is on our list of those for whom special prayer is requested:—
I am sure you will rejoice with me when I tell you that my husband goes to Sabbath-school and church every Sabbath now, and seems to enjoy the services. He seems in earnest, too. I am indeed thankful to God for his goodness and mercy.
We are here in this isolated place. Why, I can not tell; but I must not murmur. I do long to do something for the Lord. It seems as if we are doing nothing. We are now studying the lessons of the Missionary Reading Circle, and it makes us long to go to some island of the sea and work.
Why should you wish to go to the islands of the sea when you are already in such a needy field? Do not think of any other place in all the world; but apply right where you are the principles that you learn in the Missionary Reading Circle, and look upon the persons about you as the very persons to whom you are sent with the gospel message.
Leave the islands of the sea for the Lord to take care of until you are unmistakably called to go to them. You can probably best satisfy this missionary longing by contributing of your substance until self-denial becomes a blessing such as you never knew before. It is possible that you may sometime be called there; but, while you are in one field, to have your heart and thoughts going out to another will hinder your work. I hope you will be able to see good results from the work you are doing where you are.
I have never had my time and mind more fully occupied with other, and necessary, cares than for the last two or three months; but I am situated now so that I may have far more time to devote to the Master's work.
I am glad that you are so situated that you are going to have more time for some special work; but you speak as if there could be some necessary work which was not to be devoted to the Lord himself. That is not according to the true principles, which teach us that “whatsoever we do in word or deed” should be done in his name. We need never be obliged to do anything that is not the Lord’s work, and that can not be done in his name. Do not look for other work, nor for more time to devote to the Lord’s work. The “more time” you will never have. The other work may come, but no other work can ever be more noble or better than that which you have just now in your home. All your work is to be the Lord’s, and to be done for him.
A TELEGRAM just received from a sister in the East assures me that a home will be provided for the sister in a county poorhouse of whom mention was made in the Review of December 26. I have received several other inquiries and responses to this notice, but none quite so favorable in every way as this one. While it is a comfort to know that this sister is to have the benefit of a comfortable Christian home during the winter, there are others who are in just as needy a condition who appeal to me, and I would like to hear from any who have vacant places in their homes, which are waiting to be filled by some such needy ones. I would like to have a list, so that when such cases come to my notice, the proper correspondence can be begun, and homes obtained.
I have at present in mind the case of a young man and his sister, living in Michigan, who are in very sad and distressing circumstances. In a recent letter received from him he says:—
I have been for about nineteen years in constant pain. It seems as if I have had about all the diseases flesh is heir to. During this time my father died; a dear aunt living in the family was stricken down with paralysis, and lived only a few weeks; and two years ago my beloved mother died. My sister is not able to work and earn our living, and is often confined to her bed months at a time. Last winter she was sick three months; some time before that, four months; and at one time we did not see each other for six months, as she was in bed in one room, and I in another. I shall not endeavor to describe the position we once occupied, nor the darkness and loneliness, and at times almost despair, that threaten to overwhelm me. I am making an effort to do something for our living, and at the same time hope to be instrumental in God's hands of helping to spread the truth. I am trying to sell “The Coming King,” “Steps to Christ,” “Glorious Appearing,” and “Early Writings.” I know that a great many of our people have these books, but there is nothing better for a present for one's friends, and this helps to circulate our literature among people of different faith.
It will be observed that these children of our Heavenly Father are practically helpless, and yet there may be some one to whom this notice will come who will hear a call from God to do something for their relief and comfort, either in the way of providing homes, or by financial help. If any wish to purchase these books, I shall be glad to give the name and address of this brother, so that they can be secured of him.
These are only a few of many cases. In these last days we, as brethren and sisters in this precious truth, should certainly press close together, and share with those who are less fortunate in life the blessings that have come to us.
S. M. I. H.
NOTICE
By S. M. I. H.
If any of our sisters have failed to receive the Readings for the Week of Prayer, and will notify me, I will see that a copy is sent to them at once. The readings are of such great importance that every one should have them.
S. M. I. H.
Disease and Its Causes.
By Ellen G. White
Care of Children.
MRS. E. G. WHITE.
Parents are accountable, in a great degree, for the physical health of their children. Those children who survive the abuses received in their infancy, are not out of danger in their childhood. Their parents still pursue a wrong course toward them. Their limbs, as well as their arms, are left almost naked. Mothers dress the upper part of their limbs with muslin pantalets, which reach about to the knee, while the lower part of their limbs is covered with only one thickness of flannel or cotton, and their feet are dressed with thin-soled gaiter boots.
The extremities are chilled, and the heart has thrown upon it double labor, in forcing the blood into these chilled extremities; and when the blood has performed its circuit through the body, and returned to the heart, it is not the same vigorous warm current that left it. It has been chilled in its passage through the limbs. The heart, weakened by too great labor, and poor circulation of poor blood, is then compelled to still greater exertion, in order to throw the blood to the extremities, which are never as healthfully warm as other parts of the body. The heart fails in its efforts, and the limbs become habitually cold; and the blood, which is chilled away from the extremities, is thrown back upon the lungs and brain, and inflammation and congestion of the lungs or of the brain is the result.
God holds mothers accountable for the diseases their children are compelled to suffer. Mothers bow at the shrine of fashion, and sacrifice the health and lives of their children. Many mothers are ignorant of the result of their course in thus clothing their children. But should they not inform themselves, where so much is at stake? Is ignorance a sufficient excuse for you who possess reasoning powers? You can inform yourselves if you will, and dress your children healthfully.
Parents may give up the expectation of their children's having health while they dress them in cloaks and furs, and load down those portions of the body with clothing where there is no call for such an amount, while leaving the extremities, which should have especial protection, almost naked. The portions of the body close to the lifesprings need less covering than the limbs, which are remote from the vital organs. If the limbs and feet could have the extra coverings usually put upon the shoulders, lungs, and heart, and healthy circulation be induced to the extremities, the vital organs would act their part healthfully, with only their share of clothing.
I appeal to you, mothers; do you not feel alarmed and heartsick in seeing your children pale and dwarfed, suffering with catarrh, influenza, croup, scrofulous swellings upon the face and neck, inflammation and congestion of lungs and brain? Have you studied from cause to effect? Have you provided for them a simple, nutritious diet, free from grease and spices? Have you not been influenced by fashion, in clothing your children? Leaving their arms and limbs insufficiently protected has been the cause of a vast amount of disease and premature deaths. There is no reason why the feet and limbs of your girls should not be in every way as warmly clad as those of your boys. Boys, accustomed to exercise out of doors, become inured to cold and exposure, and are actually less liable to colds when thinly clad than are the girls, because the open air seems to be their natural element. Delicate girls accustom themselves to live indoors, in a heated atmosphere, and yet they go from the heated room out of doors with their limbs and feet seldom better protected from the cold than while remaining in a warm room. The air soon chills their limbs and feet, and prepares the way for disease.
Your girls should wear the waists of their dresses perfectly loose, and should have a style of dress convenient, comfortable, and modest. In cold weather they should wear warm flannel or cotton drawers, which can be placed inside the stockings. Over these should be warm lined pants, which may be full, gathered into a band, and buttoned around the ankle, or they may taper at the bottom and meet the shoe. The dress should reach below the knee. With this style of dress, one light skirt, or at most two, is all that is necessary, and should be buttoned to a waist. The shoes should be thick-soled, and perfectly comfortable. With this style of dress, your girls will be no more in danger in the open air than are your boys. And their health would be much better were they to live more out of doors, even in winter, than to be confined to the warm air of a room heated by a stove.
It is a sin in the sight of heaven for parents to dress their children as they do. The only excuse that they can make is that it is fashion. They can not plead modesty in thus exposing the limbs of their children, with only one covering drawn tight over them. They can not plead that it is healthful, or really attractive. Because others will continue to follow this health- and life-destroying practice, is no excuse for those who style themselves reformers. Because everybody around you follows a fashion that is injurious to health, it will not make your sin a whit the less, nor be any guaranty for the health and life of your children.
MY FATHER'S HOUSE.
By Marianne Farningham
My Father's house has many rooms,
And each is fair;
And some are reached through gathered glooms
By silent stair;
But he keeps house, and makes it home,
Whichever way the children come.
Plenty and peace are everywhere
His house within;
The rooms are eloquent with prayer;
The songs begin;
And dear hearts, filled with love, are glad,
Forgetting that they once were sad.
The Father's house is surely thine,
Therefore why wait?
His lights of love through darkness shine,
The hour grows late.
Push back the curtain of thy doubt,
And enter: none will cast thee out!
— Marianne Farningham.
Better Try and Fail
“BETTER try and fail, than fail to try.”
WHAT ABOUT THE BOYS?
By L. C. B.
L. C. B.
I have noticed many articles in the Home department about the girls, but only an occasional article about the boys, especially about teaching housework to the boys as well as to the girls.
My children were boys, but I tried to keep them with me as much as possible. When they were little boys, before going to school, they liked to play iron and bake, so they had a small flatiron, and a small molding board and rolling-pin. They would iron the coarse towels, stockings, and their handkerchiefs. Their bread and pies were pretty dark, having gained a little color in the making, but they enjoyed them just as well for all that.
When the older lad was eleven years old, he tried his hand at “truly bread;” and after helping me a few times, he could make a batch of bread, from the yeast to taking from the oven. About this time I was taken sick, and for three weeks he did all the cooking for his father and younger brother, besides caring for me. My cereals, toast, and coffee were served as nicely as many women would have served them. Was I not well repaid for the time spent in teaching him?
The boys were also taught to dust, wash dishes, mop the floors, make their bed, sew patchwork, sew on buttons, and one even tried his hand at a little Kensington embroidery, and did it well, too. They seldom felt inclined to think such things “girl’s work.”
Helping mother is work for boys as well as for girls. A boy who is good to his mother is sure to make a good man, and “the cause” can use all the good men. And a promise is given to all the “honor children” in the fifth commandment.
I can see now that I made many mistakes in bringing up my boys; but I made no mistake in teaching them these lessons. As they are now men, and away from home, I feel that “mother” is a little nearer and dearer than she would have been had these lessons not been taught.
Largest Shipment of Canned Beef
THE largest shipment of canned beef ever made from Chicago was that of twenty-four cars, containing seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds, sent to the British army in South Africa recently.
The Function of the Vermiform Appendix
THE theory that the vermiform appendix is a useless rudimentary organ, is hardly convincing. A late writer, Dr. Slaughter, contends that it has a useful function in secreting mucus to lubricate the lower intestines, and that inflammation from obstruction of this mucus is the chief exciting cause of appendicitis, a less severe form of the disease being due to impaired circulation in the appendix. Most cases of appendicitis known to this physician have recovered without operation or recurrence. Everything that God has made is made for a purpose.
A Wife’s Fortune Stolen
MRS. LEWIS MARSHALL, of Peoria, Ill., formerly Ollie Musgrove, of San Francisco, Cal., a bride of three weeks and an heiress, is left to-day penniless, her husband having deserted her, and taken with him her fortune of $9,000. He deceived her into believing that he had a good position with a firm in Peoria, and she deposited all her money in that city to his credit. The best thing that wives can do with their own money, such as this, is to keep full control of it themselves; for no husband who is capable of handling it will ever ask to have it under his control.
THE RELATION OF THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY WORK TO THE PRESENT MESSAGE.
By C. P. Bollman
C. P. BOLLMAN.
The present message is the message of the third angel of Revelation 14:6–12. This threefold message, for such it really is, calls upon all men to “worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters,” and warns against the worship “of the beast and his image.”
The “beast” was formed by the union of a church that had apostatized from correct religious principles, with a state apostatized from correct political principles.
The early church, as established by Christ, was, Godward, a pure theocracy: “One is your master, even Christ.” Matt. 23:8. Touching its business affairs and human relations, it was a pure democracy: “All ye are brethren.”
The Roman state in its incipiency was, avowedly at least, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
The early church apostatizing from her one Lord, and from the broad principle of the brotherhood of man, became first a spiritual despotism of many, then of a few, and then of one—the bishop of Rome. In like manner, the Roman state, apostatizing from correct political principles, became in turn a despotism of many, of few, and then of one—the emperor of Rome. The union of these two apostate powers formed the beast.
But God reserved to himself a remnant that had “not bowed the knee to Baal.” These constituted the woman that fled into the wilderness. (Rev. 12:14), from which she emerged in the Reformation of the sixteenth century, still measurably true to the principle of supreme love to God and equal love to fellow men—“One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” And nowhere was this principle ever so fully exemplified by the church since the earlier days of Christianity, as in our own country. In like manner, in America, as nowhere else, has the true principle of civil government been reduced to practice.
But we have seen history repeating itself in both church and state. First, the Protestant church apostatized from the true principles of Protestantism; and now, bending under her seductive influence, the American state is swerving from its allegiance to correct political principle, and the image of the beast is being rapidly developed.
The present message is a warning against this latter-day apostasy in both church and state. And the religious liberty work is the giving of this message from the standpoint of human rights, as well as from the standpoint of true Christianity. The object in thus giving the message is to reach, if possible, many minds that have been closed against the gospel because they have been taught to believe that much of the Old World despotism is due to the influences of Christianity and of the church. The object of the religious liberty work is to teach such the true principles of genuine Christianity. Therefore the religious liberty work is simply one phase of the work of giving the third angel’s message to the world. And never should this fact be lost sight of for a moment.
BEREAN LIBRARY STUDY.
(January 14-20.)
Two chapters are assigned for this week’s study, as the incidents of each are more or less familiar to all. Be not content with a mere study of the story. Consider carefully the practical lessons taught thereby. The notes on these studies, which are published exclusively in the Youth’s Instructor, will be helpful to each family.
2. Review a previous prediction with reference to the Babylonian Empire, and describe the events which fulfilled it.
3. What object was attained by the providential circumstances that caused Daniel to have a prominent place in the succeeding kingdom? Describe the manner in which the true God was made known to the new rulers, by giving a summary of Dan. 6:1-28.
4. Describe in detail the “political scheme,” which was the result of envy. What is envy? To what does it lead? Gal. 5:21. Give examples. Mark 15:10; Acts 5:17, 18, margin; Acts 7:9. Read the exhortation in 1 Peter 2:1.
5. Study the following topics, which are suggestive of present conditions, noting the striking similarity to the incidents of the lesson:—
(a) Desecration of sacred time.
(b) Decrees of the law interfering with religious convictions.
(c) Penalties inflicted for the violation of such laws.
(d) Nearness of the end of the kingdoms of this world.
(e) A glorious deliverance promised.
(f) Our duty to the world, in view of all this.
Georgia Railroad Bans Cigarettes
A RAILROAD in Georgia has issued a general state order that all its employees must stop using cigarettes or resign their positions.
The Dangers of Tight Corsets
RECENTLY a woman buying corsets in a New York City store wanted “a snug-fitting” corset; and in order to have it sufficiently snug to suit her, it had to be drawn so tight as to break a rib. And so the poor dear had to go home without wearing any corset at all.
THE LORD'S ANSWER TO MANY QUESTIONS.
So MANY are asking questions like these: What shall I do? Where shall I work? How shall I work? Can you get me a place to work in the cause?
All such inquiries are but an evidence that the questioner misunderstands the call to work. Each one is to “work in the cause” right where he is. Each one is to do whatever his hands find to do, doing it heartily as unto the Lord. So complete and helpful an answer is given to these and similar queries, in “Gospel Workers,” page 336, that we give it here:—
“Take up the work anywhere and everywhere. Do that which is nearest you, right at your own doors, however humble and uncommended it may seem. Work only for the glory of God and the good of men. Let self sink out of sight, while with earnest purpose and solemn prayers of faith you work for him who has died that you might live. Go to your neighbors one by one, and come close to them till their hearts are warmed by your unselfish interest and love. Sympathize with them, pray for them, watch for opportunities to do them good, and as soon as you can, gather a few together and open the word of God to their darkened minds. Keep watching, as he who must render an account for the souls of men, and make the most of the privileges that God gives you of laboring with him in his vineyard. Do not neglect speaking to your neighbors, and doing them all the kindness in your power, that you may ‘by all means save some.’ The extensive work will not be neglected. The larger plans will be laid at the right time; but personal, individual effort and interest for your friends and neighbors will accomplish much more than can be estimated. It is for the want of this kind of labor that souls for whom Christ died are perishing.”
JANUARY STUDY OF THE FIELD: PART II.
(Text-book, January Magazine.)
“Asiatic Turkey;” “In the Kingdom of Greece.”
1. When was the message first carried into Asiatic Turkey?
2. In what city did the work begin? How many cities and villages have been entered?
3. What have been the experiences of those who have accepted the message and begun to teach it?
4. Relate some of the results of the efforts put forth.
5. How generally has the message been preached in Asia Minor?
6. Tell something of the climate of Greece.
7. Why does this field seem open to the American medical missionary?
8. How do the poorer classes live?
9. What is the population of Greece?
10. How many are soldiers? Under what obligation to the state is every young man in that country?
11. Give the number of Greeks in the United States.
12. Tell what you can of the Greek Church.
13. What appeal comes from this field?
THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE: WHAT IS IT IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH?
We have found that in word, in form, and in arrangement the Third Angel's Message is a great threefold message, which ripens the harvest for the end of the world, and makes ready a people prepared for the Lord. And now we are to study what that message is in spirit and in truth.
In the first place, it is the everlasting gospel; and that gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” It “is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It is “God manifest in the flesh.” “Therein [in the gospel] is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.” And it calls men to the worship of “him that made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters.”
This preaching of the everlasting gospel, which is the third angel's message, is, therefore, the preaching of “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” It is the preaching of Christ in men the hope of glory. It is the preaching of God manifest in the flesh. It is the preaching of the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.
And since the gospel is the “power of God unto salvation” to them that believe; since Christ dwells in the heart, and God is manifest in the flesh, only “by faith;” since the righteousness of God is “by faith of Jesus Christ,” and is revealed only “from faith to faith;” and since true worship of God is only of faith, because “without faith it is impossible to please him,” it is perfectly plain that the Third Angel's Message, in spirit and in truth, is all of faith. And since whatsoever is not of faith is sin, then whatsoever is of faith is righteousness. And since the Third Angel's Message is all of faith, the Third Angel's Message is righteousness by faith.
Further: this everlasting gospel is preached, calling all people to the worship of God, in view of the fact that “the hour of his judgment is come.” And since men are to be judged by the law of God, in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the gospel (Rom. 2: 12, 16), it is certain that this preaching of the everlasting gospel in the Third Angel's Message, in warning all men concerning the judgment, is to prepare for that judgment every soul who is willing to be prepared. And since the only preparation for the judgment is perfect harmony of life, in body, soul, and spirit, with the law of God, this message inevitably calls all people to the keeping of the commandments of God. And, in very truth, the sole purpose of the gospel, which is altogether of faith, is the keeping of the commandments of God; for in Christ Jesus nothing avails but faith, which worketh by love,—the love of God: and “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments;” and “love is the fulfilling of the law.” And so the closing words of the third angel are but the sum of the great threefold message, so far as it pertains to the saints and to those who are prepared to meet the Lord, in its declaration: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” And thus the beginning words, and the closing words, and all between, of the Third Angel's Message, as it pertains to the saints, is summed up in the three words “righteousness by faith.”
Thus, justification by faith is the Third Angel's Message: the preaching of righteousness by faith is the preaching of the Third Angel's Message. It is true that this threefold message announces the fall of Babylon, and calls out of her God's people. It is true that this message also warns people against the worship of the beast and his image. But what could the announcement of the fall of Babylon, and the warning against the worship of the beast and his image, amount to, simply as such, without the power of God to save the people from Babylon, and from the worship of the beast and his image? Therefore the everlasting gospel, the preaching of righteousness by faith, is the Third Angel's Message in spirit and in truth; because this is the very thing, and the only thing, that can make effective the announcements and warnings of the message.
Will it, by any, be thought too strong a statement that justification by faith is the Third Angel's Message? Lest, by any possibility, any should think thus, we set down here some statements on authority, as to that truth. In the first-page article of the REVIEW of April 1, 1890, are the following words:—
Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the Third Angel's Message; and I have answered, “It is the Third Angel's Message in verity.”
In a Testimony, dated Hobart, Tasmania, May 1, 1895, and published Nov. 18, 1896, are the following words:—
The Lord in his great mercy sent a most precious message to his people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to his divine person, his merits, and his changeless love for the human family. All power is given into his hands, that he may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of his own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the Third Angel's Message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of his Spirit in a large measure. . . . This message of the gospel of his grace was to be given to the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or believe Christ. . . .
It has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus, and lead men to look to man, and trust to man, and be educated to expect help from man. For years the church has been looking to man, and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to his servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the Third Angel's Message, in clear, distinct lines. . . .
This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole. See Romans 5, and 1 John 3:9 to the close of the chapter.
Thus it is plain, and is repeatedly confirmed, that the Third Angel's Message in spirit and in truth, is righteousness by faith; the everlasting gospel; the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith in the keeping of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
A person may announce to the world the fall of Babylon, and may proclaim the warning against the worship of the beast and his image; and yet, if that person is not justified by the faith of Jesus Christ, and has not in him and upon him the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, he himself will be a part of Babylon, and will worship the beast and his image. The Third Angel's Message is not a message in mere word: the message consists in the spirit and the truth of the gospel of God, which is righteousness by faith: the very keeping, in heart and life, of “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” And when he who would preach the Third Angel's Message has that message in his life, and when that message is his life; when he is justified by faith, and lives by faith, and is clothed with the righteousness of God, which is by faith, and THEN announces the fall of Babylon and the warning against the worship of the beast and his image, there will be power in his message to deliver souls from Babylon, and to hold them back from worshiping the beast and his image. In his message there will be power to deliver souls from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God, which is the only true religious liberty.
And this is why the book of Galatians is so fully a part of the Third Angel's Message.