Earlier text: WHERE TO ORDERNote and Comment
By Editor
From press items which come to our notice from time to time it is evident that the movement to enforce the Sunday sabbath is by no means dead or dying. Here is an item from a Massachusetts paper, which shows the sentiment that is shaping things in that part of the country:— Plymouth, October 21: In Plymouth county superior court this morning the case of Edwin M. White, charged with violation of the Sunday law by allowing his cranberry pickers to work on Sunday, was resumed. . . . Judge Lawton ruled that the gathering of berries to save them from threatened damage by weather conditions was not a work of necessity or charity within the meaning of the law. The case will be carried to the supreme court. All Sunday laws allow the doing of works of “necessity or mercy” on Sunday, but not one of them defines what works of necessity and mercy are. Consequently it is left to the opinion of the judge or jury to settle the question whether the work complained of was of that class or not. The Sunday law, instead of clearly prescribing what a person may or may not do, compels him to shape his conduct by mere indefinite opinions, which vary as widely as do the individual characteristics of the persons who may be called to sit upon his case. The plea is often made in behalf of Sunday legislation that it is a necessity where some shops or stores are to be closed on Sunday, that all should be closed, to save those who desire to close from a little loss in trade. In this instance, however, it was deemed not necessary that Sunday work should be performed in order to avert great pecuniary loss which was being caused by the frosty weather. The whole history of Sunday legislation shows that it has its origin and support, not in reason or human necessity, but in zeal for Sunday as a religious day. Thanksgiving Proclamations and National Religion
By L. A. S.
The customary Thanksgiving proclamation was issued by President Roosevelt, November 1. In it he sets forth that it has pleased the Almighty “to bring the American people in safety and honor through another year,” during which there has been “peace within our own borders as well as between us and all other nations,” and that in various other ways the nation has been favored of heaven; in view of which the author of the proclamation does, as president of the United States, appoint and set apart Thursday, November 24, “to be observed as a day of festival and thanksgiving by all the people of the United States at home and abroad,” who are enjoined to observe the day by religious gatherings, “devoutly to give thanks unto God for the benefits he has conferred upon us as individuals and as a nation, and to beseech him that in the future his divine favor may be continued to us.” If it is proper that there should be a national recognition of God and a national petition to him for a continuance of the divine favor, why should not the nation also set up and enforce the divine will within its borders? If the nation may properly perform one act of religion, why not any and all other acts? Thus the National Reformers reason, and they reason correctly from the premise laid down in national and State Thanksgiving proclamations. They ignore the difference, which is as wide as the world, between an individual’s acting for himself in religion and a governmental act of religion, in which one individual acts for others. Theodore Roosevelt, as president of the United States, represents the people of the United States. In his official capacity he acts for them. The members of Congress and of the State legislatures represent and act for others in all that they do as such. They are elected by the people for that purpose. But no man, from the president down, is elected to act for the people in religion. And even were our public officials chosen for that purpose, God would not accept their service in such capacity; for “without faith it is impossible to please him,” and “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Each individual must believe and act for himself in things pertaining to God, as he must also give account of himself to God in the judgment day. One man can not speak for another at the judgment bar; so neither can one man speak and act for another now in those matters which the judgment will consider. National Thanksgiving proclamations may work no apparent harm, but they are wrong in principle, and the indorsement of wrong principles is always a thing to be carefully avoided. L. A. S. Dedicated Books
By William C. White
WE have two very precious dedicated books, and they will be of value to the sacred cause to which they are dedicated, in exact proportion to the amount of time and talent that is devoted to their circulation. These books can not do their work unless placed by willing hands in the field of their usefulness. But when thus placed in the homes of the people, they will do a work upon the hearts of human beings that will cause men and angels to rejoice. There is much of interest to be said about the work already accomplished by “Christ’s Object Lessons” and by “The Story of Joseph,” although their work is but just begun. In this article we can speak of only a few things, and we hope that from time to time interesting incidents may appear in the REVIEW AND HERALD, telling more of the good done by these books. The effort to sell “Object Lessons” in behalf of our schools has led many to dedicate themselves anew to the service of God, and has brought to them new and precious experiences. The reading of the book has brought light and joy to the hearts of thousands, and has led hundreds to accept the teaching of our Saviour regarding his ministry of salvation, and his purpose to return and gather his people to himself. In various parts of the world there are organized companies, and in a few places whole churches, that have been brought to the faith principally through the reading of “Object Lessons,” and the humble efforts of laymen engaged in its circulation. In the West Michigan Conference, where the churches did very faithful work, aided and encouraged by the teachers and students of Emmanuel Missionary College, about two hundred new members have joined the church. These were gathered in, one, two, and three in a place, as the result of the missionary effort of the lay members to circulate “Object Lessons.” Of less importance than the foregoing results, and more easily measured, are the financial results of this effort. There has been lifted from our schools over two hundred thousand dollars of their burden of indebtedness. That means ten thousand dollars a year less interest to pay by our schools, which ought all to be altogether free from the burden of interest paying. “The Story of Joseph,” dedicated to the support of colored mission schools, and to the erection of meeting-houses for our colored believers in the South, is a small book with a big mission, and with a very interesting record. Its sale has helped to support the teachers in our colored mission schools in Mississippi, and to build meeting-houses for poor colored congregations in many places. The present is a golden opportunity to work with this dedicated literature. And why? Because this is the time of the year in which there is most time for reading. The rush of summer work is over, and the long evenings are coming on. Because at this time of the year most people have the most money. Because The Signs of the Times, The Southern Watchman, and our other missionary papers are advertising these dedicated books so splendidly that the attention of the people is sharply called to them. Because this is the easiest season of the year to devote time to this work. Because the general missionary campaign helps us in so many ways. Let us settle it in our hearts that every family within the range of our influence shall not only have opportunity to read the four special numbers of our missionary papers, but that they shall also be invited to purchase “Object Lessons” and “Story of Joseph.” Let us take some risk in this matter by buying a few books, paying cash for them, and thus have some on hand ready for use. Let us dedicate a definite and liberal portion of time to this work. Let us have a definite understanding with fellow workers in our church and neighborhood regarding where we are to work. Let us prepare for successful work by repeated, faithful study of the contents of the books, so that we can converse freely about all parts of the subjects treated, and be able to select quickly the topics most interesting to each family. Let us study diligently Isa. 50: 4-9, entering heartily into its experiences, accepting its encouragement, claiming its promises, and giving ourselves to the Master’s work with the earnestness and fidelity there portrayed. Let us confer with the librarian, and make provision at once for a sufficient supply of books when needed for delivery. Let us enter into this work promptly, heartily, joyfully, saying with the apostle, “Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Cor. 2: 14. The Development of House-to-House Workers
By H. H. Hall
“I AM deeply impressed with the fact that there is a great harvest to be reaped, and as we can not hire enough men to reap it, the whole family must go out and help, so that the grain may be gathered in before the storm.” So said one of the speakers at the missionary convention I had the privilege of attending last month. The speaker knew, and our readers know, what a storm in harvest-time means,—how all other work is laid aside that the grain may be saved. As in times of crises in the harvest of grain every member of the family takes part, so in the harvest of the world, in the midst of which we find ourselves, every “man, woman, and child among us” is to have “a specific place.” One of the easiest ways of beginning is by loaning tracts and periodicals. Following this is the sale of periodicals. Various methods for doing this were suggested at the last convention, only one of which we will refer to here. It is the plan of using tracts as an introduction. If, for example, you are selling the Signs, carry a supply of a little tract like “Heralds of His Coming,” and when your customer comes to the door, state that you are circulating publications on religious subjects, one of which is free. In nearly every case the tract will be readily received, and you will easily obtain a hearing, and often will receive an invitation to enter the home. Our missionary and health periodicals are pioneers. They are the advance agents for our other publications, pioneering the way for truth-filled books, which the Lord has moved upon his servants to write. The following is a list of books especially set apart by the General Conference Publication Committee for just9 such workers. A discount of forty per cent to those who will engage in their circulation will be allowed. They will be advertised in our periodicals this fall, so that the public may be led to inquire for them:— “Thoughts on Daniel,” paper. “Thoughts on the Revelation,” paper. “Great Nations of To-day.” After the worker has gained an experience in selling these smaller books, and has, by repeated visits, become acquainted with his customers, he may arrange with his State agent to circulate the larger books in the same territory. Such work yields good returns, as is proved by the following quotation from a letter just received from one of our brethren who has tried it for years:— “During the past three weeks I have been following up the Signs work. In addition to finding many interested in the matter it contained, I have taken orders for two hundred dollars’ worth of books to be delivered at Christmas time. These were taken here in New York City, where good canvassers have been obliged to give up in despair.” And this is simply a fulfilment of the following special Testimony:— “I have been instructed that the canvassing work is to be revived.” “Our smaller books, with our journals, can and should be used in connection with our larger books.” Not all may be able to take every step mentioned in these suggestions, but certainly all can loan tracts, and nearly all can sell periodicals and some of the smaller books we have mentioned. Because of the on-coming storm, shall we not try? Family Bible Studies
By Stephen N. Haskell
THE work of holding Bible readings is a heaven-born method of winning souls. However eloquent may be the preacher, if he can not labor from house to house, his usefulness is greatly crippled. It is God’s method of saving souls, and it is the devil’s method of destroying souls. Satan entered the home of our first parents, and reasoned with Eve against what God had said, and thus opened the door for all the evil that has ever been. The voice of God was heard in the cool of the day, conversing with Adam and Eve. It was God’s first method of saving souls. The hospitality of Abraham proved a great blessing to him in the revelation of the Lord and the salvation of Lot. It was his social conversation that led the Lord to say, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” So God revealed to him his purpose in going to Sodom. This led Abraham to plead with the Lord to spare the city, if there were fifty in it, then forty-five, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, and finally ten, the number of Lot’s family. “And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow.” This pleading was in personal labor, as a friend talking with his friend. So it was with Lot; his entertaining proved his salvation. For a large portion of the world’s history, personal labor has been the chief method of saving souls. The apostle Paul, in his last charge to the once flourishing church at Ephesus, said: “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” To the Colossian church, he writes: “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Col. 1:28, 29. This is the way the Spirit of God works in every man. Paul labored from house to house among all classes of people. The early disciples, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, continued “daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” It has ever been the source of power in winning souls to Christ to come in personal, social contact with them. The women who labored with Paul were Bible workers, engaging in the same work as men and women are trained to do at the present day. Hundreds of our brethren and sisters should be engaged in this work to-day where now there is one. It is not necessary that men and women should always be supported by a conference to engage in this work. Even Apollos, an “eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures,” was taught by Priscilla and Aquila. When they heard him, “they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” The apostle Paul had stopped with them and instructed them, by preaching both in the synagogue and in their home. They were self-supporting missionaries. The house-to-house worker should be instructed in this line of work, just as workers are trained in other branches. This has been overlooked in many instances. But how can one receive this training while living at home? Shall he take the book on Bible readings and give readings from that? This is an excellent book, and a great help to read from; but this will not make a successful Bible worker, however, for it is like So reading a sermon. All should be educated to frame their own questions. The Bible Training School, which has been published the last two years, is a great help in this work. We have at the present time a large class of those who have promised to give one reading each week. Many of these have never given readings before. Four readings are prepared each month for this purpose. We recommend it to every one who wishes to engage in this branch of the work. The thought in the Scripture used is suggested, and it should be studied until it becomes so familiar to the individual that he can frame a question to bring out the thought. If these readings are studied thoroughly and used each week, one can not fail to become a successful Bible teacher in time. There is also much in rightly dividing the word to give what is proper at the right time. There is scarcely an individual who could not give one reading a week, and it would be the means of watering one’s own soul, and what is more, it would establish one’s own heart in the truth. Why should we not take time to fit ourselves for the work of God? Time is short. Our thoughts and meditations should be upon God. To have some subject to think of and then to present to our neighbors will be the salvation of many of us. The truth of God should be as a magnet to the soul both night and day. To present the subject of the coming of the Lord as one of the first topics will be found advantageous in many respects. If it is given properly, it will undermine many erroneous doctrines that are commonly held at the present day. The manner of his coming should be dwelt upon, how he appears, its effects upon the atmosphere and upon the wicked. It will settle the age-to-come question without saying a word about it. The prophecies should be dwelt upon. A reading should not generally be over one hour in length. It need not be formal. It is best not to ramble over many subjects, but prove something definite, so that those with whom you are reading will see it. Let a few points stand out clearly as mile-posts. Pray either at the beginning or at the close, and sometimes it is well to both open and close with prayer. “Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present sealing truth, and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over his people; and every soul that was decided on the truth, and was pure in heart, was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty God. Satan knew this, and was at work in mighty power, to keep the minds of as many as he possibly could unsettled, and wavering on the truth.” “God has begun to draw this covering over his people, and it will very soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power for his people, and Satan will be permitted to work also.”10 It is no time now to fold our hands, and to say we can do nothing. Surely we can do nothing of ourselves, but if we begin to put forth an effort to learn the truth as it is in Jesus, God will strengthen our memories, and his angel will stand by our side and also by the side of the one we are trying to instruct. And this effort to learn will take the mind from worldly things, and in a short time we shall wonder at what we have gained in the knowledge of the Scriptures, and the ability to impart to others. He that had one talent and buried it in the earth lost what he had. May God help all to improve their talent. Simplicity in Dress
By Ellen G. White
Fashion rules the world. She is a tyrannical mistress, often compelling her devotees to the greatest inconvenience and discomfort. Fashion taxes without reason and collects without mercy. She has a fascinating power, and stands ready to criticize and ridicule the poor, if they do not follow in her wake at any cost, even at the sacrifice of life itself. Satan triumphs that his devices succeed so well, and Death laughs at the health-destroying folly and blind zeal of the worshipers at Fashion's shrine. Not a few of our people are backsliding. They are imitating the fashions of the world. Their spirituality is dying. Step by step they are approaching world-loving. Selfishness and pride are taking possession of them, and the love of God finds little room in their hearts. Some who were once zealous reformers are now indifferent. Sisters who were once plain in dress are now conforming to fashion. God expects his commandment-keeping people to be distinct from worldlings, but in many instances the line of demarcation is hardly discernible. As I have seen those of our faith becoming worldly, my heart has been saddened. Some of those who profess to believe that they have the last message of mercy to give to the world, follow the fashions as far as they think their profession of faith will allow them to do. And their influence leads others astray. Their lack of Christlikeness is apparent to all. The Lord is dishonored by their conformity to the fashions of this degenerate age. Outward display is contradictory to our profession of faith. I entreat my sisters to guard against the tendency to dress in accordance with the demands of fashion. Many of the mother's burdens are the result of her effort to keep pace with the fashions of the day. Terrible is the effect of these fashions on the physical, mental, and moral health. Lacking the courage to stand firm for the right, women allow the current of popular feeling to draw them on in its wake. Much precious time is devoted to needless stitching and ruffling, to add to the outward adorning. Children are robbed of the time that should be devoted to gaining for them the beauty of holiness,—the inward adorning, which, in the sight of God, is of great price. In order to follow fashion, many of our youth incur expenses that are out of proportion to their condition in life. Children of poor parents endeavor to dress as do those who are wealthy. Parents tax their purses and their God-given time and strength in making and remodeling clothing to satisfy their children's vanity. If our sisters who have an abundance of means would regulate their expenditures by their responsibility to God, as wise stewards of the means entrusted to them; their example would do much to stay this evil now existing among us. Souls whom they might have helped by letting their light shine in good works, are strengthened in unbelief by their inconsistent course. Mothers can not be slaves to fashion and at the same time exert a sanctifying influence in the home. Too often professedly Christian mothers sacrifice principle to their desire to follow the multitude who make fashion their god. Conscience protests, but they are not brave enough to take a decided stand against the wrong. Many of our sisters willingly bear the unnecessary burden of conformity to worldly dress. Attempting to follow the fashions, their burdens are greatly increased, yet they willingly bear the yoke, because they worship the goddess of fashion. It is not only the privilege, but the duty of every one to increase daily in the knowledge of God and the truth. Satan's object is gained if he can invent something that will so attract the mind that God will be forgotten, and he uses fashion with great success to do this. He knows that women who constantly have a feverish desire to follow the fashions, have benumbed their moral sensibilities, and do not realize their11 real spiritual condition. Worldly minded, they are without God, without hope. They take no time to pray, or to search the Scriptures in order that they may understand the truth, and teach it to their children. When I have seen Christian women leading out in temperance campaigns, presenting to liquor inebriates a pledge to abstain from all intoxicating drinks, I have thought that it would also be well for them to present to every Christian woman a pledge to abstain from all needless display and extravagance in dress. By dressing simply, thus saving time and means, Christian women can do much to help the temperance cause. The means thus saved will clothe the destitute, feed the hungry, and will help to close the door against liquor drinking. Those who are simple in dress have time to visit the afflicted, and to pray with and for them. On all Christians rests a solemn duty to economize, that they may be better able to help those in need. We do not discourage neatness in dress. Correct taste is not to be despised nor condemned. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress, and zealous of good works, that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose taste for order and neatness in dress, we virtually leave the truth; for the truth never degrades, but elevates. When believers are neglectful of their dress, and are coarse and rough in their manners, their influence hurts the truth. “We are,” said the inspired apostle, “made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” All heaven is marking the daily influence that the professed followers of Christ exert upon the world. My sisters, your dress is telling either in favor of Christ and the sacred truth or in favor of the world. Which is it? Remember that we must all answer to God for the influence we exert. Simplicity of dress will make a sensible woman appear to the best advantage. We judge of a person's character by the style of dress worn. A modest, godly woman will dress modestly. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of a simple, appropriate attire. The young women who break away from the slavery of fashion will be ornaments to society. The one who is simple and unpretending in her dress and in her manners shows that she understands that a true woman is characterized by moral worth. How charming, how interesting, is simplicity in dress, which in comeliness can be compared with the flowers of the field. Missionary Work in Africa
THERE are at work in Africa to-day 104 different missionary organizations using the Word of God, which is translated into 117 different dialects. Educationally, Africa is supplied with 8 colleges, 59 theological training-schools, 83 boarding and high schools, 63 industrial institutions, and 2 medical schools for training nurses, several kindergartens, and some thousands of primary and village schools. With all these rapid strides toward civilization and God, there are about 200 different dialects, of which about half have been given a written language and the Bible, and a very small proportion of each tribe is able to read, so that it is safe to say that not more than a quarter of Africa's dense population knows anything of Jesus. Let us continue to wait earnestly upon the Lord of the harvest for laborers who will take, first, the kingdom of God to these benighted people, and then all these things shall be added.—Exchange. An Unreached State in India
WRITING from Landour, North India, Mr. W. H. Greet says: “The native state of Teeree Garhwal is a country unreached with the gospel. Preaching tours throughout the State are possible if preachers have power to climb as well as to preach. Tours have been made in times past in some parts of the State by workers of the nearest missions, but the State as a whole lies untouched. Four years ago in London we picked out its map, and, following after the will of God, we are working here. In the nearest villages they say that ‘shikar’ (hunting) sahibs come for bears and leopards; in the farther ones they know of ‘compassi,’ men (compass men—surveyors) sent by government to spy from the heights that divide their wide valleys, on the sides of which their hundreds of villages lie; but a preacher of the gospel they do not know. ‘Do no preachers come?’ I asked in one of many places. ‘O, yes,’ answered the man I spoke to, ‘pandits and Brahmans visit us.’ He only knew of preachers of Hinduism. For some time we have been supported, while pioneering, but of late we have been made to feel our inability to work alone. We are asking the Lord and his people, ‘Where are the calls for Teeree’s help?’ and ‘Where are the answers!’”—Exchange. The Song of My Life
By F. A. Lorenz
Tune: “Lead Kindly Light” O JESUS, Lord, thou precious Lamb of God Who died for me; Who through his love set Satan’s power at naught, And made me free, Thine am I now; thou art henceforth my choice. I love to follow thy sweet Spirit’s voice. When I was in the servitude of sin, Estranged from thee, My lot was anguish, fear, and doubt within; I could not see. Thy ransom, Lord, has granted me release; My soul is filled with gladness, joy, and peace. My tongue shall sound thy praises to the world, Without dismay, For all thy mercies, Lord, to me unfurled From day to day. If mankind could but comprehend thy grace, They would repent, kneel down, and see thy face! Exalted Prince, how could thy child forbear To sense thy worth? Or to admire thy universal care In heaven and earth? Why should I not re-echo, shout, and sing When vast creation’s host adore their King? The Week of Prayer
By R. C. PORTER
For a number of years this people have set apart one week in the early part of the winter for the purpose of prayer, meditation, and study with reference to the times in which we live, the nearness of the coming of Christ, and a personal preparation for that event. This year the date for this period is December 10-17. Taking a brief review of the experience of these periods appointed for this purpose, I am reminded of many very precious experiences, and I recall a number of persons who were reclaimed from a backslidden condition, and many who, having sought and found the Saviour, date their Christian experience from one of these occasions. One special feature of the readings during the week of prayer has ever been a review of the evidences of the nearness of the coming of Christ, as shown in the fulfilment of prophecy. Another prominent feature of the readings has been a review of our work in foreign fields, to see how we are progressing in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. The advancement that has been seen from year to year in sending out missionaries, and establishing the work in new fields in distant lands has been most cheering. Many a time we have been led to say, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” This extension of the work has necessarily made greater demands upon our conferences in the home fields. I have noticed, however, that a call for means to extend the work in distant lands is always received joyfully by our brethren and sisters in the older conferences. Many a time I have seen the tears of joy stream from their eyes as these calls have come, and I have heard them say, from full hearts, “This begins to look as if we are nearing home.” The increasing calls for workers and means to hasten the message in all the world on its closing mission, is the strongest evidence that this people is fulfilling the prophecy of Revelation 14. Elder James White was reviewing the signs of the second coming of Christ in one of the last meetings in which I met him before his death. After reviewing the prophecies of the second, seventh, eighth, and ninth chapters of Daniel, the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, and the twelfth of Revelation, he paused as if in deep reflection, and said, in substance: “But after all, my signs of the times are, How are they getting along with the movement to enforce Sunday laws? and how are we getting along with the work of carrying the message of warning against that movement to the world? and what advancement are we making in raising the standard of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus before the people?” These questions left an indelible impression upon my mind. These are the very issues that in all the world are to come to a crisis the very hour that Christ is seen coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. The report of Elder Conradi in the REVIEW of September 1, of the persecutions in the Middle Russian Mission, together with the report of the mob in Virginia that took down the tent in which a course of lectures setting forth the teachings of the Word of God was being given, are the clearest evidences of the progress of the work and the spirit of the movement against the commandments of God. The Sunday Rest Congress held in connection with the World’s Fair at St. Louis was an additional evidence of the progress of that movement in the fulfilment of prophecy. No one who knew the meaning of Revelation 13 could attend that congress without being greatly stirred with the importance of the definite and speedy giving of the warning message in every nation in the world. In view of these facts is it a time for men of means among us to be effecting long-time loans of their money, or otherwise tying it up for a long period? We can all see that such a course would be a practical denial of the faith. No; the time has come to sell the surplus, unused property, and let it be doing its work in the advancement of the message. A spirit of sacrifice to spread the truth is the only consistent course for any loyal Seventh-day Adventist at this time. Every Seventh-day Adventist should determine that the eighty thousand dollars, so much needed to meet the immediate demand of the work in foreign fields, shall not fall short of that amount. It can be raised if each church-member will do his best. Let us respond that it shall be raised. “The Lord is coming! let this be
The herald note of jubilee:
And when we meet, and when we
part,
The salutation from the heart.” A Most Important Season
By H. G. Thurston
Another most important season is just before us; and as the week of prayer draws near, let each inquire what this season means to him, to this people, and to the world. Special church and conference meetings are very important, but does any gathering compare with the yearly season when all the people, from the least to the greatest, devote days to heart searching, repentance, and giving up to God in a special sense, all that they have and are and expect to have and be? Who can estimate the interest of the heavenly host in such a season, and with what joy God counts as his those who, though sinful, still hope in his mercy? Is this a year of victories? Has God’s loving-kindness been revealed in abundant blessings of health— physical and spiritual — and a harvest of good things? Or have you been led through the valley, brought low through affliction or defeat?12 Remember that God bottles your tears of penitence and sorrow. And is not the blessed season just before us a good time to express our praise and gratitude for our hope in God, and to “take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord”? No one can fully appreciate his blessings and duty until he reads the urgent calls from all parts of the world, and recognizes God’s providences in the advancing truth and ripening harvest. To see people accept God’s message for this generation, stirs our hearts as nothing else can; and we have a right to be awakened and happy over these tokens, for they say plainly that the end is near. It may be we question, How long before our Lord returns? The answer depends, to some extent at least, upon the answer to another question,—How long before we shall do our duty? God has declared that Jesus will come “suddenly,” and this is to be proclaimed and kept “before our own churches also, that the day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly,” and no one is to “feel that he is secure from the danger of being surprised.” Surely, in view of such words, now is the time to seek and find God, and, with undivided hearts, reveal our faith by sweet devotion to the Master’s work in giving large and liberal donations that his work may not be hindered. The time demands it. Even the poor can give dimes and dollars, and the rich can give hundreds and thousands of dollars. Thus the hungry can be fed the bread of life, and many thousands of souls, now in the dark corners of earth, will be enlightened during the year to come. Never Trifle with One Sin
By Andrew A. Bonar
NEVER trifle with one sin. It is like a little cloud which, as a poet has said, may hold a hurricane in its grasp. The next sin you commit may have a mighty effect in the blighting of your life. You do not know the streams that may flow from that fountain; for sin is a fountain — not a mere act, but a fountain of evil. — Andrew A. Bonar. The Coming Week of Prayer
By E. T. Russell
As we are nearing another annual week of prayer, it is essential that all our people put forth earnest efforts to make the coming week of prayer a pentecostal season. This work should begin with the ministers and leaders, in order that they, through the blessing of God, may be able to sound the call to consecration. As Jesus sanctified himself for the sake of his disciples, so the ministers of this denomination ought to be clothed with divine power in order to lead the people unto fountains of living water. Shall not a mighty move begin with them, that from them may flow waves of blessing to the people? As a people we need to draw nigh to God, and as we draw nigh to him, he will draw nigh to us. In view of the times in which we are living, we are admonished to be sober and watch unto prayer, to watch and pray always that we may be counted worthy to escape the things that are coming upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of man. When ought we to begin to earnestly seek the Lord? The Spirit answers, Now. Why delay longer? Let us now begin to seek him earnestly. Why wait for the week of prayer? Then when the prayer season comes with its precious privileges, we shall be prepared to enjoy it, and the love of God in our souls will lead us to be mindful of others, and of the needs of the cause of God. We receive to give. “God so loved the world that he gave.” All who truly receive the love of God will desire to give it to others, and to promote the interest of God’s cause in the earth. As God has shown them the light of truth, they will desire to place it before others. They will be willing to sacrifice in order that others may be brought to its saving knowledge. I would to God that our consecration might be more complete than ever before, and that our gifts might be doubled in order that the light of truth might be heralded to lands that are now in the darkness of error. We need consecration for service, that we may go to souls unwarned, and tell them of the love of Jesus, or be the means of sending others. “Go, tell the sinful, careless soul,
The warning God has given;
Go, make the wounded spirit whole,
With healing balm from heaven. “Go to the rude, the dark, the poor,
That live estranged from God;
Bid them the pearl of price secure,
Bought with a Saviour’s blood.”