Signs of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 36. (9/16/1886)

Signs of the Times

Sep 16, 1886

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 16, 1886

General Articles.

By Ellen G. White

Women as Christian Laborers.

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

He who died to redeem man from death, loves with a divine love; and he says to his followers: “This is my commandment that ye love one another as I have loved you.” Christ showed his love for the fallen race by his actions. The true child of God will be Christlike; and as he grows in the knowledge of the truth, and is sanctified through the truth, he will be more and more like Christ, and more desirous to save souls, the purchase of his blood.

Some can do more than others; but all can do something. Women should not feel that they are excused because of their domestic cares. They should become intelligent as to how they can work most successfully and methodically in bringing souls to Christ. If all would realize the importance of doing to the utmost of their ability in the work of God, having a deep love for souls, feeling the burden of the work upon them, hundreds would be engaged as active workers who have hitherto been dull and uninterested, accomplishing nothing, or at most but very little.

In many cases the rubbish of the world has clogged the channels of the soul. Selfishness controls the mind and warps the character. Were the life hid with Christ in God, his service would be no drudgery. If the whole heart were consecrated to God, all would find something to do, and would covet a part in the work. They would sow beside all waters, praying and believing that the fruit would appear. The practical, God-fearing workers will be growing upward, praying in faith for grace and heavenly wisdom that they may do the work devolving upon them with cheerfulness and a willing mind. They will seek the divine rays of light that they may brighten the paths of others.

Those who are co-laborers with God will have no disposition to engage in the various expedients for amusement; they will not be seeking after happiness and enjoyment. In taking up their work in the fear of God, and doing service to the Master, they will secure the most substantial happiness. Connected with Jesus Christ, they will be wise unto salvation. They will be fruit-bearing trees. They will develop a blameless life, a beauteous character. The great work of redemption will be their first consideration. Eating and drinking and dressing, houses and lands, will be secondary matters. The peace of God within will force off the withered or gnarled branches of selfishness, vanity, pride, and indolence. It is faith and practice that make up the Christian’s life. We do not meet the standard of Christianity in merely professing Christ and having our names upon the church book. We should be individual workers for Christ. By personal effort we can show that we are connected with him.

Christian women are called for. There is a wide field in which they may do good service for the Master. There are noble women who have had moral courage to decide in favor of the truth from the weight of evidence. They have tact, perception, and good ability, and could make successful Christian workers. There is work neglected or done imperfectly that could be thoroughly accomplished through the help that they are able to give. They could reach a class that ministers cannot reach. There are offices in the church that they could fill acceptably, and many branches of the church work that they could attend to if properly instructed.

Women can do good work in the missionary field, by writing to friends, and learning their true feelings in relation to the cause of God. Very valuable items are brought to light through this means. The workers should not seek for self-exaltation, but to present the truth in its simplicity wherever they shall have an opportunity. The money that has been spent for needless trimmings and useless ornaments should be devoted to the cause of God, and used to bring the light of truth to those who are in the darkness of error. The souls saved through their efforts will be more precious to them than costly and fashionable dress. The white robes and jeweled crown given them by Christ as the reward for their unselfish efforts in the salvation of souls, will be more valuable than needless adornments. The stars in their crowns will shine forever and ever, and will a thousand times repay them for the self-denial and self-sacrifice they have exercised in the cause of God.

Women of firm principle and decided character are needed, women who believe that we are indeed living in the last days, and that we have the last solemn message of warning to be given to the world. They should feel that they are engaged in an important work in spreading the rays of light which Heaven has shed upon them. When the love of God and his truth is an abiding principle, they will let nothing deter them from duty, or discourage them in their work. They will fear God, and will not be diverted from their labors in his cause by the temptation of lucrative situations and attractive prospects. They will preserve their integrity at any cost to themselves. These are the ones who will correctly represent the religion of Christ, whose words will be fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Such persons can in many ways do a precious work for God. He calls upon them to go out into the harvest field, and help gather in the sheaves.

Intelligent Christian women may use their talents to the very highest account. They can show by their life of self-denial, and by their willingness to work to the best of their ability, that they believe the truth, and are being sanctified through it. Many need a work of this kind to develop the powers they possess. Wives and mothers should in no case neglect their husbands and their children; but they can do much without neglecting home duties, and all have not these responsibilities.

Who can have so deep a love for the souls of men and women for whom Christ died, as those who are partakers of his grace? Who can better represent the religion of Christ than Christian women, women who are earnestly laboring to bring souls to the light of truth? Who else is so well adapted to the work of the Sabbath-school? The true mother is the true teacher of children. If with a heart imbued with the love of Christ, she teaches the children of her class, praying with them and for them, she may see souls converted, and gathered into the fold of Christ. I do not recommend that woman should seek to become a voter or office-holder; but as a missionary, teaching the truth by epistolary correspondence, distributing reading matter, conversing with families and praying with the mother and children, she may do much, and be a blessing.

The Lord of the vineyard is saying to many women who are now doing nothing, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” They may be instruments of righteousness, rendering holy service. It was Mary who first preached a risen Jesus; and the refining, softening influence of Christian women is needed in the great work of preaching the truth now. If there were twenty women where now there is one who would make the saving of souls their cherished work, we should see many more converted to the truth. Zealous and continued diligence in the cause of God would be wholly successful, and would astonish them with its results. The work must be accomplished through patience and perseverance, and in this is manifested the real devotion to God. He calls for deeds, and not words only.

The work of God is worthy of our best efforts. In fulfillment of the divine plan, the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. He taught the erring and sinful ones whom he came to save, and wrestled in earnest prayer to his Father in their behalf; and we should engage in the same work. If it was not beneath the dignity of the Son of God, the Creator of worlds, should it be considered too humiliating or too self-sacrificing for his followers?—No, indeed. However aspiring we may be, there is no calling that is higher, holier, and more ennobling than to be a co-laborer with the Son of God.

Often we are so wrapped up in our selfish interests that our hearts are not allowed to take in the needs and wants of humanity; we are

lacking in deeds of sympathy and benevolence, in sacred and social ministering to the needy, the oppressed, and the suffering. Women are needed who are not self-important, but gentle in manners and lowly of heart, who will work with the meekness of Christ wherever they can find anything to do for the salvation of souls. All who have been made partakers of the heavenly benefits, should be earnest and anxious that others, who do not have the privileges which they have enjoyed, should have the evidences of the truth presented before them. And they will not merely desire that others should have this benefit, but will see that they do have it, and will do their part toward the accomplishment of this object.

Those who become co-laborers with God will increase in moral and spiritual power, while those who devote their time and energies to serving themselves will dwarf, and wither, and die. Christian women, the youth, the middle-aged, and those of advanced years, may have a part in the work of God for this time; and in engaging in this work as they have opportunity, they will obtain an experience of the highest value to themselves. In forgetfulness of self, they will grow in grace. By training the mind in this direction, they will learn how to bear burdens for Jesus, and will realize the blessedness of the service. And soon the time will come when “they that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

TRUST.

By E. A. Boynton

When dark and drear the way has grown, And somber clouds my soul bedim, My soul shall trust in God alone, “My expectation is from him.”

When on the Lord “my mind is staid,” He keeps my heart in “perfect peace;” And nought can make me feel afraid, For “everlasting strength” is his.

It matters not what may betide, Though earth and hell my soul pursue; With God, my Saviour, on my side, “I will not fear what man can do.”

When dark forebodings fill thy soul, And doubts and fears disturb thy breast, Upon the Lord thy burden roll, And he will give thy spirit rest.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;” Nor to thine understanding lean; Thy doubts and fear shall soon depart, And leave thee tranquil and serene.

“Wait on the Lord,” where’er thou art; “Good courage” take, nor doubt his word; “And he shall strengthen” well “thine heart.” Again I say, “Wait on the Lord.”

—E. A. Boynton.

Salvation Not by Works.

By C. P. Böllman

THE Bible teaches salvation only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Said the apostle Peter: “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” And the testimony of the Saviour himself was: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

This truth has been the keynote of the gospel in all ages of the world. “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Gal. 3: 6. Again, in the same chapter we read that Christ was made a curse for us “that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Verse 14. And not only so, but the Lord by the mouth of Habakkuk had long before declared that “the just shall live by faith.” Hab. 2: 4.

But the divine declaration that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” is ignored and very many claim for themselves and others the boon of eternal life because of some noble traits of character,—because of wealth, position, learning, or philanthropy. How many there are who say, “If I do as I would be done by, I shall be saved!” They quite forget the words of the apostle: “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast,” and expect eternal life upon their own merits! Either such persons are terribly mistaken or else an inspired apostle mis-stated the case when he made the statement recorded in Acts 4: 12. But notwithstanding such plain Bible declarations, if a noted statesman, or a brave soldier, or a noble philanthropist dies; forthwith, instead of leaving him with God, the pulpit, and the press (both secular and religious) unite in explaining how such a person can be saved without faith in Christ!

Perhaps no better illustration of this can be found than in the case of a noted Jewish philanthropist who died about a year since. In regard to his case the Christian at Work says—

“Character nowadays counts for more than creed. It was this idea which constrained such champions of orthodoxy as Dr. A. A. Hodge of Princeton, and Dr. Chambers of this city, and Dr. Curry, as well as other eminent theologians, to acknowledge recently that such a noble and true-hearted philanthropist as Sir Moses Montefiore, although rejecting the historic Christ, might be saved; because he had, as appeared from his spirit and good deeds, accepted the essential Christ.”

That is to say that by a proper use of money a man may purchase eternal life! But if one can be saved without Christ, why may not all? If the proper use of great riches entitles a man to the favor of God and to eternal life, would not a like use of small means perform a like work? Or, about how much wealth must a man possess in order that he may purchase the gift of God with money? See Acts 8: 20, 21.

The Saviour said of the poor woman who cast in her two mites, that she had cast in more than the rich who had only cast in of their abundance, while she had given “all her living.” There is far more true philanthropy among “the poor of this world rich in faith” than among the rich in this world’s goods; and yet, with the prophet, every follower of Christ is ready to say: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isa. 64: 6.

The apostle Paul taught that “by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” And again he says: “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” That is to say, that if salvation were possible by any other means, then the death of Christ was unnecessary. And Paul elsewhere says: “If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” But because a law once broken cannot justify the transgressor, therefore justification cannot be by works and must be by faith in Christ.

The Scriptures declare that “all have sinned.” The eminent statesman, the brave soldier, or the “true-hearted philanthropist” is no exception; and if it could be shown that a single individual can by any means atone for his own sins and render himself meet for eternal life, then it could be shown that every one might be saved in the same way. But if the gospel be true, then the idea of salvation outside of Christ is not true.

But it may be said, This salvation is not outside of Christ, for it is only the “historic Christ” that is rejected, while the “essential Christ” is accepted. But who is this “essential Christ?” Said the Saviour: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Then whatever else may be non-essential, if we receive the Saviour’s testimony we must hold that belief in the Son is absolutely essential, for he says: “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” But who is the Son? Let the Scriptures answer: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom . . . say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 16: 13-17.

Do the Christian at Work and its “champions of orthodoxy” mean to say that Jesus the Son of God is not the “essential Christ?” “Dare they say plainly that his rejection is not a bar to salvation? Do they mean to teach that “true-hearted” philanthropy obviates the necessity of becoming a new creature in Christ? Of such teachings the apostle said: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel; which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Gal. 1: 6-8.

True character “counts for more than creed;” but how only can any individual obtain a really righteous character? Who alone is the Christian’s righteousness? Says the apostle: “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Phil. 3: 8, 9.

Again: in writing to the Corinthians, Paul says: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 1: 30, 31. But why should the Christian glory only in Christ? Because all his good works are wrought in him. Said the Saviour to his disciples: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

Good works are a Christian duty; and he who has true faith will abound in them. Says James: “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” And Paul testifies that we are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” But it is nevertheless true that “by grace are ye saved through faith;” for it is written: “When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.” Truly “the just shall live by faith.” C. P. BÖLLMAN.

Walking with God.

By Robert Hare

WE read in Gen. 5: 24: “Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for God took him.” This was a great honor for God to bestow upon a man, and we think there must have been something special in the character of the man upon whom it was conferred. Walking with God implies more than a mere profession of godliness. It implies a degree of holiness that will justify God in accepting our companionship; for we read distinctly of those who are sanctified, that, “He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb. 2: 11. This justifies the conclusion that he would be ashamed of those who are not sanctified.

We read in Amos 3: 3: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Acquaintance with human nature will make it easy for us to determine that they cannot. Agreement must ever form the basis of companionship, and it is the lack of this that makes enemies. Then it will be necessary, in the first place, that the man who walks with God, be in agreement with God. To be in agreement with earthly powers, it is imperative that we observe their laws. There is no monarch who would think of honoring with distinction a man who had set at naught his decrees; and our ideas of justice would lead us to suppose that God would, at least, require the same degree of submission as that demanded by an earthly potentate. It

would be altogether contrary to reason to suppose that God would honor a man who lived in violation of his law.

In Lev. 26: 3, 12, we read: “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;” “I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.” It is quite evident from this that we cannot walk with God, except he consents to walk with us; and this cannot be unless we follow the injunction given to Israel: “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them.” This is the only course of action that can ever secure for us the exalted dignity of walking with God.

God in speaking of Levi declares: “He walked with me in peace and equity.” Mal. 2: 6. And in the preceding part of the verse we find the reason why he thus walked with God in peace: “The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips.” Thus we find that there was something special in connection with those characters with whom God consented to walk, and this consisted in having the law of truth in their mouth, and iniquity far from their lips.

We sometimes pray and sing of a closer walk with God. This can only be secured now as it was then—by walking in his statutes, and keeping his commandments to do them. When the Son of man is revealed in the clouds of heaven, and the angels are sent forth to gather his elect from the four winds, all those will be left behind whose characters are not in harmony with the law of God. As Enoch walked with God, and was not; for God took him, so His remnant church, walking in the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will not be; for God shall take them.

How is it with us? Are we aspiring to the highest dignity that lies within the range of human thought—that of walking with God? Are our names numbered with those who are being accounted worthy to walk with him in white?

ROBERT HARE.

Is Honesty All?

By Christian Standard

In nature, honesty counts for something, but not for everything. The child that honestly puts its hand in the fire will nevertheless be burned. While there is not, in such a case, the same moral obliquity as in the case of the one who, knowing the nature of fire, deliberately throws himself into it with suicidal intent, it is nevertheless true that the fire will equally burn the suicide and him who innocently falls into its embrace. A man may drink poison, honestly believing it to be a harmless medicine,—but it will as surely kill him as if he had swallowed it on purpose to destroy life. Honesty is not all. Illustrations of this may be made almost endless.

And in spiritual things, is honesty the panacea for all error and sin? Was not Saul honest in persecuting Christians, and in blaspheming the name of Jesus? He declared that he had lived before God in all good conscience (Acts 23 : 1), and that what he did was done “ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Tim. 1 : 13); yet he never ceased mourning over this great sin, or rejoicing in his deliverance from it. Why could not Saul have been let alone in his honest persecution of the saints?

Jesus said the time would come when they who killed his disciples would think they were doing God service (John 16 : 2). And there have been millions of honest persecutors, who have subjected Christians to every kind of shame and torture. Will their honesty shield them from divine retribution? If honesty is to be the cure-all for all the hideous outrages that have been committed in its name, we must obliterate all other distinctions between right and wrong, and recognize everything as virtuous and praiseworthy to which the stamp of honesty can be affixed.

There is another consideration which renders such teaching altogether pernicious. Men have false ideas of honesty itself, and many will be apt to derive from such teaching a sense of security to which they are not entitled. What people call honesty, may be, in many cases a guilty thing. Those who put to death the Lord Jesus were honest as the world goes. Of the wisdom of God, Paul says: “Which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor. 2 : 8. Peter says: “Through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.” Acts 3 : 17. They were therefore honest—ignorantly honest—in condemning and crucifying Jesus. But was not their ignorance culpable? What merit, therefore, can be pleaded for an honesty based on an ignorance which is itself a crime? “If I had not done among them,” said Jesus, “the works which none other man did, they had not had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.” John 15 : 24.

And there are many to-day who willingly and willfully remain ignorant of the gospel, and who teach for doctrines the commandments of men, and make the word of God void by their traditions, who plead honesty as a justification of their false teaching and their rejection of the truth,—when their so-called honesty is simply a result of their ignorance, and their ignorance is itself a sin. The cry of honesty is simply a cry of self-deception.—Christian Standard.

The Conflict First.

THE Christian should ever bear in mind that he has been called into the service of Christ to suffer, and not to reign, in this life. Hence the apostle exhorts us not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try us, as though some strange thing happened unto us, but to rejoice, inasmuch as we are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy. The conflict must precede the victory; the cross must come before the crown. The trials here may be severe, but exceeding great will be the joy hereafter. Let us remember, then, that if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him.—Sel.

Principles.

It is not unusual to see men rest their opinions upon foundations that have no more certainty nor solidity than the propositions built on them, and embraced for their sake. Such foundations are these and the like, viz.: The founders or leaders of my party are good men, and therefore their tenets are true; it hath been long received in the world, therefore it is true; or, it is new, and therefore false.

These, and many the like, which are by no means the measure of truth and falsehood, the generality of men make the standards by which they accustom their understanding to judge. And thus, falling into a habit of determining of truth or falsehood by such wrong measures, it is no wonder they should embrace error for certainty, and be very positive in things for which they have no ground.—John Locke.

The Meaning of Reverence

AMONG the faculties of the human mind is one which impels us to “look up,” to feel a respect, reverence, awe, for that which is above us. It is this quality which inspires a feeling of reverence for those older, wiser, or better than ourselves. It awakens a true love of learning, wisdom, beauty, and for everything that in its essence is true and good. It inspires us to create and to love pure and noble ideals; leads us to strive to reach their perfections; and holds us loyal to the higher possibilities of the higher nature. Reverence is the crown of the moral, the very breath of spiritual life.—Sel.

Thy Will Be Done

By Sel.

MANY people think of the petition, “Thy will be done,” as coming into their prayers and lives only when they have troubles or losses.—Sel.

The Real Fact.

MANY people are led to believe that the Sabbath was changed immediately after the resurrection of Christ, either by his instruction or that of his apostles; but such is not the fact. Had such instruction ever been given, we should find it recorded in the New Testament. We know also, that the Christians of all the world, with few exceptions, continued for a long time after the resurrection to observe the seventh day of the week, by meeting for worship, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper on that day. Socrates Scholasticus, an eminent church historian, who wrote about A. D. 450, says:—

“Almost all the churches throughout the whole world celebrate the sacred mysteries on the Sabbath of every week, yet the Christians of Alexandria and Rome, on account of some ancient tradition, refuse to do this.”—Ecclesiastical History of Socrates. Bohn's Edition, p. 289.

All students of church history know that the “sacred mysteries” of the early church were the communion or Lord's Supper, and that by the term Sabbath, early writers never mean other than the seventh day of the week.—Light of Home.

Improve Individuals, Not States

You cannot make people moral or virtuous by act of Parliament or State control, at least when the nation has outgrown patriarchal government. The family is the true unit of political as well as moral life, from which real and permanent improvement must be sought. Improve the State and you do not necessarily improve the individual. Improve the individual and you necessarily improve the State.—Contemporary Review.

The Theory of Evolution.

THE scientific theory of evolution, from which certain persons have been looking for help to trace the religious development of the race, is becoming a trumpet of uncertain sound. At first we were told that the development from the primordial germ was a constant and uniform process. It was found that this statement is in manifest contradiction of facts, and “saltatory evolution” was then brought forward to adjust the theory to the facts; that is, evolution by sudden leaps. And then, since in the case of certain species of animals there was no advance, these had to constitute a great exception to the supposed universal law. And now there comes another discovery that some things evolve backward, that is, degenerate. What will come next we cannot predict. We do have some sympathy, however, for those men who have labored so diligently to fit into their systems of theology a process of evolution that will enable them to keep abreast with the advance of scientific discovery, or rather scientific conjecture, but must now do their work over again or fall behind the progress of the age. How these Biblical critics who have slowly evolved, to their own satisfaction, the Mosaic ritual from a few rude suggestions of a priest code that Moses made, will wriggle out of their position, now that they are called upon to adjust their critical discussions to the latest utterances of science, we shall not venture to guess. Perhaps they will be constrained to confess that their evolution in Biblical criticism is of a backward or degenerating type, and will be satisfied to let us hold fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints.—Religious Herald.

Continue reading: The Herulian Kingdom of Italy