Review and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 42.
PRICES, POST-PAIDPage 2
Earlier text: PRICES, POST-PAIDNo Other Name or Way
By C. M. S.
It is possible to desire a thing so strongly in our own way that we may never attain to its possession. The people of this generation are looking for life, as have the people of all past generations. It is easily possible so to use the life which is now in our possession as to preclude the possibility of our attaining to that life which is everlasting. The service of self will build a wall which will preclude all progress into that life which is beyond. So will the assumption, on our part, of the right and ability to construct for ourselves a way of salvation in place of the way already provided. Some have sought and are seeking that future life by paths which lead in the opposite direction, paths of their own construction. They invent plans for salvation which look beautiful to them, but which have no life goal at the end of the journey. The futility of such plans is so apparent to those who are seeking to follow in the way marked out by him who only hath the words of eternal life, that they appear childish and pitiable; and yet, in these self-made snares thousands are being entangled and destroyed every day. God has set before the world the way, and the only way, by which men may hope to be saved. He has dealt faithfully with his children in this life journey. With line upon line and precept upon precept has he indicated that way, and then, in the garb of flesh, the Son of God himself marked out the way in footprints that cannot be mistaken. John the Beloved, after enumerating the miracles of Jesus, and the signs which he did, declares: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:30, 31. In that statement is declared the purpose of the gospel according to John. The words and doings of Jesus were not recorded by him for any other purpose than to prove to the people of every generation from then till now that there came into the world at that time the Saviour of men; that he had and has the power to forgive sins, to bring in reconciliation between man and his Maker, and to give eternal life to as many as come to him in full assurance of faith, and accept at his hands the gift which he is holding out to all the world. There is no other way. It is not for man to set himself up above his Maker and construct a plan for himself in which the purposes of God must work out. It would not be in harmony with infinite wisdom and power and foreknowledge for a variety of ways to be devised for man’s salvation. If there is more than one way, then there is no way; but as God has made one way whereby man can be saved, we know that that way is the perfect way. A variety of ways would mean imperfection in all, and that is beyond the realm of possibility. As it is not for fallen man to mark out for God a way in which man should be saved from the results of his fall, so it is not for man to cast aside this or that portion of the Word of God, and say that it is not essential to man’s instruction in the way of life. Christ declares: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life;” and the Bible is written “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Again: “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. Then are the life and words of that One the most important instructors man can have in that way of salvation. In the multitude of voices that are calling from every quarter, now this way and now that, let us listen for the voice of the One in whom lies man’s only hope of life everlasting. We must not discard his Word; we must not think to fashion to ourselves a plan of salvation. There is eternal life for all who will believe and follow in the way provided by One who is the very fountain of wisdom and righteousness and love. We cannot afford to experiment in a matter of so great importance; for experimentation in the ways that are not true means disbelief in and ultimate rejection of the way that is only true; and that means everlasting loss. The plan of salvation is a complete plan and needs no alterations or additions or adaptations by man. Let us accept it, believe it, and be saved through it. Our European Division Meetings — No. 3
By Arthur G. Daniells
At the close of the North England meeting, Elder Conradi hastened away to the Continent to be at the opening of the German-Swiss camp-meeting. On my way I spent a day in Paris, where I met some of our brethren and sisters of that city. Thus far our work has moved slowly in the French capital. In that city of three millions, we have a church of fifty or sixty members, and one minister giving his time to the work. We have the fullest measure of liberty in France. On all the public buildings throughout the republic are engraved or painted the words, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. Those words look good, especially to an American. And they express the national sentiment. But the infidelity of the nation’s leaders who first proclaimed these lofty sentiments in France has proved a withering curse to the whole nation. This makes evangelistic work difficult everywhere in France. A night’s ride from Paris brought me to Basel, Switzerland. Here, in this old city so prominently connected with the early history of our work in Europe, I had good reason for indulging in thoughtful reflection. It was this city that our dear Elder J. N. Andrews, our first foreign missionary, chose for his headquarters. He arrived here from America in 1874—thirty-nine years ago. For many years this spot was the center of greatest interest to our people. Here they began a foreign missionary movement that has now become world-wide in its operations. While developing the work at this center, Brother Andrews and his little band of workers were visited by many of our leaders of that time—Sister White and her son W. C. White, Elder G. I. Butler, then president of the General Conference, Elder S. N. Haskell, Elder J. N. Loughborough, and others. From year to year competent helpers were sent to join Brother Andrews in the work. Among these may be mentioned the Brethren Bourdeau, Brother Wm. Ings, Sisters Maud Sisley, Addie Bowen, and Anna Oyen. Brother Andrews never permanently left Basel, until death ended his labors. A modest tombstone in the city cemetery marks his resting-place. How stupendous his task must have seemed to him! and how small the part of it he saw accomplished! But he obeyed the command to “go.” He did what he could. The seed he planted in Basel sprang up8 and has continued to grow until it fills all Europe. What would be his amazement and joy could he awake now and see what God has wrought by the faithful men and women who have taken his place. Some of his successors have also fallen, but the cause has lived on. Close by the side of the marble slab at the head of Brother Andrews’s grave is another bearing the inscription “J. H. Waggoner.” These two workmen, who toiled side by side so ably and pleasantly during the early days of our cause, are quietly resting together until called to their high reward by Him in whose name and for whose sake they labored and fainted not. Elder B. L. Whitney, who took Brother Andrews’s place, pressed forward with the work until failing health and death brought his labors to an end. Then came Elder H. P. Holser, who for years labored untiringly to extend missionary operations to all parts of Europe. But his health gave way, and he, too, was numbered with the fallen warriors. By this time the seed had taken good root, and the cause had been permanently established in Europe. When Brother Holser’s health failed, the interests of the Central European Conference, with Basel as headquarters, passed to Elder L. R. Conradi. Since then many changes have taken place. Basel is no longer a center of operations in Europe, except as the headquarters of the German-Swiss Conference. The publishing work has been transferred—the German part to Hamburg and the French part to Gland. The sanitarium has also been moved to Gland. The whole Central European Conference has been broken up and reorganized. Its territory now has many conferences, both local and union. Switzerland itself has two conferences—the German-Swiss in the northern part where the German language is spoken, and the Leman Conference in the southern part where French is spoken. The German-Swiss camp-meeting was held at Brugg, a small town a few miles east of Basel. Here we met some of the first believers who embraced the third angel’s message in Europe. Among them was Elder J. Ertzenberger, who is still hale and strong physically and rejoicing more than ever in the message. Brother Ertzenberger was the first European Seventh-day Adventist to cross the Atlantic to visit our people in America. It was his visit to Battle Creek, Mich., and his appeal in behalf of a small company of Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland that led to the sending of Elder Andrews to that field in 1874. Brother Ertzenberger has not only remained firm all these years, but has given his children to the work of the Lord. One of his sons now goes to Beirut to devote his life to the missionary work in Syria. Good reports were rendered by the laborers of the German-Swiss Conference. The cause is making steady progress. Elder O. E. Reinke, the president of this conference, having been called to the presidency of the Russian Union, Elder F. Prieser was chosen president in his place. The membership of the conference is now close to seven hundred, with an annual tithe of about nine thousand dollars, being almost thirteen dollars a member. There are canvassers at work selling about ten thousand dollars’ worth of our message-filled literature each year. Thus the Lord is pressing into his service those who embrace the truth in the fields the world over. From Brugg we went to Lausanne for the French-Swiss camp-meeting. The camp was located on a fine, elevated piece of ground only a few minutes’ walk from the center of the city. There was a large delegation from the churches, and a very good evening attendance from the city. The brethren and sisters were most enthusiastic in behalf of all that stands for the advancement of the cause and the finishing of the work. This conference has seven hundred and fifty members. Its annual tithe is close to ten thousand dollars, making a little more than fourteen dollars a member. As the income of our brethren in this part of the field is not so large as in some parts, this indicates faithfulness in tithing. But were I to tell all regarding the Leman Conference, I should be obliged to point out the small effort they are making to sell our literature in their territory. The report for the quarter ending June 30 of the present year shows only five canvassers in the field, with sales averaging less than one thousand dollars a year. This is a very unfavorable showing by the side of the work being done in the German-Swiss Conference, where both the membership and the tithe are less. Surely our brethren in the Leman Conference cannot let this continue. An earnest effort should be made to place our books and papers in the homes of the people. Conditions are favorable compared with many other parts of Europe. More can and should be done. Having contracted a severe cold, I found it necessary to spend a few days at the Gland sanitarium. It was a pleasure to be at this inviting institution. It is beautifully located among giant trees on the north shore of Lake Geneva. Directly in front of the building on the opposite shore of the lake towers the snow-capped summit of Mont Blanc. The climate matches the scenery. But the cheerful faces and prompt, efficient service of physician, nurses, and helpers are more pleasing to sick people than the climate and scenery combined. The patronage has outgrown the capacity of the institution, and while I was there the Latin Union Committee adopted general plans submitted by Brother W. C. Sisley for a large addition to the building, and for improving the treatment-rooms and equipment. Dr. P. A. De Forest, who was placed in charge of this institution when it was located in the city of Basel and was little more than city treatment-rooms, is still with it. In all the difficulties and vicissitudes through which it has passed, he has carried its burdens on his heart, regardless of honor, reputation, or remuneration, and now we rejoice with him and his associates in the results of these years of earnest service. To all appearance, the Gland sanitarium has a bright future. May it prove to be a soul-winning as well as a health-restoring factor. Work Among the Colored People
By W. T. Knox
The time has again come when we are obliged to appeal to the churches in behalf of the work for the colored people in the South. Sabbath, October 25, is the day appointed by the North American Division Conference for our gifts for this needy people. The work among them for the past year has, according to the reports received, been very satisfactory. Many converts have been obtained as a result of public meetings and Bible work. In fact, none of the meetings that have been conducted by us for any people in any part of America during 1913 have yielded better results. Their schools have been well attended, and the laborers are all of good courage. But a great work yet remains to be done. Conditions existing among this needy people demand that we put forth our best efforts to carry quickly to them the blessings and relief that can be found only in the third angel's message. So much has been said by the spirit of prophecy concerning the obligations resting upon us to help this people, of their need of education, and of their deplorable condition, that little should be required in the way of appeal to stir our hearts to liberality. While we are enjoying the enlightenment and benefits of the gospel, millions of them are in a condition little, if any, better than slavery, and are cursed with the grossest ignorance. The extent of our obligation to them is set forth very clearly in the following general statements from “Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” pages 184-186:—9 Every one who has been made a steward of the manifold grace of God is called upon to impart to souls in ignorance and darkness, even as, were he in their place, he would desire them to have impart to him. The apostle Paul said, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” By all that you have known of the love of God, by all that you have received of the rich gifts of his grace, above the most benighted and degraded soul upon the earth, are you in debt to that soul to impart these gifts unto him. . . . The standard of the golden rule is the true standard of Christianity; anything short of it, is a deception. A religion that leads men to place a low estimate upon human beings, whom Christ has esteemed of such value as to give himself for them; a religion that would lead us to be careless of human needs, sufferings, or rights, is a spurious religion. In slighting the claims of the poor, the suffering, and the sinful, we are proving ourselves traitors to Christ. It is because men take upon themselves the name of Christ while in life they deny his character that Christianity has so little power in the world. The name of the Lord is blasphemed because of these things. . . . Search heaven and earth, and there is no truth revealed more powerful than that which is made manifest in works of mercy to those who need our sympathy and aid. This is the truth as it is in Jesus. When those who profess the name of Christ shall practise the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times. These statements are sufficiently clear and definite to require no comment. They fasten upon every believer an obligation,—a debt to every soul in darkness, degradation, and sin,—a debt that can be discharged only by imparting to that needy soul the benefits that we are enjoying, the neglect of which constitutes us traitors to Christ. Well can we then say with Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” The obligation is of a personal character, and cannot be discharged by proxy. By some means each individual believer must find a way to impart to the needy one those blessings the grace of Christ has brought to him. Although at the present time race prejudice in some places in the South is running high, and conditions indicate a rapid increase of this feeling, yet in many localities the present seems to be a very opportune time to labor among the colored people. But our facilities are very meager, compared with the many millions to be reached. The evangelical workers are but few in number; the educational and sanitarium facilities provided by the denomination, although greatly appreciated by the workers and believers among this people, are, in contrast with the work to be accomplished and the field to be worked, inadequate. and should be greatly strengthened. The laborers are going forward courageously, making the best of what they have, looking to the denomination only for assistance in the support of that which has already been established. That the Lord is blessing them in their efforts can be readily seen from the large number of converts reported at their meetings. The work is being economically conducted, and is well supported by the colored believers themselves, but they need our assistance. Shall we not then, on the appointed day for the offering, show our appreciation of God's goodness and mercy to us and our indebtedness to this people by making a very liberal offering for the support of this work? Our Strength Lies in Unity
By Irwin H. Evans
UNITY among believers is one great source of strength with the children of God. This unity binds hearts together, uniting them in love, worship, and service. Unity creates a oneness out of many, and combines the strength of individuals, centralizing a united effort upon a definite work for God and humanity. When alone, each individual represents his own strength, with such power as he receives from the Lord. He can do the work of one man, and, when connected with the Lord, that work may be great and oftentimes is most important; but still it is the work that man does either in his own strength or with the help and aid of the Holy Spirit, and seldom rises to the magnitude of the work done by the combination of many individuals acting as a unit. Here is a large stone to be lifted. It is far more than one man can lift by himself. It requires the combined strength of ten men. If each of ten men lift on that stone alone, they cannot move it. It is only when the ten take hold of the stone at the same time and lift together that it is moved. Nations have armies. Now an army is many men acting as one man, doing one man's bidding. Why do they combine many men into what we call an army?—That through discipline and learning to work together as one man they may become as strong against the foe as the combined strength of all the men in the army. One hundred thousand drilled and well-disciplined men can do infinitely more when working together in an organized capacity than the same number of men can do when working separately, though each does his best. The Word of God recognizes strength in unity. It says: “How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight?” Here one man is supposed to do a great work, but two men do ten times that amount of work. Again, the Scriptures say that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. In natural things, we continually recognize the strength of combinations. If the sailor wants a rope with which to lift a heavy load, he knows, other things being equal, that the larger the rope the heavier the weight it will lift. In the larger rope there are more single threads united, hence the combined strength of all is sufficient to lift a heavy load. We find combinations in the business world. Capitalists pool their interests and their money in financing gigantic undertakings. We talk about the steel trust, the shipping trust, and many other large interests in which men and capital have been combined to act as a unit, creating so strong a colossus that even nations and governments fear these combinations. In the church, unity is taught of God. Christ said of himself and his Father, “I and my Father are one;” and in that memorable prayer just before his ascension, Christ prayed for his followers that they might be one in him as he and his Father were one. Thus in thought, in service, and in worship the people of God are to be one. This is essential for strength and the carrying out of an aggressive policy in the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to the world. What individual would be able financially to undertake giving the third angel's message to the Chinese nation alone? There is no one in our ranks who would be able to finance such an enterprise. The individual therefore is unable to carry on aggressive missionary work, because of his limited resources and his lack of available help. The church cannot carry on this missionary campaign of itself. It has not the financial strength to do this, nor does it have control of sufficient men or missionaries who would be able or willing to work under the direction of the church. We, therefore, organize our individuals into churches, our churches into conferences, our conferences into union conferences, our union conferences into division conferences, and our division conferences into the General Conference. Each organization is stronger than the preceding. Each gathers together a larger number of single units combined in the organizations, so that when we reach the General Conference, we have the strongest organized body in our work. The General Conference, therefore, is the one to carry on aggressive work which neither the division, union, nor local conferences are able to carry on as efficiently and as well.1002 The General Conference is the highest body among Seventh-day Adventists. When it speaks, during a session of the Conference, it represents all the believers in the world. It speaks for the church, for each individual is represented by his proper delegate, and through him speaks on every proposition. At its late session, the General Conference adopted recommendations concerning the support of our mission work and the relief of our institutions. The plan recommended by the General Conference reads as follows:— Whereas, It is more clearly revealed, with each passing year, that schools, sanitariums, and publishing houses are most helpful and necessary facilities for the rapid and efficient carrying forward of the work of God throughout the world; and,— Whereas, These institutions can accomplish their purpose only to the extent that they are understood, appreciated, and supported by our people; and realizing that in the establishment and maintenance of the institutions we now have, there has not been given the careful study, the efficient management, and the proper financial support they should have had; therefore be it— 3. Resolved, That we take these institutions, with their workers and their great interests and needs, more fully upon our hearts and into our plans and fostering care than heretofore; and, further,— That we commend to the study, the interest, and the support of our people everywhere, the schools, sanitariums, and publishing houses among us. 4. Resolved, That we adopt the following arrangement for removing the present liabilities of these institutions, and for maintaining them without creating further indebtedness: The standard of offerings for missions to be raised from fifteen to twenty cents a week per member in the United States and Canada, and that twenty-five per cent of the total amount thus raised be devoted to the liquidation of the liabilities of all training-schools, and those academies, intermediate schools, and sanitariums whose liabilities equal or exceed twenty-five per cent of their assets. We further— 5. Recommended, That the carrying out of this plan be governed by the following provisions:— a. That the entire amount received on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund be kept intact, and remitted to the North American Division Conference treasury. b. That the twenty-five per cent to be devoted to the liquidation of the liabilities of the schools and sanitariums be divided annually, by the North American Division Conference Committee, among the institutions, on the pro rata basis of their indebtedness. c. That in the apportionment due consideration be given to the conditions prevailing in each institution, as to its financial situation, earnings, available assets that can be realized upon without detriment to the work, annuity contracts, etc., a complete report and financial statement being rendered each year to the North American Division Conference by the institutions. d. In case the total amount raised falls short of the twenty cents per member, so as to interfere with the operations of our foreign mission enterprises, the shortage shall be deducted from the relief fund rather than from the foreign funds. e. That each institution receiving appropriations from this fund shall apply the full amount it shall receive to the liquidation of its liabilities. f. That an institution sharing the benefits of this fund shall not by any means add to its present indebtedness either by buildings, by equipment, or in its operations. g. That for the enlargement, repairs, equipment, or loss in operating, the needed funds shall be raised by direct gifts from the people. h. Where it is demonstrated that an institution cannot maintain itself without increasing its liabilities or encroaching upon the proposed relief fund, such institution shall, upon the advice of the North American Division Conference Committee, and the union conference in which it is located, be closed, and its assets be disposed of to the best advantage, or diverted to other denominational use. i. That failure on the part of any institution to comply with these provisions shall debar it from receiving the benefits of this plan. j. That there be constituted a finance commission of four members, one member to be appointed by the General Conference Committee, another member by the North American Division Conference Committee; these two to give their entire time to the work; the other two to be the treasurers of the General and the North American Division Conferences; and that the expenses of the commission be divided equally between the two conferences. k. That this plan go into effect July 1, 1913. These recommendations have already been adopted by the General Conference, at its late session, and are to be carried out by the churches throughout the field. The General Conference having spoken, now it is our duty to act. We trust that our brethren and sisters everywhere will see the importance of these recommendations, and that each church will at once undertake the task of raising its full quota of twenty cents a week per member. This can be done more easily by far when we take hold of it at once, unitedly, and all pull together. It will require persevering, continued activity and earnest study and planning to reach this amount. It can be done, and by the uniting of our efforts throughout the entire field, we can greatly strengthen our work both at home and abroad. Revival of Old Heathen Dances
THAT some of the new dances which have lately been introduced into the world of amusement are a revival of old heathen orgies is the charge made by the Christian Standard of September 13. The editor says:— One of our best-known city ministers remarked to the writer the other day that in his judgment the greatest danger of the present day is to be found along the lines of a return to pagan animalism. He cited specifically the prevalence of the so-called “animal dances” in what is usually regarded as decent society. Nothing appears clearer than the fact that the dances referred to are directly descended from the old heathen sensual rites which awoke such frantic abhorrence on the part of the Hebrew prophets. These new monstrosities of rhythm are in fact very old. Their identical prototypes may be discovered in the satyr-worship of Dionysius or in the orgies attendant upon the worship of Tammuz. After being outlawed by Judaism and Christianity, they found places of refuge in the dens of iniquity which have always remained the plague-spots of civilization. It is said upon good authority that the so-called “turkey trot” was transferred bodily from the Barbary coast, the Bowery of San Francisco, to the ballrooms of polite society. The other animal dances have doubtless a similar lineage. “Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice.” “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.” “PRAYER has not many conditions; if it had, the ease and simplicity and first purpose of prayer would be defeated. But belief and submission are essentials. God desires that those who ask shall trust; and, further, that whatever his answer, they shall be able to say, ‘Thy will be done.’” “Prayer produces peace. Nowhere else are the wrinkles of care so quickly smoothed from the soul as at the mercy-seat. The Christian who is constant in prayer wears a serene and unruffled spirit. Anxiety is displaced by trust. The confidence that our times are in the Father’s hands is wonderfully provocative of peace. One of the lessons that the prayer-taught early learn is to cast ‘all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’” 294. “Please pray for my restoration to health,” writes a sister from California. 295. A Sister in Colorado requests prayer for the healing of a lady who has just given her heart to God and united with this people. 296. An Idaho sister, who has recently accepted present truth, asks prayer for restoration to health. 297. From Vermont comes the request of a sister for prayer in behalf of her nephew, who is addicted to strong drink. 298. Prayer for healing from a complication of diseases is desired by a Nebraska sister. 299. An anxious mother in Arkansas begs our prayers for the healing of an unconverted daughter. 300. A sister in Washington requests prayer for the healing of her daughter and of a friend. Ring Out the Gospel Story
By Mrs. M. H. Timanus
Ring out the gospel story
Of grace and mercy free;
And for our blessed Saviour
A faithful witness be.
If loyally we serve him
And trust his love and grace,
He'll manifest his power
By us, in every place. Ring out the gospel story!
Let sinners hear the word
That bringeth them redemption
Through Jesus Christ the Lord.
This ministry he gives us,
And on us will bestow
The earnest of his Spirit,
That we his love may show. Ring out the gospel story,
His message freely give,
That all who need salvation
May come to him and live.
Through Christ, our great Redeemer,
Whose wonders ne'er shall cease,
The everlasting gospel
Brings life and hope and peace. Ring out the gospel story
Of Jesus' love to men,
And tell the waiting people
He soon will come again.
This gospel of the kingdom
The whole wide world must hear,
And then our King triumphant
In glory will appear.