Earlier text: It Will Soon Be ReadyThe Central Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
THE Central Union Conference was formed at the time of the reorganization of the Northern and Southwestern Union Conferences, in the spring of 1902. Its first session was held in Omaha, Neb., March 4-14, 1904. The Central Union Conference is one of the strongest of all our union conferences. Its territory is composed of the States of Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas, and Missouri. The population of these States is nearly nine million. The church membership is reported as 13,486. The States comprising this conference are no doubt the most prosperous and wealthy of any in the United States. Our brethren and sisters in this conference share the financial blessings of the States in which they live. The largest educational institution in the denomination, and several well-equipped sanitariums, are located in the Central Union Conference. As there was a full delegation from the local conferences, the meeting was a large one, about one hundred and fifty7 delegates being present. In addition to the regular delegation, there were present during the greater portion of the time the members of the publishing committee, who met in conjunction with the union conference. As this is a large committee, and is composed of the leading men who are carrying on the business of the denominational printing and book work, its presence added much to the size and importance of the conference. The business proceedings of the meeting have already appeared in the REVIEW. From a careful study of the resolutions it will be seen that broad, progressive measures were adopted for a forward movement. This was one of the strong features of the conference. In many respects this was an excellent meeting. The large delegation of vigorous men, representing the sturdy membership of the Central Western States, revealed a strength in the resources of this movement that we are not always conscious of. The Lord has done great things in the Mississippi Valley States, since the messengers first entered that territory. As we see what has been developed where there were no believers nor facilities, we are confident that a great work can be done if the Lord is permitted to use the resources in that territory as he may choose. But this report will not be altogether fair and impartial, unless it states that the beauty and harmony of this conference were marred by too much solicitude on the part of delegates in behalf of their local conference interests, or “State rights,” as some expressed it. The effort to advance local conference interests was more marked in the Central Union Conference than in any other union conference I have ever attended. As might naturally have been expected, the results were anything but satisfactory; in fact, they were quite opposite to the end sought, and this for the reason that the gospel is based upon principles contrary to nature. Unselfish, disinterested love for the welfare and prosperity of others is the basis of true gospel motive. I have watched the movements of conference officers and delegates in union conferences in all parts of the world, and I have seen the best results come from those meetings where the least is done to “instruct” State delegations during the conference sessions. Those delegations that have spent the most time in the Bible studies and devotional meetings, and devoted themselves most heartily to the general interests of the session, have made the deepest impression for good upon the conference. As already stated, but for this one regrettable feature, the Central Union Conference was an excellent meeting. The reports of the presidents of conferences and the heads of departments and institutions were interesting and encouraging. A deep interest was manifested by many of the delegates in the daily Bible studies. The evening services were well attended. This union conference, if rightly managed, will be a strong factor in the closing struggles of the great controversy. It has a large membership of sturdy believers. It has great financial resources. And it has a fine army of intelligent young men and young women who are capable of rendering this cause signal service. Surely great and solemn responsibilities rest upon the union and State conference officers in that highly favored region. They have our prayers for the anointing required to cause them to see the Lord’s way, and for strength to walk in it. THE present struggle between Russia and Japan will, if we may judge from the record of events thus far, greatly modify the policies of the world powers as regards naval programs. It is a remarkable feature of the fighting on the sea that while a large number of ships have been sunk or disabled, there has been no pitched battle between the hostile fleets, but the casualties, which have amounted to the practical disabling of an entire Russian fleet numbering six battle-ships and as many cruisers, besides torpedo-boats, have almost wholly been the result of the use of torpedoes and mines. Heretofore there has been little opportunity to judge with accuracy of the relative efficiency of torpedo-boats and mines, battle-ships, and cruisers, and the faith of the naval authorities has been pinned to the heavy battle-ships. But the results accomplished by the Japanese against the battle-ships of the Russian squadron at Port Arthur raises a serious question whether these expensive and ponderous war machines may not prove in the near future to represent little more than useless junk and a huge waste of money. The world is certain to be considerably wiser on the subject at the conclusion of this war than it was when the present struggle began. Better Keep to Our Work
By W. A. Colcord
WHILE Satan was urging Saul to destroy David, he was at the same time inspiring the Philistines to seize the first opportunity to work Saul’s ruin, and thus overthrow the people of God. Commenting upon this, “Patriarchs and Prophets” says: “How often is the same policy still employed by the arch-enemy! He moves upon some unconsecrated heart to kindle envy and strife in the church, and then, taking advantage of the divided condition of God’s people, he stirs up his agents to work their ruin.” So while the enemy has been seeking to introduce into our ranks spiritualistic and pantheistic theories respecting God, and by this means to divert our attention from the message of present truth and to divide our forces, he has also been inspiring the enemies of the truth to introduce into Congress measures which, when followed to their logical conclusion, would hedge up our way, and, if possible, compass our ruin. Let us stick to the message and keep to our work. Catholic Views on Immigration Restriction
A CATHOLIC priest of Connecticut has taken a public stand in favor of restricting immigration to this country because the Catholic Church is not able to take care, spiritually, of all the immigrants that come, and large numbers are annually lost from the communion of that church as a result. The Catholic position regarding immigration has been, heretofore, strongly against any restriction, because of the advantage that church derives from the constant incoming human tide from the shores of Europe, the greater part of which, especially of late years, has been from Catholic countries. But it seems that the Catholic immigration has now attained such proportions that in New York City, which is the goal of a large part of it, the facilities of the church are not adequate to the task of keeping it under Catholic influence and control and large numbers of these immigrants break away and come under Protestant supervision, or cease to affiliate with any church. The priest mentions in a communication on the subject to the New York Sun, that in this city, “five hundred children, ‘mostly Italian,’ are said to attend regularly one Baptist Sunday-school.” The Sun comments on this as being “an unusual position for a Catholic clergyman,” but one supported by “a striking argument,” the sum of which is that “legislative restriction on immigration would enable priests to ‘catch up with their work’ by reason of the lessening of the throngs received.” It would be an unusual use of the legislative power of this government, truly, if it were exercised to lessen immigration in order that the Catholic Church in any part of this country might catch up with its work, and not suffer any defection from its ranks. But when the Catholic Church is able to “muster a quorum in the House of Representatives,” in accordance with a recent boast of a Catholic orator in Washington, we shall no doubt see legislation directed toward ends no less strange and un-American than this would be. THERE are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you. Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need;
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed. Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind,
And honor will honor meet;
And a smile that is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet. For life is the mirror of king and slave;
’Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you. Our Duty to the Unsaved
By Ellen G. White
The judgments of God are in the land. Calamities are following one another in quick succession. Shall we allow these things to be, without telling people what they mean, and how to escape the destruction soon to come upon all the world? Shall we allow men and women to go down into the darkness, without having been told how to gain a preparation for the future life? I am grieved in spirit as I see how weak are the efforts put forth to reach the unsanctified and the unsaved. We need more workers to gather in the sheaves. Believers in the truth should watch for souls as they that must give an account. They should seek for opportunities to speak words of warning and encouragement to unbelievers, inviting them to come to the Saviour. Many will refuse, but some will come. If you say nothing to those around you about the love of God, if you allow them to continue unwarned, the time will come when you will bitterly regret your wasted opportunities. We are to let our light shine amid the moral darkness. Many, as they see the reflection of the Light of the world, will realize that they have a hope of salvation. Your light may be small, but remember that it is what God has given you, and that he holds you responsible to let it shine forth. Some one may light his taper from yours, and his light may be the means of leading others out from darkness. All around you are doors open for service. All around you are men and women who will gladly receive the message of salvation. Take your Bible, and show them the beauty of the truth for this time. Become acquainted with your neighbors, and seek to draw them to Christ. As you do this, he will co-operate with you. The Need for More Workers
I hear of workers whose health is breaking down under the strain of the burdens they are bearing. This ought not to be. God desires us to remember that we are mortal. We are not to embrace too much in our work. We are not to keep ourselves under such a strain that our physical and mental powers shall be exhausted. More workers are needed, that some of the burdens may be removed from those now so heavily loaded down. The Lord desires those who have gained an experience in his service to be educators. They are to be learners in the school of Christ, that they may teach others, and that they may plan wisely for the carrying forward of God's work. God calls for ministers, Bible workers, and canvassers. Let our young men and young women go forth as canvassers, evangelists, and Bible workers, in company with laborers of experience, who can show them how to labor successfully. Let canvassers carry our publications from house to house. When opportunity offers, let them speak of the truth for this time to those whom they meet, and let them sing and pray with them. When in our work for God right methods are energetically followed, a harvest of souls will be gathered. There is room in the work of God for all who are filled with the spirit of self-sacrifice. God is calling for men and women who are willing to deny self for the sake of others, willing to consecrate all they have and are to his work. Men are needed who, when they encounter difficulties, will move steadily on, saying, We will not fail or become discouraged. Men are needed who will strengthen and build up the work that others are trying to do. Different Instrumentalities
It is God's plan that in his work there shall be unity in diversity. In a garden there are no two flowers just alike. Each leaf on a tree differs from every other leaf. So in the work of God, men of different minds and capabilities are needed. When the tabernacle was to be erected, the Lord instructed Moses: “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, . . . and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.” But Bezaleel was not to work alone. God chose another man to stand at his side to help him. “Behold,” he said, “I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.” One man is not to carry the burden of the whole work in the cause of God to-day. God has given each one a special place and a special work. Each one is to fill his appointed place, and is to help others in their God-given work. And each one is to be willing to receive help from those who can assist him. Our minds need to be broadened, that we may see beyond our opinions and ideas and ways to the purposes and plans of God. We must give our fellow workers elbow room. If their ideas are not precisely like ours, we must remember that God has given them ideas, and we must seek to work in harmony with them, under the guidance of Christ. Brethren, if you are so situated that the work presses too heavily upon you, and you are unable to do all that you think should be done, do the best you can without endangering your health, and then carry your burdens to the Lord. And when he sends some one to help you, do not be afraid to trust the one who is to associate with you, fearing that he will not work in accordance with your ideas. Do not say, “This man does not agree with me; if I unite with him in labor, he will spoil the work that I have been trying to do. He will introduce plans that will divert my mind from the plans that I have laid.” Perhaps God desires your mind to be diverted from the plans that you have been following. Perhaps he desires you to have a change of place. Give room for all to work. Do not watch to see if another's footsteps measure exactly with yours. Keep your eyes fixed on your Leader. Then you will not be continually criticizing what others do. Remember that God has other workmen, who, even though they do not follow exactly in your footsteps, are serving him in his appointed way. Satan is seeking to hinder the work of God by filling the hearts of the workers with a desire for recognition and supremacy. Contention and strife as to who shall be the greatest have robbed the Lord's working force of grace and power. God calls for a decided change; it is his purpose that we shall be one in Christ. It is no time now for us to draw apart. Among God's people love and unity are to prevail. Each worker, while preserving his individuality, is to labor in harmony with every other worker. Each is to be united with his fellow workers in the bonds of Christian love, and all are to be united with the Lord. The aim of every one is to be the advancement of the cause of truth. Each is to seek earnestly for the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Each is to look to Jesus, believing that he will receive the blessings he must have in order to be a strength to the work. God's people would put on joy and gladness as a garment if they would only receive what he is waiting to give them, —that which would make them strong to help those in need of help. Our people need the breath of life breathed into them, that they may arouse to spiritual action. Many have lost their vital energy; they are sluggish, dead, as it were. Let those who have been receiving the9 grace of Christ help these souls to arouse to action. Let us keep in the current of life that comes from Christ, that we may kindle life in some other soul. Healthy, happy, united action is what is needed in the church to-day. God calls for self-denying, self-sacrificing workers. Those who devote their time to hunting for souls, watching for souls as they that must give an account, will obtain a rich experience. As they communicate the precious truths of God's Word to others, their own hearts will be opened for the entrance of the word. They will be instructed by the Great Teacher. Christ has opened a fountain for the sinful, suffering world, and the voice of divine mercy is heard, Come, all ye thirsting souls, come and drink. You may take of the water of life freely. Let him that heareth say, Come; and whosoever will, let him come. Every believer in the truth is to sound this message. Then the work will be carried to the waste places of the earth. The scripture will be fulfilled, In that day the Lord shall open fountains in the valleys, and rivers in the desert, and “with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” L. H. CHRISTIAN
By L. H. Christian
Sabbath-Keepers in Scandinavia Before and After the Reformation—No. 1
THERE are two truths with which every student of church history may be conversant,—truths that are of intense interest to those who at the present time honor and defend the Bible Sabbath. The first is that in every age of the Christian era a large number of loyal, heroic believers have observed the seventh day as the Sabbath. In spite of the bitterest opposition, yes, in spite of the bloodiest persecution, they adhered to this vital principle of the divine law, gladly suffering not only all the many inconveniences that always of necessity belong to a despised minority, but even imprisonment, torture, and death. When the redeemed are permitted to study church history in the library of heaven, they will find a record of many a noble Christian who has offered his life for the true Sabbath. The second truth alluded to above is that in the great revivals of the past when God’s Holy Spirit, bringing new power and truth, has rested on his servants, some of the most learned and god-fearing among the converted ones have been led to accept God’s holy Sabbath. It is a source of encouragement and inspiration to remember this. The evidences of these truths have often been presented in the REVIEW and in our books—not too often, however, as the Sabbath message can not possibly be too strongly urged and emphasized. We have read of the Sabbath-keepers in England, Germany, Bohemia, Russia, Switzerland, and Abyssinia, but nothing has been told about the ancient Sabbatarians in Scandinavia. While studying in the university library at Christiania last fall, I noticed in a historical magazine an article entitled “Saturday-keeping in Scandinavia.” The essay, though written by a good author, was quite unfair, yet it clearly showed that there had been a large number of faithful Sabbath-keepers in these countries both before and after the Reformation. And it contained several valuable references to other impartial, reliable works on the same subject. From these I will endeavor to give a brief account of this ancient Sabbath movement in Scandinavia. The Lutheran catechism as used to-day in Scandinavia is very much like the Catholic. In it the Sabbath commandment reads: “Remember to keep holy the rest day.” But the Scandinavian catechisms have not always given the commandment in that form. In one of the very first catechisms or Bible-lesson books published in Scandinavia the Sabbath commandment reads: “Remember the seventh day to keep it holy;” and in the next edition, or the second part of the same work, it is rendered: “Do not forget to keep the seventh day holy.” [See Bishop Bang’s “History of the Lutheran Catechism,” Vol. I, page 87.] These books were printed or written about the year 1400. No book—not even the Bible—has such a vast, decided, molding influence on the Scandinavians as their catechisms. That is true to-day, and it was far more true in the past; consequently when the catechism mentioned the seventh day as holy, we may know that many would endeavor to keep the day so plainly designated. That such, too, was actually the case is proved beyond all doubt by the strenuous laws and edicts which the church in Scandinavia enacted against “Saturday-keeping.” At a provincial church council held at Bergen, Norway, in 1435, the following decree was issued:— “The archbishop has learned that some in different districts of the kingdom, partly through their own weakness of the flesh, partly by the deception and urging of the devil, have presumed (dared) to adopt and observe holy days, which neither God nor the holy church has commanded and permitted, but such as are directly contrary to both God and the church, especially Saturday-keeping, which the Jews and heathen, but not the Christians, did anciently observe. The church law does emphatically prohibit the adoption or observance of any holy day aside from those commanded by the pope, the archbishop, or the bishops. For this reason the archbishop and the clergy assembled in this provincial council at Bergen do decide that the keeping of Saturday must never be permitted to exist except as granted in the church law. Let all, then, under the threat of church penalty abstain from this evil.”—Keyser’s “Norske Kirkes Historie,” Vol. II, page 488. This council at Bergen was one of great importance to the Catholic Church in Norway. Its object was to strengthen the then somewhat waning power of the papal hierarchy in Scandinavia. At another council held by the same archbishop at Christiania the next year (1436) the following decree was given among other strong edicts:— It is under heavy penalties “forbidden to keep Saturday holy by abstaining from work according to the custom of the Jews.” The fact that such severe laws were enacted against the Sabbath is in itself the very best proof of the existence of true Sabbath-keepers. Even modern legislation, with its overgrowth of verbosity and bewildering exemplifications and details, does not make laws against things that do not exist at all; much less did the church and state anciently issue decrees without a cause. But it was not the laity alone that began to keep the Sabbath; even some of the priests were disposed to do the same. Norway’s state historian, Prof. L. Daae, writing in a prominent Lutheran theological magazine about the ancient Saturday-keepers in Scandinavia, states that in the Danish royal archives he has found an old, forgotten manuscript that gives some interesting facts in regard to this matter. Among other things it is declared:— “The priests have also deceived or persuaded the laity to promise that they will keep Saturday as Sunday.” What a blessing it would be if many of the priests of to-day would lead the laity into the same “deception”! Not only before the Reformation, while the Catholic Church was supreme in Scandinavia, did many of both the laity and the clergy keep the seventh day as their Sabbath, but this belief spread greatly after the Reformation, and continued for more than a century. The Lutheran religion was by coercion and intrigues made the state religion of Denmark and Norway in 1539, during the reign of King Kristian III. In 1544 some severe laws were enacted against Saturday-keeping, which at that time was very common in Norway, if not in Denmark. These laws are known as the “recesses of feudal Lord Huitfeldt,” and read in part as follows:— “I, Christian Huitfeldt (Whitefield), Lord of Bergen, Stavanger, and Vardo, greet with kind and good intention all the people who dwell in the diocese of Bergen. Master Geble Peterson, Superintendent (Bishop), has informed me that some of you, especially in Aardal—directly contrary to the warning I gave you last year—keep Saturday. In this you have done very wickedly, and would be brought into serious trouble if I should punish you. . . . Now the rulers of these two dioceses, Bergen and Stavanger, have decided that all who are found keeping Saturday shall be punished. I command you to give heed to this. . . . You are rebellious and disobedient in regard to your holy days, since you refuse to be satisfied with the holy days that are given you by the priest and the church ordinance. I bid you, therefore, on behalf of his majesty the king, that you faithfully follow his gracious commands. He that transgresses10 shall by my officers be punished as a rebellious and disobedient citizen.”—Niels Krag’s and S. Stephanson’s “History of King Christian III,” Vol. II, page 377. The preceding quotations prove beyond all question that there were many Sabbath-keepers in Norway both before and after the Reformation. A Wonderful Mantle
By R. B. Buckham
ONCE upon a time there was a man who had a very wonderful mantle, by means of which he was able to do many strange and curious things. The spell which it cast about all who wore it, and all who came in contact with it, was simply marvelous, and the transformations which it worked were sometimes almost beyond belief. Whenever its owner put it on and went abroad in it, he always appeared to all who saw and met him to be surpassingly noble and high minded and generous; a great, good man. If you had ever met him coming down the street with this mantle of his on, you would certainly have said that he was the ruler of some populous city, or the head of a mighty army, or the chief executive of some powerful nation; his bearing would have seemed so courteous, and his step and manner so regal in his magic robe, although he himself is said in his person not to have been especially handsome or imposing. But this was not all, by any means, that his priceless robe could do for him. Besides this he could actually work miracles with it, and so change a person that you would scarcely know him. He could make a rough and surly and disagreeable man gentle, and peaceable and friendly disposed toward him, with it—a friend out of an enemy. He could place it upon the shoulders of a person who had always been regarded as mean and selfish and brutal and unkind, and, lo! under its wonderful charm all his bad qualities would fade almost out of remembrance, and his good qualities, such as he had, would in their turn begin to shine out brighter and brighter, as dazzling as the sun in their brilliancy. And many other wonderful things he was able to do with it. Who was its owner? and what of his robe? Let me tell you: His name was none other than St. Paul, and his robe was the beautiful garment of charity. He always wore it when he went about doing good, endeavoring to follow in the footsteps of the Master; and he carried it with him when he went on his missionary tours among the Gentiles. He invariably placed it upon the shoulders of his enemies whenever opportunity offered, no matter how despitefully they used him, and all his friends were urged to take and wear it whenever they desired. He said and wrote much to induce men of all times to don and wear it, as he did, and even composed a poem about it! Would you like to read St. Paul's charming verses descriptive of his wonderful garment of charity? You will find it in the thirteenth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians. You can not do better than to turn to it and learn it by heart. All young readers are familiar with the story of Sir Walter Raleigh, and how he threw down his cloak for the queen of England to walk upon, that she might not be compelled to step in a puddle of muddy water which lay in her way. It is accounted one of the most courteous and gentlemanly acts recorded in history, which will be remembered and recited for ages. But the mantle of charity will smooth life's way in a manner such as Raleigh's cloak never could, and he who generously casts it down for the benefit of another does in reality a much more gentlemanly and courteous and commendable thing. In all your dealings with your associates and fellow schoolmates and acquaintances be just as charitable as you possibly can. Forget and forgive and overlook and make light of their defects and shortcomings. Be slow to take offense, and generous and open-handed with all. Then will you appear to be one of the wearers of this courtly robe of charity.—R. B. Buckham. The Time of Testing
By J. W. Watt
“For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Amos 9:9. A world-wide message of truth is here brought to view,—a message that is searching in character and will purify those who receive it. When we are preparing grain for food, it is first ground fine, then it is passed through the sifter until all the chaff is gone, only the pure grain remaining. Thus the Lord will cause his people to be tested by his Word until in all parts of the earth there shall be a people who will correctly represent God and his righteousness. “Not the least grain shall fall upon the earth.” Not an honest soul will be lost. All God’s pure grain will be gathered into the heavenly garner. But the sifting time is now here, and every one must bear the test that God himself will permit to come upon us. How very important it is that we know daily where we stand. “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor. 13:5. Self-examination in times of crisis is God’s plan of revealing to us where we stand. The Lord does not say that we should examine another to see whether or not he is in the faith, but examine yourself. The Lord has for years been calling our attention to the fact that we as a people would pass through a sifting time that would test every soul. In “Testimony,” No. 31, page 76, it is written:— “But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that his fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor. The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive if possible the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to science falsely so-called will not be the leaders then.”
Again, on page 77, we are told:— “In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. When trees without fruit are cut down as cumbers of the ground, when multitudes of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and with hosannas range under the banner of Christ.”
For years we have been expecting this sifting time would come. Are we now in it? If we are not, when shall we be in it? Some of the preceding statements bring sadness to the soul. It is sad to know that multitudes will prove false. The question should come home to every one of us with great force, Shall I be among the multitude of false ones? Thank the Lord, we need not be, for he stands ready to help us by his divine grace, and to keep us from falling, if we only humble our hearts, study his Word, and trust in his power. In “Testimony,” No. 31, page 132, this statement is made with reference to the persecutions through which God’s people are to pass:— “Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal. Instead of being strengthened and confirmed by opposition, threats, and abuse, they will cowardly take the side of the opposers.”
Again, page 133: “Now is the time when we should closely connect with God, that we may be hid when the fierceness of his wrath is poured upon the sons of men. We have wandered away from the old landmarks. Let us return. If the Lord be God, serve him; if Baal, serve him. Which side will you be on?” Thus we see that by wrong influences in the church, and by the persecutions from the civil power, the test will come to every soul. If there ever was a time when those who know the truth should be rooted and grounded in the faith, that time is now. Deep heart searching must take place. No one is safe only as he is kept by the power of God. “O, for a closer walk with God!
A calm and heavenly frame.”
“No time to pray!”
O, who so fraught with earthly care
As not to give to humble prayer
Some part of day? “No time to pray!”
’Mid each day’s dangers, what retreat
More needful than the mercy-seat?
Who need not pray? “No time to pray!”
Must care or business’ urgent call
So press us as to take it all,
Each passing day? What thought more drear
Than that our God his face should
hide,
And say, through all life’s swelling
tide,
“No time to hear!”
— Selected. What the Sun Saw
By An Observer
THE car was filled with people who were on the way to attend the funeral of an old acquaintance in the country. As they left the car, they grouped together pleasantly, and quietly talked as they walked across the fields to the suburban home where, sleeping in Jesus, lay the mother in Israel whom the Lord had permitted to live nearly as long as he had “kept alive” Joshua before he entered the land of Canaan. No one was mourning, for it had been a sweet release, and the happy future was assured. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” Men and women—young, old, and middle aged—were there; mostly the latter. They all seemed acquainted and friendly with one another,—if the Sun might judge by their smiles, and nods, and conversation. All, did I say? All?—No, not quite all. There was one old lady who was acquainted with nearly all, if not all; she had known some of the young people in their childhood and early youth, and the rest more or less intimately for many years. With her was a sweet-faced young woman, who took tender, loving care of her. But the rest ignored her—only that, nothing more. But why?—She was not fashionably dressed. But these were not supposed to be fashionable people; and her attire was neat and plain, nothing to be ashamed of. Moreover, they all belonged to the church of which she was a member in good standing. Of course she was poor, and earned her own living, which was very scant at times. But she did not owe a dollar—not even a cent! for she made a point of doing without whatever she could not pay for, believing that God meant what he said in Rom. 13:8. Well, whatever the cause might be, that was “what the Sun saw.” Fortunately, she did not mind it, for her life was “hid with Christ in God;” so it did not move her, as it otherwise might have done. But the Sun saw it, also! Do you suppose that by and by He will say, “Inasmuch,” etc. In the same town from which all these persons came lives another woman, not quite so old, but with the freshness of her youth behind her. She is also poor, and works to earn the money she spends. Like the elder woman, she has seen better days. Both were well educated and moved in good society,—the old lady, however, among the literary and religious class; the younger among the rich and fashionable. Will you believe it if I tell you that now the woman of the world is more tenderly regarded by her associates than is the Christian? To my certain knowledge no pains is spared to keep the former from feeling that she is in any sense “a back number.” Her clothing is for the most part donated, and rarely, if ever, new; yet no notice is taken of this. Clad in the cast-off finery of her friends, she goes to parties and gatherings of all kinds, invited as a matter of course, and is treated kindly and considerately. This is certainly very much to the credit of her fashionable friends. But how about the other?