The subject of a non-flesh dietary is becoming a world-wide one, and the query, What shall we eat in place of meat? is the first that the advocate of vegetarianism has to meet. Many persons think they will die of starvation if they give up meat. While this idea is erroneous, it must be remembered that in discarding meat as an article of food, something must be provided to take its place. The body requires three elements to supply nourishment and to keep it in repair,—starch, fats, and albumen. All of these are to be found in the vegetable kingdom in great abundance and in pleasing variety. We take meat to supply albumen, the tissue-building element; and if we suddenly leave it off without finding something equally as good to take its place, we naturally feel the want of that element. There is a certain amount of stimulating matter in meat, which the meat-eater misses when he first adopts a vegetarian diet; but in a very short time an intelligent cook can make the change for her family with satisfactory results.
We must bear in mind that Rome was not built in a day; likewise reforms must be made step by step.
Perhaps a list of some of the foods that can be used as substitutes for meat will be useful to the housekeeper, and will help her to know what to keep in stock for the household. Cereals, rice, macaroni, vermicelli, legumes, eggs, milk, nuts, etc., can be made up in a great variety of appetizing dishes. The prepared nut foods will be found useful in providing meat substitutes. We give also a few recipes which will supply all the nourishment required in place of meat:—
RICE OMELET.—One-half cup rice, one quart milk, one teaspoonful grated onion, one tablespoonful chopped parsley, one-quarter teaspoonful salt, five eggs. Wash the rice, and put it into a pie-dish. Add the milk, also salt, and place in the oven; cook slowly till the rice is quite soft; then remove the skin from the top, add the well-beaten eggs and the seasoning. Stand the dish in another baking-dish, and put into the oven till it is nicely browned on top. Serve with vegetables.
LENTILS BAKED IN TOMATO.—Two cups German lentils, one quart water, one quart tomato purée, and five onions. Soak the lentils overnight. Wash well, and cook in one quart of water. When soft, drain off the water, and pour the lentils into a baking-dish. Fry the onions a rich brown, and add to the lentils. Pour the purée over the lentils, place in the oven, and let simmer or bake one and one-half hours. Any kind of beans can be treated in this way.
SAVORY PATTIES.—Take some left-over food, such as stewed beans, rice, a little soup or gravy, and mix some granola or zwieback crumbs with it. Add seasoning, such as thyme, sage, or parsley, and one grated onion. Mix all well together, and add salt to taste. A little tomato purée is an improvement. Shape into patties, and bake in an oiled pan until a rich brown. Serve with tomato sauce.
MACARONI IN PEAS GRAVY.—One quart water, two cups macaroni, two cups split peas, and four cups water. Cook the macaroni in the water, which must be boiling before the macaroni is put in. When tender, drain off the water; and when the peas are cooked, strain through a fine gravy-strainer, and add to the macaroni. Salt to taste and serve.
RED LENTIL ROAST.—Two cups red lentils, one cup ground walnuts, one teaspoonful each of sage and thyme, two tablespoonfuls grated onion, one cup zwieback crumbs, and one cup tomato purée. Salt to taste. Cook the lentils till tender, rub through the sieve, add the other ingredients, and mix well together. Press into a pie-dish, and bake one hour. Serve with brown gravy or tomato sauce.
RICE-LENTIL ROAST.—One and one-half cups rice, one cup German lentils, two tablespoonfuls nut butter, three eggs, thyme, parsley, and onion to season. Salt to taste. Boil the rice and lentils separately, drain off the liquid, and mix together. Add the other ingredients, and shape into small rolls. Bake in olive-oil, and serve with brown sauce.
SCOTCH PEA LOAF.—Two and one-half cups split peas, one cup zwieback crumbs, one onion grated, three tablespoonfuls chopped parsley. Salt to taste. Soak peas overnight. Wash and boil till tender in just enough water to cover. Drain off all liquid, and rub through a sieve. Mix in the seasoning and crumbs, put into a brick-shaped tin, set in a dish of water, and bake one and one-half hours. Serve hot or cold with mint sauce.
MACARONI AND GRANOLA ROAST.—Two cups macaroni, one cup granola, one quart milk, two tablespoonfuls flour, two eggs, salt. Cook the macaroni in one quart of water. When tender, pour off the water and add the milk. Bring to a boil, and thicken with the flour. Add the eggs, well beaten, and salt to taste. Take some of the macaroni, put into a pie-dish, and sprinkle thickly with the dry granola; then add alternating layers of macaroni and granola till the dish is full. Granola should form the top layer. Bake for half an hour and serve.
Melbourne, Australia.
Evils of Novel-Reading
By Grant Priddy
GRANT PRIDDY
The reading of fiction is a great evil. The mind is not led to think upon that which is pure and holy; but in beautiful word-pictures false ideals are continually placed before the reader. Many novels are based on love affairs of the most objectionable kind. Not infrequently the moral standard of the writer is low, and of course the story partakes of the nature of its author. Weak, sentimental ideas of love, intermingled with false notions regarding courtship and marriage, are all too painfully prominent. Often the writer ventures just as far as he dares with immoral insinuations. Since it is a law of the mind that by beholding we become changed, how can we expect our boys and girls to remain pure if we allow such reading to be placed in their hands?
It is difficult for the reader of fiction to appreciate or relish wholesome literature. To a greater or less extent, his moral and intellectual taste becomes vitiated. Good, solid, sensible reading seems to him insipid or dull. He has not the patience to sit quietly down, and carefully7peruse God's Word, that he may learn those great truths of Inspiration which, when incorporated into the character, will give an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom.
The memory is injured by reading works of fiction. The novel lover is almost certain to be a careless reader. He has no time to learn the meaning of unfamiliar words, but hurries on to the climax, to learn the sequel of the story. This rapid reading does not permit him to form complete mental images, many of the thoughts are indistinct, and there is little attempt to remember; thus forgetting soon becomes a confirmed habit. Any one who allows himself to drift into this condition is certainly to be pitied.
We have no right to waste precious time in reading literature of a fictitious character. Our time is a talent lent us by our Creator, and we shall be required at the last day to give a strict account of the use we make of it. We have been bought with a price, even the precious blood of Jesus Christ; and we have no moral right to spend life's fleeting hours in an unprofitable manner.
Ellesmere, Ontario.
The Word of Kindness
By L. D. Santee
L. D. SANTEE
To the weary toilers we daily meet
In the rush of the thronged and busy street,
We have smiles to give them, their hearts to cheer,
And the word of kindness is always dear.
O, many a heart hath its load of care,
For the burdens of life are hard to bear;
But the kindly word that is soft and low
May comfort the heart that is breaking slow.
By the magic spell of a kindly word
The pulse of the spirit is strangely stirred,
And the light of a loving and gentle tone
Will weave a charm that is all its own.
The clouds will lift, and the shadows flee,
And a brighter morning the sad will see,
As the gentle words from a loving heart
Bid the deep shadows of grief "depart."
Words of affection will banish care,
For the sun is shining for all somewhere;
And the saddened heart and the weary feet
Will find their influence pure and sweet;
And the weary mind and the troubled brain
Will take up the duties of life again,
And joy will come, and the clouds depart;
For words of kindness will heal the heart.
Moline, Ill.
Family Prayers
By Canon Liddon
THERE is one mark of a household in which God is known and loved, which is too often wanting in our day—I mean the practise of family prayer. Depend upon it, the worth of a practise of that kind can only be measured by its effects during a long period of time; and family prayers, though occupying only a few minutes, do make a great difference in any household at the end of a year. How, indeed, can it be otherwise, when each morning, and perhaps each evening too, all the members of the family—the old and the young, the parents and the children, the master and the servants—meet on a footing of perfect equality before the Eternal, in whose presence each is as nothing, yet to whom each is so infinitely dear that he has redeemed by his blood each and all of them? How must not the bad spirits that are the enemies of pure, bright family life flee away,—the spirits of envy and pride and untruthfulness and sloth, and the whole tribe of evil thoughts,—and make way for the presence, in the hearts of old and young alike, of Him who, as he brings us one by one nearer to the true end of our existence, makes us to be ‘of one mind’ within the narrow confines of each home circle, and hereafter in that countless family of all nations and tongues, which shall dwell with him, the universal Parent of all eternity?—Canon Liddon.
The Bright Face
NOTHING conduces more to the happiness of the home than to find a bright, sunny face looking into ours as we enter the door. The husband comes home wearied and worried with business cares; for bread-winners, the rank and file of them, have a hard struggle in these times, when there are so many competitors. If the wife has a troubled or unpleasant look on her face, his weight of care is made heavier; but if the light of love shines in her face, it lightens the load, and brightens up the outlook. The whole bright, sunny face in the home is a way power for good that can not be estimated. There is nothing like the cheerful, happy frame of mind which it helps to bring about.
So, dear ones of the household, wear happy, sunny faces, and see what wonders they will work when there are fretting, anxious cares and uncomfortable people to deal with.—Selected.
Fidelity
NEVER forsake a friend. When enemies gather around, when sickness falls on the heart, when the world is dark and cheerless,—this is the time to try true friendship. They who turn from the scene of distress betray their hypocrisy. If you have a friend who loves you, who has studied your interest and happiness, be sure to sustain him in adversity. Let him feel that his former kindness is appreciated, and that his love was not thrown away. Real fidelity may be rare, but it exists. They only deny its worth and power who have never loved a friend, or labored to make one happy. The good and the kind, the affectionate and the virtuous, see and feel its blessed influence.—Selected.
A Moment's Rest
By Martha C. Miller
TELL me, is anything so blest,
When weary with our grief and toil,
As one brief moment just to rest
On God's eternal, loving breast?
Forgetting all earth's weariness,
And for a little while to feel
That life is sweet, that joy is real,
And that somewhere again will beat
For us the pulse of happiness.
— Martha C. Miller.
What These Times Mean to Parents
WE are living in strenuous times. Everything is going with a rush. Intensity has seized upon every agency of human endeavor. Let us take heed that we be not dragged from our moorings, lose our bearings, and be swept into the fearful maelstrom. And let us see that our children are taught true principles, and their young minds filled with an unselfish desire to give to others the precious light which God has given us. It is only through this constant training that we may hope so to hold before our children these high ideals as to save them from the awful vortex of ruin which yawns just before their feet. God has a place in his work for every educated and consecrated young person. Are you training your boy and your girl to fill their places?
Can we expect our children to breathe in the very atmosphere of doubt and unbelief for five days in the week, year after year, following worldly methods, seeking to attain worldly ideals, associated constantly with those actuated only by these motives, and yet come forth unscathed and unsullied, with motives pure and faith unfeigned? May God help us to sense the awful responsibilities resting upon us as parents in view of the times upon which we have fallen, and the demands of the hour that are pressing upon us.—Selected.
You Find What You Look For
“HE that hath a froward heart findeth no good.” Whoever would be happy must make up his mind to see only the good in others, to hunt for the beautiful things in their characters, and to ignore the ugly things; to look for harmony and to avoid discord.
To hold the loving thought, as a mother does toward her children, develops the better side. The delicate flower of manhood or womanhood will not blossom in the foggy, chilly atmosphere of hatred, of jealous envy and condemnation. It must have the warm sun of love, of praise, of appreciation, of encouragement, to call out its beauty and to produce the perfect flower.
Never allow yourself to condemn or form a habit of criticizing others. No matter what they do, hold toward them perpetually the kindly thought, the love thought. Determine to see only that which is good and sweet and wholesome and lovely in them. Try to see the man or woman that God intended, not the warped, twisted, and deformed one which a vicious life may have made; and you will generally find what you look for.
You will never find the straight by looking for the crooked, or holding the crooked thought in mind. If you are constantly criticizing or finding fault, instead of praising or appreciating, you will ruin your power of seeing the beautiful and the true, just as a habitual liar loses the power to tell the truth.
If you habitually hold the deformed thought, the ironical, the skeptical, the pessimistic, the depreciative thought, you will ruin your ability to see or appreciate merit, or what is good and true.—Northwestern Christian Advocate.
Making Friends with Trials
Accept God’s will entirely, and never suppose that you could serve him better in any other way. You can never serve him well, save in the way he chooses. Suppose that you were never to be set free from such trials, what would you do? You would say to God, “I am thine; if my trials are acceptable to thee, give me more and more.” I have full confidence that this is what you would say, and then you would not think more of it; you would not be anxious. Well, do the same now. Make friends with your trials, as if you were always to live together; and you will see that when you cease to take thought for your own deliverance, God will take thought for you; when you cease to help yourself eagerly, he will help you.—Francis de Sales.
Our Japanese Paper
By W. D. Burden
W. D. BURDEN
It is now nearly ten years since we began publishing the Owari No Fukuin. The progress made in its circulation has been much slower than we had hoped, but at last the turning-point has come. For a long time our believers thought that papers could not be sold in Japan. A few subscribers were obtained, but these were largely from those to whom we had sent sample copies. We usually printed from one to two thousand of each issue, a large number of which were given away. These, of course, did much to spread the truth, but brought no income to build up the work.
In 1908 we began to plan for an advance. Some were persuaded that with an effort they could sell the paper, so a little was done at it. The regular paper usually had but one picture, on the first page, and sold for two sen (one cent). In 1908 we planned to hold a three-months' winter school for our workers, and decided to have a special illustrated number of our paper for them to sell during the holidays. It was to have twenty-four instead of the usual twelve pages, and to sell for five sen. Some were quite skeptical, and wanted to make the price three sen a copy. However, we printed a five-thousand edition, and sold the papers at five sen a copy. The workers found that this special number sold better than the regular paper at two sen, and it was not long till the supply was exhausted. This experience encouraged us to have a special New-year's number for 1910, and as «Progress» is our motto, we decided to print ten thousand copies. During the previous summer all the workers had been selling the paper more or less, so they were better prepared to dispose of this large edition. Unfortunately, however, just at the holiday season, the weather was very stormy; and several of our young people caught cold, and could not continue their work. It took some little time to dispose of all the papers, but finally the task was done.
Next we began to plan for a midsummer special; but at the request of the workers at Hiroshima, we decided to have it ready the first of May. They sent in an order for eight thousand copies, which they expect to sell during the May festivities at Hiroshima. All our workers this season are having a good experience with the paper. We expect to use about fifteen thousand copies of this special. There is every evidence that the Lord is stirring up the minds of the people just at this time, to prepare the way for the third angel's message.
There is no other work that brings the worker so directly in contact with the people as selling our literature. Last January one of our workers, going to a house with his papers, was met at the door by the servant. She reported his errand to the master of the house, who sent back word for him to come in. The house was a good one, and the worker somewhat timid. He began making excuses, but the master himself came out, and insisted on his going in; so finally he entered. There they were having a New-year's feast, of which he was urged to partake. As is the custom in Japan, wine, liquors, tobacco, and raw fish formed a good part of the feast.
A native pastor had come to do missionary work with this man, and was there at the time, drinking and smoking. Our worker reproved him for his course, but the words were all lost on him. Not so, however, with the master. He became a subscriber, and when the worker called again some weeks later, the lady of the house welcomed him warmly, and told him how thankful she was that through the reading of the paper her husband had been led to give up the use of tobacco.
Another brother was followed by a policeman, who chided him for bothering the people so much. There is a law which makes a man liable to a fine if he is found urging his goods upon a customer. The brother said he was not violating the law, and began to canvass the policeman. This caused a crowd to gather, and the officer not caring for the paper, took refuge in flight, leaving the brother to canvass the crowd which had gathered.
A little farther on, the brother found himself in the yard of a rich man. He was met rather roughly by an employee of the place, who reproved him for daring to enter the yard in violation of the notice posted at the gateway. Our brother had not seen the notice, and pleaded ignorance. As he turned to go away, he noticed a young woman, doubtless a daughter of the family, standing near by on the veranda. At first he hesitated, but something seemed to say to him, "Canvass her." He did so, and she very gladly listened and bought a paper, while the man on guard stood by and said nothing.
We might give many such experiences. We are thankful to see the seeds of truth being scattered, for we know the Lord of the harvest will surely give the increase.
We need a man of practical experience in the book work to come here, and help push this publishing work. May the Lord lay the burden upon the right man! Who will say, "Here am I; send me"?
Tokyo, Japan.
Work in Mexico
By J. F. Blunt
J. F. BLUNT
LEAVING our people in the City of Mexico, after the return of Elder G. W. Caviness, we came to Torreon, where we found a few friends, already believers in the message. They were prompt to co-operate with us, and, building benches, platform, pulpit, and other mission facilities, we were soon engaged actively in the work. From the beginning some came to hear the truth, though we have never had an attendance of more than forty-five at one time in this city of perhaps thirty-five thousand people. Twenty persons have signified their acceptance of the Sabbath and other distinctive truths, and some are now waiting for baptism.
I organized a little society for the children. This has grown till we have an enrolment of thirty-four, some coming from Catholic families. It would please you to hear their Scripture recitations; some have several chapters and a number of psalms at their command, while all repeat the ten commandments, the Lord's prayer, and other selections from the Sacred Writings. They readily lead in prayer, even pronouncing the benediction at the close of the service, as requested. Moreover, such exercises have made them willing participants in the prayer- and testimony-meetings of the entire company. Sometimes four or five children will offer prayer, and all9present will testify, in the meetings of their elders.
Our little initiation ceremony pleases them very much. As all Christians are supposed to be fishers of men, we have sought to induce them to bring in new members to their society. When such members are obtained, the child on whose invitation they have been secured, stands beside them in front of the little audience, and I hang a wooden fish around his neck, to indicate his success in getting another “fish.” All the children then file past to shake hands with the new members, and extend to them a cordial welcome to the society. Then all kneel, while some one asks God's blessing on the new members, on the society as a whole, and on the gospel in its progress in all lands. The singing is very good, and I have taken much interest in this branch of the work.
We have also held some meetings at Gomez Palacio, across the river. Soon after coming here, we met a Dr. Sanchez-Ramos, a cultured and educated gentleman, who was conducting a mission there in connection with his medical practise. For years he has combined the two kinds of employment with success. At first he was opposed to our special truths, but now gives ready assent to the Scriptural foundation of our message, and himself speaks in support of the commandments and other salient truths held by us. He has four other companies near by, and we hope he may himself fully accept the truth, and devote himself to its presentation. His wife is a woman of culture; and his central mission, all fitted up, affords a fine basis for future work. We have reported this opening to the leaders of our work here, and they will probably follow up the interest when we leave.
Mexico is wide open for the gospel. The people are very liberally inclined, the attitude of the government is unmistakably favorable, and the faithful presentation of the gospel will result in many converts. It is no place for those who can do nothing at home; but effective workers, already having some knowledge of Spanish, or capable of acquiring it quickly, can do effective work. Ignorance, poverty, and fanaticism abound; but there are grains of gold in the sand, and out of the filth and superstition of Mexico may be gathered many gems.
Tacubaya, Mexico.
The Call Coming Over the Sea
By Worthie Harris Holden
WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
There's a call coming over the sea, friend,—
A bugle to warfare for God;
It calls thee to marshal thy forces
And capture dear souls for thy Lord.
The heathen are groping so blindly
Midst the awful distress of their night;
Their arms are outstretched in beseeching
To deliver them out of their plight.
Perchance though thy soul has been longing
Thou might'st hasten to lands o'er the sea;
To forward supplies to thy comrades
Is thy Captain's commission to thee.
Neglect not, whate'er be thy duty,
Lest the blood of their souls mark thy doom;
For the call coming over the sea, friend,
Is from brothers in anguish and gloom.
When victory comes, and the triumph,
Wilt thou count self-denial a loss?
Will the rapture of heaven be blighted
By the care thou hast borne, and the cross?
All heaven was spent for thy saving;
Then canst thou refuse to obey?
Bestir thee, accomplish thy mission
For God and thy brothers, I pray.
Portland, Ore.
The Friedensau School
By Guy Dail
GUY DAIL
AFTER our good meeting at Halle, we came on to Friedensau, where the German Union committee met, February 7-10. On the morning of the seventh we had the privilege of attending the opening session of the second half of the school year, when about thirty-six new students were received. The total enrolment in the German department is now 184, while in the Russian division there are sixteen pupils.
We are pleased to find that Prof. Otto Lupke and his fellow teachers are all of good courage, and happy in their sacred work. They are occupying the new school building and dwelling-house, which also contains the museum, chapel, and library. The land which we have recently purchased has materially increased the size of the school farm, and affords opportunity better to carry out the principles of the school in the industrial department. We find this work very important and necessary in the education of those who come to us at Friedensau.
We are glad to report that during the winter there has been a special manifestation of the Lord’s Spirit in the revival prayer-meetings that have been held. As this movement sprung up spontaneously among the students themselves, it has been a blessing to many. The school is divided into small groups, who meet together for prayer, and a study of the Word of God. It has an interesting and wide-awake Missionary Volunteer band.
The missionary society of this settlement has been much animated by the missionary efforts of the young people in the school.
It is an occasion of great rejoicing to us that thus far all the students who have completed their course, and were fitted to enter active service in the field, have been in demand in advance. So great is the call for workers, that none of those who were prepared, have been obliged to wait for an opening in God’s work—the opening exists before the worker is really ready to fill it. None of our students who have gained the proper religious experience, and are otherwise competent, need to enter callings offered by the world because of lack of opportunity to enter the work of God as laborers together with him.
Among the nationalities represented at this school are Germans, Russians, Hollanders, Syrians, Macedonians, East Indians, Rumanians, Hungarians, Esthonians, and Bulgarians. Thus far six hundred students have attended this school. From this number, workers have been supplied to Germany, Russia, Hungary, Austria, Rumania, Servia, Turkey, Palestine, Egypt, East Africa, the East Indies, North America, South America, Holland, and Belgium. The grade of work done at Friedensau is continually improving, as the courses are offering higher studies than heretofore. We are glad that this is the case; for the increasing infidelity among so-called scientific circles necessitates the sharpening of our instrumentalities to the utmost. The more Satan tries to overthrow faith in the Word of God, the more necessary it is that we understand how to meet him, and come off conqueror in these contests. The learned of the world to-day are fast being engulfed in the maelstrom of unbelief so far as God’s Word is concerned, while they are actually fulfilling that Word by proclaiming fables, mythical theories, and science falsely so-called.
FRIEDENSAU SCHOOL AND SANITARIUM (NEW SCHOOL BUILDING NOT SHOWN)
We wish for Brother Lupke and his seven fellow teachers abundant success in their efforts, and a warm and hearty interest in the prayers of our people, that the Friedensau Industrial School may really be a mighty factor in the further preparation of an army of youthful soldiers, who will go out with the truth among the three hundred million people in the territory which this institution is attempting to serve.
Hamburg.
Resentment and Reconciliation
LIFE is short. Let us not throw any of it away in useless resentment. It is best not to be angry. It is next best to be quickly reconciled.—Samuel Johnson.
Editorial
By Editor
“AND the evening and the morning were the first day.” Gen. 1:5. “From even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.” Lev. 23:32. “And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased.” Mark 1:32.
An Experience. — These texts show clearly the time of the beginning and ending of the Sabbath. Connected with the topic is an experience of the early days of our work, interesting both as a matter of denominational history and as a testimony to the spirit of the pioneers in this cause. They were loyal to the Word of God as the rule of faith and practise, rather than to custom and tradition. They were men who feared God, who studied his Word, and were ready to walk in the light as it came to them.
The History. — While the first of the Adventist ministers to begin to keep the Sabbath was evidently Elder Frederick Wheeler (still with us in New York), who began to keep the Sabbath in May, 1844, it was Capt. Joseph Bates who began to publish and agitate the matter as a definite movement, after 1844. He found that the Sabbath was to begin at “even,” and overlooking the Bible definition of even as the time when the sun sets, he taught that the hour of even, according to the Scripture reckoning, was six o’clock. This idea was followed for some years. Questions arose as time passed, and the Word was studied. Finally Elder James White asked various ones to go into the matter thoroughly, particularly Elder J. N. Andrews. In the REVIEW of Dec. 15, 1855,—the first number issued in Battle Creek, after the removal of the office from Rochester, N. Y.,—Elder Andrews had a long article showing clearly that the Bible Sabbath was from sunset to sunset. Appended to it was a note to the brethren, from which we quote:—
The testimony of the Bible relative to the time of commencing the Sabbath is here brought together, that it may speak for itself. The result of the investigation is the firm conviction that the commencement and close of each day is marked by the setting of the sun. It will be asked why this conclusion was not earlier arrived at. The answer is this: The subject has not been hitherto thoroughly investigated. In making this statement I would frankly acknowledge my own fault. It is always duty to correct our errors when we see them; and, however sincerely we may have acted in the past, we can no longer act so, if, when we see a fault as such, or a mistake, we refuse to acknowledge it.
SOME had held that this new view was contrary to the teaching of the spirit of prophecy. In the same REVIEW, the editor, Elder White, said of Elder Andrews’s presentation of the subject:—
Some have the impression that six-o’clock time has been taught among us by the direct manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This is a mistake. “From even to even,” was the teaching, from which six-o’clock time has been inferred. We now rejoice that Brother Andrews has presented the Bible testimony on this question, in his accustomed forcible, candid manner, which settles the question beyond all doubt that the Sabbath commences not only at even, but at the setting of the sun.
The matter looks very simple to us now, and was plain to all then, when the Bible evidence was presented. But in those early years the believers were moving out by faith along the pathway of Bible truth. As the light came, they walked in it rejoicing. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18.
Using or Abusing God’s Blessings
By C. M., S.
God’s hands, with blessings full, are reached out to us day and night. It is a matter of the utmost importance how we relate ourselves to them, whether we receive to hoard or receive to give again. It is a test of character. It shows our likeness or unlikeness to the divine Pattern; it shows whether we agree or disagree with the divine purpose.
Some take that they may give again, and some give that they may get again. The difference here is an infinite one. The one is in the order of God; the other is the inspiration of self-service. It is a test which shows whether we belong to the kingdom of light or of darkness.
It is right to give; it is right to take. The right or wrong of our course depends upon how we take and why, how we give and why. We can give that which is good—give it for the good it will do, give it that he to whom it is given may pass it along, so letting the good deed flow along like a silvery stream through a thirsty land, blessing and re-blessing, cheering the dreary wastes of discouragement, and encouraging the heart crushed under a weight of woe. Or we can give that which is evil — give by our example as well as by the gift of material things — and see that gift take its course down through the world like a stream of lava from a destructive volcano, searing, burning, and burying everything in its path. We can give the unkind word, repeat the unkind story, and see it go on its way like a pestilence stalking through our neighborhood, leaving behind it crushed hearts and ruined hopes.
The Christian will want to ask himself frequently whether he is taking the good gifts of God to use in helping and encouraging others, thus giving again what God has given him, making a continuous current of blessing; or whether he is hoarding those gifts to himself, to gather the rust of pride and the moth of jealousy, thus choking up the current of good which God designed should flow from the reception of his beneficences. Which is it?
Sin is the interference of lawlessness with God’s great purpose. If we hoard to our own use and purpose the blessings of which God has made us stewards, we are thwarting the purpose of the Infinite—to do which is sin, and to desire to do which is in itself rebellion. God could brush us out of his way as we brush a gnat from our window-pane; but his purpose is deeper, broader, holier than that. His purpose includes our triumph over sin as well as his. It includes the formation of a righteous character in us, and that must come by test and trial; and by these means we prove whether we are trustworthy of eternal life.
We are not compelled even to take the good. It is purely a matter of choice. We can choose the evil if we prefer, and not only that, but pass it along as well. Instead of making ourselves fountains of blessing because God’s purpose is flowing through us, we can turn our whole lives into fountains of poison like the death springs of the desert, around whose deceptive brinks lie the death-smitten forms of those who came there to drink. Which shall it be? We can make it whichever we will. We can choose life or death for ourselves, and we can be the minister of either to others. It depends upon what we take, and why we take it; what we give, and why we give it.
But we must have divine wisdom if we would be certain that at every turn we shall make the life choice rather than the death choice. The importance of choosing aright it is impossible to overestimate. To choose aright is to be on the side of God and victory and eternal life; to choose wrong, is to be on the side of God’s adversary and ultimate defeat and eternal death. In implicit reliance upon God and obedience to him there is infinite wisdom and assured11guidance for us. The ear of Heaven is always open, the arm of Heaven always outstretched, in behalf of those who are firmly set to do God’s will. If we place ourselves on his side, in the channel of his power, in harmony with his purpose, he will make every soul of us instruments of service to be powerfully used in heralding his truth to the ends of the earth. The quicker and more completely this people consecrate themselves to the work of God’s last mighty message, the sooner shall we know the joys of the eternal world. Let us give for the good it will do, and take of God’s good things that we may help others to know them, and so share in the triumphant work and the reward of the triumphant workers.
