Review and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 19.
ЕГО ИМПЕРАТОРСКОМУ ВЕЛИЧЕСТВУ, ГОСУДАРЮ ИМПЕРАТОРУ НИКОЛАЮ АЛЕКСАНДРОВИЧУPage 1
Earlier text: ЕГО ИМПЕРАТОРСКОМУ ВЕЛИЧЕСТВУ, ГОСУДАРЮ ИМПЕРАТОРУ НИКОЛАЮ АЛЕКСАНДРОВИЧУThe New Life in Christ
By Ellen G. White
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience; among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” But a change came. You were convicted and converted. Did you then exercise the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, or did you continue to follow the same evil habits and practises that you followed before your conversion? If you were genuinely converted, you turned away from all wrong. The mind which has been placed in the control of Christ, and on which he has wrought by his grace, becomes refined, purified, elevated. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Let us consider the representation that God wants us to make before angels and before men. By helpful words, purity of actions, nobility of principle, the Christian is to reveal Christ. “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Those who obey these words will show what a belief in the truth that Christ came to impart, will do for human beings. “Wherefore remember,” Paul says, “that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time”—before light broke into the darkened chambers of the soul—“ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” The apostle desired those to whom he was writing to remember that they must reveal in their lives the glorious change wrought in them by Christ’s transforming grace. They were to be lights in the world, by their purified, sanctified characters exerting an influence counter to the influence of satanic agencies. They were ever to remember the words, “Not of yourselves.” They could not change their own hearts. And when by their efforts souls were led from the ranks of Satan to take their stand for Christ, they were not to claim any credit for the transformation wrought. God’s workers to-day are to remember this. The great change that is seen in the life of a sinner after conversion is not brought about by any human goodness. “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” Let those who are brought to repentance declare that it is only because of the goodness of God that they have been led to Christ. He who is rich in mercy has imparted his grace to us. Then let praise and thanksgiving ascend to him, because he has become our Saviour. Let his love, filling our hearts and minds, flow forth from our lives in rich currents of grace. When we were dead in trespasses and sins, he quickened us into spiritual life. He brought grace and pardon, filling the soul with new life. Thus the sinner passes from death to life. He now takes up his new duties in Christ’s service. His life becomes true and strong, filled with good works. “Because I live,” Christ said, “ye shall live also.” I ask every church-member to consider the words, “ye must be born again.” Are you living the new life in Christ? Are you doing his work? Are you honoring him by showing the great blessing that is found in standing under his banner? Are you so grateful to Christ for his redeeming love, so faithful and true to his service, that your heart can not be haughty, selfish, self-centered? Is watching unto prayer a part of your daily life? The truly converted man has no time to think or talk of the faults of others. His lips are sanctified, and as God’s faithful witness he testifies that the grace of Christ has transformed his heart. He realizes that he can not afford to talk discouragement and unbelief; he can not afford to be harsh and faultfinding. He has not received orders from God to punish the erring by heaping abuse upon them. My brethren and sisters, be afraid to find fault, afraid to talk against your fellow beings, lest you lose the sense that you are dedicated to the service of God, and that as a faithful servant you must keep his interests in view. You are to live a life that will convince others that you are a child of God, under the training of the Captain of your salvation, that you may be prepared for active service. You have enlisted to fight against Satan’s forces, and you have no time to fight against your fellow soldiers. God calls upon his church to awake to their duty, to show themselves true and loyal to the Captain of their salvation. They are to follow his example, and learn what it means to be faithful to him who loves them, and who has given them a place in his army. Not to Destroy, But to Save
Envy, evil surmising, backbiting, and faultfinding,—let these not be named among Christ’s disciples. These things are the cause of the present feebleness of the church. We have a perfect Pattern, even the life of Christ. It is to be our eager desire to do as he has done, to live as he lived, that others, by seeing our good works, may be led to glorify God. The blessing of heaven will rest upon those who try to help others by doing the work that Christ came to do. God gave his only begotten Son to die for a race of rebels, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Why should we not walk and work in the way that God has marked out? Why should any one please the enemy by tearing down another’s work, using the powers God has given him to kill hope and drive souls into discouragement? In every church there are young men and women who need the help of a strong, compassionate hand-clasp, of a loving, Christlike interest that will not let them go. Let there be an end to bickering over little things. Cease to speak words that do no good, and come close to those who have erred. Take hold of them, and draw them to Christ. Give Satan no chance to enter our ranks. Angels are sent from the heavenly courts, not to destroy, but to watch over and guard imperiled souls, to save the lost, to bring the straying ones back to the fold. “I came not to condemn, but to save,” Christ declared. Have you, then, no pitying words to speak to the straying? Will you let them perish, or will you reach out to them a helping8 hand? Right around you there are souls who are in danger of perishing. Will you not with the cords of love draw them to the Saviour? Will you not cease your reproaches, and speak words that will inspire them with faith and courage? “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the message that I am commissioned to bear to you: You are to take the words addressed by Paul to the church at Ephesus as if addressed to you personally. By alienation, disunion, and diversity of opinion, Satan has hindered the work outlined in the words of the apostle. Had believers put self out of sight, had they refused to carry out the plans devised by Satan to hinder the work of God, how much farther advanced we might now be! For years messages have been sent pointing out the work to be done. But this work has not been accomplished. Believers have stood directly across the path of its accomplishment, blocking the way by envy, evil surmisings, and faultfinding. They have sought the highest place. Commercial business has absorbed the attention and consumed the means that ought to have been given to the proclamation of the message of salvation. Thank God, something has been done, but a thousand times more might have been done than has been done. The enemy has brought in a variety of things to occupy the minds of believers. Time is fast passing, the work is still undone, and the world is growing worse and worse. And yet in mercy the Spirit of God is still striving with souls. Brethren and sisters, I call upon you to put on the whole armor of God. Those who have never heard the reasons of our faith are now to be reached. Many are waiting for a message from God’s Word. Go to them, and tell them where we are standing in the history of this world. The end is near, and the message contained in the third chapter of Ephesians is the message that I am bidden to give to believers. A world-wide work is to be done. We are now to go to work in earnest to proclaim the truth. The Voice said, “Lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. They are hindering the proclamation of the last message of warning.” Paul carried a burden that we ought now to be carrying. A great work is to be done, and it is to be done in a short time. O, how much there is to do, and how many there are who for various reasons are not engaged in God’s work! Satan is devising plans to keep the Lord’s forces out of the work. He does not want people to be aroused to a realization of the swift judgments that are coming upon the world. My brethren and sisters, let us arouse to an understanding of our true position. God will not be trifled with. He has spoken in judgments to arouse those who for years have worked at cross-purposes with him. These judgments were not mere casualties. They were the reproof of God to his people. I entreat those who have, as it were, defied God to his face, no longer to dishonor him by clinging to their own way. Let us now take up the work of God intelligently and unitedly, proclaiming as with one voice the message of warning and salvation. Let us heed the word of the Lord, lest coming suddenly, he find us unready. There will be no second probation. Now, while it is called to-day, if we will hear the voice of the Lord, and turn fully to him, he will have mercy upon us, and abundantly pardon. God in Redemption
By NOAH W. VINCENT
God is supremely good,
And all his ways are right;
His words shall be my daily food,
His will my chief delight.
God wills the death of none;
His great salvation’s free.
He offers pardon in his Son
To-day to you and me. Christ bought us with his blood;
He longs to make us pure,
To bring us, holy, near to God,
Our crown and welcome sure.
But if we choose to die,
He gives us our vile choice;
Others the Lamb will glorify,
And in our stead rejoice. O come to Christ to-day,
Your refuge, life, and friend!
God will draw near to help you pray,
The Holy Spirit send.
Our hearts he will make pure,
And help will still be given
That we may to the end endure,
Brought safe to God and heaven! Christ’s loving welcome heed;
There’s hope for you to-day:
To him in trustful prayer make speed,
Fail not by more delay.
Our faith and love we show
In acts that cheer and bless;
Reflecting Christ — so may we know
Our Lord our righteousness! The Crisis
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THAT there is a crisis before the people of God is evident. In Revelation 13 we have the final conflict brought to view. It is the beast and his image which are exalted by laws contrary to the law of God. The mark of the beast will be enforced on the people of God. This is from without. It will be a crisis that will come upon every soul who lives. “If any man,” says the message. This draws a line between the people of God and the world. But a fiercer conflict is within, in the church itself; and this is over the spirit of prophecy. “Prophecying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” “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.” “And the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Here are two things that call forth the hatred of Satan—the commandments of God and the spirit of prophecy. This principle is not new, for it is the same principle that existed in the days of the apostles. Paul’s epistles, which afterward were compiled in the book called the New Testament, were first sent around to individual churches. Some believed them, and some did not. It drew a line in the early church. But they remain, and now the Christian world acknowledges them to be inspired of God. The apostle Peter, in speaking of them, said, “Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16. There were two points the brethren at that time questioned: first, the apostle was influenced by others; second, a position that always goes with criticism—that there was a distinction to be drawn between letters and epistles. As to this latter point a moment’s reflection will convince any candid mind that in the New Testament, as well as in the Old Testament, a testimony of God is the same as a letter. The terms are synonymous. 2 Cor. 3:1-3; Jer. 29:1, 4. In this last instance what Jeremiah calls a letter begins with “Thus saith the Lord,” etc. The apostle distinctly declares, “It hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.” If some of the latter-day critics were there, they would say, It was this letter of Chloe that influenced the apostle to write this first epistle of Corinthians. And this was true. How strange that it was put in the Bible and comes down to us as if it were as much inspired as Daniel, Isaiah, or Jeremiah! Yet so it is. And the second epistle corrected this error on the part of the brethren at Corinth; for they were troubled in the same manner. It was really the private letters of the household of Chloe that showed the apostle that the state of things existed which he had seen in vision would exist. So the first epistle to the Corinthians was as much inspired as any other portion of the Bible; and those who were earnestly seeking light did not cast his epistle aside. The Lord had shown him the dangers and difficulties that would arise in the church. So it is, and ever has been. God shows his prophets what will be, and then when circumstances arise, or the prophet has his attention called to it by private letters, he writes what he has seen. It is the same among the people of God to-day who have drifted away from the old landmarks, and who follow their own understanding. The apostle referred to this in his second epistle, and said they called his writing letters. And then adds, “Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.” 2 Cor. 10:9-11. See also “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. V, “Testimonies9 slighted.” It is thus demonstrated by the Bible alone that Testimonies, letters, symbolic actions, and verbal statements of a prophet are all of the same force. We do not say by this that everything a prophet says is inspired of God; but when God has set his servants to watch over the church, he does not leave them, notwithstanding the criticisms that may arise. “Let God be true, but every man a liar.” It was the straight testimony that purified the church in early times, and it will be the same in the remnant church. The severest conflict, therefore, that the people of God will pass through, the most trying and heart-searching, will be over the Testimonies of the spirit of prophecy. [In an early number of the REVIEW there appeared the following poem, written by S. E. Lindsley, of New Haven, N. Y. At the request of an esteemed sister who has been a Sabbath-keeper for nearly forty years, and whose husband died in the faith, we reprint this poem.—ED.] A company journeyed from Egypt’s domain, Led by Moses, a servant of God; They were bound from oppression and slavery’s chain, For the land which their forefathers trod. O! cruel indeed had their bondage become, ’Till the Lord, with a marvelous hand, Sore punished with judgment proud Pharaoh’s host Till he hastened them out of the land. But lo! he pursued them with chariot speed; No hope of relief could they find, The foaming Red Sea before them rolled high, And Pharaoh’s host close behind. But the Ruler was there; he o’er-shadowed the camp, And the pillar of cloud onward moved; And he bade them, “Go forward,” at Moses’ command, And their hearts’ wildest tumults were soothed. They heard his small voice,—their Deliverer he,— I’m with thee, I’m with thee; cross over the sea. In Bethlehem’s manger an infant was born, It was Jesus a Saviour from sin. The shepherds sang praises and worshiped him there, For there was no room in the inn. O! sinless and pure was the life that he led, He grew mighty in word and in deed, For he healed many sick folk, and e’en raised the dead, And blessed all who his teachings would heed; But lo! he was seized by a murderous throng, And they led him to Calvary’s hill; And they mocked him, and scourged him, and crowned him with thorns, O! his anguish no mortal can tell. But the Ruler was there, and he lightened the tomb, Soon a victor Christ rose o’er the grave, Then he promised his people, “I’m with you alway,” E’en my life for you freely I gave; I am the Good Shepherd, O “come unto me.” I’m with thee, I’m with thee; cross over the sea. In the fulness of power a message went forth, Proclaiming the Saviour at hand, And out from all nations it gathered erelong A loving and devoted band. O! they earnestly longed to behold him they loved, And they firmly believed he would come To take them from earth, and its sorrow and care, Away to their heavenly home. But lo! the time passed, and their Saviour came not, And why they could not understand, And a dark cloud o’erspread them with sorrow and doubt, And scattered that once loving band. But the Ruler was there, shedding light o’er the way, And erelong they beheld their mistake; Not long will he tarry, he surely will come, And his waiting ones he will translate; We may hear his sweet voice, saying, “Suffer with me.” I’m with thee, I’m with thee; cross over the sea. The Beginning of the End
By J. W. Raymond
As far back as Feb. 22, 1846, Charles Beecher, brother of the late Henry Ward Beecher, in his dedicatory sermon of the Second Presbyterian church, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., made this statement: “Thus are the ministry of the evangelical Protestant denominations not only formed all the way up under a tremendous pressure of merely human fear, but they live, and move, and breathe in a state of things radically corrupt, and appealing every hour to every baser element of their nature to hush up the truth and bow the knee to the power of apostasy. Was not this the way things went with Rome? Are we not living her life over again? And what do we see just ahead?—Another general council! A world's convention! Evangelical alliance and universal creed!” And now let me give the reader a later statement in this line, and then call attention to the latest development in this direct line to the final result, and see if, really, the beginning of the end is not here indeed. Several years ago Dr. Scudder, of Jersey City Tabernacle, gave utterance to this statement: “The church is going into politics, and is going there to stay. Furthermore, the church is to become a powerful political factor, and will act as a unit on all great moral questions. I do not take it that the churches are to form a separate political party; on the contrary, they will stand outside all parties, but they will co-operate, and as one prodigious organization, make their demands upon existing parties and have their wishes fulfilled.” That would be Rome (the papacy) right over again, an image to the beast. And who can fail to see in the recent church federation convention in New York City, with its five hundred delegation of thirty-two denominations representing eighteen million membership—who can fail to see in this that which will bring practically the very condition of things set forth by Dr. Beecher and Dr. Scudder? And with this broad federation front now before us, who can fail to see from this religio-political barometer of the times the sure and certain incoming of the stormy time of Rev. 13: 11-17? Do we realize it? Does it stir and move us? Now the one great need is a decidedly larger measure of the Spirit of God. This once possessed, everything else needed to the going forth of the message with rapidity will be an assured thing. With the needed fulness of the Spirit there will come in light that will convince and power that will convict of truth and duty and move to action. But without this much needed one thing, all appliances will be like the well-organized and belted machine minus the steam or electrical force. It isn't numbers we need most, but a Spirit-filled membership. May we all feel this more and more. It didn't take great numbers or protracted effort to bring forth the large fruitage for heaven of the second and third chapters of Acts. Carefully read them. Assuredly those who go through and triumph in the message at last will come to know a great deal of the Spirit and power of God. May it be so with us all. And may we be so guarded and kept by the Spirit and power of God that we shall not be switched and ditched by any incoming “new light” that either dims or extinguishes the light of heaven in the fundamental and through lines of truth in the message of the third angel. May we be firmly and abidingly called to the Bible, and what we have from the spirit of prophecy, which has been in the message from its very birth among us. These are the writer's sheet-anchor to date, and he purposes they shall be to the very end. The very last message of warning and mercy is on the wing, the last generation is here and nearly run out, and the investigative judgment is in session, and current events demonstrate that the closing issue is just before us and coming with great rapidity. These considerations should stir us to the very depths. May it be so with both writer and reader, and others. “THE best labor union is when men work together with God.” In this day and generation of hurry and worry, care and stress, is it any wonder that the children are born nervous and sensitive? The nervous child starts in life's race with a heavy handicap. And the parents of such a child should, by judicious and sensible treatment, rather than by foolish coddling, seek to remove such a handicap. A nervous child should never be told of his failing; should never be pitied and condoled; should never be made to feel that he is a bright and shining mark for pity or for praise. The nervous child should live outdoors, should have simple food, plenty of sleep, with bedroom always well ventilated. He should have a nap every day, and should lead a simple life — no parties, no theater, no late hours, no great excitement of any kind. He should be kept out of school until eight years of age. He should live the life of a vegetable, eating, sleeping, and growing, and with brain kept as inactive as possible. Do not dose him with tonics and medicines. Let him get iron from his food, ozone from the air, stimulation from his daily bath. Keep him from those persons who tell him blood-curdling tales of ghosts and bogies. Protect him from that worst of cruelties, a grown-up malicious tease. On the other hand, do not let him have for associate a woman who worries and frets over his health, constantly reminding him that he is not strong, and always urging him to be careful. Let him hear good, cheerful music every day. If he dreads the dark, allow a small light in his bedroom. Do not jump at him playfully, or dart at him unexpectedly. If you catch any one thus frightening or startling him, speak your mind emphatically and to the point. If he has trouble getting to sleep, provide a cup of hot milk, diluted a wee bit with water. If his feet are cold, put the hot-water bag near them. He should have his own bed and a quiet room — not so quiet that the whole house is hushed for repose, but where no loud noises may distract his slumbers. Maintain a cheerful spirit in the home. Let him laugh and play, sleep and eat, and the nervousness will slowly but surely disappear. — Selected. A Confession by a Patient
A Confession by a Patient
“THE healthiest people can be found at the greatest distance from the drug shops.” The extent to which drugging is carried by some may be seen from the following experience related by a frail little anemic woman to her physician at the Sydney (Australia) Sanitarium. She was requested by one of the guests to put it into writing, which she did:— “I started with medicines prescribed by doctors, and took them as religiously as though they were life drops. Then I took a case of wine to strengthen me, followed by a case of porter—four dozen bottles. Then followed in succession Mother Siegel’s Sirup and Irish Moss. Clement’s Tonic was next resorted to through the advice of a friend. I smoked cigarettes and Nimrod’s Powder, alternately had a few draws at a pipe, but my husband asked me to try to do without the pipe. My husband heard of Webber’s Vitadatio; accordingly, I took forty bottles. Next came a course of Viava treatments, which cost me twenty-five pounds. Then I took Wood’s Peppermint Cure, Sheldon’s New Discovery, another case of porter, a bottle of overproof rum, Warner’s Safe Cure, and Eucalyptus bottles I have used without number. I have tried Pink Pills, and Holloway’s Pills, in fact, about all the pills on the market.
“I have taken, inwardly, kerosene, turpentine, cod-liver oil, and Scott’s Emulsion.” This lady’s suffering was due to drugging. A short stay at the sanitarium resulted in a wonderful change. This experience reminds one of the incident which is related in the biography of Mr. Priesnitz—the so-called father of modern hydrotherapy. Mr. Priesnitz met with such marvelous success in his efforts to help the sick with water and diet that naturally it stirred up some of the medical practitioners of that day. Finally Priesnitz was brought before the court. One of the witnesses called was a certain miller who had been under medical treatment for a long time but got no better, and was cured through the efforts of Priesnitz. When asked, “Who helped you?” he replied, “They all helped me, the doctors, apothecaries, and Priesnitz; the two former helped me to get rid of my money, Priesnitz helped me to get rid of my disease.”— Australasian Good Health. Wake creation's harmonies—
Golden beams of noonday light,
Living odors of the breeze,
Silv'ry radiance of the light;
Murmur of the restless seas,
Ripple of the brooklet sweet,
Thunder's awful majesty,
Nature's harmonies complete,
Singing, “God is good.” Gentle dales profusely clad,
Craggy rocks with snow-capped crest,
Plains with fruitfulness made glad,
Forests sumptuously drest;
Flowers with endless brilliant hue,
Feathered songsters of the air,
Diamond luster of the dew,
Tell the story everywhere—
God is always good. Richest azure of the sky,
Snowy fleece of drifted cloud,
Pearls which deep in ocean lie,
Fury of the billows loud;
Teeming life of forest glen,
Jewels hid in earth's dark mine,
Denizens of moor and fen,
All your voices glad combine,
Saying, “God is good.” To Make a Fireless “Stove”
A WRITER in the Commoner gives the following information on the subject of fireless “stoves.” Ordinarily hay or some similar material is used as a lining in these receptacles, but this requires frequent changing, on account of becoming musty. This writer says:— “At a small expense, a most cleanly and efficient fireless stove may be made as follows: Procure a close wooden box with a tight cover, and line to the thickness of one-half inch or so with asbestos or mineral wool; then take a tightly covered tin box (a bread box will answer) and fit snugly within the asbestos-lined box. The covered cooking vessels containing the rapidly boiling food are placed in the tin box and both covers tightly closed, when the heat will be retained as with the hay-filling. The tin box may be kept clean with little trouble, and no re-lining is necessary, as with the hay filling. This style of fireless stove should not be made too large, as small ones, holding one or two vessels only, retain the heat much better, and one may have several separate ones, if necessary. It is claimed that the fireless stove, or hay box, gives great satisfaction, and, as it is so easy to make, and inexpensive, it should be tried during the hot months especially.” At the great congress on tuberculosis, held in London in July, 1903, Prof. P. Brouardel, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Paris, whose authority is of the highest value, declared:— “The public house is the purveyor of tuberculosis;” “alcohol is the most potent factor in its propagation;” and “the strongest man, who has once taken to drink, is powerless against the disease.” “Any measures, state or individual, tending to limit the ravages of alcoholism will be our most precious auxiliaries in the crusade against tuberculosis.”