Vol. 112 Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., U. S. A., March 21, 1935 No. 12 **.• • • •••• g •••• •°.• g •:• gM• g .••• •• •:* + •:* •:. +
•••••••••••••...... ••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••,••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••...... •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • 4 "His Name Shall Be Called • Wonderful" • • Isaiah 9:6
[While in Europe I took the following from our German paper, of Ham- 4 burg, thinking of the REVIEW first page. It is good to see how all Scripture I flashes these lights upon our Saviour, showing "the character He bears, and all I the forms of love He wears."—W. A. S.]
Wonderful Saviour.—"He is able also to save . . . to the uttermost." Heb. 7:25. 4 Wonderful Love.—"Who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Gal. 2:20. Wonderful Grace.—"By grace are ye saved." Eph. 2:8. 4 Wonderful Forgiveness.—"Him hath God exalted . . . to give . . . forgive- ness of sins." Acts 5:31. Wonderful Power.—"The power of an endless life." Heb. 7:16.
••• Wonderful Salvation.—"In whom we have redemption through His blood." 4 Eph. 1:7. Wonderful Peace.—"The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always." •••• 2 Thess. 3:16. I Wonderful Light.—"I am the light of the world." John 8:12. Wonderful Shepherd.—"I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." John 10:11. Wonderful King.—"He is Lord of lords, and King of kings." Rev. 17:14. And His name is Wonderful, the mighty God, the everlasting Prince of Peace; I 0 wondrous, saving Love, that brings my sinful heart release.
—Herold der Wahrheit. • • • •
• :•
I 111. 111•••••••••••••.• Cleanliness of Person and Premises
BY THE EDITOR
THROUGHOUT the Bible the under- no less of His people now, than He did pores, or little mouths, through which the lying principles of cleanliness of per- of ancient Israel. A neglect of cleanli- body breathes, become clogged and filled ness will induce disease. Sickness and with waste matter. The skin needs to be a son and premises are emphasized in premature death do not come without carefully and thoroughly cleansed, that the instruction God gave to Israel of cause. Stubborn fevers and violent dis- the pores may do their work in freeing the old. There are found many faithful eases have prevailed in neighborhoods body from impurities; therefore feeble admonitions regarding the preserva- and towns that had formerly been con- persons who are diseased surely need the tion of health. Undoubtedly some of sidered healthy, and some persons have advantages and blessings of bathing as died, while others have been left with often as twice a week, and frequently our modern laws of sanitation and broken constitutions, to be crippled with even more than this is positively, neces- quarantine hark back to the health disease for life. In many instances their sary. regulations which were enjoined upon own yards contained the agent of destruc- "Whether a person is sick or well, res- Israel of old. One who had become tion, which sent forth deadly poison into piration is more free and easy if bathing the atmosphere, to be inhaled by the fam- unclean from various reasons was re- is practiced. By it, the muscles become ily and the neighborhood."—"Counsels on more flexible, the mind and body are alike quired to wash his clothes. Contam- Health," p. 63. invigorated, the intellect is made brighter, ination from other sources required Scrupulous Sanitation and every faculty becomes livelier. The that one should isolate himself from bath is a soother of the nerves. It pro- "A great amount of suffering might be motes general perspiration, quickens the the camp for the day, remaining un- saved if all would labor to prevent dis- clean until evening. And in the case circulation, overcomes obstructions in the ease, by strictly obeying the laws of system, and acts beneficially on the kid- of some of the more serious diseases, health. Strict habits of cleanliness should neys and urinary organs. Bathing helps the cleansing process required the be observed. Many, while well, will not the bowels, stomach, and liver, giving en- take the trouble to keep in a healthy con- ergy and new life to each. It also pro- burning of clothing, and even of the dition. They neglect personal cleanliness, home in which the afflicted one lived. motes digestion, and instead of the sys- and are not careful to keep their clothing tem being weakened, it is strengthened. (Read Leviticus 13 :39-59.) pure. Impurities are constantly and im- During Israel's wilderness wander- perceptibly passing from the body, "Instead of increasing the liability to cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies ing the strictest regard was paid to through the pores, and if the surface of the skin is not kept in a healthy condi- against cold, because the circulation is cleanliness: No refuse was allowed tion, the system is burdened with impure improved, and the uterine organs, which to remain in the encampment. The matter. are more or less congested, are relieved; reason for this was: "The Lord thy "If the clothing worn is not often for the blood is brought to the surface, washed and frequently aired, it becomes and a more easy and regular flow of the God walketh in the midst of thy blood through all the blood vessels is camp, to deliver thee, and to give up filthy with impurities which are thrown off from the body by sensible and insen- obtained."—"Testimonies," Vol. III, pp. thine enemies before thee ; therefore sible perspiration. And if the garments 70, 71. shall thy camp be holy." Deut. 23: worn are not frequently cleansed from An Outward Sign of Purity Within 14. Before the Lord descended upon these impurities, the pores of the skin a "Believers should be taught that even Mt. Sinai and spake with His own absorb again the waste matter thrown off. The impurities of the body, if not though they may be poor, they need not voice His law of ten commandments, allowed to escape, are taken back into the be uncleanly or untidy in their persons or the hosts of Israel were required to blood, and forced upon the internal in their homes. Help must be given in wash their clothes and cleanse the organs. this line to those who seem to have no "Nature, to relieve herself of poison- sense of the meaning and importance of camp from all impurity. Ex. 19:10. cleanliness. They are to be taught that This principle of cleanliness is em- ous impurities, makes an effort to free the system. This effort produces fevers,, and those who are to represent the high and phasized in the New Testament Scrip- what is termed disease. But even then, holy God must keep their souls pure and tures. The believers are exhorted by if those who are afflicted would assist na- clean, and that this purity must extend the apostle: "Dearly beloved, let us ture in her efforts, by the use of pure, to their dress, and to everything in the home, so that the ministering angels will cleanse ourselves from all filthiness soft water, much suffering would be pre- vented. But many, instead of doing this, have evidence that the truth has wrought of the flesh and spirit, perfecting and seeking to remove the poisonous a change in the life, purifying the soul holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cur. matter from the system, take a more and refining the tastes. Those who, after 7:1. deadly poison into the system, to remove receiving the truth, make no change in a The old proverb that cleanliness is a poison already there. word or deportment, in dress or sur- roundings, are living to themselves, not next to godliness has in it much of "If every family realized the beneficial results of thorough cleanliness, they to Christ. They have riot been created truth. It is remarkable to see the would make special efforts to remove anew in Christ Jesus, unto purification manner in which the gospel brings to every impurity from their persons, and and holiness. the believer reformation in the phys- from their houses, and would extend their "Some are very untidy in person. ical habits, as well as a change of efforts to their premises. Many suffer They. need to be guided by the Holy decayed vegetable matter to remain about Spirit to prepare for a pure and holy heart. This is true because as soon their premises. They are not awake to heaven. God declared that when the as one recognizes that his body is the the influence of these things. There is children of Israel came to the mount, to temple of the Holy Spirit, he will constantly arising from these decaying hear the proclamation of the law, they endeavor to make his body a fit dwell- substances an effluvium that is poisoning were to come with clean bodies and clean ing place for the new life which has the air. By inhaling the impure air, the clothes. Today His people are to honor blood is poisoned, the lungs become af- Him by habits of scrupulous neatness and taken possession of his entire being: fected, and the whole system is diseased. purity. He will pray, as did the apostle, that Disease of almost every description will "Christians will be judged by the fruit his "whole spirit and soul and body" be caused by inhaling the atmosphere they bear. The true child of God will be may be sanctified wholly and "pre- affected by these decaying substances."— neat and clean. While we are to guard Id., pp. 61, 62. served blameless unto the coming of against needless adornment and display, we are in no case to be careless and indif- our Lord Jesus Christ." Frequent Bathing ferent in regard to outward appearance. In the special instruction that has "Persons in health should on no ac- All about our persons and our homes is to come to the church of today, clean- count neglect bathing. They should by be neat and attractive. The youth are to liness of person and premises is all means bathe as often as twice a week. be taught the importance of presenting strongly emphasized. Those who are not in health have impuri- an appearance above criticism, an ap- ties of the blood, and the skin is not in pearance that honors God and the truth." "In regard to cleanliness, God requires a healthy condition. The multitude of —"Counsels on Health," pp. 101, 102...... 111111111 ...... VIII lllll 111 llllllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllllllllllllllllllllllll yillllllll 1.1.1.1.1111 llllllll OUllllrt 111111.1111114111.111111i111111.11111111 lllllll 111111 llllllll 01111111111111 lllllll lif lllllllll 111111111,1111111111,111011 llllll .1 lllllllllllllllllll
/di 1 I I II HMO llllllllll Illfttffftfffffff(IffiffferfOlflaftlftWIIIIISFII01.10111,,,,IN*40 S..11.11111 llllllllll .1111111 lllll Vol. 112, No. 12 Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., U. S. A., March 21, 1935 One Year, $2.50
Published by the Seventh-day Adventists. Printed every Thursday by the Review and Herald Publishing Association, at Takoma Park, Washington, 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, 18'19.
come deep-seated and deplorable; but, Christianity Still Lives thank God, these conditions do not be- come hopeless, for the living Christ is BY G. W. WELLS still leading His people. The church and Christianity can- Two generations ago a Christian pletely fulfills and meets the need in not die nor fail; for the Lord and boy went to hear a noted infidel lec- the life of every surrendered heart; Master solicited from His Father the ture. After he had listened awhile it alone answers the universal longing highest of all gifts, the Holy Spirit, to the bitter words and saw the blows of a believing soul. Christianity and He has come, not only for the that were struck by his fierce fist, leads to the loftiest ideals of holy and exaltation of God's people, but to im- Mailed with destructive unbelief and joyful living. It lifts the soul far part divine power to all who believe burning criticism, the boy hurried above the weak and beggarly elements and accept Christianity. The Holy home and buried his face in his moth- of earth into the very atmosphere Spirit is making effectual in the lives er's lap and sobbed out the words, of Christian perfection. of true Christians that which has been "Mother, Christianity is dead. It is The man who has truly accepted wrought out and made possible by dead !" The God-fearing mother with Christianity can, with abiding faith the world's Redeemer. reassuring faith and tender words and strong confidence, turn from the The Holy Spirit is now imparting told the frightened lad that Chris- dreary desolations of heartless infi- capabilities and rich blessings to the tianity was not dead. delity, vain conceits, human philoso- church, that she may represent the No, Christianity is not dead, phy, and science falsely so called, to sufficiency of her Lord and eventu- neither is it dying, Christ is the cen- the ever-living Son of God, and joy- ally, through the grace of God, ap- ter of Christianity; He is the risen fully exclaim with Peter, "Lord, to pear in full and final display of His Saviour, and still lives. Christianity whom shall we go ? Thou hast the glory. And all this is "to the intent is not just a creed, a mere theory words of eternal life." John 6:68. that . . . unto the principalities and about what Christ said or taught or That same Christ still lives. He ever powers in heavenly places might be did or had. It is a life in harmony lives; therefore Christianity lives. known by the church the manifold with the life of God. In Scriptural Neither Christianity nor the Chris- wisdom of God, according to the eter- language it is "Christ in you, the tian church can fail; for God is or- nal purpose which He purposed in hope of glory." Col. 1:27. There- ganizing and developing the supreme Christ Jesus our Lord." Eph. 3:10, fore it is an ever-living force, a business of carrying the glorious gos- 11. Therefore Christianity is not divine active power, a heavenly in- pel of Christ to all nations. The dead, and cannot fail. Through end- fluence that takes possession of the clouds overhanging the church and less ages the redeemed of all nations g whole man. It vitalizes, spiritualizes, the work of the church may at times shall walk in the light of the Lord, animates, and transforms the entire grow dark and ominous, the social and rejoice, and praise Him for the being, and through its blessed, living, perils may wax thick, the enemies unspeakable pleasures and eternal heavenly power it so elevates, en- without may sometimes seem defiant joys brought to them through the nobles, and lifts the human soul, that and aggressive, the apathy within be- Christ and Christianity. the man of faith grows continually in Christian experience and holy living. Christianity is not dead, neither &etches and Memories of James and can it fail; for the character, honor, and glory, and the blessed name and Ellen G. White promise of the infinite God are at 8take. Not until the stars outshine IV. Meeting Fanaticism
the sun, the rivers no longer to the BY WILLIAM C WHITE ocean run, the everlasting verities fail, and the pillars of the universe Gon did not forget His people who Nor did the enemy of souls fail to crumble ; not until the bounds of were bewildered and dazed by their work with extraordinary cunning, to 111 eternity are reached, and there ceases great disappointment in the autumn bring in among these same people to be a Creator and a creation, will of 1844. Through the manifestation heresies and counterfeit supernatural Christianity fail. of the prophetic gift, He sent from manifestations, seeking to lead men to Christianity will never fail, neither heaven messages of encouragement adopt strained and erratic interpre- will, the honest and true grow weary and' guidance to direct their minds tations of Scripture. of its divine influence and blessed, into the, fuller light, as they dili- It should not cause surprise that uplifting power; for it alone com- gently studied His word. vliCnever God gives a Special Mani- 4 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD March 21, 1935 festation of His power, Satan's strat- which had been so bitter to them, they " 'If man was made to walk erect, egy is exercised to introduce a closely saw that God had indeed led them, and The serpent made to crawl, they rejoiced in the truth. This awak- Why imitate the odious thing associated counterfeit manifestation. ened the most bitter opposition on the That introduced the fall?'" In this way he is able to deceive some, part of those who denied our past ex- —D. F. 733. and to cause many others to look with perience. The "No-Work Doctrine" "But we had a still worse element to disfavor upon the true revelation of A misguided and deluded man liv- God's wisdom and power. meet in a class who claimed that they were sanctified, that they could not sin, ing in Paris, Maine, was teaching that Among the disappointed Advent- that they were sealed and holy, and that the saints, while waiting for their ists, there was a fruitful field for fa- all their impressions and notions were the Lord, were to do no physical labor, mind of God. Conscientious souls were naticism. Especially was this true and he had a following in a number of those who still believed that God deceived by the pretended piety of these fanatics. Satan had worked artfully to of places. Of course, those who sought had been leading them, though they have these deluded ones accept the Sab- to live in harmony with this theory could not understand their disap- bath, as through their influence, while had to eat, and were satisfied to par- pointment. They were disorganized professing to believe one part of the take of the bounties of those who and without leadership. They could truth, he could crowd upon the people a earned their food by hard work, while not go back to the churches from great many errors. He could also use them to good advantage to disgust unbe- at the same time they condemned which they had separated or had been lievers, who pointed to these inconsistent, their hosts as reprobates. Of this a disfellowshiped. Under these circum- unreasonable ones as representatives of First Day Adventist historian says : stances it was not strange that, in Seventh-day Adventists. their confusion and bewilderment, "This class urged upon the people hu- "The sisterhood were compassionated man tests and manufactured crosses, who were obliged to perform extra labor some should fall an easy prey to the which Christ had not given them to bear. to care for them, which they endured, as wiles of the enemy. They claimed to heal the sick and to work only faithful woman can, with more than Yet it was from this class of loyal miracles. They had a satanic, bewitching Christian patience and fortitude; until Adventists, those who maintained power; yet they were overbearing, dicta- some of them concluded if it was sinful to work they would prepare no more food faith in God's leading in their past torial, and cruelly oppressive. The Lard used us as instruments to rebuke these for the table; and bringing this theory experience, that the future message, fanatics, and to open the eyes of His to a practical result, they soon defeated based upon that experience, must be faithful people to the true character of the theorists and worked a cure in some developed and was to gather strength their work. cases."—"History of the Second Advent for the onward progress of truth. "Peace and joy came into the hearts of Message," by I. C. -Wellcome, p. 400. Their confidence in the correctness of those who broke away from this deception In vision Miss Harmon was di- of Satan, and they glorified God as they rected to attend a meeting in Paris, the time element of their exposition saw His unerring wisdom in setting be- of the prophetic period was an es- fore them the light of truth and its pre- Maine, where the leader in this,,no- sential factor in their reception of the cious fruits in contrast with satanic here- work fanaticism was intending to further light concerning the sanc- sies and delusions. The truth shone in present his theories. There, while contrast with these deceptions, like clear praying, she was taken off in vision, tuary; and the light on the sanctuary gold amid the rubbish of earth"—Review was the "key to unlock the disap- and Herald, Nov. .20, 1883. and was given a Scriptural basis for refuting the errors of this man. She pointment." They were the "scat- A False Humility tered flock" for whom Ellen Harmon • was also shown that it would be seen Varied were the strange and by the honest in heart that he was was first bidden to search, and to strained interpretations given to cer- whom she was directed to give the not actuated by a right spirit, and tain Scriptures by fanatical teachers Heaven-sent messages that she bore. that his career would soon close. at that time.* Indeed, they were the only ones in a This prediction was fulfilled. He Some gave a literal interpretation position to receive them. continued to follow his impressions to the words of Christ recorded in until his mind became seriously de- False Sanctification Matthew 18 :1-6. In order to "become ranged and he committed suicide. In nearly every place where she la- as little children," they argued that bored, during those early years, she they should demonstrate their humil- The Resurrection Past encountered opposition from fanat- ity by creeping like infants. They Like Hymenmus and Philetus who ical teachers. Some of them, while practiced this, not only in their in Paul's day overthrew the faith of professing and advocating holiness homes, but in the streets, and even in some by saying "that the resurrec- and sanctification, were themselves the church where they met for wor- tion is past already," there were some secretly living in gross sin. As the ship. Ellen Harmon stood in oppo- in Maine who urged that the dead hidden corruption of their lives was sition to this. She relates the fol- had been raised at the end of the revealed to Miss Harmon in vision, lowing incident : 2300-day period. Of one experience she unflinchingly met them face to "An old gentleman who had heard me in meeting this false teaching, Miss face, and rebuked them for their fa- speak, made a request for an interview Harmon later wrote: naticism and their hypocrisy. with me. During our talk he said, 'Miss `'We met Elder D. and many others in Of the method of her labor in these Harmon, do you advocate the creeping meeting, and bore our testimony, that they early years of her public work and position?' I said, 'No, I do not. I have were in error and delusion in believing plainly stated that this action is a dis- that the dead had been raised. I told the fanaticism that was encountered, liquor to God. A Christian reveals true them that God had shown me that Satan Mrs. White has written : humility by showing the gentleness of had been introducing fanatical errors, "The disappointment in 1844 had con- Christ, by being always ready to help that he might deceive and destroy their • fused the minds of many, and they would others, by speaking kind words, and per- souls. When Christ should raise the not listen to any explanation of the mat- forming unselfish acts, which elevate and dead, there would be no small stir. He ter. They were impatient and unbeliev- ennoble the most sacred message that has would ride forth with power and great ing, and many seemed rebellious, coming come to our world' glory, escorted by the heavenly angels, out in a most decided manner against "During this interview, a sister whom with songs of triumph and victory."— their past advent experience. Others I loved as a Christian came into the room Letter 2, 1874. on her knees. Said the old gentleman in dared not go to this length, and deny the While she was quoting the familiar way the Lord had led them. These were clear, distinct tones: glad to hear arguments from the word` of words in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, God which would harmonize our position * The incidents related in this chapter oc- Elder D. rose, began to leap up and curred in the year 1845, but owing to lack of with prophetic history. As they listened dates in the original sources, we cannot deter- down, clapping his hands and crying to an explanation of the disappointment mine their exact date or sequence. out: Vol. 112, No. 12 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH. HERALD 5
" 'The dead are raised and gone up; their errors. They were severe upon all would like to hear Miss Harmon in glory to God! glory, glory, Tory, halle- who did not believe with them."—Page 75. Boston. They agreed to make an ap- lujah!' Others followed his example. These men positively asserted that Elder D. said, 'Don't be tried, Brother pointment for her to speak to the White, I cannot sit still. The spirit and Ellen Harmon's visions were of the company there at their next meeting. power of the resurrection is stirring my devil, and that they were produced After they drove away, they art- very soul. The dead are raised, the dead through the mesmeric influence of fully undertook to frustrate the plans Pare raised, and gone up, gone up!' "— James White, and that they could not agreed upon. They proceeded to Ibid. occur in his absence. cancel the appointment for the meet- Through the influence of the clear Mr. Otis Nichols, a resident of Dor- ing in Boston, and arranged for the and powerful testimony borne by chester, Massachusetts, had become a company there to meet at Randolph, rational leaders, some were freed firm believer in Ellen Harmon's di- thirteen miles distant. from this delusion, but many of those vine call, having witnessed the sanc- But their attempt to deceive was who had accepted this doctrine clung tifying influence of her testimony, as thwarted. On the evening previous tenaciously to their errors, and re- he with his godly wife had taken her to the appointment, Ellen Harmon jected the counsel of God. They went and her sister from place to place to was shown in vision what these men farther and farther into delusion and meet with companies of believers. had done, and was directed to go to darkness, bringing a stain upon those He was distressed to see this attempt Randolph. The next day she arrived who still bore the name of Adventists. by false reports to destroy confidence with her friends at the morning serv- Mesmeric Influences in the Heaven-sent messages. ice, much to the discomfiture of those At this time the strange phenomena He visited Portland, and proposed who had expected her to go to Boston connected with mesmerism were that James White remain there, while and find an empty house. awakening much public interest. A Ellen and her sister Sarah should re- Between the morning and after- number of those who had been teach- turn with him to Massachusetts to noon meetings, Mr. Robbins confi- ers in the great movement of 1844, visit the companies near Boston who dently asserted to Sarah Harmon had been told that she was wholly and who were now confused and fa- that her sister could not have a vi- under the influence of Mr. White. natical, practiced mesmerism, and sion where he was. But in the after- called it the Spirit of God. Ellen He hoped that this would convince noon meeting, she was taken off in Harmon was sent from place to place the honest in heart that they had been vision before them all, and continued with a message pointing out their deceived by the reports of their fa- in that condition for more than two natical leaders. The proposed plan errors and the true character of this hours. During this time the fanat- influence. was promptly accepted, and Sarah ical leaders tried to drown her voice and Ellen Harmon were soon at the Then the fanatical leaders whom by singing and shouting and reading home of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. she had reproved asserted that her loudly from the Bible. Nevertheless, A few days after their arrival, two visions were the result of mesmerism. her voice was clearly heard above the leaders of the company of Advent- They followed her from place to singing and shouting. ists in Boston and vicinity, Messrs. place, and by false statements turned As an eyewitness, Otis Nichols a Sargent and Robbins, drove in and the hearts of many against her wrote thus of this experience: told Mr. Nichols that they had come teachings. "Sister Ellen was taken off in vision to have a visit, and that they would In her little book, "Experience and with extraordinary manifestations, and spend the night at his home. Views," she says: continued talking in vision with a clear Mr. Nichols expressed his pleasure voice, which could be distinctly under- "There was in Boston and vicinity a to see them because he wanted them stood by all present until about sundown. company of fanatical persons, who held Sargent, Robbins, and French were much that it was a sin to labor. Their princi- to meet Sarah and Ellen Harmon, exasperated, as well as excited, to hear pal message was, 'Sell that ye have, and who were in the home. Suddenly Sister Ellen talk in vision, which they give alms.' They said they were in the Messrs. Sargent and Robbins changed declared was of the devil; they exhausted jubilee, the land should rest, and the poor their minds regarding a visit with all their influence and bodily strength to must be supported without labor. Sar- Mr. Nichols, and said that they must destroy the effect of the vision. They gent, Robbins, and some others were lead- would unite in singing very loud, and ers. They denounced my visions as being at once return to Boston. then alternately would talk and read of the devil, because I had been shown Mr. Nichols asked them if they from the Bible in a loud voice, in order that Ellen might not be heard, until their strength was exhausted, and their hands- would shake so they could not read from The First Sabbath the Bible; but amid all this confusion and noise, Ellen's clear and shrill voice, as she talked in vision, was distinctly BY MAY COLE KUHN heard by all present. The opposition of EMERGING from the hand of the Creator these men continued as long as they could In perfect symmetry, the earth rolled forth. talk and sing, notwithstanding some of Its oceans mirrored skies of deep, clear blue; their own friends rebuked them, and re- Its mountains, smooth and undulating, shone quested them to stop. But said Robbins, With precious jewels, and with rocks of gold; `You are bowed to an idol! you are wor- Rich forests shaded flower-besprinkled paths shiping a golden calf.' Where lions lay in quietness and peace. "Mr. Thayer, the owner of the house, Birds sang and warbled in the sweet, still air, was not fully satisfied that her vision was And man walked by life's river and life's tree. of the devil, as Robbins declared it to be. He wanted it tested in some way. He 'Twas Sabbath eve; God rested from His labor; had heard that visions of satanic power The stars shone forth in brightness like the day. were arrested by opening the Bible and I The mighty God communed with His created, laying it on the person in vision, and And showed them all His works which He had made; asked Sargent if he would test it in that Man walked and talked with Christ there in the garden, way, which he declined to do. Then Mr. Through the sweet hours that passed from eve to eve. Thayer took a heavy, large quarto fam- A chorus from the angels joined in worship, ily Bible which was lying on the table And all the sons of God sang the refrain, and seldom used, opened it, and laid it A song of joy, a hymn of glorious meaning, open upon the breast of Ellen while in And God with man kept the first Sabbath day. vision, as she was then inclined backward 6 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD March 21, 1935 against the wall in the corner of the month, 1845. That Christ would then prayer for light. Their object, and room. come we firmly believed. A few days be- the truth regarding their place in "Immediately after the Bible was laid fore the time passed, I was at Fairhaven, the early advent history, were well upon her, she arose upon her feet and and Dartmouth, Massachusetts, with a walked into the middle of the room, with message on this point of time. At this stated by James White as follows the Bible open in one hand, and lifted up time, Ellen was with the band at Carver, "The revival of any or of all the gifts as high as she could reach, and with her Massachusetts, where she saw in vision will never supersede the necessity of411 eyes steadily looking upward, declared in that we should be disappointed, and that searching the word to learn the truth. a solemn manner, 'The inspired testimony the saints must pass through the 'time of . . . It is not God's plan to lead out His from God,' or words of the same import. Jacob's trouble,' which was future. Her people into the broad field of truth by And then, while the Bible was extended view of Jacob's trouble was entirely new the gifts. But after His people have in one hand, and her eyes looking up- to us, as well as herself."—"A Word to searched the word, if then individuals err ward, and not on the Bible, she continued the Little Flock," p. 22. from Bible truth, or through strife urge for a long time to turn over the leaves Thus, through the prophetic gift, erroneous views upon the honest seekers with her other hand, and place her finger not only was the advanced light con- for truth, then is God's opportunity to upon certain passages, and correctly utter correct them by the gifts. This is in har- their words with a solemn voice. firmed, but errors were corrected. mony with our entire experience on this "Many present looked at the passages The divine revelations were not given subject."—Review and Herald, Feb. 28, where her finger was pointed, to see if she as a substitute for Bible study and 1856. spoke them correctly, for her eyes at the same time were looking upward. Some of the passages referred to were judg- ments against the wicked and blasphem- Oat of the Cities ers; and others were admonitions and instructions relative to our present condi- tion."—"The Great Second Advent Move- BY W. W. EASTMAN ment," pp. 242, 243. Sargent, Robbins, and French were SOME one has said, "God made the them to dwell together, Abram sug-111 silenced. For the remainder of the country, and man made the town." gested a separation rather than strife, time of the meeting, they with many No doubt there is much truth in this and Lot was given first choice as to others seemed to be troubled and per- statement, for we read of the eldest which part of the country he should plexed. But they shut their eyes to son of Adam, "Cain went out from dwell in. the truth, and clung to their delu- the presence of the Lord; . . . and Self-interest led Lot to choose the sions. he builded a city, and called the rich plain of Jordan, which he con- A Providential Preservation name of the city, after the name of sidered the most promising; "and Lot Surrounded as she was by these his son, Enoch." Gen. 4 :16, 17. It dwelled in the cities of the plain, and and other fanatical teachings, it is in- was the descendants of Cain that pitched his tent toward Sodom." deed an indication of God's guidance came to be spoken of as the sons of Gen. 13 :12. that Ellen Harmon was kept from men. Gen. 6 :2. The record that follows tells of the yielding to false influences. In re- After the flood, Nimrod, the great- sad ending of it all,—the wickedness a viewing this period of her life, she grandson of Noah and the grandson of Sodom, the hurried call to get out, 11. wrote : of Ham, the evil-minded son of Noah, the destruction of the City, and the in founding his kingdom, seemed to loss of all Lot's property and family "The false impressions of these fanat- ics might have turned me from my duty, specialize in city building, including except two daughters, who were so had not the Lord previously shown me such cities as Babel and Nineveh. corrupted by the influences of city where to go and what to do. Although so Gen. 10 :6-11. life that they became the mothers of young and inexperienced, I was preserved Later as the population increased, two wicked nations, the Moabites and from falling into the snare of the enemy, through the mercy of God, in giving me men said one to another, "Let us build the Amorites, who were a menace to special instructions whom to fear and us a city and a tower; . . . and let the people of God till they were whom to trust. Had it not been for this us make us a name, lest we be scat- finally destroyed with the other protection, I now see many times when tered abroad upon the face of the wicked nations of Canaan. I might have been led from the path of whole earth." Gen. 11:3, 4. And the Jesus drew the comparison : "Like- duty. . . record says "the Lord came down to wise also as it was in the days of Lot; "I had been instructed that men would I come to me urging that I should go with see the city and the tower" that men . . . even thus shall it be in the day them to this place and that place, but built, and confounded their language when the Son of man is revealed." that I was not to go. At the same time and "scattered them abroad from Luke 17 :28-30. it was presented to me that I could trust Elder James White, that he would guard thence upon the• face of all the earth." During the last of the seven last me, and that with him I would be in no And the city was called Babel (or plagues, special mention is made of danger."—D. F. 733. Babylon), which means confusion. the destruction of the "cities of the A Message Against Time Setting (See Gen. 11 :1-9.) It is therefore nations," in connection with the While Ellen Harmon thus faith- evident that God's plan was that men wrath that is to be poured out upon fully rebuked hypocrisy and false should scatter out; but men are in- great Babylon. Rev. 16 :19. teaching, it must have been a source clined to build cities and centralize In "Testimonies for the Church," of courage to be supported by the in congested centers. Volume IX, page 89, we read: energy and strength of James White. When the Lord chose Abram as "There is coming rapidly and And she, in turn, with her divine rev- his representative in the earth, He surely an almost universal guilt upon elations, was able to steady him in called him from his father's house the inhabitants of the cities, because his search for truth. Thus, when he, and his kindred, promising to bless of the steady increase of determined with others, was advocating that him and make him a blessing. And wickedness. We are living in the Christ would come exactly one year "Abram departed, as the Lord had midst of an 'epidemic of crime,' at after the great disappointment, on spoken unto him; and Lot went with which thoughtful, God-fearing men October 22, 1845, he was corrected by him." Gen. 12:4. everywhere stand aghast. The cor- her shortly before that time. James When, under the prospering hand ruption that prevails, is beyond the White wrote of this experience: and special protection of the Lord, power of the human pen to describe. "It is well known that many were ex- their herds and flocks became so mul- Every day brings fresh revelations of pecting the Lord to come at the seventh tiplied that there was not room for political strife, bribery, and fraud; Vol. 112, No. 12 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD 7
every day brings its heartsiekening in the cities while probation lasts, but food and other necessities of life dur- record of violence and lawlessness, of this should not deter others, who can ing the so-called depression, and have indifference to human suffering; of and should move, from doing so. been comparatively free from the brutal, fiendish destruction of human Ten years ago the writer with his perplexities that have come to many life. Every day testifies to the in- family moved into the country on a who are living in the cities. In other , crease of insanity, murder, and sui- small acreage of land, and we have words, we have had fulfilled to us all k cide. The cities of today are fast thanked God many times for His the promises God has made to those becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah." guidance in the matter. We have who would follow His counsel in the This description of conditions in been provided with an abundance of matter. the cities has, if possible, been greatly intensified since it was written, twen- ty-six years ago. While it is true `Borderline Christians that these conditions have more or less spread into the rural districts, BY A. T. ROBINSON yet the country still offers a com- paratively safe asylum from city "Ha that is not with Me is against A Royal Name conditions to those who desire to sep- Me; and he that gathereth not with "It was in Antioch that the disci- arate themselves from them. Me scattereth abroad." Matt. 12:30. ples were first called Christians. The Much valuable instruction is given In the light of this passage there name was given them because Christ on this question in "Life Sketches of is no middle ground between the was the main theme of their preach- Ellen G. White," in the chapter enti- church and the world, between Christ ing, their teaching, and their conver- tled, "The San Francisco Earth- and Satan. Satan makes it easy for sation. . . . Well might the heathen I quake." On pages 409 and 410 of his followers. He does not object to call them Christians, since they this book is reported a portion of an his followers' being members of the preached Christ, and addressed their address to the Southern California church, provided they are not too prayers to God through Him. It was Conference in 1906: particular, do not draw the line too God who gave to them the name of " 'Out of the cities, out of the cit- closely between the church and the Christian. This is a royal name, ies I' she declared ; 'this is the message world. When his agent, Pharaoh, given to all who join themselves to the Lord has been giving me. The felt obliged, under pressure, to let Christ."—"The Acts of the Apos- earthquakes will come ; the floods will God's people go out of Egypt, it was tles," p. 157. come; and we are not to establish with the proviso, "Only ye shall not One of the ten words spoken from ourselves in the wicked cities, where go very far away." "I will let you go, Mt. Sinai is, "Thou shalt not take the enemy is served in every way, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your the name of the Lord thy God in and where God is so often forgotten. God in the wilderness; only ye shall vain." When we leave the family of . . . We must make wise plans to not go very far away." Ex. 8:28. Satan, into which we were born, and I warn the cities, and at the same time Satan's Whispered Suggestions become members of the heavenly fam- live where we can shield our children ily, the Lord gives us the new family and ourselves from the contaminating When Sataxi can no longer hold his subjects wholly for the world, he name. One of the characteristics of and demoralizing influences so preva- Seventh-day Adventists is their pro- lent in these places.' " whispers his suggestions: "Do not be too particular. Do not go to ex- fession of keeping the command- " 'He who taught Adam and Eve in tremes. While playing fair with oth- ments of God. How careful we ought Eden how to tend the garden, would ers, it is all right to get the best end to be in the observance of that pre- instruct men today. There is wisdom of the bargain if you can. If you cept which says, "Thou shalt not take for him who holds the plow, and are selling fruit or vegetables to your the name of the Lord thy God in plants and sows the seed. The earth customer, it is all right to put the vain." How sacredly we should has its concealed treasures, and the best things on the top. You know guard the honor of the name of our Lord would have thousands and tens others do so ; and if you do not look Father and of our Elder Brother. of thousands working upon the soil I out for yourself, no one will look out "The disciples were to carry their who are crowded into the cities to for you. 'All work and no play work forward in Christ's name. watch for a chance to earn a trifle. makes Jack a dull boy;' other Chris- Their every word and act was to fas- . • . Those who will take their fam- tians attend the races, the ball games, ten attention on His name. . . . ilies into the country, place them the movies, and other places of Christ's name was to be their watch- where they have fewer temptations.' " amusement. If it is all right for them, word, their badge of distinction, their —Id., 355, 356. why should you deny yourself such bond of union, the authority for their Much other instruction is given pleasures? The theater is not so bad course of action, and the source of elsewhere from the pen of the Lord's as some people think it is," says the their success. Nothing was to be rec- servant, which our people should tempter, "you can take what is good ognized in His kingdom that did not study at this time, but space forbids and forget anything that savors of bear His name and superscription." further quotations. the low." Through this liberal pol- —Id., p. 28. The writer does not advocate any icy, Satan's followers become far An effort to be partly for Christ spasmodic or fanatical movement more numerous than the true follow- and partly for the world, is to be from the cities, but it is plainly evi- ers of the meek and lowly Jesus. wholly for the world. The Lord does dent that the time has fully arrived The Lord's invitation is, "My son, not accept anything less than the when our people should not only give give Me thine heart." When the whole heart's affection. Only Satan, I careful and prayerful study to the heart is fully surrendered to Jesus, accepts halfhearted service. How sad matter, but should, after due counsel, one loses the desire for those things to think that there are some border- make early plans to act on the in- that are of a questionable nature. line Seventh-day Adventists. Thank struction given us. One learns not only to love righteous- the Lord, there is still time for every It is true that some who occupy ness, but also to hate iniquity. The one to make a full surrender before key positions may find it necessary, Lord accepts only wholehearted serv- Jesus comes to gather His own chil- in the interest of the work, to remain ice. dren. 8 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD March 21, 1935 DITORIAL WATCHMAN,WHAT OF THE NIGHT? THE WATCHMAN SAH3.11-1E MORNING COME 11, AND ALSO THE NIGHT' ISA.21.II,I2
period of years. According to this "v1 Permanent Miracle" table, which appears in the Literary Digest of February 23, 1935, the esti- "WE see the hand of God in the rica and East Africa. It is hoped mated expenditure for 1935 will be colporteur work," cried U. Augsbur- soon to start it in Abyssinia. "Our $4,654,000,000. There are many who ger, president of the French Swiss colporteurs," he said, "are now sta- place the figure very definitely higher Conference; "it is a permanent mir- tioned from Hammerfest, the north- than this. acle I" ernmost city of the world, to points The Scoffer Answered And so it is, year in, year out, and south of the equator." Often when we present the facts of day by day. Once it "couldn't be Their aim for sales in the Northern wars and rumors of wars as evidence done in Europe." But God has Division for 1935 totals well over a of fulfilling prophecy, scoffers en- helped His people to do it. It is a quarter of a million dollars. The deavor to minimize the force of the permanent miracle for the spreading British Union is assigned the largest evidence by reminding us that there of the light. The report of F. Char- amount—$100,000. Well I remember have always been wars in the world. piot, the ever-enthusiastic publishing when, in 1887, we were assured by This is true, of course, but it is not leader in Southern Europe, showed the Spirit of prophecy (Sister White the whole truth. Almost everything $10,000 gains in book sales in nine then being in Europe) that the can- that is occurring in these last days months of 1934—gains in the Madeira vassing work could be successfully has, to a certain extent, occurred be- and Canary Islands, in Algeria, in undertaken in those countries. It fore. Their significance, as signs of Mauritius (in the Indian Ocean), was not a plan that worldly publish- the second advent, is often their and even in Italy. In spite of the ers generally thought feasible. I re- magnitude or intensity. For exam- growing power of the Catholic call one brother who, it seemed, really ple, there have always been earth- Church in Italy, our publications are criticized himself out of sympathy quakes, but it is their intensity and selling. It fulfills the forecast of that with us because, under the counsel frequency today that give them a old classic of colporteur work, writ- of the gift that so often has guided, significance for our time. ten long ago in Australia, of the on- brethren in Britain planned to intro- Thus with war. The prophets ward march of the colporteur: duce the subscription book plan. The point to the last days as being so "E'en where the Pope is throned by Ti- plan has worked from that day to marked by great war movements as a ber's flow, this ; and here is Britain taking the I see him tread, and angels with him go." to cause such movements to be defi- lead in aiming at sales of $100,000 in nitely distinguishing marks of the At the Northern Division meeting, 1935. closing hours of earth's history. The in Poland, J. J. Strahle told us of The old-time publishing activity of very fact, therefore, that wars have fifteen publishing houses in that one the Reformation times is seen over always occurred through the centu- division. The colporteur work is get- again in our work in Europe. ries makes more difficult our task of ting under way in parts of West Af- W. A. S. using present war conditions as a sign of the advent. But if the end of the world is really near at hand, virmament Appropriations as we believe, we are obliged to show proof that war conditions are indeed Their Meaning as Signs of the Advent so strikingly intensified as to permit I them to constitute a distinguishing THE subject of war is one that must still remains a fact that billions are mark of our day, and thus fulfill the frequently receive consideration by staggering amounts, and that these prophecy. those who believe that the prophecies billions of which we read must come It is in the light of these facts that of the last days are being fulfilled from some source. They cannot come the staggering appropriations for ar- before our eyes. There is a bewil- out of thin air, unless, of course, in- maments take on their greatest sig- dering array of things happening in flation takes place, and then there is nificance. We have waited until this our world in these times. There are general collapse. If we can but re- present time to have nations which strange and momentous developments member these few elementary facts, were apparently at peace with each in the religious and the social and we can see a great deal more in the other, laying longtime plans for war the economic world, all of which terse announcements from the va- of a magnitude that surpasses the changes may well give us pause. But rious capitals of the nations that ap- dreams of the Cmsars. And the sig- standing in the very forefront of the propriations totaling so many billions nificance of these appropriations is fast-moving procession of significant will be expended in war preparations. only heightened by the fact that they happenings, is the feverish interna- Two Facts on War Appropriations are made in the face of staggering tional program for war preparedness. There lies before us as we write deficits in government treasuries. In Our modern ideas of large expendi- a table giving the figures on appro- other words, with governments un- tures, and especially the gigantic ap- priations for armaments over two able to provide sufficient means to propriations for curing the depres- decades. Two startling facts imme- care for the needy among their citi- sion, have so benumbed our senses diately meet the eye; the first is the zenry, they nevertheless go forward that it is difficult for us to express magnitude of the appropriations, and with increasingly feverish haste to surprise when we read of billions be- the second is that these appropria- sink, not millions, but billions in ing expended on this or that. But it tions have increased steadily over a plans for war. Vol. 112, No. 12 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD 9
"Historical Error" Examined rival; thus began the competition to sit with Me in My throne, even as About three years ago Gugliehno which became more and more acute, I also overcame, and am set down Ferrero, a former premier of Italy, and which ended by drawing in the with My Father in His throne." wrote an article on disarmament in other powers. It was like an ava- Verse 21. which he dealt with this question of lanche. The growth of the popu- Concerning this prophecy the serv- repeated wars through the centuries. lation in the conscription countries ant of the Lord says: I He opened his article with a refer- placed an increasing number of men "The names of the seven churches ence to the cynical attitude taken by at the disposal of the general staffs; are symbolic of the church in differ- many toward disarmament; namely, the increase of wealth permitted, ent periods of the Christian era. The that because nations have always been without too much difficulty, the ex- number seven indicates completeness, fighting, there is no reason to believe pansion of the military budgets; the and is symbolic of the fact that the that you can get them to disarm now. progress in the metallurgy, in the me- messages extend to the end of time, He declares that "this reasoning is chanical and chemical industries, and while the symbols used reveal the con- based on a historical error," and adds the invention of new arms obliged the dition of the church at different peri- immediately that the nations "have general staffs to renew armaments ods in the history of the world."— not always armed to the same degree. every ten years, at the same time in- "The Acts of the Apostles," p. 585. From the beginning of history up creasing and improving them. Thus The Apostolic Church until 1870, all states followed a con- it happened that armies increased stant rule in their armaments,—re- from year to year, and military "Of the church at Ephesus, which duced them to the lowest possible budgets also. the Lord Jesus used as a symbol of minimum in times of peace, increased "The final outcome of this policy the entire Christian church in the them only in times of war."—Satur- was the World War. This war had apostolic age, the Faithful and True day Evening Post, Jan. 30, 1932. many causes, but the chief one was Witness declared: I This, he declared, was the rule fol- the competition in armaments which " 'I know thy works, and thy labor, lowed, for example, by the Roman Re- became so intense in Europe after and thy patience, and how thou canst public and Empire, and by all the 1870." not bear them which are evil: and European states up to 1870. But he Competition Only Increasing thou hast tried them which say they continues: Since he wrote that article, three are apostles, and are not, and hast "After 1870 there appeared in Eu- years ago, the competition has not found them liars: and hast borne, and rope a formidable innovation of decreased, but increased. His arti- hast patience, and for My name's which all the preceding generations cle was written in connection with sake hast labored, and hast not had had no idea,—the unlimited com- the opening of the long-awaited Dis- fainted.' " Rev. 2:2, 3.—Id., pp. 578, petition in armaments. For the first armament Conference at Geneva ; 579. time in history, armies and fleets did and he set forth as an inevitable con- Ephesus means desire, or desirable, not cease to increase in periods of clusion that we must either have dis- and refers to the church of the first century,—a fit appellation for the I peace, just as if a state of war existed armament or another war. And now, always. This terrible innovation had behold, as we look back over these church during the ministry of the its origin in the war of 1870 between three swiftly moving years, we find apostles. The period closed with France and Prussia. After the Peace a steady enlargement of war plans, the death of John, about 100 A. D. of Frankfort, Germany, fearing re- whether it be for airplanes, infantry, The church of this period had re- venge, wished always to maintain a or submarines. ceived the truth from the lips of slight superiority of force over Next week we shall discuss further Christ, the fount of all truth. In the France ; France, in her turn, wished facts that bear on the war situation. light of His life, teachings, death, and always to be at least equal to her F. D. N. resurrection, the Scriptures of truth glowed with new glory. Captivated by the glad tidings of salvation, the apostles went forth declaring what cif cress to the Tree of Life they had seen and heard. Their mes- sage was received with joy and glad- The Church of Ephesus ness by multitudes. These in turn THE first prophecy of the Revela- years? Had they no message from passed on the good news to still tion has to do with the seven churches. the One who is watching over and others, until that generation had The One who walks in the midst of ministering to the church universal? heard the message of redemption. the seven candlesticks gives a brief It seems reasonable to believe that The Secret of Success picture of the churches through suc- these messages are for the church What was the secret of apostolic ceeding ages. He tells of the fail- throughout the ages until redemp- power and achievement? We have ures and triumphs of His people. He tion's work is complete. already mentioned the purity of the gives messages of reproof and com- Seven Periods message. It was a message of the mendation. He lavishes the church Furthermore, it seems plausible word of God. The Master Himself with promises, and cheers her on to that these seven churches represent gave the first demonstration of pre- final victory. seven periods through which the senting gospel truth. He began with The messages are addressed to the church of Christ was to pass. The Moses and all the prophets, and ex- seven churches in Asia ; but it hardly names chosen, the promises made, pounded the Scriptures concerning seems consistent that these local support this position. As we ap- Himself. This was the keynote of churches alone are pictured here. proach the last of these, representing apostolic preaching. Such preaching t There were other churches of impor- the people living near the close of bears the divine credentials. tance in this territory. May not the time, there are such promises as fol- The church of Ephesus not only be- instruction be just as applicable to low : "Behold, I come quickly : hold lieved and lived the message, but the them? And then, how about the that fast which thou hast, that no early believers carried the glad tid- future congregations brought together man take thy crown." Rev. 3 :11. ings to others. The church of the for worship through the succeeding "To him that overcometh will I grant first century was a working church. 10 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD March 21, 1935
Its members were workers together in prayer ? Do His words in Holy Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are with God, and enjoyed that fellow- Writ hold that charm for us that they sealed unto the day of redemption." ship with Christ which comes alone did when we first entered the Chris- Promise to the Overcomer in service. tian way ? These are questions it The message closes with this beauti- The apostolic church was a church would be well for us to consider ear- ful promise to the overcomer : of order. Its congregations did not nestly and ask ourselves. If we have "To him that overcometh will I give •Ai receive false teachers among them or lost our first love, the way back is to eat of the tree of life, which is in bid them Godspeed. They "tried" clearly pointed out in the message to the midst of the Paradise of God." those who said they were apostles, Ephesus. Said the Lord : Long has the pilgrim church of but were not, and "found them liars." "Remember therefore from whence God waited for the fulfillment of this Well would it be if the churches of thou art fallen, •and repent, and do promise. Our first parents were today were as discriminating at all the first works ; or else I will come driven from Eden, the garden (Greek, times as were the believers of those unto thee quickly, and will remove Paradise) of God, because of sin. days. It is safe to open the pulpit thy candlestick out of his place, ex- Their children have reaped the wages only to men who bear credentials cept thou repent." Verse 5. of transgression. Some of them have from the church of Christ. In apos- Our Lord never changes in His un- cherished the hope of the final res- tolic times, the church, under the failing love for us. If there is a toration. To such as overcome, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, set apart change, it comes in us. Have we promise is that they shall eat of the men to the sacred work of the min- drifted away from Him ? The in- tree of life in the Paradise of. God. istry. This is a safe plan to continue struction is, "Repent, and do the first After sin entered our fair world, until the gospel work is finished. works." As we first came to our Sav- the hand of God transferred the gar- The early church maintained strict iour, sinful and unworthy, we may den of Eden to heaven, where atten- standards for membership. "But this again come confessing our sins, and tive hands have cared for it. The I thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds find forgiveness. How good it is tree of life is said to be in "the midst of the Nicolaitanes, which I also that God does not cast off His chil- of the Paradise of God." It is also on hate." Rev. 2 :6. Of this sect Euse- dren when their feet slip, when they either side of the river of life, which bins, a church historian of the early flows from the throne of God. (See part of the fourth century, says : verse 7; 22:1, 2; also. Eze. 28:13, There "arose the heresy of those The Narrow Way Septuagint.) called Nicolaites, of which also men- Concerning the restoration of Eden, tion is made in the Revelation of BY LOIS BRUCE the Spirit of prophecy says : John.... And thus those that adopted THE way may seem dark and narrow, "The garden of Eden remained his heresy, following both this exam- And your life may be filled with sin; upon the earth long after man had ple and expression [of their leader] But the patient arms of Jesus become an outcast from its pleasant literally, rush headlong into fornica- Are ready to take you in. paths. The fallen race were long per- AN tion without shame."—"Ecclesiastical He bids you call upon Him, mitted to gaze upon the home of in- 111 History," Book III, Chap. XXIX. No matter how dark the night; nocence, their entrance barred only The apostle Paul wrote plainly to For peace and comfort He'll give you, by the watching angels. At the the Corinthians about retaining in the And guide you back to light. cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise church open transgressors. He bit- Oh, why not accept this Saviour— the divine glory was revealed. Hither terly reproved the church for per- A Saviour who died for men? came Adam and his sons to worship mitting fornication in their members. He is always ready to help you; God. Here they renewed their vows He said : "Know ye not that a little He died to save you from sin. of obedience to that law the trans- leaven leaveneth the whole lump ? Nok.m.wina gression of which had banished them Purge out therefore the old leaven, from Eden. When the tide of iniq- that ye may be a new lump, as ye are become infatuated with the things of uity overspread the world, and the unleavened." 1 Cor. 5 :6, 7. this world and forget Him, when wickedness of men determined their If the church of God is to retain they grow cold and indifferent to- destruction by a flood of waters, the her power and purity, she must sepa- ward the One who was crucified for hand that had planted Eden with- I rate from her communion the open them; but His heart yearns for the drew it from the earth. But in the transgressor of God's law. Thus did straying, as a mother longs for the final restitution, when there shall be the apostolic church maintain her return of her prodigal. Infinitely `a new heaven and a new earth,' it is purity of life as well as of doctrine. greater is the love of God than that to be restored more gloriously adorned "Thou Hast Left Thy First Love's of an earthly parent. "Can a woman than at the beginning. But the "Faithful and True Wit- forget her sucking child, that she "Then they that have kept God's ne,,s" not only commends, but admin- should not have compassion on the commandments shall breathe in im- isters reproof whenever needed. To son of her womb ? yea, they [the mortal vigor beneath the tree of the church in Ephesus He said : mothers] may forget, yet will I not life; and through unending ages the "Nevertheless I have somewhat forget thee." What a mighty incen- inhabitants of sinless worlds shall against thee, because thou hast left tive for the straying, the indifferent, behold, in that garden of delight, a thy first love." Rev. 2:4. to return to the fold of Christ ! sample of the perfect work of God's This experience is not characteristic On the other hand, the Holy Spirit, creation, untouched by the curse of of Ephesus alone. How often it is persistently resisted, will ultimately sin,—a sample of what the whole true of Christians in other ages. Well cease His pleading with the impeni- earth would have become, had man would it be for us to examine our- tent. The warning to Ephesus was, but fulfilled the Creator's glorious selves to see if we have the ardor and "Repent," else the candlestick would plan."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," • devotion of our first love. Do we love be removed—the oil, representing the page 62. Christ as ardently as when we first Holy Spirit, would be withdrawn, Such is the promise to the over- entered into fellowship with Him ? and the light would go out. To us, comer, to be realized when the final Do we think and talk of Him Do as well as to Ephesus, comes the ad- restoration is made through our Re- we hold frequent converse with Him monition, "Repent ;" "grieve not the deemer. T. M. F. Vol. 11'2, No: 12 THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD 11