e, "74€ oark, INSTRUCTOR
AVE you been in the position to say, H "No, thank you, I don't—" quietly and firmly, of course, adding, "go to pic- ture shows" or "dance" or "play cards"? If you have not, you have lived in an NO, THANK YOU, unusually sheltered environment. There are few communities in which activities forbidden to the earnest Christian do not engross the attention of most of the popu- lation. I DONT- It is not comfortable to be one of a small minority. You as a Seventh-day Adventist do not like to have someone repeatedly ridicule your stand on types of recreation By LOIS M. PARKER which others assume to be harmless. Since this is so you would be wise to learn the reasons for setting such a standard. The only thing that will give you an unassailable protection against the tempta- tion to follow the crowd is a firm, God- given conviction that yielding will be defi- nitely harmful to yourself and to others. After giving thought to the current moving-picture offerings, do you not find it difficult to select good features? Edu- cational? There are motion pictures which may come under that heading, but prob- ably you have noticed how few strictly educational pictures are popular. That quality seems to be the last desire of most theatergoers. There are delightful educational pictures to be rented from the Forest Service, the State Department, or extension libraries of State colleges. If you wish to see beauti- ful pictures that will extend your knowl- edge, ask your Missionary Volunteer leaders what can be done about obtaining them for your group. Then you will have the good features of motion pictures with- out the objectionable ones. The Christian who is living close to God cannot bring himself to favor absorption of the cunningly coated poison in movies or any of the deceitful amenities connected with this form of entertainment. How many and great are the disad- vantages of popular motion pictures! Do you personally think there is anything admirable about divorce? It is the proof of a tragic failure, and even the fascinating trimmings the theaters put on it cannot —Please turn' to page 21
S. M. HARLAN
The Christian Young Man or Woman Who Is Living Close to God Cannot Afford to Indulge in Questionable Amusements of Any Kind VOL. 98, NO. 17 APRIL 25, 1950 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of "Is that your last word?" "I'm going ahead and take the exams the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do "Yes, Professor Keith." on Sabbath morning," declared Ed. "I any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy So the graduation was held without don't think it'll be so wrong, and I just daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid- Evalynn. Her diploma? No, she did not re- must have that certificate." servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger ceive it. However, she did earn high school "And I too," said Esther. "I don't like that is within thy gates: for in six days the certification by taking other examinations to take the examinations on Sabbath of Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and and passing them with flying colors when course, but I can't afford not to finish now all that in them is, and rested the seventh she was ready to enter college. Meanwhile that I'm so near through, and if we don't day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sab- her conscience was at ease and her mind get our certificates, as Ed says, we can't bath day, and hallowed it." free from questioning as to whether she any of us get a job." had made a wise decision. She had remem- "Well, since declaration of intentions O, PROFESSOR KEITH, I cannot bered the Sabbath day, and also she had seems to be in order here are mine." Jack N attend graduation if it is held on Fri- kept it holy. spoke soberly. "Whether or not I'm ever day evening. I am a Seventh-day Advent- a certified laboratory technician, I'll never ist, as you know, and observe the Sabbath The laboratory technician's course had take my examinations on the Sabbath. To from sundown on Friday to sundown on been a stiff one, but the four Seventh-day me that would be breaking God's direct Saturday, according to the Bible com- Adventist young people who were taking commandment, and whatever the result I mand." training had done earnest, honest work, simply can't afford to do that." "Can't you get a dispensation from the and marched toward the finish line with "I'm with you," said Everett. "I'll even pastor of your church for just this one courage and good cheer, until the an- go with you to talk with Dr. Ransome, occasion so you can graduate?" nouncement was posted that final examina- Jack. I can't believe he won't be willing to "Not on Friday evening, Professor tions would be given on Saturday. help us out when he sees our problem. Keith. And if I could, there is still my per- "What are we going to do?" they asked But the two of us will look pretty funny sonal responsibility to God, and my one another, consternation written on holding out for principle if you two are personal obligation to hold sacred His every face. willing to go ahead and sit for the Sabbath command to observe the seventh-day Sab- "What can we do but take them?" ques- examinations and say nothing." bath as holy time. My pastor could not tioned Ed. "We can't afford to throw In the end concessions were refused be- free me from that." away two whole years of our lives, can cause Dr. Ransome interviewed all four "But surely there would be nothing we?" of the young people concerned, and found wrong about attending your graduation. "Let's see Dr. Ransome, and tell him that two of them thought it allowable to There will be an inspiring address, the our problem," suggested Jack. "It may be take the tests as scheduled. He called Jack best in music, and the presentation of that the day can be shifted; or it may be and Everett into his office for a special diplomas, a fitting climax to your high that he will see light in giving us a special interview, and suggested that they ask school course." examination. He knows that we're their church pastor for special permission "Perhaps I have failed to make clear to Seventh-day Adventists, and that it was to write the examinations. He thought they you, Professor Keith, that this matter of to accommodate us that Friday evening simply were stubborn when they told him Sabbath observance is not just a doctrine classes were changed to Wednesday eve- this would do no good, that it was a per- of my church set up by man; neither is it ning. I'll see the 'powers that be' about this sonal matter of conscience. He could not just an idea of my own. It is a matter examination problem if you wish." understand how two Seventh-day Advent- between me and God, and I cannot do my And so it was agreed—finally. ists could feel free to take the tests, and own pleasure or speak my own words or But the preceding discussion brought two felt that it would be wrong. even think my own thoughts, and prop- out the surprising fact that Esther thought But after all examinations were over he erly observe the day which He has blessed, it would be all right to go ahead and take called the two "stubborn" boys in again, sanctified, declared holy, and on which the examinations as scheduled. "After all," and told them that their certificates were He Himself rested after He had finished she said, "they've made special concessions ready. Their high scholastic record had the work of creation." to us in the matter of Sabbath classes, and led the faculty to award them without "Well, you know the rule, Evalynn. Only this seems such a small thing to make a written examinations. And he invited both in cases of sickness or physical inability to fuss about." of them to connect with the laboratory attend are we allowed to give diplomas in "We don't need to make a fuss," Everett staff of the large hospital of which he was absentia." pointed out. "We can just state our con- medical director. "Yes, Professor Keith, I understand." victions. But if we go ahead and take the "And you're willing to throw away, as examinations as you favor, Esther, they Yes, friend o' mine, it pays to be true to it were, the work of four years for just won't think we're very much in earnest principle and to the right under all cir- a silly idea?" about our Sabbath observance, will they?" cumstances. Compromise is one of the "Please do not call it a 'silly idea,' for it "That's right," Jack agreed. "And if we devil's most subtle temptations. is a deep, conscientious conviction. And all stick together, we may get somewhere." come what may, I must be true to my "And if we don't stick together?" conscience" and my God." Everett wondered.
Vol. 98, No. 17 THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, April 25, 1950 One Year, $3.75 Published by the Seventh-day Adventists. Printed every Tuesday by the Review and Herald Publishing Assn., at Takoma Park, Washington 12, D.C., U.S.A. Entered as second-class matter August 14, 1903, at the post office at Washington, D.C., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Copyright, 1949, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington 12, D.C. PAGE 2 THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITY rests upon the A minister's wife which she should not and cannot lighdy throw off. God will re- quire the talent lent her, with usury. She should work earnestly, faithfully, and unitedly with her husband to save souls." THE Bob and Janet had just finished reading this selection from Gospel Workers for morning worship before Bob hurried off to school, where he was enrolled as a junior in the theological course. As Janet busied herself with tidying pollos Guild their trailer, she reflected upon the words just read, and longed for the opportunity of taking classwork too. But finances would not allow that. "How can I develop my talent and learn to be a good shep- By E. C. BANKS herdess while Bob is learning how to shepherd a flock?" she mused almost prayerfully. She was willing to learn, but she was young and needed guidance. So did eighty meeting, eagerly waiting to learn the pur- reading. We will now pass each of you a other wives of future ministers at Southern pose of this organization. suggestive reading list. Keep a record of Missionary College. After the cheerful leader had cordially the number of pages you read, and at the When Bob came home at noon he welcomed everyone, she announced: "For end of the year a small prize will be given brought a card for Janet inviting her to the benefit of our new members I'll explain to the one who has read the greatest num- attend a meeting of the Apollos Guild. the purpose of our club and tell you of ber of pages. Remember that 'a man is Since they were new at Southern Mission- some of the activities we have planned for himself plus the books he reads.' " ary College they were unacquainted with this year. This club was organized to aid Then the Dorcas leader rose and an- this club. But Janet was determined to in the development of our future ministers' nounced the time and place of the first take advantage of every opportunity that wives practically, mentally, socially, spirit- meeting of this benevolent society. might broaden her horizon, so seven-thirty ually, and aesthetically. Our committee has After that the leader continued with Tuesday evening found her seated in the given careful study to the needs of this future plans for the guild. "One regular group, and hope the program feature of each meeting will be the ques- we have planned will prove tion box. If you have any questions con- of real value to you. Of cerning any phase of the life of a minister's course, we will continue our wife, just drop them into this box; and our Reading Circle and Dorcas sponsor, who has had wide experience as Society. The leaders of these wife of a minister and evangelist, will units will now announce answer them for us. their plans." "Every minister's wife should have a " 'Without a love for variety of material filed away, such as books, the richest man is appropriate readings, stories, games, and poor,' " began the leader of recipes. If you have not started a filing the Reading Circle. " 'Pic- system, begin now. Good sources for tures are windows through stories are THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, the which we look, but the door Reader's Digest, Our Little Friend, and of the world is just a book.' many of our other church papers. Then in "A minister's wife should our club we shall exchange any such ma- read widely to be well in- terial as you may now have. Share it with formed on many subjects. the group. We shall mimeograph enough Keep a good book handy. copies for each member, and have some Use little fragments of time valuable filing material for you at each for self-improvement by meeting. This system will save you hours of searching when you get out into the field. As Janet Went About Her Morn- "In the near future we hope to begin ing's Work the Next Day She Was Thrilled With theWbole a cooking class in which healthful cookery Idea of the Club; It Seemed That a New World Had Opened Before will be taught. You will probably find it Her necessary to teach such a class yourself when your husband has charge of a church. We must all learn to prepare appetizing meatless dishes as well as other foods, and to make them attractive yet economical. In the meantime be reading the little book Counsels on Diet and Foods, by Mrs. E. G. White. "Some of our other units will be the Spirit of prophecy study groups, a class in EWING GALLoWAV chalk drawing, crafts demonstrations, and a class in music conducting. You will hear more about these later. APRIL 25, 1950 PAGE 3
"Tonight we are happy to have Pastor teresting and inspiring that the moments whole idea of the club that a new little J. F. Ashlock, a former missionary to sped by too quickly. Janet was beaming world seemed to have opened up before India, talk to us on the topic of the min- with joy! Why, this club must be the her, inviting her to soar to the ideal she ister's home." answer to her prayer! What golden oppor- had always aspired to reach. Her happy "Far more powerful than any sermon is tunities it offered! As soon as the meeting heart found expression in singing. This the influence of the true home upon hearts was over she hurried home to tell Bob all morning the high notes, sweet and clear, and lives," the speaker began. "There is about it. rang out upon the autumn air. The gentle no power that can stop this influence. Our "I see they will have one ardent sup- breezes carried the melody down to a homes should be places where love reigns porter of the Apollos Guild," Bob grinned neighboring trailer. in every nook and corner. Christ should as Janet, bursting with enthusiasm, related It so happened that this neighbor was be the unseen guest at every meal, the the happenings of the evening. But before the music director of the Apollos Guild silent partner in every enterprise. Each long he caught the spirit too and became and recognized a good voice when she home should be a little heaven on earth to equally enthusiastic. heard it. She hastened out in quest of the go to heaven in." As Janet went about her morning's work singer, and soon discovered Janet. The entire meeting was so intensely in- the next day she was so thrilled with the "You see, Mrs. Griffith," she explained after they were seated, "in addition to the )>) )>) )>)->->) ))) >>) ))) ))) >>) )>)-)-N4N4->)>>)>>) ))))))+N-n) )))÷})-->>)->>)->>34->34->)->->)-3->)-3-3) conducting class, we will organize trios, duets, and quartettes among the members, and use these as special numbers in our meetings. It will be good practice and ex- perience. You have a lovely solo voice. We hope you will join us in our music activities." "Oh, thank you very much," Janet re- plied. "I shall be happy for the oppor- NI tunity." She was thrilled with the many avenues THOSE TRAGIC WORDS for advancement opening before her, and time passed too quickly now to accomplish all she would have liked to do. But never before had she been so happy. Each day "Eat „ 74e,v "fee Dom" brought something new and challenging. She now found it necessary to budget her By W. A. SCHARFFENBERG time as well as her income. On Thursday evening she attended the Executive Secretary of the American Temperance Society Dorcas meeting, which was a miniature of an ideal Dorcas Society in any church. An experienced leader gave valuable in- IT HAPPENED in Boston, where four drunkard; and the fourth had lost all his struction on how to organize a new so- young men were partners in a well- money, and was reduced to living on ciety and how to revive a dead one. Janet organized corporation doing a prosperous charity. took notes on the high points: "Attend business. With the strength and enthusi- The four little words, "But . . . they all the Dorcas meetings and participate just asm of young manhood, and the backing drink," turned the tide of events in their as the other members do. Do not mention of wealth and influence, the future pre- business careers. From the enviable posi- any changes for improvement at first. sented bright prospects. tion of wealth, prosperity, and a reputation When asked for suggestions for improve- There came a day when the operation for prompt payment of their obligations, ment work through a competent leader— of the business required additional capital, they were brought to ruin. Not one of these always behind the scenes. If your society and credit was sought. It was very difficult promising young businessmen deliberately accomplishes nothing else than to help the to find an organization that was in posi- set out to become a drunkard, but all came women of the church to love one another, tion to grant all the credit needed, but to the same sad end. it will have served well. Eat together, not finally they did. However, before entering The only safeguard against alcoholism separately from a sack lunch. With all the into negotiations the head of the crediting is to leave all alcoholic drinks absolutely feet under the same table grudges and firm decided to make a check on the alone: "Touch not, taste not, handle not!" hard feelings toward one another cannot financial standing and rating of the part- Why, oh, why, is this basic and funda- long exist." nership. So he turned to Dun and Brad- mental warning so unwelcome and so When committees for the year were street's listing, where he found an excep- often ignored in many circles of society, chosen Janet found herself chairman of tionally fine rating, but his heart sank and even in the church and the home? the visiting committee. This proved a great when he saw attached thereto a notation "There is no man whose interests the blessing to her in the weeks that followed. saying, "But . . . they all drink!" These liquor traffic does not imperil. There is no She experienced a real taste of the duties tragic words changed the whole situation; man who for his own safeguard should of the minister's wife. confidence was shattered, and credit cur- not set himself to destroy it. . . . Let an To strengthen the spiritual life, each tailed. army be formed to stop the sale of the week for one hour groups of five or six When the attention of the four young drugged liquors that are making men members met to study the Spirit of proph- men was called to the report standing on mad." Who will join this army now and ecy. The leader prepared a copy of the out- the official public record, they considered fight with all his might to conquer the line of each study for each member to file. it a huge joke. Little did they realize to demon abroad in the land that is making Janet never before had realized how what the social glass was leading them. men mad and ruining the lives of help- clearly the Spirit of prophecy reveals the But gradually, almost imperceptibly, drink less mothers and innocent children. The duties of a Christian in small details of got the upper hand and held them slaves. call for recruits is ringing in every com- life. They kept a prayer list and actually A few years later two of these young men munity. Come and join the temperance experienced definite answers to prayer. were dead, killed by Demon Rum; another army now. The need is urgent and admits Janet tasted the meaning of experimental had become a confirmed alcoholic, a of no delay. —Please turn to page 22 PAGE 4 THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR r-- sionary endeavor? We may bring others-, to Christ; this is truly commendable and praiseworthy. Indeed, this should be our highest ambition and grand objective in life. But do we ourselves have a personal knowledge of Christ? We may know about Christ, know of Him, but do we really know Him as our Saviour from sin? In other words, what must you and I do to be saved? This is a question I have asked myself many times. I am sure that you have done the same. I believe that it will be profitable for each of us to consider this problem anew. Can we be saved by our own righteous works? Will obedience to God's holy law bring us salvation? Many have kept the Bible Sabbath under trying cir- cumstances. Many have faithfully rendered to God His own in tithes and offerings. Many have given their lives in foreign mis- sionary service, and some have watered the gospel seed sown with their own life- blood. Will not God take all these things
PAUL RE Y. ARTIST into account? Yes, He will, but even so The Only Way in Which We May Obtain Those Desirable Qualities of Character, "True Goodness, they will not earn salvation for anyone. Meekness, and Lowliness of Heart," Is by Accepting Christ as Our Saviour From Sin We have this instruction from the in- spired pen of the messenger of the Lord: "The church seem content to take only the first steps in conversion. They are more ready for active labor than for humble devotion,—more ready to engage APPEAL in outward religious service than in the inner work of the heart. Meditation and prayer are neglected for bustle and show. Religion must begin with emptying and purifying the heart, and must be nurtured TO OUR YOUTH by daily prayer. "The steady progress of our work, and our increased facilities, are filling the By FRANCIS M. WILCOX hearts and minds of many of our people with satisfaction and pride, which we fear Associate Editor of the "Advent Review and Sabbath Herald" will take the place of the love of God in the soul. Busy activity in the mechanical part of even the work of God may so occupy the mind that prayer shall be HROUGH the blessing of the Lord, More than fifty years ago God's special neglected, and self-importance and self- TSeventh-day Adventists have become a messenger to the remnant church made sufficiency, so ready to urge their way, great missionary people. This is evidenced this appeal to our youth: shall take the place of true goodness, meek- by their personal missionary activities and "As the faithful, toil-worn standard- ness, and lowliness of heart." their growing liberality in the support of bearers are offering up their lives for the We must seek for "true goodness, meek- foreign missions. As never before, this truth's sake, who among the youth will ness, and lowliness of heart." How may spirit is actuating the youth of the denomi- come forward to take their place? Will we obtain these qualities of character? nation. The "Share Your Faith" endeavor our young men accept the holy trust at the Only by accepting Christ as our Saviour now enlisting the energies of our young hand of their fathers? Are • they now pre- from sin. He came into the world to save men and women is a remarkable demon- paring to fill the vacancies made by the sinners. "God so loved the world, that he stration of the missionary spirit possessing death of the faithful? Will they heed God's gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever the hearts of our Missionary Volunteers call to service?" believeth in him should not perish but not alone in North America but through- I believe that this appeal is being met have everlasting life." John 3:16. out the world. I thank God for this won- today by what we see in the "Share Your When the jailer at Philippi, under con- derful manifestation. In this endeavor is Faith" movement. But as truly important viction of sin, asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, our hope for the speedy finishing of the as all this missionary endeavor is a very what must I do to be saved?" there came gospel message. personal and vital question, which should the simple but decisive answer: "Believe The leaders of our young people in the be considered seriously by every young on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt General, union, and local conferences, and man and woman connected with the Sev- be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:30, 31. in the local churches, are doing a noble enth-day Adventist Church. Can we work From those convicted of sin on the day of work in their efforts for our youth. These out our own salvation primarily by mis- Pentecost came the query, "Men and leaders are seeking to lead the young to brethren, what shall we do?" Peter replied, Christ, to inspire them with the spirit of "Repent, and be baptized every one of you missionary service, to instruct them in use- in the name of Jesus Christ for the remis- ful arts, and to guide them in their recre- A YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERMON sion of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of ational activities. —Please turn to page 21 APRIL 25, 1950 PAGE 5 When Death Roared Past Three
By AINSLEY BLAIR
HERE was a blinding white flash, fol- unanswered and seemed to go no higher ous matter after a check of the pipes was Tlowed instantly by a deafening roar and than the ceiling. She had a feeling of in- made without discovering any leakage. the crashing of shattered walls and plate- security, and would many times cry herself Around five o'clock a customer came glass windows as the blast of the gas ex- to sleep in the night. It developed to where into the store and was making a purchase plosion ripped apart the frame store. In an she felt lost in sin. The sorrow it brought when without any warning came the instant of time death roared past three into her life made her appear glum to blinding white flash, the roar, then the people in a small corner lunch shop, leav- others, whereas she was normally a cheer- crash of the building. The customer and ing two seriously injured and the third ful, happy girl. Agnes were pinned under splintered raft- only slightly hurt. Surely God's protect- The night before the explosion some ers. Mr. Dederer, who had been sitting in ing hand saved their lives. friends called on her, and they visited the kitchen, found himself lying in the Rudy Dederer, proprietor of the lunch until quite late. She hoped thus to rid small basement beneath debris. He was room, has felt the hand of God upon him herself of the gloom which had settled able to escape unassisted. Agnes said that in many experiences in the past few years. down upon her and which she could not when the explosion occurred she felt her- He operated a small flour mill at one time, shake off. After retiring that night she lay self flung up into the air, then down as which produced for twenty-four hours a awake for a long time suffering miserably the building went up and then collapsed. day, and times were good for the Dederers. because of the despair that crowded her The blast blew off the roof, knocked out However, Government policies changed, mind. all the walls, and shattered the plate-glass and the mill, along with a number of The next day, when she went on duty windows. Windows in a store across the others, was closed down. The slump never in the early afternoon, she felt no better. street also were blown out. A witness said, discouraged Rudy. He was always active It was a hot, sultry day in August, 1949. "We looked across, and the building just enough and enterprising enough somehow During the afternoon she developed a seemed to go all to pieces!" Another said to provide an honest living for his family. headache, which she ascribed to the heat. that he saw "the roof coming down in a By industry and hard work he built up A smell of natural gas was noticeable in cloud of black smoke." A neighbor resting two other businesses. Then another setback the building, but this did not seem a seri- —Please turn to page 22 came when he suffered from boils, large boils that required surgery and penicillin Agnes Said That When the Explosion Occurred to cure. The setback in his business and She Felt Herself Flung Up Into the Air. Then Down as the Building Collapsed. She Is Pictured his illness afterward never found this man Here Awaiting the Ambulance Dederer discouraged or resentful. Through it all he maintained a loyal relationship The Blast Blew Off the Roof, Knocked Out All the Walls, and Shattered the Plate-Glass Windows. to the church and enjoyed a happy Chris- How Anybody Ever Got Out of That Shambles Alive Was a Modern Miracle. Mr. Dederer tian experience. With Firemen, Friends, and Neighbors Examining This lunch counter business was another the Building After the Blast venture of his. Since the accident, in try- ing to analyze the experience, he has won- dered whether the Lord took the business away from him for some kind of punish- ment. Unable to discern the reasonable- ness of this, he has thought of Job's ex- perience. Maybe the Lord, after permit- ting Satan to test him in several ways, al- lowed this one more calamity to come upon him, the while protecting his life. In any event, with all his loss and suffering, friend Dederer is not in the least resentful or upset. He enjoys a good Christian ex- perience, saying, "God could have pre- vented this from happening. He didn't; so since it was all right with Him to allow it, it is all right with me. It must be good for us all somehow. I can thank God for it, and especially for saving our lives." A young Seventh-day Adventist girl, Agnes Grosso, was working in the Dederer lunchroom at the time of the explosion. She too had a wonderful experience through it all. For some weeks previous to the acci- dent Agnes had gone through a very dark time in her Christian life. She felt dis- couraged and full of despair, and even questioned whether or not her conversion
was sound. Her prayers apparently were BLAND. EDMONTON BULLETIN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER PAGE 6 THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR OW good to be at camp meeting H again!" I mused while waiting for the early morning service to begin—the hour so well known to those who attend our annual soul-refreshing convocations of God's own appointment. After the opening hymn and prayer the one who was to speak rose and said, "The subject this morning will be 'My Greatest Weakness.' " Sensing that something unusual was in store for us, I quickly adjusted my pencil, pondering the while on what my greatest weakness ]night be, and asking myself whether I would have the courage to con- fess any sin so frankly and ask God to help me strengthen such a weak place in my armor against the enemy. "Here is a statement from the pen of God's special messenger, Ellen G. White, I wish to read," began the speaker. " 'We must take time to pray.' We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God!' Then E GALLOWAY We Must Take Time to Pray. We Should Rather Dispense With Selfish Gratifications again I quote, 'God's messengers must Than Neglect Communion With God tarry long with Him, if they would have success in their work.' It seems to me," he went on to say, "that our greatest need is to pray. Another challenging statement from the Spirit of prophecy says, 'All who are under the training of God need the BECAUSE quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature, and with God.' "I confess that I sometimes become so absorbed in study that I neglect to pray. This is my greatest weakness—I do not Somebody Prayed pray enough. Few of us pray as much as we should. Few of us really know how to pray. "Once, when I gave a study on prayer By BERTA TAYLOR BACKUS in a meeting like this, a listener came to me after the services and said, 'Pastor, how can I have a place to pray alone? I have six children, and we live in two rooms! I from the wall, spread a blanket over the known that he was an infidel. When I feel that I am losing my Christian experi- headboard, and there you can have a place came to enroll him I inquired, 'You are an ence under the circumstances.' to pray. And be sure to take your Bible infidel, you say? You do not believe in " Do you have a dresser?' I asked. She along,' I cautioned him. God?' said she did. "This man told me afterward that he "He laughed and replied, 'Yes, I'm one "'All right then,' I told her, 'when your had tried the plan, and that it had made of those things.' hour for prayer comes pull the dresser his home a different place. 'My children " 'How is it then,' I questioned, 'that across the corner of the room, and let that are better. It greatly impresses them that you came to a Christian school if you do be your closet for communion with God. father prays in secret,' he told me." not believe in God or the Bible?' And be sure to take your Bible with you Then our speaker urged us to form the " 'Well,' he answered, 'you see my dad that He may speak to you out of His habit of taking the Bible to our prayer pays the bills, and he would not consent to Word.' She promised she would do it. appointments. "It makes all the difference see me through college unless I came to a "The next year at camp meeting she in the world in the blessings we receive, if Christian college. I want a good education told me that she had faithfully followed we will give the Master a chance to speak to fit myself to take up the business I have the plan, and that it had made an entire to us from His Word while we are on our chosen, so I came here.' change in her Christian experience. 'My knees," he said. "He spoke in such a straightforward children are so much more obedient too!' I was reminded of a question in the book way that my heart went out to him some- she added. Steps to Christ which asks, "Why should how, and I said, 'My boy, life's greatest, "A certain man heard me tell this the sons and daughters of God be reluctant highest purpose is to know God.' He woman's story. 'It seems to me I have a to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand laughed when I told him that. In fact, he much harder problem to find a place to of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, laughed at everything I said to him during pray alone,' he told me. 'My two children where are treasured the boundless resources that first interview. and I live in one room. Where under those of Omnipotence?" "After his enrollment was completed I conditions can I find a secret place in Then the speaker told us a touching took a notebook out of my pocket, and which to seek God?' story of an experience that came to him told him I was going to put his name on " 'You have a bed, don't you?' I asked when he was teaching in one of our de- my prayer list, with his permission. Will him. • nominational schools, which follows: that be all right?' I asked him. He laughed " 'Yes,' he answered. "Among those who requested to take a and answered, 'If it will do you any good, " 'Then pull your bed a little way out Bible class was a young man who let it be —Please turn to page 17 APRIL 25, 1950 PAGE 7 ruined, by a few careless, un- advised words. A nobleman of dissolute habits once visited the famous Wedgewood pot- teries. In the presence of a mere lad who was working in the place he spoke disdain- fully, scornfully, of religion and sacred things. At first the boy, who was the son of God- fearing parents, was amazed, and showed his surprise in his face. As the nobleman talked on the boy manifested an in- terest, and finally broke into a boisterous, jeering laugh. Surely so great a nobleman could not say anything wrong! Mr. Wedgewood, the pro- prietor of the potteries, and a devout Christian, longed to teach the visitor a lesson. He showed him one of the most beautiful vases in the factory. Christ's Life Is to Be an Example to Us in Everything—Even in the Manner of Speaking The nobleman wanted to pur- chase it, but just as he reached to take it, Mr. Wedgewood dropped it to the floor, where it broke into many pieces. When the nobleman rebuked his host for being so careless, Mr. Wedgewood replied: "Do you forget, my lord, that the soul of that lad who just left us came into the world innocent? that parents, friends, all etrayed Speech good influences have been at work during his whole life to make him a vessel fit for the Master's use? that you, with your touch, have undone the work of years? No By DOROTHY M. WILLIAMS human hand can bind together again what you have broken." The wise man tells us that "an ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there MR. ARNOLD, who had been about words and your attitudes told me that. I is as a burning fire." Backbiting, slander, A the world a great deal and was some- see you are surprised, but you know the false accusations are not for the perfect thing of an observer, in one of his trips words, 'Open thy mouth, that I may know man. We are to speak evil of no man, nor fell in with a young man he had never seen thee!' We will now see what we can do to meddle with the flatterer. before. The youth was plainly, almost about work for you." "When the ink in this pen flows too shabbily dressed, but Mr. Arnold was one The Inspired Word has told us that of freely," read the instructions given with a who paid little attention to outer garb. all the gifts God has bestowed upon man, newly purchased fountain pen, "it is a For two or three days the two were none is more precious than the gift of sign that it is nearly empty, and should together in the same car. At the end of speech. Our words are daily living preach- be filled." The caution would seem to that time they reached the town where ers to those about us, and the tenor of our apply also to human beings. Gossip, Mr. Arnold lived. All that the younger conversation reveals the contents of the slander, idle chatter, and falsehood—all man had told of himself was that he was heart. Every word uttered exerts an influ- testify to the emptiness of the mind. going to this town in the hope of obtaining ence for good or for evil, just as a stone, We all talk too much and think too work. As the train came to a halt Mr. when dropped into water may disappear, little. Solomon has told us that he that Arnold said, "You are a stranger here; but the ripples it causes spread themselves hath knowledge spareth his words. Our come home with me, and I will help you over the entire surface of the water. A words should be few and to the point, all I can to get the place you want." spoken word cannot be recalled. Its influ- showing real depth of thinking behind The young man showed surprise. ence goes on and on throughout eternity. them. Deep thinking leads to clear, con- "But you know nothing about me, sir. We are warned against idle words, care- cise speaking—speaking that is worth lis- How can you invite me to your home like less words, and foolish jesting. The text tening to. Sometimes we hear an individ- this?" which tells us that every careless word we ual who has set his mouth running, it "You come along with me, and I will speak will be brought into judgment seems, and forgotten to turn it off. tell you about that later." makes us rather uncomfortable. Foolish If we could run back through time Dinner partaken of, the two were left talk and jesting, although given only in nineteen hundred years, and have the alone together, and the host, pushing back sport, has no place in the Christian's life; privilege of sitting at the feet of Jesus, per- his chair, said: and those who have the peace of God in haps on a grassy hill near Galilee, just "You are of a cultured family—the tone their hearts will be cheerful and happy what would we notice about His speak- of your voice told me that. You are well without indulging in lightness and ing? All who heard the Saviour were as- educated—your intelligence revealed that. frivolity. tonished at His doctrine, for His word was You are cultured and refined—your use of Lives have been greatly harmed, often —Please turn to page 17 PAGE 8 THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR Colporteuring for CHRIST
By STANLEY COMBRIDGE Publishing Department Secretary, South England Conference, British Union
PART ONE
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ANY former treatises have been made From the south coast of England, Mrs. M declaring some of the things colpor- D. Erbes writes the following experience, teurs have done throughout the world. adding that it greatly strengthened her However, like the Acts of the Apostles, faith. the record is not finished and will not be "Some time ago I had a certain bill to until time shall give place to eternity. One, pay which was higher than I had expected. like the other, is really a continuation of power of God, spending and being spent I made it a matter of prayer that the Lord the story of the acts of the Holy Spirit. in his Saviour's service. would give me success. I worked very hard Before the apostles were ready for the He counts no sacrifice too great that during the following days, but when the great work the Master had assigned them, souls may be rescued from sin and their last evening came I was still £1.3.6. short. they were to be baptized with power from feet placed firmly on the Rock Christ Jesus. It was now very dark and too late to make on high. It was only after ten days of There is a portion of a verse in the book any more calls. I felt sad because, as I prayer and heart searching that the evi- of Revelation which is very applicable to thought, my prayer had not been answered. dence of the Holy Spirit's outpouring was the colporteur: "Here is the patience of the I stood still and pondered. manifested, and power for service given saints." He needs not only great patience "Suddenly I felt impressed to go into them. to enable him to wait to see the result of a near-by public house. The proprietor Again and again it has been seen that his labor—yes, and this patience may not there bought the magazine Good News. colporteurs who have gone out in the lit- be rewarded until the coming of Jesus— As I was leaving, a young man who was erature ministry sooner or later realize but a daily, hourly patience, "for thou sitting in the corner with his glass of beer their inefficiency and the need of a power knowest not whether shall prosper, either called me back. He asked to see what I outside of themselves to accomplish the this or that." had for sale. I showed him several maga- work Christ has given them to do. How The fact that God does go before, with, zines, Bedtime Stories, and the subscrip- often have we known of men and women and after the faithful colporteur is evi- tion book God's Way Out. He looked at working hour after hour, day after day, denced on every hand, in every land re- them all, and bought every one, asking no yes, and week after week, with little or no gardless of language or color. questions except the full cost, which was success! Then one day, stripped of all self- sufficiency, they humbly approach the throne of God, and with deep humility seek the face of their heavenly Father with strong entreaties. These petitions have often led to the consciousness that there was something in the life to be surrendered, perhaps some- thing which at the onset seemed quite legitimate, or maybe something serious, such as a secret habit not yet yielded to the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. However, the Holy Spirit, faithfully doing His work, gently and sweetly woos the heart, and the surrender finally is made. Then power enters the life, a bur- den for souls falls on the heart, and there is no looking back. The way from then on is not a rosy pathway—often it is beset with dangers and difficulties little dreamed of—but the colporteur goes forward in the
WATFORD PORTRAIT STUDIO
Those Attending the British Union Colporteur Council Held in Watford, England, Several Months Ago
APRIL 25, 1950 PAGE 9' exactly the amount to the penny for the This woman received Bible studies, and was a dreadful explosion, the ground bill I had to meet. The whole transaction six months later entered the waters of bap- rocked, the roof appeared to rise off the took scarcely two minutes." tism. Oh, what joy to see the fruit of our beams, and a shower of dust and cement One can readily appreciate the remark labors! came down. this colporteur added: "I never felt so In the early days of the war this same "The land mine struck Woolworth's, thrilled in my life, for this did not happen faithful servant was protected by the Lord, and demolished the whole building. Many till the very last moment of a very hard and he testifies that he was spared provi- people were killed in the apartments above day's work." dentially, so that he could be used in the the store. Had it dropped ten minutes The early Christians had their baptism work of circulating Advent truth-filled earlier, I in all probability would have of fire; many sealed their confession of literature. In his letter he continues: been blown to bits." Christ with their lifeblood. Realizing that he had been spared for During the second world war years not the Master's service, he says: "I have gone one colporteur of the British Isles was CC<