LEST WE FORGET 1888 . 1988

CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

1888-1988: LEST WE FORGET JOHN M. FOWLER

Assoc. Secretary One hundred years ago 96 delegates cutting edge, and ministries indepen- converged in Minneapolis for the 27th obey the Sabbath when the rest of the dent and critical. Is it possible that in session of the General Conference of world was content with Sunday, and attending to these pressures of today, Seventh-day Adventists and created the rush to usher in the coming king- we may let the pendulum swing to the history—both theological and dom which was "even at the door" for extremes of institutionalism and or- ecclesiastical—and in the process left the pioneers. Under those pressures ganization, and in the process neglect an indelible impression on our herit- there was the danger that the leaders the Man from Nazareth. age. This year, and particularly this would let the theological pendulum One year after the Minneapolis month, Adventists around the world swing to the extremes of the law; to the meeting, Ellen White told a campmeet- recall, remember, and reaffirm that point of coming under the sway of ing that all she ever wanted to preach great historic event, keeping ever in legalism. Obedience was important, was "the matchless charms of Christ." mind that "we have nothing to fear for but not to initiate or to add to Christ's (1889 MS 5). What is this matchless the future, except as we shall forget the righteousness. "For by grace are ye charm? Could it be what way the Lord has led us and His teach- saved through faith, and that not of tells us: "Christ in His self-denial, ing in our past history" (LS 196). yourself: it is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8). Christ in His humiliation, Christ in The 1888-1988 Centennial is thus a Lest the church forget this, A. T. Jones His purity and holiness, Christ in His call to remember, lest we forget. What and E. J. Waggoner rode on to the stage matchless love—this is the subject of shall we remember? at Minneapolis. Armed with Scripture, the soul's contemplation. It is by lov- supported by the Spirit of Prophecy, ing Him, copying Him, depending First, Minneapolis is a call to re- they reminded the delegates that wholly upon Him, that you are to be member that Christ is central to justification is by faith alone, and transformed into His likeness" (pp. 70- . At times we have a proclaimed that Christ alone is our 71). Lest we forget this, Minneapolis tendency to forget this. In 1888, the righteousness. reminds us: Christ is central to pressures on the emerging church were In 1988, the pressures are different: a Adventism—in theology, in ecclesiol- many: the challenge of global worldwide organization, great institu- ogy, in experience. evangelism, the identity of a people tions, swelling baptisms, growth Second, Minneapolis is a call to re- that "keep the commandments of God beyond expectations, politics of member that Adventism transcends and the faith of Jesus," the urgency to structure and theology on the cultural human personalities. True, Seventh-

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory ofGod, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forebearance he had left the sins committed be- forehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies the man who has faith in Jesus" (Rom. 3:23-26, NIV).

SOUTHERN ASIA TIDINGS day Adventist Church, like all great Waggoner, and for a time remained in- us, and greater than all of us. It is God's movements, can pride itself in great different to the testimonies. Wrote special movement for these last days. men and women who moulded its Ellen White: "My brethren have trifled Third, Minneapolis is also a call to theology, defined its mission, and and caviled and criticized and de- remember that Adventism's strength zeroed in on its destiny. But from the merited, and"picked and chosen a little and uniqueness is in its commitment very inception of the movement, there and refused much until the testimonies to God's Word. If only the leaders that was one uriderlying lesson: men are meant nothing to them" (1890, Letter assembled in Minneapolis re- only tools in the hand of God, and are 40). The atmosphere made the prophet membered this commitment, out of nothing by themselves. Minneapolis describe the situation the "saddest ex- which the 1844 movement began, so teaches us that. A. T. Jones and E. J. perience in my life" and the "most much of sadness and crisis could have Waggoner came with great Scriptural grievous trial of my life" (1888 MS 21; been avoided. Ellen White told the de- authority and a message for the hour. 1889 MS 30). legates: "Take your Bibles, and search They received divine approbation: But when Ellen White appealed to them for yourselves" (ST Nov. 11, "The Lord in His great mercy," wrote the old guard to lay aside personal pre- 1889). Ellen White, "sent a most precious judices and theological arrogance and ,The search would have led them message to His people through Elders drink deeply at the fountain of Christ's more and more to a better understand- Waggoner and Jones" (TM 91). righteousness, Smith was the first to ing of the matchless chant of Christ. But it is not the men that mattered, repent. Ellen White wrote that Smith Often Adventists are noted for a but the message. As Ellen White said "had fallen on the Rock and was bro- tendency to use the Scriptures or the many times in 1888 and after, ken" (1891 MS 31). Butler was soon to Spirit of Prophecy to win an argument, Waggoner lacked "humility and meek- follow, and confessed that he was to judge someone else's lifestyle or ex- ness", while Jones did not experience wrong in resisting the Minneapolis perience, to score a doctrinal or a "practical godliness". She did not light. theological point, or to prove a spare them from spiritual warnings The comparison between Jones and peripheral non-issue. But is not the against extremes in interpretations and Waggoner, on the one hand, and Smith primary purpose of the Word to be a personal attacks. Both considered and Butler, on the other, is inescap- lamp unto our feet, a light unto our themselves theological stalwarts to the able. Theological correctness, path, that the man of God may be neglect of personal piety. Righteous- accompanied by a personal arrogance perfect unto all good works? To debate ness by faith provided fodder to their and unattended by a Christ-like ex- the nature of Christ may brighten up a pens and tongues, but little food for perience, will not save anyone. The group discussion; but to experience their souls. The prophetic counsel was stars that brought the light in 1888 fell the indwelling power of Christ will tell neglected. As a result, the turn of the to the earth and disappeared within a the world that Jesus is not a subject for century saw both men apostatize: the few years because they refused to see debate but the means for transforming men disappeared into ecclesiastical no- that intellectual correctness is no sub- character. Lest we forget this, where. But the message of righteous- stitute for personal appropriation of Minneapolis reminds us: the strength ness by faith and the certainty of the Christ and His life, and that no man of Adventism is in direct proportion to Adventist church survived all of them. who refuses to listen to the counsel of its commitment, both theologically Consider also the other men in Min- the prophet can long remain in God's and experientially, to the Word of God neapolis .who led the opposition to church. On the other hand, the men and the Spirit of Prophecy. "Believe in Jones and Waggoner: George Butler who wavered in 1888, like Peter, the Lord your God, so shall ye be es- and Uriah Smith—significant names turned and saw that the Lord and His tablished; believe his prophets, so in Adventist history; the first a General truth were everything and they shall ye prosper" (2 Chron. 20:20). Conference President, and the second themselves were nothing. And they re- Lest we forget, let us remember a great theologian, Bible teacher, and mained firm in the firmament. Lest we Minneapolis. Those who forget history editor. The two, together with other forget this, Minneapolis reminds us: are condemned to repeat it or be swept leading men, opposed Jones and Adventism is greater than any one of away by it.

Alonzo T. Jones and Ellet J. Waggoner edited the Signs of the Times and played prom- inent roles in the 1888 Bible institute and General Conference session as eloquent proponents of righte- ousness by faith in Christ.

NOVEMBER 1988 3 100 YEARS: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

A century ago two young preachers gather a people who "keep the com- rode out of the West with a message vehemently declared (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1- mandments of God, and the faith of from God for Seventh-day Adventists. 4). Jesus" (Rev. 14:12). They will be men After 100 years have we learned the A century ago our church was mov- and women who are "zealous of good lessons God intended for us in ing in the same direction. In an edito- works" (Titus 2:14), who delight to Minneapolis? rial "Our Righteousness," Uriah Smith obey Him. But not one of the good The first lesson is theological. As the stated: ''The whole object of Christ's works of the saints will add to Christ's delegates to the General Conference work for us is to bring us back to the righteousness. Not one will qualify us session debated with Ellet J. Waggoner law, that its righteousness may be to have a place among the redeemed. and Alonzo T. Jones, crucial issues fulfilled in us by our obedience to it, One hundred years later—have we were at stake: who or what would be and that when at last we stand beside learned this lesson? Many Adventists, the centre of Adventism? the law, which is the test of the judg- I fear; have a pre-1888 religion. Some Adventists, raised up by the Lord to ment, we may appear as absolutely in have never experienced righteousness proclaim the imminent• return of Jesus harmony with it . . . . There is then a by faith—for that's what it is, an ex- and to prepare a people to meet him, righteousness that we must have, to be perience. Some began well, but, like called men and women back to the Ten secured by doing and teaching the the Galatians, have added human Commandments. They urged obedi: commandments" (Review and Herald, merit to the all-sufficiency of Jesus. ence to the whole law, especially the June 11, 1889). O that the church today would glow fourth command to observe the His mail brought a letter from Ellen with the love of Christ! 0 that He seventh day as the Sabbath of rest. White. Dated June 14, 1889, it stated would be the centre of conversation, that she had read "Our Righteous- the subject of our dearest thought, the Christ at the Centre ness," and warned that a "noble motivation for action and witness! In personage" had stood beside her and this centennial year God is calling us to Their proclamation was sound, but told her that Uriah Smith "is walking revival—and it will begin with the it ran the risk of putting the law rather like a blind man into the prepared net message He sent us 100 years ago. than Christ at the Centre of of the enemy, but he feels no danger But having committed ourselves to Adventism. because light is becoming darkness to Jesus, we no longer stand alone. We That is an old error: the attempt to him and darkness light" (letter 55, accept Him individually, but we be- add to the righteousness of Christ. It's 1889). come part of something much larger— at least as old as the book of Galatians. So the two young preachers who the church. We have a corporate The Galatians, having begun with rode out of the West to Minneapolis identity as well as an individual one. Jesus, had been seduced by false faced a daunting task. God wanted to From a perspective a teachers- into believing that they must use them to correct the church. He Christian standing alone—just he him- add the law to the merits of Christ. This wanted to put Christ and His right- self and Christ—is an impossibility. approach appeals to the ego, because it eousness squarely at the centre of our Among the many biblical images gives human works a key role in salva- doctrine and our proclamation. that describe the church, none is more tion; but it denies the gospel, as Paul When our Lord returns, He will enlightening than that of the body. The

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be_ adopted as his sons throughJesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches ofGod's grace that he lavished on. us with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1.4-8, NIV).

4 SOUTHERN ASIA TIDINGS church, Paul tells us, is Christ's body. , Butler, Review and Herald editor learned? Do we handle theological dif- He is its head, and we are members one Uriah Smith, and Iowa conference ferences any better today? of another. President J. H. Morrison and the Yes—and no. "And God placed all things under "young Turks" Ellet J. Waggoner and We are, in general, clearer as to what his feet and appointed him to be head Alonzo T. Jones. Ideas weren't studied is central rd what is peripheral. The over everything for the church, which for their merit—who became more im- 27 fundamental beliefs spell out the is his tiody; the fullness of him who portant than what. Waggoner was core of Seventh-day Adventist fills everything in every way." "After dubbed "Sister White's pet"; Jones, doctrine; they serve as a balance wheel. all, no one ever hated his own body, the "barbarian," and Waggoner and Furthermore, the glorious message but he feeds and cares for it, just as Jones, enlightened by the Lord though of Christ's all-sufficient righteousness, Christ does the church—for we are they were, nonetheless at times which the Lord tried to bring to us 100 members of his body" (Eph. 1:22,23; sounded brash and cocky.1 years ago, has won widespread 5:29,30, NW). "God forbid (that) anything should acceptance. A person who slashes his leg or ever take place again like that which On the other hand, we often fall back shoots himself is out of his mind. transpired at Minneapolis," Ellen into the spirit of Minneapolis. We Rather, when one part of our body White wrote six months after the judge an idea by who said it rather than hurts—even our little toe—we feel it, counciL2 Later she would term it "one by looking at its merits. Some of us get feel it corporately. of the saddest chapters in the history of caught up in a new interpretation of As Christians, members of His the believers in present truth/3 prophecy or a doctrinal emphasis out- body, we will hold the church in high Resistance to New Ideas: Butler could side the 27 fundamental beliefs, and regard. Membership isn't like belong- not attend the session, but he wired crank Out literature as if the survival of ing to a club, something we may or from Florida: "Stand by the old land- the church depended on acceptance of may not renew depending on our marks." His message cemented the our viewpoint. Many. Adventists whim. No! The church is precious majority in opposing the truths the would still rather debate Christ's right- because Christ is the head. Lord had for His people through the eousness . than experience it. And "Husbands, love your wives, even as ministry of Waggoner and Jones. • others raid Ellen White's writings as Christ also loved the church, and gave Lack of Theological Perspective: though they contained a secret code to himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). While important theological issues solve all questions about Scripture. How could someone emphasize were at stake in Minneapolis, much of The passing years also bring new righteousness by faith and yet tear the debate dealt with non-essentials dangers in handling theological differ- down the church? Only by letting the (the meaning of law in Galatians) and ences. Adventist thinking has individualism of justification run riot; even trivia (whether one of the 10 advanced considerably over the past only by failing to grasp the biblical horns in Daniel 7 represented the Huns 100 years; our teachings, somewhat doctrine of the church. or the Alemanni). fluid in 1888, have crystallized into the This curious phenomenon-- Theology Divorced From Experience: 27 fundamental beliefs. But therein lies emphasizing Christ's righteousness "There is danger of our ministers' peril: that we will begin to think that but criticizing the church—has a long dwelling too much on doctrines, . . we have all the answers, that the Lord history. Alonzo T. Jones, one of the when their own souls need practical has nothing new left for us to learn. messengers through whom the Lord godliness," Ellen White wrote to Such complacency takes us right back brought precious light to this move- Waggoner and Jones in 18874 Later she to the error of the "old guard" in ment 100 years ago, eventually fell into confided: "The religion of many is very Minneapolis. this trap. During the 1890s his was much like an icicle—freezingly cold. Adventists still differ over theology. probably the most influential voice in The hearts of not a few are still, un- At times we dispute; at times we argue the church after Ellen White's. He was melted, unsubdued. They can not • and debate. That's not all bad: unlike a powerful preacher, reformer, prolific touch the hearts of others, because- most other churches, theology still writer, editor of the Review and their own hearts are not surcharged. matters for us. And may it ever matter! Herald. Who could have foreseen that with the blessed love that flows from Minneapolis — 1888: Given what by 1907 he would be defrocked, then the heart of Christ.'5 happened there, some Adventists disfellowshipped from the church in Misuse of Ellen White's Writings: think the centenary calls for larnenta= 1909? One of Jones' great weaknesses In the dispute over the interpretation tion rather than celebration. But was his failure to grasp the corporate of the law in Galatians, some delegates Minneapolis points us to • important nature of the church. attempted to set up Mrs. White's writ- lessons. To fail to heed them is to re- ings as the court of final appeal. She peat the failures of 100 years ago. Dealing with Problems - refused this role. "Now, brethren, I have nothing to say, no burden in The delegates to the 1888xonference regard to the law in Galatians. This REFERENCES scored poorly in the area of dealing matter looks to me of minor consequ- 1 See George R. Knight, From 1888 to Apostasy with differences, and here we have a ence in comparison with the spirit you (Washington D.C. Review and Herald Pub. Assn. lesson to learn. Consider some of those have brought into your faith.'S 1987), p.44. areas. Ellen White played a crucial role in 2 Letter 14, 1889. 3 Letter 179, 1902. Personal Attacks: The conference split Minneapolis—but not as theological 4 Counsels toWriters and Editors, p.79. between the "old guard" led by Gen- policewoman. 5 Manuscript 21, 1891. eral Conference President George I. After 100 years, what have we 6 Letter 83, 1890.

NOVEMBER 1988 5 HAVE FAITH, TALK FAITH

Excerpts from: Morning Devotional

ELLEN G. WHITE

Minneapolis, October 19,1988

How shall we encourage you to have standingly, and not be controlled by paralyze your efforts to do good. faith in God? You say, "How can I talk varing emotions. What we need is Bible religion; for if faith, how can I have faith, when Christ has said, "If ye abide in me, Christ is abiding in vs, and we in Him, clouds and darkness and despondency my words abide in you, ye shall ask we shall be continually advancing in comes over my mind? I do not feel as what ye will, and it shall be done unto the divine life. If we are connected with though I could talk faith; I do not feel you." Brethren, can you explain why Source of all wisdom and power, and that I have any faith to talk". But why we are not more efficient in minister- we shall not fail of becoming strong do you feel in this way—It is because ing to others, and why we are not men and women in Christ Jesus. If we you have permitted Satan to cast his better able to help the church, than we fully receive the truth of heavenly dark shadow across your pathway, and were ten years ago? There is no reason origin, we shall not fail of becoming you cannot see the light that Jesus why we should not be growing in effi- sanctified through it; and when trials sheds upon your pathway. But another ciency and power to do the work of come we shall not go to complaining, says; "I am very frank; I say just what I God. The Lord wants us to use every as did the children of Israel, and forget feel, I talk just as I think." Is that the iota of the ability He has given us, and, the Source of our strength. We must best way to do? —No; God wants us to if we do this, we shall have improved gather up divine rays of glory, not to educate ourselves so that we shall and increased ability to employ. God hide our light by putting it under a speak right words, —words that will be desires that we shall have a thorough bushel or under a bed, but to set it on a a blessing to others, that will shed rays understanding of the truth as it is in candlestick, where it will give light to of light upon their souls. Jesus. We should dig in the mine of others. We must put our talents out to Suppose that at times we are desti- truth for the rich treasures of the exchangers, that we may accumu- tute of the joy we should like to experi- knowledge that are hidden in God's late more talent to bring to Jesus. In ence, can we not feel assured that the word. If we employ our talents in this way we shall be growing promises of God are still yea and amen searching the Scriptures, and in im- Christians, and every word we speak in Christ Jesus? The promises of God parting knowledge to others, we shall will be ennobling and sanctifying. We do not rest upon feeling. They have become channels of light. You should should educate ourselves to speak in foundation as distinct from feeling as not allow the channel between God such a way that we shall not have cause light is from darkness. We must learn and your soul to become obstructed. to be ashamed of our words when we to move from principle, and when we You should refuse to listen to the sug- meet them in the judgment. We should learn to do this, we shall move under- gestions of Satan, that he may not seek to have our actions of such a

Ellen G. White's role "To him who is content to receive without deserving in the 1888 General who feels that he can never recompense such love, who lays Conference session was All doubt and unbeliefs aside, and comes as a little child to crucial. Without her the feet of Jesus, all the treasures of eternal love are a free, support, young Jones everlasting gift" (Ellen G. White, letter 19e, 1892). and Waggoner may not have gained a hearing.

6 SOUTHERN ASIA TIDINGS character that we will not shrink from that you are prepared for, everything had confidence. When our people having our Saviour look upon them. that will minister to your strength. He search the word of God for themselves, Christ is here this morning; angels are will make peace with you if you lay we shall hear less murmuring than we here, and they are measuring the tem- hold of his strength. But He will not let hear today. We need that faith that will ple of God and those who worship his power drop upon you without lead us to study the Bible for ourselves, therein. The history of this meeting effort on your part. You must cooperate and take God at His word. will be carried up to God; for record of with God in the work of salvation. Christ says: "Verily, verily, I say every meeting is made; the spirit man- We need to grow in the knowledge of unto you, He that believeth on me, the ifested, the words spoken, and the our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We works that I do shall he do, also; and actions performed, are noted in the must educate ourselves to talk faith, to greater works than these shall he do; books of heaven. Everything is trans- pray in faith, and to abstain from drop- because I go unto my Father. And ferred to the records as faithfully as are ping one seed of doubt and discour- whatsoever ye shall ask in the name, our features to the polished plate of agement. We desire that young men that will I do, that the father may be artist. shall go forth from this conference to glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any- We must fight the good fight of faith. become experienced workers in the thing in my name, I Will do it. If ye love Satan will try to sever the connection cause of God. Let the older ministers me, keep my commandments. And I which faith makes between our souls take heed that they make straight paths will pray the Father, and he shall give and God. He will seek to discourage us for their feet, that the lame be not you another Comforter, that he may by telling us that we are unworthy of turned out of the way. Let no abide with you for ever." the grace of God, and need not expect watchman or shepherd of the Flock Brethren, you must take advanced to receive this or that favour because place himself on judgment-seat, to steps. God wants every one of you to we are sinners. These suggestions criticize others, to pick flaws and find turn from inquiry, and connect with should not cut off our confidence; for it fault with the brethem. Oh, that Him, the Source of all wisdom and is written: "Jesus Christ came into the everyone at this meeting would take truth, that when you open your lips the world to save sinners, of whom I am his position on the Lord's side! We words of Christ may flow forth. Shall chief." There is no reason why we must have light in ourselves. Do not we not let the Spirit of God come should not claim the promises of the believe anything simply because among us, and flow from heart to Lord. There is no reason why we others say it is truth. Take your Bibles, heart: The Spirit of God is here this should not be light-bearers. There is no and search them for yourselves. Plead morning, and the Lord knows how you reason why you should not advance, with God that He will put His Spirit will receive the words that I have ad- why you should not become more in- upon you, that you may know the truth dressed to you on this occasion.—Signs telligent in prayer and testimony, and and understand its principles. If you of the Times, November 11, 1889. make manifest that God hears and ans- gain an experience of this kind, there is wers your petitions. nothing that will turn you from the We should have more wisdom and truth. You will be like Daniel in the confidence today than we had yester- lions' den, and like Joseph in Pharoh's day. Why are we so well satisfied with prison. our feeble attainments? Why do we From the light that God has given settle down content with our present me, I can say that not half of these who deficient experience? We should not profess to believe the present truth always be fed upon the milk of the have a thorough understanding of the word; we must seek for meat, that we Third Angel's Message. Many believe may become strong men and women in the truth because they have heard it Christ. God will give you everything preached by someone in whom they

"In my own strength no hope I claim; William G. White No merit of myself have I; and his wife Mary I plead my Lord's prevailing name; Kelsey White. At age 34 To His dear arms for help I fly. William became acting president of the Gen- Wash me in that great fount of love, eral Conference for InJudah opened for our race; about six months until Fit me to tread Thy courts above, 0. A. Olsen, whom the And joyful to behold Thy face." 1888 delegates had elected, could leave his —Uriah Smith, in Review and Herald, work in Europe. Feb. 6, 1866.

NOVEMBER 1988 7 REVIVING YOUR CHURCH IN 1988

A century ago thos If my church is going to be revived, I obedience to the will of God. "There- must be revived. Unless something fore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye who accepted the happens in me, not much will happen even to me with all your heart, and through me! Unless God does some- with fasting, and with weeping, and message of thing for me, He will do little with me. with mourning: and rend your heart, Revival will begin in our churches and not your garments, and turn unto righteousness by when we as preachers cry out, "Create the Lord your God: for he is gracious in me a dean heart, 0 God; and renew and merciful, slow to anger, and of faith experienced a a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). great kindness, and repenteth him of revival. How can When our hearts are polluted by sin,' the evir: (joeI2:12,13). we are not prepared to participate in aPpeal was for-wholehearted, your church the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that not simulated or halfhearted, service. God longs to send us. In contrast :to an external form, Joel - experience a In Bible times, when Israel drifted called.h*people to turn to God with away from God's ideal, He sent theirimnosf-souls- and to fix all their revival? prophets with straightforward, burn- affections:un, Him. As' Gregoryof old ing messages calling for revival. At a put it: "In whateyer degree our affec- time of external piety but inner rebel- tions are. scattered among created A revival "signifies a renewal of lion, the prophet Isaiah cried out, things, so far is the conversion of the spiritual life, a quickening of the pow- "Wash you, make you clean; put away heartnnpaired:7 ers of mind and heart, a resurrection the evil of your doings from before , Once-again in the' latter days God's from spiritual death."I mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do people allowed the outer husks.of reli- How can the Seventh-day well; seek judgment, relieve the op- gion to replace the kernel of living Adventist Church experience revival? pressed, judge the fatherless, plead for faith_ During the years prior to the What practical steps can you as an the widow" (Isa. 1:16,17). Minneapolis conference in October Adventist pastor, take to initiate revi- Each prophet's call for revival had 1888, God powerfully called His people val in your church? similar elements. It contained an ur- to revival. Once again God used the Newspapermen traveled from gent appeal for a return to God com- agency of the gift of, prophecy. London to Wales to report first- bined with a practical call to repent- Through Ellen White this call for revi- hand on the marvelous happenings of ance for the specific sins that had val pointedly addressed the church's the great Welsh revival at the turn of severed that relationship. Hosea lov- need. God's voice spoke to God's the century. On his arrival in Wales, ingly appealed, "Come, and let us re- people. Notice these clear statements one of them asked a policeman where turn unto the Lord: for he hath torn, penned in 1887, 'listed here in the Welsh revival was being held. and he will heal us; he has smitten, and chronological order: Drawing himself to his full height, the he will bind us up" (Hosea 6:1). "The observance of external forms policeman laid his hand over his heart The prophet foel earnestly called his will never meet the great want of the and 4proudly proclaimed: "Sir, the people to an inward spiritual revolu- human soul.. A mere profession of , Welsh revival is in this uniform."• tion that would lead to an outer joyful ChriSt is not enough to prepare one to

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else ,Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collecter. ThePharisee stood up and prayed about himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like all other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like the tax collecter. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all-I get." `But the tax collecter stood at a distance. He would.not even, look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." 'I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. Por everyone who exalts IiimselfwilThe humbled, and who humbles hirnselfwill be exalted"' (Luke 18:9-- 14 , NIV).

SOUTHETN ASIA TIDINGS stand the test of the judgment.'2 congregation. If Satan had his way, was impossible. Jesus said, "I, if I be "There is too much formality in the there would never be another awaken- lifted up from the earth, will draw all church. . . . Those who profess to be ing, great or small, to the end of time.'S men unto me" (John 12:32). guided by the word of God may be "Let the church arise, and repent of her Not everyone present at Min- familiar with the evidences of -their backslidings before God. . . . We have neapolis that autumn experienced re- faith, and yet be like the pretentious fig not the first reason for self- vival. Many were content to cling to the tree,. which flaunted its foliage' in the congratulation and self-exaltation.'9 external forms of . But facet of the world, but when searched Recognizing the spiritual impotency there were those who were willing to by the Master, was found destitute of that had resulted from widespread listen as the message of righteousness fruit.'S • • pride, formality, and a love of the in Christ was proclaimed. As Jesus was "We want byliving faith to grasp the world, Ellen White called the church lifted up, they were drawn- to Him. promise, and say, God has said the back to a living experience with Christ. Hearts were touched. Sins were re- blessing is mine; I must have it, and I She particularly appealed to the nounced. Lives were changed. Repent- believe I shall have it; and keeping the ministry. Ministers were powerlesq to ance, confession, and earnest prayer mind on Christ,holding firmly to Him, lead God's people to the fountains of prepared the way for revival. The Spirit and at the same time surrendering living water when their own hearts was poured out, and the ripples of that ourselves to Him, we shall find that were as a parched desert. If their own revival are still felt•today! Christ will come in. We shall have His spiritual baskets were empty, how presence abiding with us.'11 could they possibly share the bread of Prescription for revival One of Ellen White's strongest life with a hungry world? Many of our The prescription for revival is clearly appeals for revival and reformation ministers were argumentative. They outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my was published in the Review and were able defenders of the faith, but- people, which are called by my name, Herald, March 22, 1887, under the title lacked deep spirituality. shall humble themselves, and pray, "The Church's Great Need." This arti- The church needed a revival. One and seek my face, and turn froin their cle has been reprinted in Selected Mes- month before the October Council in wicked ways, then will I hear from sages, Book 1, pages 121-127. "A revi- Minneapolis, Ellen White wrote, heaven, and will forgive their sin, and val of true godliness among us is the "They (ministers) cannot rely upon old will heal their land." When on my greatest and most urgent of all our sermons to present to their congrega- knees I see the perfect sinless right- needs. To seek this should be our first tions; for these set discourses may, not eousness of Jesus, I realize how work. '5 "We have far more to fear from be appropriate to meet the occasion, or wretched I am. "What is justification within than from without. The hind- the wants of the people. There are sub- by faith? It-is the work of God in laying rances to strength and success are far jects sadly neglected, that should be the glory amen in the dust, and doing greater from the church itself than from largely dwelt upon.'10 for man that which it is not in his the world.% "Divisions, and even bit- What were these sadly neglected power to do for hirnself.'12 In the light ter dissensions which would disgrace subjects? "Show to your hearers Jesus of His perfection, my lack of commit- any worldly community, are common in His condescension to save fallen ment, my love of the world, my attach- in the churches, because there is so man. Show them that He who was ment to things earthly, my human way little effort to control wrong feelings, their surety had to take human nature, of viewing circumstances is all the and to repress every word Satan can and carry it through the darkness and more apparent. In deep repentance, I take advantage of.'7 "There is nothing fearfulness of the malediction. of His exclaim, "Jesus, cover my deformity by that Satan fears so much as that the Father, because of man's transgression your spotless righteousness. Do for me people of God shall clear the way by of His law; for the Saviour was found what I could never do for myself. removing every hindrance, so that the in fashion as a man /11 Jesus was to be Change me! Lift my mind above the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a the focal point of all revival. Without a earthly! Turn my thoughts into languishing church and an impenitent fresh view of the living Christ, revival heavenly currents!"

The 1888 delegates G. I. Butler, Presi- elected 0. A. Olsen as dent of General Confer- the new General Con- ence, stayed'at home in ference president, al- Battle Creek during the though he was in Minneapolis meetings Scandinavia and un- because of illness. He able to take up his new ••• strongly supported duties for about six Uriah Smith's views. months.

NOVEMBER 1988 9 Genuine revival is not rooted in the ing Christ, who will totally re- ance, surrender those areas. By faith, impulses of the moment. It is not based volutionize our lives. claim His pardon. Believe He accepts on a short-lived, sensational We cannot expect revival if we as you now! Receive His power for vic- emotionalism. Genuine revival is individuals or as a corporate body fol- tory. Make a new commitment to using based on heartfelt prayer and earnest low practices that are clearly contrary to the gifts He has given you in service. Bible study. In 1887 Ellen White wrote: what God has revealed through His in- Plead with God for latter rain power for "Our heavenly Father is more willing spired prophets. effectual, convincing, and loving to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask There is a price for revival—not witness. Him than are earthly parents to give because God is unwilling to give it to If you want your church to experi- good gifts to their children. But it is our us freely, but because we are unpre- ence revival, organize prayer groups of work, by confession, humiliation, re- pared to receive it. The price of revival five to seven people. Together seek pentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill is the same today as it has been in all God for spiritual renewal. Read the conditions upon which God has ages: repentance! earnest prayer! con- together the section in Selected Mes- promised to grant us His blessing. A fession of known sin! a reemphasis on sages, book 1, entitled "Revival and revival need be expected only in Bible study! time in the presence of our Reformation" (pp. 119-152). Invite all answer to prayer. "13 Lord! There are no shortcuts. There are the members of the prayer group to We cannot expect revival when our no easy solutions. The price of revival spend time on their knees alone hearts are more inclined to television is intimate, living, daily fellowship meditating on the dosing scenes of comedians than prayer. We cannot ex- with Jesus. Spending time in His pre- Christ's life. There are six chapters in pect revival when we are more ,in- sence, we shall rejoice to do His will. the Bible especially on the death of our terested in the morning sports page Revival will come! All heaven is Lord: Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Matthew 27, than morning devotions. We cannot ready to do great things in behalf of the Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19. Com- expect revival when our violation of the church that hears God's last call of bine this thoughtful meditation with the message of health reform has mercy to a dying world. "Before the studies from the last 28 chapters of The clogged our brains so that we cannot final visitation of God's judgments Desire of Ages, beginning with the discern the voice of the Spirit. We can- upon the earth there will be among the chapter entitled "The Law of the New not expect revival when our minds are people of the Lord such a revival of Kingdom." filled with thoughts of the spotless primitive godliness as has not been Through a vital connection with the robe of Christ's righteousness. witnessed since apostolic times. The living Christ, you and your church can When church socials with sugar- Spirit and power of God will be poured experience revival. Jesus was the Way laden cakes attract a full house and out upon His children .'14 in 1888. He is the Way today. There is prayer meetings attract two or three When God has a fully dedicated no other. faithful, can we expect a revival? When people, He will pour out unlimited our church board meetings degenerate power. The Spirit will descend. The into power struggles between oppos- latter rain will fall! The loud cry of the ing factions rather than strategy ses- third angel, which began in the revela- 1 Selected Messages, book 1, p. 128. Footnotes in this article refer to the writings of Ellen G. sions for winning the lost to Christ, can tion of Christ, our sin-pardoning White. we expect revival? When our sermons Redeemer, will illuminate the earth 2 Review and Herald, Jan. 25,1887, p. 491. cost little in Bible study and prayer and with the glory of God. '3 Mid., Feb. 15,1887, p. 97. are prepared between phone calls on Reorder your priorities! Nonessen- 4 Ibid., July 12,1887, p. 433. tials can wait. Without further delay, 5 Selected Messages, book 1, p. 121. Friday night, can we expect revival? 6 Ibid., p. 122. We cannot expect revival unless we dedicate a portion of your time each 7 Ibid., p. 123. honestly face the fact that there are in- day to fellowship with Christ. Ask God 8 Ibid., p. 124. consistencies between the church's to reveal attitudes in your life that are 9 /bid., p. 126. preaching and its practices. We cannot not in harmony with His will. Ask the 10 Review and Herald, Sept. 11, 1888, p. 578. 11 Ibid. have revival unless we recognize that Holy Spirit to impress you with 12 Special Testimonies, Series A. No. 9, p. 62. both the Bible and the Spirit of specific areas in which you are violat- 13 Selected Messages, book 1, p.121. ProphecY call for a surrender to the liv- ing His counsel. In genuine repent- 14 The Great Controversy, p 464.

Uriah Smith, long- Stephen N. Haskell time editor of the Re- served as temporary view and Herald, opos- chairman of the Gen- sed Waggoner and era' Conference session Jones at the in 1888 in the absence of Minneapolis ailing president George conference. I. Butler.

10 SOUTHERN ASIA TIDINGS WHAT IS THE 1888 MESSAGE?

C. MERVYN MAXWELL

actually said in Minneapolis in 1888. alarmed by Jones's substitution of the While we do not Attempts to discover transcripts of Alemanni for the Huns in the generally have transcripts of their messages have not yet been suc- accepted list of the 10 horns of Daniel cessful, and claims that such trans- 7:24. As for the righteousness by faith Jones's and cripts have been located have not been emphasis, they couldn't see how it dif- validated. fered from what they all had been Waggoner's talks at The most recent attempt to discover preaching for years. When they heard such documentation was made by my their prophetess repeatedly endorse that fateful session, colleague, Dr. George Knight, an inde- Waggoner and Jones, they wrote home fatigable researcher, for his book From that Sister White had "changed" and we have an 1888 to Apostasy. that the California fellows had duped The custom of transcribing every her. impeccable source address at General Conference session Waggoner is the speaker we are most for the message of was not instituted until 1891. But we do concerned about when we speak of the have transcripts of many of the talks 1888 Message in Minneapolis, for it righteousness by Ellen White delivered at Minneapolis. was in connection with his interpreta- Inasmuch as Providence could have tion of the schoomaster law that he faith they were to overruled to supply transcripts for made the major presentations on right- Waggoner and Jones too, perhaps we eousness by faith on the occasion. deliver. really don't need to know precisely Jones made his principal contributions what they said. to the Adventist understanding of At the editor's friendly insistance, righteousness by faith after the 1888 you and I have been assigned to talk Ellen White's understanding General Conference session was comp- about the "1888 Message," a topic that leted. Incidentally, E. J. Waggoner was a lot of people are talking about this One reason we don't need to know a physician as well as minister, so he year. We're going to take for granted precisely what they said is that we have was referred to at Minneapolis as Dr. that we all use the term to refer to the a copious recording of Ellen White's Waggoner. special righteousness by faith message, perception of it. Like many of her brethren, Ellen whatever it was, that was presented at It was Ellen White who told us that White didn't like everything she heard the 1888 Minneapolis General Confer- 1888 was important. It was she who Dr. Waggoner say. A year earlier she ence session. We're also assuming that said that at Minneapolis God gave "a had written to him expressing God's it refers to the form of that message that most precious message" through His displeasure over his having published we ought to be preaching today. This is servants, "Elders Waggoner and his controversial views on the why the title asks what is rather than Jones. "1 It was she who characterized schoolmaster law in Signs of the Times. what was the 1888 message. the 1888 message as "matchless charms Early on at the Minneapolis meetings Trying to determine the precise of Christ,"2 as "the third angel's mes- she said she didn't see that he was pre- historical content of the 1888 Message sage"3 and even as "the senting any new light—though she ad- is a challenge. We have books and arti- third angel's message in verity."4 It ded that she hadn't made up her mind cles that E. J. Waggoner and A. T. Jones was she who spoke of it as marking the on the matter, that she wasn't prepared wrote just before and after the 1888 beginning of the loud cry.5 to take a position yet.6 Even at the dose Minneapolis meeting, three brief items In contrast to Ellen White, many of of the meetings she said, "Some in- in the General Conference Daily Bulletin the leading brethren who heard the trepretation of scripture given by Dr. reporting on Waggoner's presenta- sermons delivered by Waggoner and Waggoner I do not regret as correct."7 tions, numerous comments by Ellen Jones in Minneapolis were irritated by As for the debate between Waggoner White, and some reminiscences writ- them. They were alarmed by and the brethren about schoolmaster ten years after by persons who where Waggoner's interpretation of the law, she saw both sides as, partly there. But when all is said and done, "schoolmaster law" in Galatians wrongs In fact, she considered the the simple truth is that no one knows 3:24,25 as the moral law. During the whole schoolmaster issue as "mere precisely what Waggoner and Jones presession they had been equally mote. "9 NOVEMBER 1988 11 Nonetheless, it is, highly important God intends. find very helpful, Through Crisis to Vic- in our quest to realize that in between If Adventists today are to have a tory, by A. V. Olson, recently re- the things she didn't like, Ellen White geniune experience in the 1888 Mes- published as Thirteen Crisis Years. The heard something else that she liked sage kind of righteousness by faith, we extant talks. Ellen White presented in very well. As the days went by, her need to know the geniune doctrine. Minneapolis are included in the ap- heart beat ever faster to hear this glori- We've seen that at its core it was righte- pendix of this book and are among our ous other something. "I see the beauty ousness of Christ in connection with best evidence for what she saw as the of truth in the presentafion of the right- the law. And that it was righteousness 1888 Message. eousness of Christ in relation to the law of Christ in the setting of the Having thus saturated ourselves in as the Doctor has placed it before us."zo third angel's message. the Bible and in appropriate Ellen This part of his message, she added White publications, I think we should -"harmonize perfectly with the light Both a legalistic belief that we must compose sermons that meet the criteria which God has been pleased to give me earn salvation, and a superficial belief of the 1888 message. In the space avail- during all the years., of my experi- that our sins are forgiven without true able here I can only make suggestions ence."n She appealed to the ministers repentence and without our offering as to how we meet these criteria. You on the final. Thursdayof the session to forgiveness to our neighbors, will re- Will make additional discoveries as accept this message—which, she said, sult in inadequate experience. When you study. But for what it's worth, let they needed to acceptof "the righte- Jesus made His "gospel presentation," me suggest that any sermon that repre- ousness of Christ in connection with He promised immediate acceptance to sents the 1888 Message would do well the law."u Shortly after the all v4Itto came to Him (John 6). And He to meet these basic criteria- Minneapolis meetings, she said it was promised forgiveness full and free; He 1. It should focus attention firmly and not new light, but rather was"old light didn't promise it, as some people be- permanently on Jesus Christ: placed where it should be in the third lieve, in return for a momentary happy When discussing the 1888 Message angel's message. "13 As she heard it joy- belief in God's kindness. In connection in the classic passage in Testimonies to fully and gratefully , she said, "Every with the Lord's prayer, He said, "If you Ministers, pages 89 through 98, Ellen •fibre of my heart said amen"14 forgive men _their tresspasses, your White said, "This message was to Some other people present also dis- heavenly Father also will forgive you." bring more prominently before the cerned this 1888 Message in spite of the Praise His name! Then He added, "but world the uplifted Saviour, the sac- controversy over the schoolmaster law. if you do not forgive men their trespas- rifice for the sins of the whole Some ministers were so deeply moved ses, neither will your Father forgive world....Many had lost sight of Jesus. to repentance and to new faith in Jesus your trespasses" (Matt. 6:14, 15, RSV). They needed to have their eyes di- that they actually asked to be No legalism here, or flippant grace. rected to His- divine person, His rebaptized. So we must experience the 1888 Mes- merits, and His changeless love for the So what was this underlying some- sage; and in order to do so, we need to human family. "is thing that Ellen White perceived to be know its content. But not necessarily in On the next page she added that so grand, the presentation that we its precise Waggoner-and-Jones "unless he makes it his life business to sometimes call the 1888 Message? We'd details-,God not having seen fit to pre- behold the uplifted Saviour, and by like to preach it too. serve that for us. faith to accept the merits which it is his In From 1888 to Apostasy, George So what shall we do? I think we privilege to claim, the sinner can no Knight has done some fine thinking should do what Knight suggests in his more be saved than Peter could walk and made some helpful comments. He book. (As a matter of fact, we talked it upon the water unless he kept his eyes distinguishes between a doctrine and over while he was writing.) fixed steadily upon Jesus. "16 an experience and suggests that Ellen Inasmuch as the 1888 Message is At the' Minneapolis meeting itself White desired above all was that we something that Ellen White perceived Ellen White preached a beautiful mes- experience righteousness by faith through a process of filtering out what sage based on "Behold what manner of rather than define it minutely. wasn't good and recognizing what love the father hath bestowed upon us" Taking off from there, can we re- harmonized with God's revelation to (1 John 3:1), with her emphasis on the mind ourselves that many doctrines her; and inasmuch as we really have to verb "Behold."17 When summarizing need to be experienced? Sabbath keep- depend on her perception to know the 1888 Message in response to an in- ing and the tithe paying obviously what it really was, I think we should quirer at a camp meeting in 1889, she have dimensions that have to be ex- saturate ourselves in the Bible (of said that it was the same message "I perienced as well as 'defined. Even =the course) and also in the writings of Ellen have been presenting...to you for the doctrine of the Second Coming ought White—especially in the gloriously last 45 years (since 1844) the matchless to affect all our daily decisions, or be- Christ-centered, practical books and charms of Christ." 18 lieving it isn't worth much. articles that she wrote immediately be- From time to time Pauline, my wife, The fact that a doctrine should be fore and during the 1890s. says to me, "Let's talk about the match- experienced implies of course that we . For our purposes just now we'll omit less charms of Christ." It does us good. must arrive at an adequate definition unpublished testimonies and concen- You might like to make a list of His of it, or the experience is not likely to trate instead on the books most of us charms and preach a sermon on every be adequate. For example, people who have in our libraries, Steps to Christ, one of them. Meanwhile we're re- think the Sabbath is Sunday or that it's The Dekire ofAges, Christ's Object Les- minded in Steps to Christ, that "Christ a holiday rather than a holy day aren't sons, and Testimonies to ministers, and in His self denial, Christ in His htunili: likely to experience the day in the way on another book I think we should all ' ation, Christ in His purity and holi- 12 , SOUTHERN ASIA TIDINGS ness, Christ in His matchless loVe— 3. It should be distinctly Adventist. a people who had accepted and this is the subject for the soul's contem- We musn't forget that in the early appropriated the wonderful 1888 plation. It is by loving Him, copying days of our movement third angel's mes• Message. Him, depending wholly upon Hiin, sage implied obedience to the holy Sab- Tragically, however, the decade was that you are to be transformed into His bath, and was characteristically related marked by the need for the constant likeness. "19 to the sanctuary doctrine of the first stream of communications that ulti- 2. It should lead to Christ-centered angel's message and the call to leave mately appeared in Testimonies to confidence in forgiveness and to Christ- Babylon inherent in the second angel's Ministers. These messages reveal to us a centered consistency in obedience to all message. In fact, in the 1888 era, third different picture. You will remember commandments of God, including the angel's message was shorthand for the Testimonies to Ministers as the book that fourth. characteristic system of Seventh-day says that "enfeebled and defective" as The classic passage in Testimonies to Adventist beliefs. the church may be, it is still "the objec- Ministers from which we previously For a jewel to be part of a crown it tive" on earth which He bestows His quoted says also, "The Lord in His must be set firmly into the crown. One supreme regard."25 great mercy sent a most precious mes- aspect Ellen White greatly appreciated Repeatedly in this book, in passages sage to His people through Elders in Waggoner's righteousness of Christ that we can easily associate with the Waggoner and Jones.... It presented emphasis was that it was "placed where 1888 Message,'Ellen White presents the justification through faith in the surety ; it should be in the third angel's mes- sublime beauty of Jesus Christ. In stark it invited the people to receive the sage."23 We noticed this a few minutes contrast appears evidence upon evi- righteousness of Christ, which is made ago, but it seems important enough to dence that leadership, laity, institu- manifest in obedience to all the com- be repeated. tions, conferences, mission fields, and mandments of God."2o Luther's justification by faith was set the church as a whole were desperately The passage further states that "all in his doctrine of the "bondage of the in need of reformation in harmony power is given into His (Christ's) will" and his hostility to the Sabbath. with the sublime beauty of Christ. hands, that He may dispense rich gifts Calvin's justification by faith was set Over and over we get the picture that unto men, imparting the priceless gift in his doctrine of the sovereignty of "not a few, but many had been losing of His own righteousness to the help- God along with predestination and ir- their spiritual zeal and turning away less human agent. This is the message resistible grace. By contrast, the 1888 from the light.26 that God commanded to be given to the Message puts Christ's righteousness in There had been an "astonishing world. It is the third angel's message, the setting of the third angel, which in back-sliding" among God's people. which is to be proclaimed with a loud turn links it to the other two angels of The church was "frigid," its first love voice, and attended with the outpour- Revelation 14:6-12. This means that frozen up.27 ing of His Spirit in a large measure. "n Ellen White perceived it as set firmly in Like the worshipers in Ezekiel 9, A couple of pages later we find, "This the' judgment-hour message of 1844, leaders in Battle Creek (not all of them) is the testimonies that must go and the sanctuary doctrine, and in the had turned their backs to the Lord; like throughout the length and breadth of Sabbath. them, many members also had rejected the world. It presents the law and At Minneapolis she frequently made Christ's leadership and chosen Baal's gospel, binding up the two in a Perfect use of sanctuary theology, as, for ex- instead. Conference presidents were whole."22 ample, on Sabbath, October 20: "now "following in the track of In the 1880s many Adventist sermons Christ is in the . Romanism. "28 stressed obedience at the expense of And what is He doing? Making atone- All told, the situation was so serious assurance. Today, one failure of many ment for us, deansing the sanctuary that Ellen White proclaimed that the sermons on righteousness by faith is from the sins of the people. Then we Lord "has a controversy" with His that they say too little about obedience. must enter by faith into the sanctuary people and will soon "turn and over- They invite sinners to come to a God with Him, we must commence the turn in the institutions called by His who not only accepts them just as they work in the sanctuary of our souls- name. "29 are (thank God for that!), but who after ....Come and humble your hearts in What exactly was going wrong? Here accepting them, has little interest in confession, and by faith grasp the arm is one answer: "If you harbor pride, changing them. This sort of invitation of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary."24 self-esteem, a love for the supremacy, Ellen White could never have called the 4. It should teach us to love one another as vain-glory, unholy ambition, third angel's message. That message well as to love Jesus, and thus also - murmuring, discontent, bitterness, doses with the ringing affirmation, 5. It should call us fearlessly and effectively evil. speaking, lying, deception, "Here are they that keep the command- to repent of our respectable sins. slandering, you have not Christ abid- ments of Gdd, and the faith of Jesus" In many ways the 1890s, the decade ing in your heart, and the evidence (Rev. 14:12). after 1888, was a remarkably good•one shows that you have the mind and the In Minneapolis, Ellen White saw the for Adventists. Our first mission character of Satan....You may have character of Christ revealed in the law; stations for non-Christians were good intensions, good impulses, can conversely, she saw the law of God established, for example, and our speak the truth understanding, but confirmed the cross. Righteousness by annual growth rate -was the second- you are not fit for the kingdom of faith sermons today should draw sin- highest it has been in any decade. heaven. "so ners to accept Christ's power to obey as Preaching well and doing a lot of well as His amazing grace to accept and One would like to assume that such good, while gossiping, complaining, forgive. success attested the blessing of God on doubting God. Misrepresenting NOVEMBER 1988 13 people and making fun of them behind you stop here they will avail nothing. ludes the verse : "...with joy unspeak- their backs. Jockeying for first place. Many like Judas? like Adventist leaders able and full of glory." That sort of thing. Church members in the 1890s? like us today? I will be lost It's been a great blessing to me to try were acting like ordinary Christians while hoping and desiring to be Chris- to think these things through with when they should have been reflecting tians. They do not come to the point of you. May God help us as we all attempt to the world the beauty of Jesus, radiat- yielding the will to God. They do not to preach the 1888 Message this year. ing the holy glory of God's character, now choose to be Christians."32 1 Testimonies to Ministers. p. 91. Footnotes in this article and preparing themselves, by His 7. It should be joyful. refer to the writings of Ellen G.White. grace, to be clean vessels for the latter- "I wish you would educate your 2 Manuscript 5, 1889. rain outpouring of His spirit. hearts and lips to praise Him," said 3 Testimonies to Ministers, p.93. When presenting the righteousness Ellen White at Minneapolis.33 "Rejoice 4 Review and Herald. April 1, 1890. of Christ in the 1888 era, Ellen White evermore," said Paul in Thessalonians 5 Review and Herald. Nov. 22, 1892. earnestly appealed for repentance from 5:16. 6 Manuscript 15, 1888. 26 Ibid.. p.449. sins like these. Evidently our righte- What joy to be accepted by Jesus— 7 Ibid. 27 Ibid., pp. 450,167,168. ousness by faith sermons today must not with a limp handshake, but with 8 Ibid. 28 Ibid.. pp .89,467,468,362. call for repentance from ordinary, arms open wide. What joy to be 9 Manuscript 24, 1888. 29 Ibid.. p.373. nasty respectable sins. We must pre- forgiven—by the mighty Judge Him- 10 Manuscript 15, 1888. 30Ibid.. p.441. sent God as eagerly willing to forgive self. What joy to surrender our lives to 11 Ibid. 31 . p.717. us and as expecting us to fully admit the wisdom of our compassionate Re- 12 Ibid. 32 Steps to Christ, pp.47,48. our nastiness and to forgive others deemer. What joy to forgive others and 13 Manuscript 24, 1888. 33 Manuscript 7, 1888. people for theirs. have every root of bitterness removed. 14 Manuscript 5, 1889. 6. It should guide us into a relationship with What joy to grow into the full stature of 15 Testimonies to Ministers. pp. 91,92. Jesus that results in our making distinct men and women in Christ Jesus. What 16 Ibid. choices. joy to keep the Sabbath in purity and 17 Manuscript 7, 1888. The other day a student stopped after holiness in fellowship with our Lord 18 Manuscript 5,1889, (Italics supplied.) class to remind of what The Desire of and the household of faith. What joy to 19 Pages 70, 71. Ages says about Judas, of all people. It know Jesus whom to know aright is life 20 Testionies to Ministers. pp 91,92. (Italics supplied.) says that Judas wanted to be good and eternal. "Without having seen him you 21 Ibid.. p.92. (Italics supplied.) that he originally sought a relation ship love him; though you do not now see 22 Ibid.. p.94. with Jesus in order to be changed in him you believe in him and rejoice 23 Manuscripts 24,1888. (Italics supplied.) character. with untterable and exalted joy" 24 Manuscripts 8. 1888. Judas "recognized the teaching of (1Peter 1:8, RSV)—or as the KJV conc- 25 Testimonies to Ministers, p. 15. Christ as superior to all that he had-ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire TILL HE COMES to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience his through She worked in the Oriental Watchman connecting himself with Jesus." Jesus Publishing House from 1972 until was very kind to Judas, entrusting him September last year when she underwent a with a commission as an evangelist cardiac surgery. She had a good recovery and showed sign of regaining her full and giving him power to perform strength and returning to work. But on miracles. But neither his relationship Friday, May 27, she took ill and passed with Jesus nor Christ's kindness to him away on May 29. did any good in the long run... Sarojini Jacob now rests in her Lord. Her Why? "Judas did not come to the hope ot the resurrection is what sustains point of surrendering himseii fully to and challenges her husband, her children Christ. He did not give up his worldy (Vara and Helen, Reena and Ravi), mother, ambition or his love of money. While two brothers, and one sister and a host of he accepted the position of a minister relatives and friends. of Christ, he did not bring himself Quiet she was, and quietly she has gone. under the divine molding. He felt that Sarojini Jacob was born on May 2, 1943, Mrs. Queensilies Wallang, mother of he could retain his own judgment and third in family of three brothers and one seven girls, Sandra, Birol, Birdie, Annie, opinions, and he cultivated a disposi- sister in the village of Velakapuri Guntur, Amy, Juanita and Patricia, passed quietly, tion to criticize and accuse."31 Andhra Pradesh. And peacefully passed to after a short illness, to her rest on Whenever I read this page, remem- her rest on May 29,1988. September 9, 1988. Born on December 8, bering that it was written in the 1890s, I She became a Seventh-day Adventist in 1910 in Shillong, a city where girls are counted more precious than boys, the first get the impression that dealing with 1956, and on her birthday the next year mar- ried M. Jacob. Together the couple moved daughter after six sons, she brought a feast h0 own Christian brethren had helped to Salisbury Park, and set up their home. to celebrate her birth and she was named Ellen White understand what the Lord Sarojini Jacob fashioned her home as a place Queen. had revealed to her about poor Judas. for friendship, good cooking, and a little When the Third Angel's Message came to We remember the caution in Steps to temple for the Lord. She served the her in the late 1930's she acepted it with Christ: "Desires for goodness and holi- Salisbury Park church as a deaconess for open arms. Her sister Jwinsilies attended a ness are right as far as they go; but if many years. Bible study conducted by the Burgesses and 14 SOUTHERN ASIA TIDINGS

shared the good news with Mrs. Wallang. Not long after in a dream she saw a missionary lady with a Bible under her arm NOVEMBER 1988 coming to her house to give a Bible study; the next morning Mrs. Marcella Ashlock Volume 83, Number 11 came. Both the sisters recognized the truth from the Bible. It took courage to identify with the Seventh-day Adventists, but SOUTHERN ASIA having found the Pearl of great price, she chose to turn her back on everything that was precious before. Her husband, brothers, uncles, kinsmen and in-laws with one voice condemned her choice. The choice for the truth took her through a path of self-sacrifice and much pain but Editor one filled with victories and rewards. One FIELD DIRECTORY by one she sent her daughters to Assam Training School and then to Spicer College Central India—Post Box 4565, Bombay 400008 and one to Giffard. Memorial Hospital. It President K. J. Moses Secretary G. E. Sharon meant she had to support them morally and Treasurer Robert Skau financially through school alone, as it was Ask the old timers at Spicer Memorial Northern-11 Hadley Road, New Delhi 110001 College, and they would testify that seldom President S. Chand was a college president so loved as Myrl Secretary G. R. Bazliel Treasurer Manley was when he was president of that S. J. Edward prestigious institution, from Northeast India—"Santana", Laitumkhrah, Shillong 1944-46—so loved in fact that boys named President J I. Khonghat their club after him. Or ask the students and Secretary C. Pheirim Treasurer D. K. Baroya staff of , whose president- ship was his final assignment in his nearly South India--Post Box 571, Bangalore 560 005 half-a century of active denominational President J Willmott service, you will receive the same response. Secretary P. Devamony Treasurer P C. Kurien • Compassion was his life-style; courtesy was the secret of his administration; charac- DIVISION ADVISORY COUNCIL ter was the strength of his success. Chairman G. J. Christi, Tall and tender, quiet and unassuming, Secretary R.' D. Riches Dr. Myrl Manley towered over the assign- Assoc. J M. Fowler ments he presided: teacher in Cedar Lake Treasurer J Koilpillai Assoc. Academy in 1935-40, principal of Vincent Sunder Singh Ass't. J Stanley Hill Sri-tool, 1941-45 and 1952-62, president Communication D. S. Poddar of Spicer College, President of Burma Education J M. Fowler her decision against that of her husband to Union, 1946-52, and several leadership pos- Assoc. K. Jesuratnam give them an Adventist education. It was itions elsewhere afterwards, including Ass't M. C. John Health & her sheer delight to inspire her daughters presidentship of Caribean Union College, Temperance R. N. Baird Church Ministries I.. C. Cooper and others to obtain an Adventist education Vice president of and Assoc. P. D. Kujur and to be prepared to foot their school bills Presidentship of Union College. Whatever Assoc. C. C. Nathaniel Ass't. Mrs. Margaret Nathaniel even during the difficult war years. In time he did, he was master builder of men. His Ministerial R. N. Baird she won her husband to Christ. service in Southern Asia is particularly re- Assoc. M M. Ponniah Recently, all the seven daughters spent membered for revitalizing the church in Religious Liberty M. E. Cherian Publishing T. K. Joseph days together here at Salisbury Park and Burma after the ravages of the war and for made her glad. Her sister joined them his commitment to building national ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT AND around her bedside. Among their fond leadership among students of Spicer RELIEF AGENCY memories about this reunion is the evening Memorial College. of August 12 when she recounted the Dr. and Mrs. Manley were missionaries Director K. Bhaskara Rao humorous events of her life and made them in the finest sense of the word, and they DIVISION AUDMNG SERVICE laugh. But the way she faced death with fulfilled their mission with dignity and de- faith and courage is an example for votion. In the passing away of Dr. Manley Director I Nagabhushana Rao everyone of us. Heaven came very near to on August 17, 1988 in California, the church Assoc. V. Christian this mother in Israel. has lost a stalwart. He leaves behind to SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF SDA The Seventh-day Adventist church in mourn his wife Gertrude, other family F-58 Second Avenue, Anna Nagar East, Southern Asia and abroad has been blessed members, and a host of former students and Madras 600102, India by the dedicated service of her children. colleagues in three continents who loved Chairman G. S. Peterson Her wish is that they continue the works of him dearly. At the time of the funeral, Mrs. Secretary-Treasurer Sunder Singh faith that she began. Manley desired that anyone who wishes to Ass't Treasurers Shamgar Prasad Among her loved ones who will fondly honor the departed leader may contibute to D. Jagadeson Melvin C. Prasad remember her are the seven daughters, a fund which could go to two institutions their husbands, 18 grandchildren, 10 great that he loved and served; Spicer and grandchildren, a sister and her daughter, a Caribean Union College. Printed and Published at the Oriental Watchman brother and his family, other relatives and a Publishing House, Salisbury Park, Pune. Manager: P. H. Lap host of friends. JohnM. Fowler

NOVEMBER 1988 15 SPIIRff OF 13,....%,}HECY BC 31(S, BIBLES, HY ,Ti-kir,$ A BIBLE GAMES

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