The Christian Endeavor Convention at St. Paul, Minn.
The attendant at this convention is first impressed by the enthusiasm of the great host here gathered; secondly, by the great numbers which these delegates represent; and thirdly by the important factor which they constitute in bringing about the federation of the churches of the world.
THE GREAT AUDITORIUM AT ST. PAUL, MINN.
That the bringing about of such a federation is within the purpose of the organization is shown by the following declaration of its president upon the day this convention opened:—
One of the most hopeful signs is the disappearance of sectarianism. The Methodists have their Epworth League, and the Baptists have their Young People's Union; but in this country there are five hundred Methodist churches that have Christian Endeavor societies, and there are three thousand five hundred societies among the Baptists.
One of the features of this convention consisted of three addresses delivered by Hon. W. J. Bryan, of Nebraska. At the noon hour he spoke at the Metropolitan Opera House to a large audience, his theme being a general defense of the Christian life as the best life, and an advocacy of the reasonableness of Christianity. Among some of the pithy epigrams that punctuated his address were these:—
It is not so important to know why God does certain things as to know that he does them.
It is easier for me to believe that God can create matter than to believe matter can create man.
We have to begin somewhere, and the Christian begins with God.
The nebular hypothesis assumes that certain things existed before the theory began, but the theory does not explain how or why.
Man didn't question water. He needed water long before he discovered that it was composed of two gases.
It is infinitely more important to know that water ceases to contract when it reaches the freezing-point than to know why.
He declared that the acceptance of physical facts by the unbeliever, and his use of them in spite of his inability to explain them, puts the unbeliever in a defenseless position when he questions the reason of sacred truths which he can not understand.
At the afternoon session in the Auditorium, Rev. Wm. M. Anderson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tenn., spoke upon “The Influence of the Home in Bringing in the Kingdom.” It was an eloquent plea for that exemplification of Christ in the daily lives of the parents that would lead the children to accept him as their Saviour. The admonitions were good, but in this, as in practically every address delivered, there entered the idea of making the kingdom of Christ a reality on earth by political means.
This address was immediately followed by Mr. Bryan's second address, entitled “Religion and Life.” He paid a high tribute to personal religion. Three short paragraphs will give an idea of the tenor of his remarks:—
Religion is the dominant note in every human life if that life sounds true. It makes all the difference in the world whether a man conforms to the opinion of men about him, or to a high ideal. The man who does right only when people are looking at him is going to take a vacation some day when he thinks people are not watching him, and will fall. Man needs the sense of responsibility to a Creator.
Religion is a power which takes hold of a man from within. Efforts to correct from the outside are more or less a failure. When such work is done from the inside, it is more or less a success.
The acceptance of the Christian life requires only a moment, but the development of it requires the rest of a life.
He declared that the purpose of Christian endeavor was not the holding of meetings for prayer and praise, but was expressed in efforts to purify the life. There was much of this sentiment in7the addresses of others as well.
The 'old-fashioned' social meeting was made very conspicuous in this convention by the manner in which any reference to it was either studiously avoided, or, if mentioned at all, mentioned in such a way as to show that it has been outgrown and relegated to the rear. Its instrumentality in the work of purifying life and instilling high and strong Christian purpose has been forgotten. Such reformations as were wrought in such meetings were accomplished, as Mr. Bryan says, 'from the inside,' and were the only kind of reformation that could be a success. But the present method of reformation, and the method so largely advocated at this convention, is a reformation from the outside, by human means, through the fear of loss of position or office in the political world. That method never has been a success, and has always made hypocrites of its advocates and martyrs of its opponents. God's method of reforming men through the work of his Holy Spirit has never been improved upon; and the professed Christian who considers it a grander work to oust a political trickster from his position than it is to bring the converting and transforming power of Christ into the heart of an individual, has made a mistake whose magnitude only eternity can reveal.
While Mr. Bryan's address was being delivered in the Auditorium, a meeting for junior and intermediate workers was being held in the House of Hope Presbyterian Church near by. This meeting was presided over by the general secretary of the Christian Endeavor organization, Mr. William Shaw. Mrs. Charles Hutchinson, junior superintendent of the Ohio Christian Endeavor Union, was the chief speaker. She declared that—
Sunday-schools should not torture the minds of children with the old-fashioned idea and teaching that they were placed in this world for punishment because of Adam's sin. There is something better to teach the child than to dwarf his soul with a fear that destroys. Teach him how to live and enjoy this life, and make him useful for Christian citizenship, and his position in the future life need not be a thing of superstitious doubt.
Of course, such a statement of the 'old-fashioned idea' is an entire misrepresentation of the teaching of the fall of man, its consequences, and the plan of salvation, and yet the substitute which this speaker proposed is the popular substitute to-day, in this and many other organizations, for the plain principles and methods of the gospel of Christ. Teach the rising generation to enjoy this life and be good citizens of their country, and the future life will take care of itself. It is needless, perhaps, to say that such a program entirely rules out Christ and his atoning work as factors
in man's salvation, and makes man his own savior, in spite of the plain declaration of the Scripture that 'there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.' A new generation is coming upon the stage of this world, filled with such ideas of the atonement and of their ability to climb into heaven on a tower of their own—even as did the Babel builders of old.
The two meetings above referred to adjourned simultaneously to take part in the 'patriotic procession' from the Auditorium to the State capitol, where Mr. Bryan was to speak again. The procession was headed by a platoon of police. Following these came an automobile with the officers of the organization and the speaker. Then came the rank and file of the great host by nations and by States, bearing their individual banners. The sight was an impressive one as this army of between eight and ten thousand marched upon the capitol. It took fully twenty minutes for this vast throng to adjust itself upon the wide steps, porches, and approaches of the capitol. Mr. Bryan was conducted to Governor Johnson's room, and after a few minutes they returned together and took seats among the officers of the association upon the improvised platform. The crowd broke into enthusiastic and long-continued cheering. The Endeavorers called for a speech from the governor again and again, but he modestly refused. The whole assembly, led by Prof. E. O. Excell, joined in singing 'The King's Business' and 'The International Hymn,' and the secretary read letters from a member of the British Parliament, Hon. George Nicholls, and the British ambassador, Hon. James Bryce, regretting their inability to participate in the program. Then followed 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee,' the entire audience rising and singing, with uncovered heads. Bishop Fallows, of Chicago, offered prayer.
Mr. Bryan was then introduced for the third time, his address being devoted to the application of the Christian spirit to the government of the city and the nation. He dwelt upon the size and influence of the Christian Endeavor organization and other similar organizations, and paid a passing tribute to the Catholic Church as the largest branch of the Christian church. He declared that the main thought and purpose of these organizations is the same—the application of Christian ideals to daily life, to social work, to politics, and to government. He thought he saw evidences of a great moral and ethical awakening which was destined to be worldwide and to revolutionize the world in the matter of better living, better citizenship, better governments, a kindlier feeling of brotherhood between man and
man, and the establishment of harmonious relationships between the nations, with the uprooting of international jealousies.
Upon the question of applying Christianity to politics Mr. Bryan said:—
There is an honest plane upon which politics can be conducted, and I am sure that when this Christian spirit dedicates itself to politics, as is the object of your Patriotic League, we shall find charity and respect for each other's opinions and greater honesty in politics. . . . I believe that one of the results of this movement will be the purification of American politics, and I see signs already. . . . I believe that the movement will continue to spread and grow stronger, and that more and more will it be recognized that in every political act we must reckon with the soul and with the conscience. This is all we need to make politics and government honest and pure in the United States.
The speaker closed his address with a declaration of his faith in the cause to which the Patriotic League of the Christian Endeavor organization was dedicated, and his belief that as a result of its operations 'a flood of blessings would overflow the Christian nations, and all the sons of men would see the good that had been done.'
It was apparent throughout that the address voiced the sentiments of the organization, and yet the student of God's Word knows that no such Utopian transformation of the political world is anywhere hinted at in the Inspired Book. In fact, that Word takes direct issue with all such idealistic or fantastic forecasts, and declares plainly the increase of iniquity until the time when Christ himself appears in the clouds of heaven to put an end to the reign of sin and bring in his own kingdom in his own way. The false hope fostered by such a movement and deeper stamped by the eloquence of great men, heralded to the ends of the earth and propagated there to becloud minds as to the real coming of the Redeemer's kingdom, must make angels weep.
The international and interdenominational character of the organization was strikingly shown on the second evening of the convention, when messages of good will, encouragement, and co-operation were read from many different lands and from numerous religious organizations within various denominations. For instance, on this evening a telegram was received from the Epworth Leaguers (Methodists) in international convention at Seattle, reading thus:—
Seattle International Epworth League Convention sends greeting. Christ enthroned throughout the world our united purpose.
There was also read a felicitous message from the Universalist Young People who were at that time holding their convention in Minneapolis. The reading of a message of greeting from the fifty-five8societies in Spain brought forth great applause, as did also the message from the Endeavorers of Hungary.
Mr. Clarke had but recently returned from a series of conventions in England, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, and Spain, and stated that in the latter country, the convention, which was held in Barcelona, numbered fifteen hundred delegates. This was considered a remarkable showing for a country so strongly Catholic—a country in which no Protestant chapel must face on a principal street or bear outward evidence of its religious purpose. Messages poured in also from Burma, South Africa, Germany, France, Iceland, Samoa, and Thessalonica.
Twenty-eight years ago the society started in the Williston Congregational Church, of Portland, Maine. The present pastor of that church was in attendance, with seven delegates from that body; and these, with Dr. and Mrs. Clarke, were called to the platform to receive the plaudits of the great gathering.
At this juncture Rev. S. G. Inman, a Protestant missionary from Mexico, presented President Clarke with a silk flag of the Mexican republic, a gift from the society at Monterey.
Edward Martsden, a native Indian of Alaska, president of the societies in that territory, was called to the stand, and spoke briefly of the purpose of Alaska Endeavorers.
Rev. Floyd J. Tompkins, rector of Holy Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pa., was the principal speaker of the evening, his subject being, “The Kingdom Ideal Expressed in Social Life.” He urged that Christians be bold to express themselves in political affairs; and though the time had not yet come when a preacher might speak about politics in his pulpit without criticism, yet they were doing it, and would continue to do it whether criticized or not. He said: “We believe the power of Christianity must enter into the political life, or that life is doomed.” He deprecated the idea so long held by the church that the Christian is “a pilgrim and a stranger in this present world,” and declared that the church of to-day could never go back to such a conception of the Christian’s position in this world. “When any one stands up,” said he, “and declares that this is not a Christian land, let us defy him to his face, for it is a Christian land.” This declaration brought forth a storm of applause. In answer to his own question of what they could do to better the conditions in this world, he declared: “Every one of us who is of age must vote, and vote before God, getting down on our knees, and asking God to guide us aright—that is what we can do.” (Applause.) A very different an-
swer this from the answer given by our Saviour to the “young man” who came to him with a question as to what he should do; and a very different program from that laid out by the Master before his disciples when he sent them out into the world to advance the interests of his kingdom.
The speaker closed his address with an eloquent picturing of America’s greatness and the “magnificent work” she was to do as she should “go forth mightily to save the world for righteousness and truth.” Said he: “If we are going to bring in the kingdom of God through these high ideals of the social life, we must have a magnificent hopefulness, looking abroad upon this old earth as God’s earth, not the devil’s.”
This convention says little or nothing in its great meetings concerning the personal need of a personal Saviour, and nothing whatever of his return and the setting up of his kingdom in the manner that his followers were taught by his own lips to expect it.
C. M. S.
St. Paul, Minn.
A Word From Some Who Give
By I. H. EVANS
It was a beautiful lesson the Master taught his children when he said to them concerning the poor widow, whom he saw casting in her mite into the treasury, “This poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury; for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
This meager offering was so small that one would hardly know how to appreciate the amount unless he knew the pinch of extreme poverty. The offering the widow made was two mites, or a farthing, which in the currency of to-day equals about one fourth of a cent. Though the offering was so small, yet Jesus took notice of this poor widow’s gift; and of those who came to the treasury casting in their offerings, among whom were doubtless people in all walks of life, Jesus selected this poor widow, giving her his commendation, and saying that she had cast more into the treasury than they all; for the others cast in of their abundance, but “she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
These words have comforted not a few whose hearts have burned with love to their Heavenly Father, but who were poor in this world’s goods. All down the ages these words have been an inspiration to men and women to give liberally to the cause of God.
The other day we received a letter from a brother which reads as follows:—
I will enclose in this a postal order for one dollar for midsummer offering. It is not as much as I would like to give, but every little helps. I am an invalid, having been confined to my bed and wheel-chair for eight years, and not able to earn one cent. I am an isolated Sabbath-keeper, not another one in this town. Thirty-four years ago I came into the truth, but I am stronger in the faith of the soon-coming Saviour than ever before. I am determined to remain faithful to the end, that I may have a part with you in the first resurrection.
All over this land there are many such, poor in the things of this world, yet consecrated, self-sacrificing souls who give all they have, even their living, to help on the cause of God.
The other day we received a letter from a blind sister, with an offering enclosed for foreign missions, in which she says:—
I am totally blind, and have not been able to see for many years. I earn my support with my needle. I am old and feeble, but I enclose a little offering, which I wish sent to some heathen land where the people’s souls are in greater darkness than my physical body.
Surely the Spirit of God will follow such consecrated gifts, and in the kingdom there will be many rejoicing in eternal life whose salvation will be accredited to the sacrifices of these self-denying ones.
One of our ministers, hearing that the cause of God was in distress for money, sent a check which he had received for fifty dollars, saying that he had unexpectedly received a little money which he would be glad for the cause of God to use in its distress. From all lands, everywhere in the world, these loyal, self-sacrificing souls are doing what they can to advance God’s work in the earth.
Not only are consecrated souls willing to give their money, but parents are willing to give their children to go to the ends of the world to carry this message to those in darkness. A mother, nearly seventy years of age, whose only son in the truth had been sent by the General Conference to a foreign field, writes:—
I am glad that my son is going to a foreign field. While we greatly regret to part with him, we would rather he would be in the thickest of the fight, helping to finish this work, than to remain at home, though it is with tears that we part with him.
As God’s people consecrate their children, their means, and themselves to the Lord’s service, it does seem as if the work could be speedily finished.
I. H. EVANS.
The Last-Day Message
THE greatness of this last-day message was never so clearly manifest as in the insistent demand for its extension which comes from every quarter, and in the extensive plans being laid for its rapid promulgation in all the world. There is to be no slackening of its might. The Lord of Sabaoth is the source of its power. It can not fail, but will triumph gloriously.
My Need
By Mary Valliant Nowlin
MARY VALLIANT NOWLIN
QUICKEN me, all-glorious Son,
With life the Father giveth thee—
With light and immortality—
Thou Christ, who art my judge to be.
O let me never be undone!
Lord, through thy Spirit so impart
The fullest riches of thy grace,
The glory shining from thy face,
That in my actions all may trace
The throbbing of thy love-filled heart.
And let there mingle in my voice
The tones that stirred the far-off sea—
The far-famed, blue-waved Galilee—
That gentle, loving sympathy
That made all lonely hearts rejoice.
O Christ, this fulness I so crave,
So feel the lack, I'd faint to-day,
If thou, Lord, hadst not bid me pray,
And watch for souls along the way,
And tell them of thy power to save.
Then let these graces in me meet,
O thou who knowest all my need!
Come, teach me by love's simple creed,
That I may gather gems indeed,
And some day lay them at thy feet.
O, I will sing all heaven through,
If I should find in that glad place—
Which I shall reach, Lord, by thy
grace—
Some trav'ler, lost in earth's dim maze,
That I had told thy story to!
Takoma Park, D. C.
Be of Good Courage
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
There are some in our churches who, if there is discouragement in any line, are sure to talk about it. This is not the right way to do. Those who do not work in hopefulness, keep themselves under a cloud of doubt. The enemy is not dead, and the nearer we come to the close of this earth's history, the more vigilant will be his efforts to keep souls in discouragement, that the light of heaven may not be revealed in words and acts to bring hope and cheer and courage to others. We must be wide-awake to meet the wiles of Satan. We should ever be drawing nearer and nearer to God, for we need increased faith and a firm reliance on the help that God can give. These will make us a help and blessing to others.
I am so thankful that we have a faith that will stand the test of trial and opposition. As trouble in the world increases, the Lord's children will have to suffer; but the Word of God affords comfort and encouragement for such a time. Read the first and second chapters of First Corinthians; there are precious assurances here for the child of God.
Paul is speaking to his brethren in the faith: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We have some understanding of what this waiting means. The testimony of the Spirit of God to-day harmonizes with that given through the apostle Paul. “God is faithful, by whom ye are called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The apostle continues, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” In our labors there is need of carefulness of speech, watchfulness of each action, that through the grace of Christ the responsibilities that have been placed upon us may be borne in the spirit of Christ. Christ would have us united in Christian fellowship, — a tie more binding than the ties of human kinship. He would have us take our stand upon a higher platform. Christ has pledged himself to work for us if we will take hold of him by faith.
We are now in the closing work of this earth's history. There is not a moment's time to be given to doubting. My brethren and sisters, let your faith increase. However discouraging appearances may be, believe that the Lord will work in behalf of his cause and his people. The Spirit of God is everywhere knocking for admittance to the hearts of men. God is caring for his work in every place. His children are the special objects of his care. If by faith we will accept the light God gives in messages of encouragement or reproof, and advance step by step in the right way, keeping our eyes steadfastly fixed on our Leader, light will shine along the pathway, the approval of God will stimulate us with hope, and ministering angels will co-operate with all our efforts.
Consider the estimate that Christ places upon those who follow his example: “Ye are the salt of the earth,” he says, “but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill can not be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
These are wonderful lessons for us. Study them carefully, and profit by their instruction. A higher spiritual tone is required of us. The Lord would have us spiritually minded, that we may be able to see the working out of his plan in our lives. We are to be laborers together with God in accomplishing the work that he would have done. Wherever we are, we are to reflect light.
It is our privilege to gain precious victories day by day. Let us go forward in faith and hope and courage. Let us regard patience and kindness as sacred things which we must bring into every line of our work. Let us vindicate the greatness of the work by building up amiable, hopeful characters. This we can do through the grace of Christ.
We have no need to be sad and discouraged. The words and example of our Redeemer should bring us comfort and joy and strength to work his works. Let us reveal in our lives the fact that we are relying upon him who gave his life that we might not perish, but have everlasting life. Let us draw by living faith on the power of God. In no other way can we obtain the victory over the hosts of Satan. If by faith we will lay hold of the heavenly provision, the greatest powers in the universe will enable us to make complete our triumph over Satan and sin.
Thank the Lord that to human agencies is committed the grand work of extending the triumphs of the cross. Let us keep our eyes fixed on the mark of the prize. Let us not fail nor be discouraged. The words in favor of truth, spoken with the assurance that comes from the possession of a right purpose, and in cheerful hope, from a pure heart, will make angels rejoice.
“In that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.”
“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the city of God, where the Prince of heaven will one day welcome his faithful ones. Let us think of him looking down upon our world, and watching with earnest desire those who are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. When his work on earth is finished, he will welcome the righteous to the mansions he has prepared, and place on their heads the crown of the overcomer.
Increasing Confidence
By GEO. O. STATES
GEO. O. STATES
In the fifty-seven years that I have been a Sabbath-keeper, nothing has ever so inspired confidence in the final triumph of the third angel's message as do the Bulletin reports of the General Conference. Just as far back as I can remember, when there were only a few of our people in the Eastern States, and Elders M. E. Cornell and J. B. Frisbie began giving the message in Michigan, our people believed that this truth would go to every part of the world, and that there would be gathered out one hundred forty-four thousand from all nations. These grand truths used to inspire our very beings. As I read the proceedings of the Conference, and the reports of the delegates from nearly every part of the world, telling how the message was spreading, I could almost hear their voices, and I said, “This is the truth, and I know it is.”
Courage, brethren and sisters; the city is almost in sight. We have no time to look at the mistakes of our brethren. Doubtless they have made mistakes, and do still make mistakes; we all do. The servant of the Lord has said: “But when, in a General Conference, the judgment of the brethren assembled from all parts of the field, is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be stubbornly maintained, but surrendered. Never should a laborer regard as a virtue the persistent maintenance of his position of independence, contrary to the decision of the general body.”
As I carefully read the proceedings, and saw how strongly our leading brethren differed on vital questions which affected the interests of the work; how the questions were freely discussed, and when they were finally acted upon, were passed unanimously by a rising vote, I said, “Thank the Lord for the spirit of prophecy. Our leading brethren believe, and practise what they preach.” “Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together [all united] shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.”
Now let these brethren and sisters who were permitted to attend this World's Conference go to their respective fields of labor and spread that spirit of unity among the laborers that could not attend, then let all the laborers go out and infuse that spirit through the rank and file, all standing firmly on the Word of God and the spirit of prophecy which God placed in this church from the very beginning will start, and the message will swell into the loud cry, and a short work will the Lord make in the earth. “For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.”
I believe, brethren and sisters, that if all our laborers would do this, and give the message with the old-time ring, it would soon swell into the loud cry, the power of God would be seen, and the sick would be healed. “I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. Said he, ‘Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.’ I was pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial.” “If the enemy can get the desponding to take their eyes off from Jesus, and look to themselves, and dwell upon their own unworthiness, instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, his love, his merits, and great mercy, he will get away their shield of faith, and gain his object, and they will be exposed to his fiery temptations. The weak should therefore look to Jesus, and believing in him, they can then exercise faith.”
During the five years, and more, since my nervous breakdown, many times I have gone before the Lord in secret and asked him if I might not be laid away to rest, for it did seem to me that if I could not have a part in giving the message, I would rather await the first resurrection. Brethren and sisters, my very life is bound up in this truth, and since reading the reports of the Conference, I have wondered if I have learned the lessons God has for me in my terrible affliction, and if I have come to the place where I can say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” I need your prayers as I work in the quiet of my home to build up my health, that I may have that submissive spirit that our Example had when he said, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” If I should be healed and have a part in the loud cry, those who know my affliction would say, Surely that is the work of God.
Cedaredge, Colo.
Achan
By G. B. THOMPSON
G. B. THOMPSON
“THERE must be an Achan in the camp,” we sometimes hear it said when there is trouble and a waning of spirituality in the church. Achan seems to be to this day a synonym for spiritual stagnation. In the midst of discord and wrangle somebody is impressed that an Achan should be weeded out, and unless this is done, Israel will probably languish nigh unto death.
But who is Achan anyway? and what did he do that he has become a synonym for hypocrisy and spiritual declension even to this time? Achan was “the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.” Joshua 7:1. With the rest of Israel he had marched around the city of Jericho, and probably lifted his voice in the shout of victory which overthrew the walls. No doubt he rejoiced when he saw the mighty power of God displayed in delivering the city into their hands. We have no record which shows that Achan was specially bad at heart. He was numbered with God’s chosen people. But a temptation came upon him. He “committed a trespass in the devoted thing.” Joshua 7:1, A. R. V. He “coveted,” and as a result “took” that which belonged in the treasury of the Lord, instead of in his own. It was through yielding to this sin that he lost everything, and became a byword of unrighteousness to this day.
But what did he do? Simply this: Concerning the spoil of Jericho, the Lord had said: “All the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy unto Jehovah: they shall come into the treasury of Jehovah.” “Keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when ye have devoted it, ye take of the devoted thing; so would ye make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.” Joshua 6:19, 18, A. R. V. This was plain instruction, and there was no reason why it should not be understood and obeyed. Certain things were holy, and were to be placed in the Lord’s treasury, and Israel were to “keep” themselves “from the devoted thing.”
But Achan did not do this. After witnessing and sharing in the great victory which came to God’s people, he was one day walking among the ruins of the city and saw among the spoils “a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight.” He “coveted them,” and when none of his brethren were looking, he “took them,” and hid them in the earth in the midst of his tent. Joshua 7:21.
Sad spectacle indeed! A professed servant of God digging a hole in the ground in his tent to hide something that was holy and belonged in the Lord’s treasury, but which because of covetousness, he had stolen, and put among his own stuff!
But there is nothing uncommon about Achan’s transgression. Many are doing the same to-day. He was covetous, and as a result, that which was holy and belonged to God and his service, he took for himself. Many in the church to-day are covetous and guilty of this same sin.
“Achan understood well the reserve made, and that the treasures of gold and silver which he coveted were the Lord’s. He stole from God’s treasury for his own benefit.
“I saw that many who profess to be keeping the commandments of God are appropriating to their own use the means which the Lord has entrusted to them, and which should come into his treasury.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. III, page 269.11
This statement should arouse us from the stupor of sin. Many who profess to keep the commandments are said to be “appropriating to their own use” means which belongs in the Lord’s treasury. Then if we do not faithfully render to the Lord a true tithe, but through covetousness rob the Lord, we are Achans in the church. In view of this indictment made by the Holy Spirit, it behooves us to examine our stuff, and see if there is anything there which belongs in the Lord’s treasury. And if there is, let us not delay until, like Achan, it is too late to make restitution.
As a result of thus robbing the Lord, the Spirit of God further says: “They rob God in tithes and in offerings. They dissemble, and withhold from him to their own hurt. They bring leanness and poverty upon themselves, and darkness upon the church, because of their covetousness, their dissembling, and their robbing God in tithes and in offerings.”—Id.
Achan had a chance to repent, but he failed to improve it. While the search for the sinner was going on, he saw the circle growing smaller, but it did not alarm him. He thought his sin securely hidden; but this was a fatal mistake. All Israel marched past, and the sin was located in the tribe of Judah. Then the families of Judah passed by, and the family of the Zarhites was fixed on. Then the family of the Zarhites passed, and the circle narrowed down to the household of Zabdi. Achan continued to brave it out; but as the household of Zabdi passed by, the Lord laid his finger on the real culprit, and Achan was pointed out. What an awful hour this must have been in his life! No doubt then he wished he had confessed his wrong course. Read his sad end recorded in Joshua 7:24-26.
These things were written for our learning. Shall we not profit by the awful warning left us in Achan’s life of the sin of robbing God, and while there is still time, turn from the wicked thing forever?
