Review and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 33. (7/6/1916)

Review and Herald

Jul 6, 1916

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1916

The Wrong Learning

A MAN may know all about the rocks, and his heart remain as hard as they. He may know all about the winds, and be the sport of passions as fierce as they. He may know all about the stars, and be as a meteor, whose end, after a brief and brilliant career, is to be quenched in eternal night.

He may know all about the sea, and his soul resemble its troubled waters, which cannot rest.

A man may know how to rule the elements, yet not know how to rule his own spirit.

He may know how to turn aside the flashing thunderbolt, but not the wrath of God from his own guilty head.

He may have all the knowledge of a Newton, a Laplace, a Watt; he may know many mysteries and understand many hidden things.

But if he has no personal knowledge of the love of God, brought near to sinful men in Christ, what shall it avail?

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36, 37.— Selected.

Special Mention

By F. M. W.

The Madison Sanitarium

It was our privilege during the recent medical convention held in Madison, Wis., to visit the Madison Sanitarium, and share in the generous hospitality it provided for the delegates on that occasion. Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is a city of thirty thousand inhabitants. It has been justly called the Athens of America, not alone on account of the educational atmosphere which pervades the place, but as well on account of the beautiful outlook which greets one at every turn. Four lakes surround the city, affording unparalleled conveniences in the way of bathing, boating, etc.

On one of these lakes, Lake Monona, the sanitarium is situated. The State Capitol and business portion of the city are situated directly across the lake from the institution, which is reached by a trolley line and by beautiful carriage drives. There are few if any of our other medical institutions possessing so beautiful a situation as does this sanitarium. It has its own boats for the benefit of its guests and nurses.

The institution is well equipped in all its departments. It contains thirty-eight guestrooms, and at the time of our visit was well filled, so much so that it was necessary to secure rooms among the citizens of the town for the accommodation of the delegates to the medical convention. The guests were of an excellent class, and we judge from our association with them that they possessed a spirit of contentment and satisfaction with the care they were receiving.

Twenty-five excellent young men and women are in the nurses’ training school. Dr. W. T. Lindsay is medical superintendent. Associated with him is Dr. F. C. Dean, who completed his medical course last year in the George Washington University. In addition to his medical practice in the institution, Dr. Lindsay carries on a city practice in the community, and has an excellent standing as a man and as a physician. The Lord has abundantly blessed his work in connection with this institution.

Brother P. L. Larson has been connected with the sanitarium for several years as business manager. Under his careful and judicious management a very substantial reduction has been made in the indebtedness of the institution, from about fifty thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars, we believe. During our visit we met several business men in the city who spoke in the highest terms of the excellent financial credit which the institution possesses. We believe that with the blessing of the Lord which is attending the work, this institution, the same as others among us, will swing free from indebtedness. This surely is a condition to be desired by every institution connected with this movement.

Nothing else brings such thralldom and depression as does indebtedness, both to individuals and to institutions. We do not believe that the Lord wants us to labor under this heavy burden. He desires his children to be free,—free from the worry and embarrassment which such obligation brings: free to devote their full energies to the prosecution of the work: free to devote the earnings of the institutions to the furtherance of their aims. This is the determined purpose of those connected with the Madison Sanitarium, and we hope is the purpose now possessing the managers of every institution in this denomination.

We were pleased to meet here Elder L. E. Wellman, who is acting as chaplain of the sanitarium. The guests showed a commendable interest in the religious exercises of the institution, and the Lord is blessing Brother Wellman’s work to their good.

It was gratifying to learn that the Madison Sanitarium has the hearty and united support of the Wisconsin Conference. Without such support it is difficult for any institution to succeed. The Lord can bless poor plans carried forward by a united effort, while the best plans which can be laid fail if there is division and lack of harmony. We earnestly hope that our people throughout the Wisconsin Conference will do all in their power to assist this worthy enterprise by recommending it to their friends and neighbors, and by upholding in their prayers the hands of the institutional workers.

There is no class of workers in this denomination today who have greater need of help than do those who day after day are shut up within four walls, whose work in the very nature of the case tends toward a monotonous routine. Such work is not only wearing on one’s nerves, but he must also have a constant supply of spiritual grace to enable him to maintain a fresh, living experience. It is one thing to go out and circulate our literature and labor from house to house in the ministry, receiving the encouragement which such work brings, and quite another thing to deal with nervous, irritable patients and listen day after day to their tale of woe and sorrow and suffering.

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The Madison Sanitarium

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Let our sanitarium workers everywhere be remembered by our brethren and sisters.

It was our privilege during our visit at Madison to spend three days at the Wisconsin camp meeting, which had convened at this place, and to speak to our brethren and sisters three times during our stay. We found this year the same earnest spirit to seek God which was present on the encampment last year at Stevens Point. The Lord blessed abundantly during the early part of the meeting, and we were pleased to learn that in the closing days even more abundant showers of blessing descended upon the worshipers. May God bless the work of our brethren and sisters in the great State of Wisconsin. F. M. W.

Christian Courtesy

It is not surprising that Christians should sometimes differ as to their views regarding Bible interpretation, Christian duty, methods of work, etc. We can readily account for this on the basis of the difference in education and experience. But it is surprising that Christians should feel unkindly toward one another on account of their difference of views. In this surely they demonstrate that they are not wholly actuated by the spirit of the Master, even though professing to be his disciples. And it is stranger still that two Seventh-day Adventists, simply because they differ over some detail of faith or method, should cherish toward each other unkind feelings.

When feelings arise in our hearts toward our brethren and sisters with whom we differ, we should consider well the true spirit which actuates us. Are we seeking Christ's glory and the advancement of his kingdom? or are we striving to have our own way? If the former, we can afford to wait patiently for the Lord to work upon the heart of our brother and reveal to him a knowledge of the right way. If the spirit of selfishness actuates us, then we can well understand why we are moved by the spirit of impatience and irritation.

We have often seen two attorneys, representing opposite sides of some trying case, argue for hours against each other in court, and upon adjournment leave the courtroom arm in arm, chatting with each other in a most friendly manner. We have seen politicians representing different views of government, each, in public discussion, standing strenuously for his own position and opposing the position of the other, meet in a social way with the most kindly and courteous consideration. Should Christians fail to do as well as men of the world? Because some brother holds opposing views to our own, should we use him coldly and regard him critically? Kindly courtesy marked the attitude of the Lord toward every one with whom he came in contact. Even the most plainly uttered truths, and scathing rebukes were uttered in love, and in tones of kindness. If we truly possess his spirit, this will be the attitude we shall sustain toward our fellows, whatever may be their attitude toward us.

Where Did the Saved Thief Go?

By F. M. W.

THIS is the question which a Pennsylvania reader asks the editor of the Sunday School Times. This reader inquires how it was possible for the thief to be with Jesus in Paradise on the day of the crucifixion when three days later he had not yet ascended to the Father? Luke 23: 43; John 20: 17. The editor replies to this inquiry in the Times of April 29. He makes this lucid statement regarding the Lord’s conversation with Mary:—

“Our Lord, when he spoke to Mary, had not yet ascended to present himself in his resurrection body before the Father. It seems probable that he did ascend soon after speaking with Mary, for his prohibition to her, ‘Touch me not,’—take not hold of me—was not repeated to the women whom he met later and who took hold of his feet. Matt. 28: 9. Christ is the ‘first fruits’ of the resurrection; and as the priest waved the sheaf of the first fruits before the Lord ‘on the morrow after the sabbath,’ so our Lord, as the great fulfilment of the type, is believed to have presented himself in his resurrection body before the Father, on the morrow after the sabbath. Lev. 2: 11, 12.”

We are surprised, however, at the following wholly unwarranted and speculative statement regarding the early place of Paradise:—

“Many thoughtful Bible students believe that Jesus and his new friend, the redeemed thief, on the day of the crucifixion went to the same place to which the beggar Lazarus was carried by the angels. Luke 16: 22. The rich man had also been taken to the place of dead spirits, or Hades, and he could communicate with Abraham and Lazarus, though there was ‘a great gulf fixed’ between them. Many passages in the Old Testament, confirmed by those in the New, seem to suggest that Sheol, or Hades, the place of the dead, to which the spirits of both the righteous and the wicked of Old Testament times went, was literally in the heart of this earth. The place of the righteous dead was called ‘Abraham’s bosom,’ or ‘Paradise.’”

“But we know that Paradise today is not down, but up. For Paul was ‘caught up to the third heaven . . . caught up into Paradise.’ The third heaven—there are only three—is the abode of God, and it is where our spirits go to be with Jesus, while our bodies rest in the graves.

“Was Paradise, then, transferred from the lower parts of the earth to the third heaven? Many find this suggestion to be the most satisfying explanation. ‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’”

We fear that Brother Trumbull, usually so clear in his Bible answers to inquiries, has missed his way this time. He cites no Scriptural proof for his statement regarding the transfer of Paradise—he could find none to cite. The theory is purely speculative and wholly without foundation or authority in divine revelation.

How much more reasonable as well as Scriptural is the view which has often-times been advocated in these columns. Christ did not declare that the thief should be with him in Paradise on the day of his death. The request of the thief was that the Lord should remember him when he came into his kingdom. In answer the Lord replied, Verily, I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be remembered; thou shalt be with me in Paradise in harmony with thy request. Matt. 16: 27. It was indeed a marvelous statement for Christ to make that day, under all the circumstances. He had been condemned as a common criminal. That very moment he hung upon the cross, condemned by the nation he came to save, deserted by all save a few of his most intimate disciples. Darkness enshrouded the place of the crucifixion. It even seemed to the Son of God in a moment of depression that the Father had forsaken him, but his faith rose triumphant above all the gloom of his surroundings. He was still the Son of God. He still had power to give life unto the dead; power to promise the penitent thief a home in his kingdom. Thus it was a great thing for him to declare, Verily, I say unto thee today, even under these distressing circumstances, I have power to fulfil your request.

With the placing of the comma in the narrative after the word “today,” in place of before it, the Saviour’s meaning

is made plain, and the statement harmonizes with every other scripture relating to this question. For the Bible is very clear that the dead do not go to their reward at death. Their reward comes at the end of the world, when the Lord himself comes to take his children home. See 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8; 1 Thess. 4: 16-18; 1 Cor. 15: 51-55, and many other scriptures.

When Christ ascended, he “led captivity captive.” This was fulfilled in the bestowal of immortal life upon those who arose from their graves at the time of his resurrection. They had been held captive by Satan. His power was broken, and the liberated ones accompanied the Lord to glory, his willing captives.

F. M. W.

“Many Shall Run To and Fro”

By L. L. C.

THE present is an age of travel. Wherever one goes, whether by land or sea, at whatever hour of day or night he may start, he will always find others going the same way. As the writer has seen the constant stream of people going in and out of the railroad station of any fair-sized city, or going to and fro through the crowded streets, he has often wondered where they were all going.

Does the great increase of travel which the last few years have witnessed mean anything to the student of the Holy Scriptures? The mind turns to those words found in the last chapter of the book of Daniel’s prophecy, where we read in the fourth verse:—

“Thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

Commentators have variously explained these words. It has been generally agreed that the sealing of the book until the time of the end indicated that the meaning of the prophecies of the book would not be fully understood until the time of the end had come. Some have thought there would be at the time of the end a running to and fro through the leaves of the book, and that this would lead to the understanding of the meaning so that the book could be said to be unsealed. Others have thought that the words, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased,” were given as signs by which the coming of the time of the end might be known. Surely if running to and fro and increase of knowledge are signs of the time of the end, we have abundant proof in the remarkable developments of recent times that we have come to the time spoken of in the prophecy.

That we may know what is really meant by the expression “run to and fro,” let us compare scripture with scripture. The Bible itself is its own best interpreter. The word in Dan. 12:4 translated “run to and fro,” in the original Hebrew is shut. This Hebrew word occurs in only four other scriptures. Let us consider each of these. The Lord says through Jeremiah:—

“Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.” Jer. 5:1.

In this scripture the running to and fro is literal and physical. The same is true of Amos 8:12, where we read:—

“They shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”

The travel in this case is over longer distances, from “sea to sea, and from the north even to the east.”

The two other occurrences of the Hebrew word are in 2 Chron. 16:9 and Zech. 4:10. The first text says, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” In the latter text we read: “Who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

What are “those seven” which are here said to be the eyes of the Lord? Turning back to the beginning of the chapter, we find that the prophet was given a vision of a candlestick with seven lamps, and two olive trees, one on either side of the candlestick. When the prophet asked what these were, the angel explained by saying, “This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

These seven lamps are, then, the seven Spirits of God, spoken of also in Rev. 4:5, and “those seven” are “the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Inasmuch as in all four references the Hebrew word shut applies clearly to actual travel, and not to the turning of the leaves of a book, we are safe in interpreting the same word in Dan. 12:4, in the fifth and only other case in which it occurs in the Bible, as also meaning actual travel to and fro. This prophecy that “many shall run to and fro” we now see being fulfilled all about us, and is one of the many evidences that the end of all things is at hand. L. L. C.

Social Gatherings

THERE are social gatherings and social gatherings, some wholesome and upbuilding in their influence, others weakening and demoralizing. It is to be regretted that both of these find patrons and apologists among the followers of the Master. It is entirely proper that the members of the church should come together of an evening to spend a pleasant hour in social converse. That which will determine the character of the gathering and its profit to those who participate in it, will be gauged by the real, underlying purpose of those present, and by the manner in which that purpose is adhered to. The occasion may be made one of real profit, or it may prove a positive menace to spiritual life.

Time spent in idle chitchat and gossip, in joking and jollity, in the playing of games which minister no good to the mental, moral, or physical needs of the participants, in the singing of worldly songs, or in the giving of silly or comical recitations, will prove to be wasted, and will bring only leanness of soul to those who take part. And yet how many such gatherings are held among Seventh-day Adventists!

It is sad to see not only the young and thoughtless taking part in exercises of this kind, but sometimes even those whom we count the staid and sober members of the church. Many such occasions are not considered complete in their appointments unless refreshments, and these usually of the most unwholesome character, consisting of rich cakes and confections, are served at a late hour, in direct violation of the principles of health. On such occasions the participants return to their homes with little relish for prayer or Bible study. In their laughing and joking, merrymaking and feasting, God was forgotten and the Holy Spirit grieved, and their own hearts were left cold and unresponsive to spiritual impressions.

There are other social gatherings where these objectionable features are eliminated. Thought and study are given to the exercises of the hour, to make them as far as possible instructive and wholesome, and at the same time interesting and entertaining. Sensible songs are sung; readings, ennobling and elevating in their character, are given. Short talks are made regarding some phase or feature of practical life, of history, of literature, of travel, or of the work in which we as a people are engaged. Pleasant pastimes and exercises are arranged, which are made both educational and entertaining. If it be a late evening gathering and refreshments are served at all, they consist of fruit or fruit drink. The occasion is graced with prayer. In the joy of fellowship

and innocent amusement or recreation, every heart finds satisfying pleasure, and care and anxiety are banished. From such social gatherings one can go away with increased love for his fellows and deeper devotion to his God. It is a place in which he would not be ashamed to be found if the Lord Jesus Christ should appear. He can return to his home thanking God for the communion of friends, for the association of brethren and sisters, for the strength and cheer and courage which such association brings into his life.

This class of gatherings is to be encouraged throughout our ranks, but the former class should be discouraged by every one who feels jealous for the cause of our Master, and for the preservation of that simplicity in the church of God which in these days of spiritual declension is coming to be seriously threatened. Let us be careful in all our life experiences,—in our homes, in the church of God, in our social relations,—that we grieve not the Spirit “whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption.” We are living in solemn times. The Judge standeth before the door. We know not how soon our cases may be called in review. Let us deport ourselves as those who are looking for and expecting the coming of the Master.

The Greatest Responsibilities

“To love God with all our heart is the greatest responsibility in the world; and when that is done, the soul becomes empowered to bear the next greatest responsibility in the world, and that is to love his neighbor as himself.”

The Measure of Light Given, Measures Our Responsibility

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

(Review and Herald, Feb. 17, 1891)

God does not commend or confirm men in impenitence, for this condition of the human heart does not glorify him, nor work good for humanity. God sheds light upon the souls of men, he grants them opportunities and privileges, and if these are not improved, if the precious moments of probation are neglected, the measure of the light given will be the measure of the guilt incurred through this inexcusable neglect of the gifts of God. The Saviour said, “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

We are told that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart. The repeated refusals of the king to hear the word of the Lord, called forth more direct, more urgent and forcible messages. At each rejection of light, the Lord manifested a more marked display of his power; but the king’s obstinacy increased with every new evidence of the power and majesty of the God of heaven, until the last arrow of mercy was exhausted from the divine quiver. Then the man was utterly hardened by his own persistent resistance.

Pharaoh sowed obstinacy, and he reaped a harvest of the same in his character. The Lord could do nothing more to convince him, for he was barricaded in obstinacy and prejudice, where the Holy Spirit could not find access to his heart. Pharaoh was given up to his own unbelief and hardness of heart. Infidelity produced infidelity.

When Pharaoh hardened his heart on the first exhibition of God’s power, he made himself more capable of a second rejection of God’s power. Pride and stubbornness held him in bondage, and hindered him from acknowledging the warnings of God. It was contrary to the nature of Pharaoh to change after once having given expression to his purpose not to believe.

What Pharaoh has done, will be done again and again by men until the close of probation. God destroys no man; but when a man stifles conviction, when he turns from evidence, he is sowing unbelief, and will reap as he has sown. As it was with Pharaoh, so it will be with him; when clearer light shines upon the truth, he will meet it with increased resistance, and the work of hardening the heart will go on with each rejection of the increasing light of heaven.

In simplicity and truth we would speak to the impenitent in regard to the way in which men destroy their own souls. You are not to say that God is to blame, that he has made a decree against you. No, he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth, and to the haven of eternal bliss. No soul is ever finally deserted of God, given up to his own ways, so long as there is any hope of his salvation.

God follows men with appeals and warnings and assurances of compassion, until further opportunities and privileges would be wholly in vain. The responsibility rests upon the sinner. By resisting the Spirit of God today, he prepares the way for a second resistance of light when it comes with mightier power; and thus he will pass from one stage of indifference to another, until, at last, the light will fail to impress him, and he will cease to respond in any measure to the Spirit of God.

Those who claim to be Christians are in continual need of a power outside of and beyond themselves. They need to watch unto prayer, and to place themselves under the guardianship of God, else they will be overcome by the enemy. The Christian must look to God, as a servant to his master, as a handmaid to her mistress, saying, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

The servant of God must use his ability in such a way that it will bring glory to God. When he yields himself to the control of the Spirit of God, he will be renewed, transformed into the image of Christ. He will give his affections to God, he will be enlightened, strengthened, and sanctified, and will become a channel of light to the world.

But the sinner who refuses to give himself to God is under the control of another power, listening to another voice, whose suggestions are of an entirely different character. Passion controls him, his judgment is blinded, reason is dethroned, and impetuous desires sway him, now here, now there. The

truth will have but little influence over him, for there is in human nature, when separated from the Source of truth, a continual opposition to God’s will and ways. The physical, mental, and moral being are all under the control of rash impulses. The affections are depraved, and every faculty intrusted to man for wise improvement is demoralized. The man is dead in trespasses and sins. Inclination moves, passion holds the control, and his appetites are under the sway of a power of which he is not aware. He talks of liberty, of freedom of action, while he is in most abject slavery. He is not his own. He is not allowed to see the beauty of the truth; for the carnal mind is enmity against God, and not subject to his law. He views truth as falsehood, and falsehood as truth.

The mind controlled by Satan is weak in moral power. Can such a one without change be taken into a holy heaven? — Oh, no; it would be no mercy to the impenitent sinner to place him in the society of the angels.

When the wicked dead are raised from the grave, they come up with the tastes, habits, and characters that they formed in the time of probation. A sinner is not raised a saint, neither is a saint raised a sinner. The sinner could not be happy in the companionship of the saints in light, with Jesus, with the Lord of hosts; for on every side will be heard the song of praise and thanksgiving; and honor will be ascribed to the Father and the Son. A song will be raised that the unsanctified, unholy ones have never learned, and it will be out of harmony with their depraved tastes and desires. It will be unbearable to them.

The apostle John heard this song. He says, “I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: for true and righteous are his judgments. . . . And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” It is impossible for the sinner to enjoy the bliss of heaven.

When Friends Prove False

“If friends prove false and the whole world opposes you, the consciousness that you are right will more than offset your sufferings; but you will some day have more than the consciousness that you are right, for your day will dawn and the world will get the consciousness that you were right.”

Warning Against Talebearers

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”

A Prayer

By TENNEY C. CALL

TENNEY C. CALL

Lord, grant that in my inmost heart No doubting thoughts shall be; Teach me to know thee as thou art, And draw me, Lord, to thee.

O, may I feel thy cleansing power Within my soul each day, Thy peace be with me every hour To light my pilgrim way.

Help me to win the starry crown And shun the roadway wide, That when I lay life's burdens down To cross the swelling tide,

Thy love shall light the dark'ning way And guide me safe to thee; That I may sing thy boundless praise Throughout eternity.

Why We Pray

By William Covert

WILLIAM COVERT

We pray for things just beyond our reach. Feeling the need of something which God can bestow, we ask for it of him. We work and we wait, but always find ourselves hedged about by the ending of the ways. We see in part, we hear in part, and we know in part; and yet at every point where the curtain is parted and we see into the beyond, there loom up promises and interrogatives which speak of things to be desired, but not yet in hand. And where we see over these, we bow to pray, and extend our hands like the child that asks for more.

One who does not believe in a prayer-answering heavenly Father cannot pray effectively. The one who comes to God in prayer must believe that God exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. He must pray in faith, nothing doubting. He must believe in an answer, and even extend thanks as a recipient when he prays. It is the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man that avails to bring the gifts from heaven to earth, where men can use them.

Two hungry traveling missionaries were on horseback, riding in the wilds of Africa. When at a place where there was neither house nor home in sight, one proposed that they dismount and bow in prayer, asking for, and returning thanks to God for, a good breakfast and food for their hungry horses. They did as was proposed; and when they had mounted their horses again and gone but a short distance, around a clump of bushes they suddenly came upon a home, and the gentleman of that house came out to meet them. Extending a hearty welcome, he gave them just that for which they had returned thanks a short time before. It was my privilege to hear the late Arthur T. Pierson relate this incident, and he vouched for its truthfulness.

How good it is to know that God's ears are open to the cries of his children, and that by his Spirit he ever prompts us to ask for that which he desires to bestow. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Let us cultivate faith and learn how to pray.

Aurora, Ill.

The Promise of Great Power and Light

By Albert C. Anderson

ALBERT C. ANDERSON

“I SAW another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” Rev. 18:1. Then, as at the Pentecostal season, the people will hear the truth spoken to them, every man in his own tongue. God can breathe new life into every soul that sincerely desires to serve him, and can touch the lips with a live coal from off the altar, and cause them to become eloquent with his praise.”—Gospel Workers, first edition, pp. 383, 384.

The Lord does not reprove the Laodicean church for rejecting light, but because of its lukewarm condition. He says, “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Light will come to this people, and they will receive it. Satan will also present his delusions at this time as great light, and many will be deceived; they will take darkness to be light, and light darkness. Whatever light may come to this people will not conflict with any previous light given, but will blend harmoniously with the third angel’s message.

“There is to be no change in the general features of God’s cause. It is to stand out as clear and distinct as prophecy has made it. . . . No line of our faith that has made us what we are is to be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firm in defense of our principles, in full view of the world.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. VIII, p. 160.

Paul’s admonition is, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” We are not to lean on our ministers, and rely entirely on them; for “also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Even though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, they could not help us; for, “though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.” By this we see that we must learn to stand alone, in the righteousness of Christ. We are to continue in the things which we have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom we have learned them. We are to know the Holy Scripture, which is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The people who are to be numbered with the hundred and forty-four thousand must know what they believe, and learn to stand alone. Satan will contest every point of the third angel’s message.

“We must examine well the foundation of our hope, for we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures. This delusion [Spiritualism] will spread, and we shall have to contend with it face to face; and unless we are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and overcome. But if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the conflict that is just before us, God will do his part, and his all-powerful arm will protect us.”—Early Writings, p. 88.

Again we read: “I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps,—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.’”—Id., pp. 258, 259.

It is time for the latter rain, and God has said, “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.” “The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.”—The Great Controversy, p. 611.

“The word of God was preached by his ministers in early days ‘in the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power.’”

The hearts of men were stirred by the proclamation of the gospel. Why is it that the preaching of the truth has now so little power to move the people? Is God less willing to bestow his blessing upon the laborers in his cause in this age than in the apostles’ day?

“The warning which we bear to the world must prove to them a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. And will the Lord send forth his servants to proclaim this fearfully solemn message, and withhold from them his Holy Spirit? Shall frail, erring men, without special grace and power from God, dare to stand between the living and the dead, to speak the words of everlasting life? Our Lord is rich in grace, mighty in power; he will abundantly bestow these gifts upon all who come to him in faith. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him than are parents to give good gifts to their children. The reason why the precious, important truth for this time is not powerful to save, is that we do not work in faith.

“We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today. Moral darkness, like a funeral pall, covers the earth. All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are misleading the minds of men. Without the Spirit and power of God, it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. V, pp. 157, 158.

Wichita, Kans.

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