If United with Catholics, It Must Be on Papal Grounds—Notes of Warning—A Twentieth Century Apostasy—Masterpiece of Deception—None Need Be Deceived
Last week Elder Porter told of the federation movement that is in progress in the Catholic Church. He told of the overtures on the part of both Protestants and Catholics to unite as a single federal power to promote “civic righteousness,” to enforce the observance of Sunday, and so on.
With this great federal movement in mind, the reader will find much in this article to provide serious meditation. History is repeating itself in the formation of a religious despotism. Protestants, so called, are helping to form it; and when it is completed, Rome will be found standing at the head.
In this thing, prophecy is fulfilling. Our published literature will show that for more than fifty years, we have been teaching that this generation will see a world-wide religious despotism, with the papal power supreme. Prophecies that are incontrovertibly plain have been relied on in advancing this position. People who are not confused by intoxicating delusions, ought to be able to see things that are so plain. Both the prophecy and its fulfilment are now before our eyes.
Editor.
The Catholic federation has thus far manifested its design in some directions. It stands for the exaltation of the sacrifice of the mass rather than the sacrifice of Christ. It seeks supremacy for the pope of Rome over the nations of earth instead of the supremacy of Christ over the hearts of men. It seeks through the eucharist to exalt the man of sin instead of the Man of Calvary. It seeks to exalt the pagan-born, Rome-christened Sunday festival instead of the Sabbath of the Lord. Let every honest soul take warning, and seek refuge at the foot of the cross of Christ instead of at the feet of the papacy.
Has Protestantism Ceased to Protest?
In the face of these plain facts, Protestants, in their councils, have seriously discussed and agreed to dropping the name “Protestant” from their federation name because it interfered with a federation with Catholics in this great federated church movement.
Can not Protestants see, as Catholics and others do, that Protestantism has ceased to protest? Can they not see that the only basis of union with Catholicism in this federation movement is by the sacrifice of Protestantism, and an apostasy that places Protestantism on the level of Catholic dogmas? Can she not see that she must accept the intolerant principle of the papacy before she can adopt the proposed law-enforced conversion?
They Will Unite on Catholic Principles
From the present trend of events on the part of both Protestantism and Catholicism, it is as certain as that night follows day, that these two great federated bodies will unite upon Catholic principles, and swing the world backward into the midnight of the Dark Ages, when the Bible was a forbidden book, chained to the desks or pulpits of priests. In place of these federations proving to have been for national reform, they will prove to have resulted in national ruin. The conflict of the ages will soon culminate with the papacy and all the allies she can summon to her support arrayed against the word of God, as of old.
A Note of Warning
Some Protestants see the danger in the federation movement, and their timely words of warning are worthy of serious consideration. The editor of the Lutheran believes in a church unity that works from the heart out, not from the head into formal federation. In the issue of April 6, 1911, he says:
“There is need of church unity, a wonderful need. But let us talk church unity sensibly. Let us not attempt to make it seem what it is not, the counting of so many heads under one ecclesiastical name, the joining together of a bundle of fellowship sentiments and the rooting up of mighty convictions. Should Methodists talk unity with Unitarians, Universalists, and Jews? Should Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and even Lutherans (save the mark) do so? Is it honest? Is it even charitable? How hollow and insincere must be such talk on the part of Christians, when they know they must sacrifice the Godhead of Christ by talking unity! And yet that very thing was done in the city of Philadelphia. Now a Christian can have social fellowship with all men who differ from him; but can he have doctrinal and church fellowship with them?—Never!”
How a Baptist Views It
This logical and very reasonable appeal must meet a response from every consistent and unbiased person. A Baptist in the Western Recorder says:
“The old Baptist cry, ‘Absolute religious liberty for all,’ is the cry of my soul. . . . Instead of the much vaunted ‘federation,’ we need that broadness of mind and religion which will concede that all others have equal honesty and sincerity with ourselves, and almost as much intelligence. With such a spirit we would listen to each other and learn; but as it is with most of us, a kind of self-entertained infallibility, and consequent prejudice against all other views than our own, close our ears to all expositions contrary to our belief. Especially is this true of all who know nothing of the grace of God in regeneration, for all such follow a creed instead of Christ. . . . Better far opposing denominationalism, with religious liberty for all alike, than ‘federation’ with dominating control.”
Every principle set forth in this warning and appeal is a fundamental gospel principle. To undertake such a federation movement as has been inaugurated, requires an assumed infallibility. Not only so, but such a federation is an advertisement that Protestantism has lost from its experience righteousness by faith, and is seeking to compensate for the loss by enforcing a religion of works.
Twentieth Century Repetition of Apostasy
It is the sad story of Israel’s apostasy repeated in the twentieth century of professedly Christian faith. No regenerated man ever sought to enforce conversion upon others. A religion of works alone undertakes to compel religious observances.
Federation or Christ
In the days of Elijah a great religious movement sought to undermine and dethrone true religious experience. The prophet then brought the people face to face with the true issue, that they might choose the side they would take. At that time it was a choice between following Baal and following God. In the days of Christ’s first advent the Jews were brought to the choice between Christ and Barabbas. Now the world must choose between Christ and this great federation movement, which will as certainly exclude Christ, in its enforced religion of works, before the second advent of Christ, as did Israel of old before the first advent.
It can not be too often repeated that from the beginning, in his work of deception, Satan posed as a reformer.
In the last days of human history, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” These are the words of Christ. Do they warrant gospel enforcement?—No. The gospel of the kingdom is to be preached with divine power in all the world as a witness. No one is to be forced to obey it.
Why Is Satan Doing Thus?
Why is Satan deceiving the professed Christian church of our time into establishing a counter-kingdom on earth before Christ’s second advent? Let Christ answer:442
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matt. 24: 23-27.
A Masterpiece of Deception
This federation movement is Satan’s masterpiece of deception. It is a false view of the establishment of the kingdom of Christ. The miracle-working power of Spiritualism will join the federation. Isa. 8: 19. Satan himself, transformed into an angel of light, will eventually take control as king. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Cor. 11: 13-15.
Through this federation movement, his ministers are on hand as ministers of “civic righteousness.” But it will be impossible to deceive the elect. They know that Christ’s kingdom is not established through federation. It will be established when He comes again in the same manner in which He ascended. They also know that the closing message of the gospel of the kingdom is a message of faith and voluntary obedience to the commandments of God, not a gospel of federation and force. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. . . . And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. . . . And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” Rev. 14: 12, 14, 16.
Opposition and No Overlapping
The intelligent Bible student knows that Satan will oppose this message; and as he parceled out the parishes of the world before the great Protestant Reformation movement through the Papacy, and declared that there should be “no overlapping,” he will parcel out the parishes of the world in the last generation, and declare that there shall be no overlapping, in order to hedge up the way for the proclamation of the last gospel message before Christ’s second advent. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12: 17.
The remnant of the seed of the woman is the last Christian church. The Christian church of to-day has no more to fear from the present-day federation movement than did the Christian church in the days of the apostles or in Protestant Reformation times. God has declared that, regardless of the wrath of the dragon, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world” just before the end, and He will see that it is done. The battle is not ours, but His.
No Excuse for Being Deceived
God has left the world absolutely without excuse if it is deceived by this last-day church federation movement. He has given definite warning against this very federation at this very time, when the last call of the gospel of the kingdom is sounding.
“Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among My disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him.” Isa. 8: 9-17.
Trust Him, and Not a Confederacy
At the very time when men are looking for Christ to return in power and great glory to establish His kingdom upon the ruins of this false federation, which at His coming shall be swept from His presence like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor, He instructs His disciples to put their trust in Him, and not in a human confederacy, even though it is supported by miracle-working power.
He places in their hands the test of every reform movement: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Verse 20.
All confederacies to establish the kingdom of Christ shall fail. They shall speak the word of terror, but “it shall not stand: for God is with us,” says the prophet on behalf of the waiting, loyal church of Christ.
While we sadly review the apostasy that is federating to establish a false kingdom of God just before Christ’s return, let us thank God and take courage because the true is very soon to be established; and as the mighty God is its support, there can be no defeat to the child of faith. There is no failure with God.
He might have destroyed Satan in the beginning, but He chose to conduct His work to a successful termination in the face of Satan’s opposition. God has succeeded during the conflicts of the past; and with Paul we may say for the brief but thrilling conflict of the future, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
R. C. P.
THE CROWN ETERNAL
By J. O. C.
Men Sacrifice Everything to Get the Crown of Earthly Kings — Only a Few Can Possess It — A Better Crown Awaits Every One Who Will Receive It
A CROWN is the symbol of authority and power. In possession of it one is honored and obeyed. In being dispossessed of a crown once worn, one descends in disgrace to a lower level of society. Such a case excites the pity of every humanitarian, because of the extreme change of circumstances attending the unfortunate loser.
Some Sovereigns Have Lost Their Crowns
Within the memory of many now living, some have met the sad reverses of losing their crowns, as in the cases of Hawaii’s queen and Portugal’s king. Indeed, an earthly crown ever rests uneasily upon the head of a monarch, because of the uncertainty of all earth affairs.
There is yet another consideration affecting these secular dignities. They are in the reach of none but the fleshly high born. Unquestioned royal blood must, from the first, flow in the veins of a possible candidate for such honor. Sometimes, even then, the aspirant must reach the throne through strife and bloodshed, to hold his tenure of office but a few days or years at most.
Sacrifices All for the Throne
But notwithstanding all the requirements and uncertainties attending these doubtful promotions, feverish human ambition often runs riot to secure the ascendency so fascinating to mortals. Wealth and loving friends are cheerfully sacrificed to meet the demands of the occasion, though the prospect of success is dimmed by apparent adverse probabilities. Against all these odds, hot desire quickens the exciting pace, even to the confines of despair, when the fading of the mischievous illusion leaves the one so misled to sink in the morass of the great beyond.
A Crown That Endures
So an earthly crown, at its best, is but corruptible — a fading bauble, a disappointing acquisition. There is, however, the possibility of obtaining a crown that is ceaselessly enduring, and also radiant with the light of God. In evidence of this the positive promise of the apostle may be cited, “When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4.
But while a certain rank or order of persons were thus addressed, the assurance is at hand that every person, of every race,43is actually in line to receive this promised reward, if he but hold himself in readiness to receive it when it is given out.
So also, another prominent apostle, when considering his impending alienation from earth scenes, declared himself ready for the transfer, believing that a crown of righteousness reserved in heaven for him, would be given at the proper time. He then adds, “And not to me only, but unto all them also that love His [the Lord’s] appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:8.
Called to the Throne of Omnipotence
But this gracious promise includes even more than outwardly appears in the quoted words. Considering the time of that fulfilment, the Saviour said: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh [that is, through My coming in to sup with him] will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Rev. 3:20, 21.
Looking for the victorious Saviour in the exalted position He here describes as His, He is found seated “on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” Heb. 8:1. When He comes again to earth to receive His saints to Himself, He will be seen on that same throne of glory, as He calls the righteous to His favor. Matt. 25:31, 32. From that time forth the redeemed are to be with Him where He is. John 14:3.
Thus the story is completely told. The redeemed are first to receive a crown of eternal life which shines with bright glory. Adorned with this mark of distinction, they sit with Christ in His throne, as He now sits with the Father in His throne, and share with the Redeemer His dominion of earth, which was won in behalf of man, who so disgracefully forfeited that honor, first bestowed on him in Eden. Gen. 1:26.
He Tasted Death for All
It was for this purpose that the plan of redemption was undertaken. Therefore as Christ tasted death for every lost being, so a crown was purchased for each of these, and is available for every one who will take the necessary steps to secure it. Hence this rich crown of life and power is within reach of all for whom the Saviour died. In view of this, and the nearness of Christ’s coming to bestow the great reward, He Himself exhorts all to hold fast that which they have; that they lose not their crown to another. Rev. 3:11.
How much better is this than to contend for an earthly diadem, so uncertain in its province, and so fugitive in its being! What a contrast between them in every way! Only one in a myriad can hope to reach the quickly vanishing earthly crown, and that only perhaps through the maintenance of armed retainers, while the eternal crown has been already purchased once for all, and for every one. Then best of all, this one, so freely bestowed, when once received, is a changeless possession, to be enjoyed through countless ages, amid the glory of heaven’s unfading brightness. Toward this beauty luster every eye should now turn, in hope of a speedy realizing of its infolding.
J. O. C.
THE BOOK THAT ENDURES
By W. A. S.
THERE was a pretty little service in connection with the dedication of the new Waldensian church in Rome, built by a Mrs. Kennedy, of New York, as a memorial to her husband. Centuries ago the Waldensians were keeping the light of the living Word glowing in the recesses of the Alpine valleys, with Rome warring against them. Now the modern representatives of the old Waldensian churches have a meeting place in Rome itself. The report of the recent dedication says that as an introduction to the service, the pastor ascended the pulpit, with the great pulpit Bible in his hands, saying:
“In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we place on this pulpit the Book of truth. May it never be removed thence! Revelation of the thought and will of God, may it ever be guide and counselor of the masters of truth who from this place announce to the people the science of this life and of that which is to come! In the words of Paul, ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be . . . thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’”
There are, of course, many agencies proclaiming the word of the Lord in Rome in our time, for the power of the papacy is broken in its ancient seat. But this open Book on the pulpit of the ancient Waldensian church, with its history running back into the days when believers in the Book were pursued among the mountains by flame and sword, may well stand as a token of the fulfilment of God’s promise that His word should not be taken away from the children of men, according to the scripture in Peter’s first epistle: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. . . . And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” Chapter 1:23, 25. W. A. S.
SAFETY IN THIS ANCHORAGE
By G. B. T.
“FATHER, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me. . . . I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Jesus foresaw the trials of His people, and prayed for them. He did not ask that they might not die. He foresaw their persecutions. He saw the glare of the burning fagots, and heard the roar of the beasts in the arena. He saw the sharpened swords, and the instruments of torture. He saw suffering, sickness, and death. He did not pray that the disciples might be kept from these, but He prayed that they might be kept from the “evil” of the world. This is the blessed privilege of every Christian.
To-day, as never before, we need to be kept. Cyclones of controversy, scientific reasoning, subtile philosophy, and the most adverse winds, are about us; and unless kept, we will be swept from our moorings and lost. Our only safety is in being anchored to the eternal rock of Scripture. G. B. T.
TWO THINGS THAT WE HAVE HEARD ABOUT JOB
By W. A. S.
“YE have heard of the patience of Job,” says James 5:11. Yes, everybody has heard of it. For these thirty centuries, Job has been set forth as a remarkable example of patient endurance.
But there is another thing that we have heard about Job. We have heard of his trials. In fact, had it not been for the trials of Job, we should never have heard of the patience of Job.
JOB'S PATIENCE A FRUITAGE
How often have we felt, in trial, that but for these difficulties and perplexities, and nagging perversities of conditions, we might hope to have some of that patience of Job! But as a matter of real Christian philosophy, Job's patience was the fruitage of his trust in God amidst the trials.
The apostle says, “Tribulation worketh patience.” Rom. 5:3. Only as we lay hold of this truth will we be able, with the apostle, to “glory in tribulations also.”
Of one thing we may be sure, and that is that in the trial, the Lord Jesus draws closer than ever to His child. It is in suffering and in waiting that He proves His fellowship with us in the very weakness of our human need. “In all their affliction He was afflicted,” says the prophet concerning the journeyings and trials of the children of Israel in the wilderness. Christ walks through the furnace with His own.
MARVELS OF PATIENCE PREDICTED
Of the remnant church—that is, the church of Christ in the very last days—it is written that they must meet the special wrath of Satan because of their loyalty to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 12:17. Yet of this same remnant people of God it is spoken by the prophet, who in vision saw them bearing their witness against apostasy, and enduring the scoffs and scorn of the world, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. Out of the last days will come the experience of patience for those who keep the faith firm to the end. W. A. S.
Paul’s Weakness and Trembling
“AND I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” Paul trembled lest his teaching should reveal the impress of the human rather than the divine.
FROM THE FIELDS BEYOND
“Behold, these shall come from far; . . . and these from the land of Sinim.” Isa. 49:12.
The Higher Critics and Evolutionists in China
By John J. Westrup
It Does Not Satisfy—Hearts Reaching for Something Better — Kept, by God's Power, from Roving Bands of Robbers
By JOHN J. WESTRUP
Peh Long is now marching toward the capital of Kansu, leaving death and ruin behind him. His great success in Honan, Hupeh, Anhuei, Shensi, and Kansu — he having not even once met any serious repulse — gives a great encouragement to the discontented all over China.
Yuan Shi Kai, being short of money, seems unable to cope with them. I have just read that Szechuan is in a state of rebellion. There are many bands of robbers all around us. Having been, for the last eighteen days, visiting outstations, I came across them twice; but the Lord always keeps that which is committed to Him.
Courage and Progress
It is inspiring to see the progress of the truth, and the courage and zeal of our workers — their high hopes and large plans for the future. The spirit of this message is a wonderful, invigorating power, nowhere seen more clearly than here. “Be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.”
Evolution and “Higher Criticism”
While in the United States there seems to be a reaction among the Protestant churches against evolution and “higher criticism,” here many missionaries boldly assert that the only way to oppose the Seventh-day Adventist doctrines effectually is to preach and teach evolution. “Blind leaders of the blind,” seeing that they are undermining their own faith in the Bible!
I heard one say: “If I could believe the first chapter of Genesis, I should be compelled to keep the seventh day as the Sabbath, as that chapter is the foundation of the seventh-day Sabbath. But I do not believe it. I believe the Lord took thousands of years to create this world.”
In Chang-Sha, Hunan, the missionaries have a union school, and some ten different denominations send their young Chinese men there to be trained as preachers and evangelists. I met the foreign professor of the school, and he was full of “higher criticism” and evolution. He did not believe in the inspiration of the books of Moses, or in any miracle of the sacred Word. Pity those students who thus lose all faith in the Bible.
“I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, . . . but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11. This prophecy is being fulfilled.
Cared Little for the Bible in Theological School
Many of those who came to us from a certain school in the north of Honan, testified that while in that school, they cared very little for their Bible, and that they were surprised to find so many prophecies fulfilled, and the events of the future portrayed so clearly in the word of God.
The Bible is the fountain of knowledge. But alas, too many who profess faith in it, love ease, luxury, and a class of pleasures that the pure word of God reproves. Hence they choose to soothe their consciences with sophistry rather than to build on the Rock of Ages, “because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thess. 2:10, 11.
The Mighty Hand of God in Heathen Lands
By R. C. Porter
By R. C. PORTER
A CHINESE priest who accepted the faith recently, handed over to me his credentials which authorized him to minister at heathen altars. He also gave to our band of workers his gods, saying that now that he had exchanged them for Christ, he had no further need of them.
A Filipino convert who was unable to read, so longed to read the Bible for himself that he prayed earnestly to God for ability to read His word. He has been able to read since that time, though he has had no teacher. Having met this brother and inquired carefully into the case, I am convinced that the report is correct. The same power that can transform a heathen into a Christian can perform such miracles when it pleases Him to do so.
We have opened six new fields in our territory during the past year. Other unentered fields are making most pitiful appeals for workers to bring to their people, who are lying in darkness, the saving light of the gospel.
Fear Not, I Have Redeemed Thee
FEAR not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.— Isaiah.
Cannibals Still in the South Seas
By J. E. Fulton
Missionaries among Them Facing Death — Their Courage and Christian Heroism
By J. E. FULTON
Special Australian Correspondent
MANY falsely allege that Seventh-day Adventists do not go to difficult fields, but put forth all their efforts in civilized lands. Those who make such assertions, forget or else ignore the fact that Seventh-day Adventists operate in ninety different countries in all parts of the globe; that they have missionaries among the heathen tribes in darkest Africa; in the interior of China, where intestine strife and trouble reign; in discordant South America, Central America, and Mexico; and in cannibal Melanesia and Papua.
Operating now in ninety different countries and in about as many languages, they are rapidly sending their missionaries to every part of the world, having sent 157 new recruits out in 1913.
The facsimile article in the preceding column is from the Age, one of Australia’s most prominent dailies, and should be sufficient outside evidence that Seventh-day Adventists are in the thick of the fight.
Trying Conditions for the Missionary
By F. E. Stafford
Mighty Miracles on Heathen Hearts
Ever since the revolution of last summer, Shanghai has been the refuge of hundreds of undesirable citizens. For a time there was a reign of terror throughout the settlement. Robberies, hold-ups, murders, thieving, and crime of every description took place almost daily in broad daylight, and seemed to be beyond the power of the police.
In the midst of all this trouble, we have been able to carry on our program without any interruption, and the very conditions under which we are laboring have only served to emphasize the truth of the doctrine we present, that “in the last days perilous times shall come.” Thus the wrath of Satan and the wickedness of evil men are made to praise God, and bear witness to His truth.
MIRACULOUS CHANGE OF HEART
One case may be mentioned to show how God is working on the hearts of those who only a short time ago were in heathen darkness. Mr. and Mrs. Z. M. Li, who were converted during the last evangelistic effort, were greatly pleased, about the first of January, by the advent of a son in the family. They carefully guarded it night and day, as it was their only child, they having lost two previously. On the eleventh day, the little one became violently ill, and they immediately called for us to come and help. We thought best to take the child to the hospital, where it could have constant medical attention. After all in the power of man to do had been done, we prayed that if it were the Lord’s will, He would restore the child.
In less than twenty-four hours the child died. How to keep the grief-stricken father and mother from casting away their faith in the God of heaven, who they had confidently hoped would heal their child, in the face of the taunts and ridicule of heathen friends and relatives who assert that it is the result of their new belief in the “Jesus doctrine,” was the problem that God only could solve.
A service was held at the house, and comforting words were spoken from 2 Sam. 12: 15-23; Rom. 8: 29-39; and James 1: 2-4. The parents were encouraged to trust still in Him who does all things well. The following evening, at the prayer-meeting, Mr. Li gave such a ringing testimony of trust and courage in God that it brought tears to all eyes.
Not only he and his wife were rejoicing in the Lord in their new-found hope, but Mrs. Li’s mother is now willing to listen to the gospel, whereas she was persecuting and opposing her daughter before.
Truly the ways of the Lord are past finding out; but when we see what can be accomplished for these heathen in the space of three months, we are led to take courage, and press forward with renewed vigor. It is these experiences that make this work “worth while.”
F. E. Stafford.
An Infidel Cooperates
By Editor
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